Today's AFL-CIO Press Clips
JOINING TOGETHER
Wynn workers expected to ratify union contract agreement
Las Vegas Review-Journal
By McKenna Ross
Nov. 22, 2023
Culinary Local 226 members at Wynn Resorts are expected to ratify a “historic” new five-year agreement with their employer, rounding out the negotiation efforts at some of the largest Strip employers. The union, representing about 5,000 hospitality employees at the two north Strip resorts, are holding two ratification vote sessions on Wednesday. Members at Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International approved the contracts with 99 percent of each workforce in favor, the union said after votes on Monday and Tuesday.
Artistic workers at Opera Colorado win their union. Next comes collective bargaining.
The Colorado Sun
By Stephanie Wolf
Nov. 22, 2023
Opera Colorado workers have won their union with a 91-8 vote. The National Labor Relations Board posted the results Monday. The collective bargaining unit artists voted for will include solo singers, stage directors, assistant stage directors, stage managers, assistant stage managers, choreographers, solo and ensemble dancers, chorus members, and singers participating in the company’s Artists in Residence program. They’ll join the U.S. labor union for dance, choral and opera workers, American Guild of Musical Artists, also known as AGMA. In an online statement, AGMA said it hopes negotiations for Opera Colorado workers’ first collective bargaining agreement will “commence shortly.”
Paper mill strike ends in Baileyville after more than a month
Spectrum News
By Associated Press
Nov. 25, 2023
Dozens of workers at a paper mill in Baileyville accepted an offer from the company on Friday, ending a strike that had lasted more than a month. The striking workers at Woodland Pulp, one of the largest employers in far eastern Maine, include members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Millwrights Union and Service Employees International Union.
Nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center announce one-day strike for Dec. 6
KUT News
By Olivia Aldridge
Nov. 22, 2023
Nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center will hold a daylong strike on Dec. 6 because of what they say are ongoing issues with equipment and staffing. National Nurses United (NNU) formed a union at Ascension Seton representing several hundred nurses in September 2022. The union began negotiating its first contract with the hospital just over a year ago.
Macy's workers striking in Lynnwood, Tukwila and Bellingham over 'unfair labor practices'
King 5
By Allison Sundell and Kristin Goodwillie
Nov. 24, 2023
Hundreds of Macy’s department store workers went on strike Friday at three western Washington locations over what the union called unfair labor practices. About 400 workers were expected to picket at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood and Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, which the union said would effectively shut down stores. Macy's has confirmed stores will remain open. UFCW 3000, the union that represents the workers, claimed Macy’s isn’t doing enough to keep wages up to inflation, address shoplifting, “violent” shoppers and other safety threats. “Our customers need a safe place, we as workers need a safe place and all we are asking is that Macy’s provide a clear policy so we can help make this a safe place for everyone,” said Azia Domingo, who has worked at the Southcenter Mall Macy’s for 21 years.
Orioles workers hold Black Friday protest at Camden Yards merch store over cut hours, health care
The Baltimore Banner
By Taylor DeVille
Nov. 24, 2023
Dozens of Orioles merchandise employees and union allies picketed outside the Camden Yards team store on Black Friday, saying its new operator has slashed work hours and health care benefits. Circling in front of the Orioles Team Store with signs held high over a handful of shoppers, unionized Baltimore employees who work in and around the stadium demanded the new Orioles’ merchandise company, Fanatics, restore work hours and health insurance deprived from a portion of employees, many of whom are Black women. Unite Here Local 7, the union that represents personnel at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, scheduled the demonstration at noon so team store employees scheduled to work could join outside on their lunch breaks. From inside the Orioles Team Store, Caroline Easley Brooks, who planned to join picketers, waved and blew kisses to protestors through the glass entrance doors.
Woodland Pulp union members end strike, accept new contract
News Center Maine
By News Center Maine Staff
Nov. 24, 2023
After weeks of negotiations, union workers in Baileyville have agreed to the terms of a new and improved contract offered by Woodland Pulp—one of the largest papermills in Maine. Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1490 (District 4), in collaboration with 20 Millwrights and 38 oilers and stream and water plant operations from Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 330-3, and Millwrights Local 1121, first went on strike in mid-October, according to a press release. “I want to personally thank the elected officials, community, and our negotiating committee," General Vice President David Sullivan of IAM Eastern Territory said. "We look forward to moving ahead in a spirit of mutual success.”
IN THE STATES
Pennsylvania can have common-sense environmental policy and a thriving energy economy (Opinion)
Penn Live
By Darrin Kelly
Nov. 22, 2023
As the second largest energy producer in the United States, Pennsylvania has long seen natural gas and energy production as key parts of the commonwealth’s economy. More than 250,000 Pennsylvanians go to work each day in energy jobs to ensure the region has the electricity to power our businesses, heat our homes, and gas to fuel our cars. Our region has a legacy of energy production like no other – our oil fields and coal mines fueled the industrial revolution, and our union workers powered the steel mills that made Pittsburgh a global hub of industrial production. These economic opportunities for working people helped folks like their families out of poverty and drove the creation of the middle class and the modern-day labor movement.
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Apprentices learning to be electricians at IBEW 400
App.com
By Peter Ackerman
Nov. 26, 2023
First Year apprentice Mike McCarthy goes through the proper steps for using a knockout set in electrical wiring. Asbury Park High School is looking into implementing a trade curriculum and programs like IBEW’s is what they would graduate to after the high school program.
Howland firefighters to host annual 'Fill the Boot' fundraiser Friday
WFMJ
By Zach Mosca
Nov. 24, 2023
Firefighters in Howland will be taking to the streets Friday morning to collect donations for its annual "Fill the Boot" fundraiser. The fundraiser has been conducted by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) since 1954 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and will be taking place in Howland on Friday, November 24.