Today's AFL-CIO press clips
ORGANIZING
CVS pharmacists at two Rhode Island stores vote to join new union
Supermarket News
By Mark Hamstra
May 28, 2024
Pharmacists at two CVS stores in Rhode Island voted last week to join The Pharmacy Guild, the new union backed by IAM Healthcare, which is part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The pharmacists at the CVS stores in Wakefield and Westerly, who had previously petitioned for union representation, became the second and third CVS locations to vote to join the union, following a CVS Omnicare location in Las Vegas. The votes are pending approval by the National Labor Relations Board.y
American Folk Art Museum Workers Move to Unionize
Hyperallergic
By Maya Pontone
May 27, 2024
Staff at New York City’s American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) are organizing for fair wages, benefits, and sustainable working conditions. On June 6, workers across the Upper Manhattan museum’s departments including curators, retail staff, educators, and information technology personnel will vote on whether to unionize with Local 2110 UAW. “Our objective is to make AFAM a democratic institution committed to its employees; a museum that invests in professional development and continuously strives to create a healthier work culture,” workers wrote in a post published to the newly formed Instagram account @afam_union last week.
The Columbian
By Chrissy Booker
May 28, 2024
Unionization efforts across the health care field continue to increase in Clark County and beyond as workers steadily organize to secure more workplace protections. Health care workers say they hope to secure better working conditions, pay equity, safe staffing and protection from workplace violence, especially in the wake of the pandemic when many nurses said they felt overworked and undervalued. “It’s one of the best opportunities for us to have a voice that can directly result in change. That to me is a big reason why I’m in favor of people unionizing,” said David Watson, a hospice social worker at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. “I think it’s a way to make various systems better and have ripple effects for the community.”
Workers at Genesis HealthCare Choose Local 152 for Union Representation
Business Wire
By Staff
May 28, 2024
Workers at an assisted living facility in Millville have voted to select United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152 as their voice on the job. The vote to designate Local 152 as their representative in contract negotiations with their employer took place on May 23. The 88 new members of the union work as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) at Genesis HealthCare. “These workers fought an uphill battle to unionize and we’re proud to welcome them into our local,” President Daniel Ross, Jr., said. “We look forward to helping them accomplish their goals and secure a first contract with their employer.”
Workers at chef Ann Kim's Uptown restaurant seek to unionize
Star Tribune
By Emma Nelson
May 28, 2024
About 60 workers at Kim's — prolific Minneapolis chef Ann Kim's Korean American restaurant — are seeking to unionize, citing unpredictable work schedules they say make it hard to make a living. Workers notified Kim's management Tuesday of their intent to unionize. The Uptown eatery would be the first union shop among the James Beard award-winner's family of restaurants, which include Young Joni, Pizzeria Lola and Hello Pizza. "We really hope that Kim's will listen and that they'll understand and respect that we want this restaurant to succeed. We want this industry to succeed," said Iain Knopp-Schwyn, 27, who works as a bar lead. "But it doesn't succeed without all of us."
JOINING TOGETHER
Boeing, firefighters union reach tentative contract deal
Reuters
By Reuters
May 29, 2024
Boeing and a union representing about 125 of its firefighters said Wednesday they had reached a tentative contract deal, the planemaker and union said in a joint statement. Boeing in early May locked out members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local I-66 after they rejected two contract offers - a move that drew the concern of President Joe Biden. Boeing and IAFF Local I-66 said they expected results of a vote Thursday on the deal "that would end the lockout and months of negotiations. This tentative agreement addresses the needs of our firefighters and the company."
Washington State labor leaders march on Boeing picket line
People’s World
By Tim Wheeler
May 28, 2024
The 300 delegates to the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) COPE conference, on May 18, endorsed dozens of candidates and unanimously approved the drive to defeat three “backward” Republican ballot initiatives in the Nov. 5 election. During the lunch break, they boarded school buses and traveled to join the picket line of 177 locked-out Boeing firefighters. It was a day of nonstop labor movement activism, and labor’s kickoff in the crucial 2024 elections. The union leaders, women and men, African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American, and white, packed the biggest meeting hall of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 751 in south Seattle. Many unions were represented by large numbers of delegates–Longshore (ILWU), Electricians (IBEW), Machinists (IAM), Teamsters (IBT), Teachers (WEA and AFT), Public Employees (AFSCME and UAW), Transit (ATU), and many others.
GamesBeat Summit 2024: The power of unions
Venture Beat
By Giancarlo Valdes
May 28, 2024
Unions have become more common in the games industry over the last five years, forming at places like Activision, ZeniMax, Sega, and more as developers seek to negotiate better pay and workplace policies. It’s a promising start, but there’s still so much more that can be done. At GamesBeat Summit 2024, IGDA executive director Jakin Vela and actor Zeke Alton spoke about the power of unionization and how it can help video game workers. Vela said that although a majority of developers are supportive of unions, there’s still some misunderstanding about what they do thanks to anti-union propaganda and other myths that continue to persist. “What I see that unions provide for game developers is obviously a voice at the table,” he said. “But what does that really mean? Well that can mean talking about workplace policies, diversity issues at the workplace, talking about sustainability, ending crunch culture, all of that.” As a member of SAG-AFTRA’s interactive media negotiating committee, Alton has a lot of experience with talking to publishers about establishing livable wages and protections for voice actors, particularly with the rise of AI. When asked by Vela about what studio leaders and management can do to better support employees and their unions, he said the conversation can differ depending on the size of the company you’re working with.
Coatesville, city firefighters reach deal on new three-year contract
The Times of Chester County
By Staff
May 28, 2024
The City of Coatesville and Coatesville Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 3790 reached terms for a three-year agreement covering the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026. The contract, which was signed during the May 13, 2024 City Council meeting, comes on the heels of a recent ordinance designed to centralize all fire personnel and equipment under one roof at the Washington Hose Company, which was effective April 1. “This was truly an all-out team effort,” says Coatesville City Manager James Logan. “The City and union representatives addressed wage increases, full-time and part-time labor issues, and other important benefits that reflect our strong commitment to all of our firefighters. They make huge sacrifices every day to protect and provide health and safety-related services to our residents. We feel this new agreement signifies our pledge to honor their selfless dedication. We applaud the collaborative nature of the negotiations and appreciate the IAFF Local 3790 for their transparency and collective bargaining that paved the way to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement.”
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority drivers union calls for higher wages
The Aspen Times
By Westley Crouch
May 27, 2024
The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and its drivers union are set to begin negotiations Tuesday to address pay and housing issues raised by union members. The Amalgamated Transit Union 1774 (ATU), also known as the RFTA Drivers Union, said the high cost and limited availability of housing, along with the overall cost of living in the Roaring Fork Valley, has historically made it difficult for many RFTA drivers to afford to live in the area. This has led to driver shortages and disruptions in bus routes that many people rely on for their daily commutes.
UO to begin bargaining with student workers union
KLCC
By Nathan Wilk
May 28, 2024
The University of Oregon is starting negotiations with its unionized student workers. UO Student Workers represents between 3,500 and 4,000 employees across the school’s dining halls, dormitories and other facilities. In last October's union election, participating students voted overwhelmingly to join. They’re seeking higher wages, more paid training and protections against workplace harassment. “We've heard so many things from student workers of supervisors being inappropriate towards them, or people constantly being misgendered on the job,” said union organizer Carolyn Roderique. “It really impacts the quality of life, and the work that student workers can do.” The union is now an affiliate of United Auto Workers, and has agreed an initial negotiating session with the university on May 29.
Ellis nurses vote to allow possible strike
Times Union
By Rick Karlin
May 28, 2024
Nurses at Ellis Hospital and Bellevue Woman’s Center voted with a 94 percent margin over the weekend to authorize their union leaders to call a three-day unfair labor practices strike. That doesn’t mean, the 600 nurses there will walk off the job immediately. Instead the vote allows local leaders of the New York State Nurses Association to give a 10-day notice of a pending strike if they deem that to be a necessary step.
STATE LEGISLATION
Capitol Connection: AFL-CIO discusses session, captive audience and future policy pushes
WCIA
By Cole Henke
May 28, 2024
As the end of the 2024 legislative session winds down, the AFL-CIO is celebrating a proposal that he believes will help workers focus on work. The organization championed a bill to end “captive worker meetings” where employers can no longer require their employees to attend meetings about religious or political matters. The bill is now headed to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk. Tim Drea, Illinois AFL-CIO’s president, sat down on Capitol Connection on Friday morning to talk about the bill, the proposed new stadium for the Chicago Bears and other policies the organization will be advocating for in the future.
IN THE STATES
Wisconsin judge to hear union lawsuit against collective bargaining restrictions
AP
By Scott Bauer
May 28, 2024
A law that drew massive protests and made Wisconsin the center of a national fight over union rights is back in court on Tuesday, facing a new challenge from teachers and public workers brought after the state’s Supreme Court flipped to liberal control. The 2011 law, known as Act 10, imposed a near-total ban on collective bargaining for most public employees. It has withstood numerous legal challenges and was the signature legislative achievement of former Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who used it to mount a presidential run. The law catapulted Walker onto the national stage, sparked an unsuccessful recall campaign, and laid the groundwork for his failed 2016 presidential bid. It also led to a dramatic decrease in union membership across the state. If the latest lawsuit succeeds, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored. They would be treated the same as the police, firefighter and other public safety unions who remain exempt.
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Electric Utility Workers Test their Skills at Lineman’s Rodeo 2024
LADWP News
By Staff
May 28, 2024
The Los Angeles Department of Water (LADWP) and Power (AND IBEW L18) hosted the annual Lineman’s Rodeo on Saturday, May 18, showcasing the skills of electric utility workers who work around the clock to keep the power flowing across their communities. During the competition Lineworker teams and individual participants throughout the Western United States went head-to-head in grueling challenges designed to test their training, job skills and safety procedures. The event also served as a showcase for those interested in careers as a lineworker, or Electric Distribution Mechanic (EDM), or other utility careers at LADWP.
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
‘It’s unfair:’ Coal miners urge Congress to improve black lung protections and benefits
KIRO 7
By Samantha Manning
May 28, 2024
Coal fuels much of our electricity. The workers who mine for it put their lives and health at risk. For decades, President of United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Cecil Roberts has been fighting to protect coal miners. He spoke with our Washington News Bureau as he came to Capitol Hill this month. “I’ve been here repeatedly over the years,” said Roberts. For Roberts and his members, a major focus has been combatting black lung – a lung disease caused by inhaling dust. “We know what causes black lung,” said Roberts. “We’ve got to make the mines healthier.” Roberts testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety.
LABOR HISTORY
A lesson in labor history from Dolores Huerta
KPBS
By Jade Hindmon, Ashley Rusch, Andrew Bowen and Elaine Alfaro
May 28, 2024
"Sí se puede".... yes we can. That famous slogan is now a rallying cry for activists across the globe, but it all started with Dolores Huerta. On Midday Edition Tuesday, Huerta shares her life's work in laying the foundation for the labor and civil rights activism seen today. Huerta was honored with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at San Diego’s annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast late last week. Then, we take a dive into the history of the labor movement here in San Diego. We focus on the San Diego Free Speech Fight of 1912 — when members of the Industrial Workers of the World fought a city ordinance that banned free speech in an area of downtown San Diego.
CIVIL, HUMAN, AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Planning underway for June 29 Poor People’s mass march in D.C.
People’s World
By Mark Gruenberg
May 28, 2024
Planning is underway for the June 29 Poor People’s Campaign’s mass march in D.C., with a turnout expected in the tens of thousands to elevate elimination of poverty to the top of the nation’s political agenda. The march, which will begin at 10 a.m. that day, will also be the kickoff of an intensified campaign to convince millions more of the nation’s 140 million poor and low-wealth people—now at least 30% of the population of each state—to register and vote this fall, says Poor People’s Campaign Co-Chair, the Rev. William Barber II. The June 29 march and subsequent action have strong labor support. “The entire AFL-CIO will mobilize with us on June 29,” Barber told the planning meeting. “The same people who are against voting rights are against workers’ rights,” he pointed out—paraphrasing a 1961 statement from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
EDUCATION
NH federal court strikes down ‘banned concepts’ teaching law
New Hampshire Bulletin
By Ethan DeWitt
May 28, 2024
Patrick Keefe says he just wanted to teach Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.” The high school English teacher has long included the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about slavery in his curriculum at Litchfield’s Campbell High School. And in the past, he had questioned students about whether Morrison’s themes about the legacy of slavery applied to the present.
UNION BUSTING
Mercedes Hired Squad Of Anti-Union Consultants To Combat Alabama Organizing
HuffPost
By Dave Jamieson
May 28, 2024
Mercedes-Benz USA hired a large team of anti-union consultants to help the company defeat an organizing effort by the United Auto Workers union earlier this month, according to new disclosures with the Labor Department. The filings show the automaker contracted with three consulting firms to bring on at least 11 “persuaders” to hold meetings with workers about the union ahead of an election. Employees at the Vance, Alabama, plant ultimately voted 2,045 to 2,642 against forming a union, a setback for the UAW as it tries to organize Southern auto facilities. Employers often spend big bucks to hire persuaders to hold what are known as “captive audience” meetings — mandatory gatherings where workers tend to hear anti-union talking points. The going rate these days is around $3,200 per day for each consultant.
Mercedes hired anti-union consultants to talk to workers before UAW’s failed Alabama election
AL.com
By William Thornton
May 28, 2024
Labor Department filings show Mercedes-Benz contracted with three consulting firms to help win this month’s union election at its Vance auto plant. The consultants brought in at least 11 people for anti-union meetings with employees ahead of the election, according to the Huffington Post. Workers this month at Vance and the company’s Bibb County electric battery plant voted 2,045 to 2,642 against UAW representation -- a margin of 597 votes.
VETERANS
Machinists Union, United Way honor veterans with ‘Flags of Freedom’ display
KWCH
By KWCH Staff
May 27, 2024
The Machinist and Aerospace Union, IAM and the United Way of the Plains organized a display featuring hundreds of flags as part of the fourth annual “Flags of Freedom” effort to honor veterans. The nearly 600 flags placed on the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) property at 3830 South Meridian Avenue, in Wichita, serve as a symbol of remembrance for many veterans who displayed dedication to their country, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “To show veterans that people care, we’re coming out for them,” said Mario Cervantes with United Way of the Plains. “Events like this remind veterans that they are not forgotten.”