Today's AFL-CIO press clips
POLITICS
Hospitality workers' union endorses Harris, dismissing Trump's pledge of tax-free tips
The Washington Post
By Josh Boak
Aug. 5, 2024
The hospitality workers’ union UNITE HERE has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, a rejoinder to Republican Donald Trump’s effort to woo restaurant and hotel workers by promising to make their tips tax-free. Gwen Mills, the union’s president, said Trump was merely “making a play” for votes while Harris has credibility from having supported unions. She discussed the move with The Associated Press before the union’s announcement of an endorsement.
Unions coalescing around Harris nomination
Labor Tribune
By Tim Rowden
Aug. 5, 2024
Unions are lining up behind Vice President Kamala Harris following her endorsement from the AFL-CIO as she seeks the Democratic nomination for president. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), representing 1.8 million members, was the first to endorse Harris on July 22, the same day the AFL-CIO announced its endorsement. Days later Harris spoke at AFT’s national convention in Houston, where she told delegates “One of the best ways to keep our nation moving forward is to give workers a voice, to protect the freedom to organize, to defend the freedom to collectively bargain, and end union busting.
Union volunteers canvass for candidates who support Labor
Labor Tribune
By Staff
Aug. 5, 2024
Local union volunteers, the St. Louis City Labor Club and the Missouri AFL-CIO gathered at Ironworkers Local 396’s union hall Saturday, July 27, for a Labor-to-Labor canvas for St. Louis area candidates, Missouri governor candidate Crystal Quade and 1st District Congressional candidate Wesley Bell in the Aug. 6 primary election.
PA AFL-CIO endorses Harris for president, Casey for senator
Central Penn Business Journal
By Ed Gruver
Aug. 5, 2024
The Executive Council of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO announced it is endorsing Kamala Harris for President of the United States and Bob Casey Jr. for United States Senator. The PA AFL-CIO is one of some 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO. The council met last Thursday to vote on pro-labor, pro-working family endorsements in upcoming elections across Pennsylvania. “Unions across the commonwealth are coming together to build a stronger, more inclusive economy for everyone—regardless of their political affiliation—and to continue to bring workers’ concerns to the forefront of the conversation,” Angela Ferritto, president of the PA AFL-CIO said in a statement.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Labor Tribune
By Staff
Aug. 5, 2024
Talented union members from Iron Workers Locals 396 and 392 and Operating Engineers Locals 513 and 520 recently “topped out” on the Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge project. The July 21 ceremony, marking the setting of the eastbound brdge, took place on a barge in the middle of the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Madison County, Ill. The new structure is being built directly south of the existing Chain of Rocks Bridge, and is the first of the project’s twin bridges to be built. Work on the westbound span is expected to begin in 2025.
LABOR AND ECONOMY
US chip factory workers say it’s a ‘struggle to survive’ on their wages as industry booms
The Guardian
By Michael Sainato
Aug. 5, 2024
“As it stands to receive millions of public dollars, we expect ADI to do the right thing and guarantee that its workers have the benefits and protections they are demanding,” said Carl Kennebrew, president of the industrial division of the Communications Workers of America, IUE-CWA.
ORGANIZING
Snow White and Luke Skywalker Ride the Union Wave at Disneyland
Capital & Main
By Bryce Covert
Aug. 5, 2024
By standing shoulder to shoulder with all of the other unionized employees, character actors hope to extract concessions from the company at the bargaining table. Talks have not yet been scheduled, but the performers are hoping to begin negotiations in the fall. In a statement, officials at The Walt Disney Co. said, “We respect our cast members’ decision. We have a solid track record of working with the unions that represent the majority of our hourly cast at Disneyland Resort and will work with Actors’ Equity Association as we remain committed to fostering a positive work experience for all.”
Baristas at Café Ceres in Minneapolis vote in favor of unionizing
MPR News
By Anika Besst
Aug. 5, 2024
Baristas at Café Ceres in Minneapolis have voted in favor of unionizing. Hospitality union Unite Here Local 17 said the workers voted 88 percent on Saturday in favor of joining the union. About 30 baristas work at the four Café Ceres locations across Minneapolis. The cafes are part of Daniel del Prado's DDP Restaurant Group, which includes Colita in the Armatage neighborhood of Minneapolis, Sanjusan in Minneapolis’ North Loop and Cardamom in the Walker Art Center.
NEGOTIATIONS & STRIKES
Crooked Media Union Members Stage Walkout Over Contract Negotiations
The Hollywood Reporter
By Caitlin Huston
Aug. 5, 2024
Members of the Crooked Media Workers Union are conducting a one-day walkout Monday after more than a year of contract negotiations with the progressive podcasting and media network. The primary asks for the contract include competitive salary minimums, annual cost-of-living adjustments and safeguards against layoffs. More than 95 percent of the 61-member bargaining unit, who are affiliated with Writers Guild of America East signed the walkout pledge, and the union members say they will not accept a contract without these provisions.
UAW Local 282 members end strike at Lear with tentative agreement
Labor Tribune
By Sheri Gassaway
Aug. 5, 2024
After a three day strike, UAW Local 282 members at Lear are back to work with a tentative four-year agreement that includes a 30 percent wage increase for production workers and a 35 percent increase for maintenance employees. The 460 employees, who make seats for GM vehicles, went on strike early July 22 for better health and safety protections on the job, higher wages and improved health and retirement benefits. The action halted production at the nearby GM Wentzville Assembly plant, which ran out of Lear-made seats.
Federal Employee Union Wins Protections For EPA Scientists (Listen)
WORT FM
By 8 O’Clock Buzz
Aug. 5, 2024
On July 9, 2024 the Environmental Protection Agency signed a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, which represents EPA scientists. The agreement, which is timed to last beyond throughout the next President’s term, includes new provisions to protect scientific independence and integrity, the first of its kind in a union contract.
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Local 313 & FOP Lodge #87 teaming up to host blood drive in Morgantown
WDTV
By WDTV News Staff
Aug. 5, 2024
Morgantown Firefighters IAFF Local 313 and WV FOP Lodge #87 are teaming up with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive. The Battle of the Badges community blood drive will take place on Tuesday, August 20th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims.