Today's AFL-CIO Press Clips
MUST READ
Kamala Harris Bypasses Bigger Names for Tim Walz's Broad Appeal
Bloomberg
By Josh Wingrove
Aug. 6, 2024
Walz was hailed by progressives and leaders of organized labor, who had pushed for his selection. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler praised him Tuesday as a “labor champion who will stand up for working people.” As governor, Walz signed legislation providing free breakfast and lunch to students, and expanded child care and paid family and medical leave — achievements Democrats hope resonate with voters hard-hit by high prices and anxiety over jobs and wages. Pocketbook issues will be central to Democratic messaging as Harris looks to counter one of her biggest liabilities — voter dismay with Biden’s handling of the economy.
Reactions to Kamala Harris' pick of Tim Walz for vice president
Reuters
By Reuters
Aug. 6, 2024
AFL-CIO PRESIDENT LIZ SHULER: "Gov. Walz isn’t only an ally to the labor movement, but also our union brother with a deep commitment to a pro-worker agenda. ... The labor movement stands united behind the Harris–Walz ticket."
POLITICS
Here’s where Democratic VP pick Tim Walz stands on workers and organized labor
Fast Company
By Pavithra Mohan
Aug. 6, 2024
Following today’s official announcement, other labor leaders and advocates have also rallied around Walz. In a statement, AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler said Walz was not only “an ally to the labor movement, but also our union brother with a deep commitment to a pro-worker agenda.” Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said Harris’s decision to put Walz on the ticket reflected that she was “in touch with the country and what we need to win.”
Business Insider
By John L. Dorman, Noah Sheidlower and Geoff Weiss
Aug. 6, 2024
The president of the AFL-CIO, the US' largest federation of unions, took to X to state she is "Thrilled to continue working with you both to make our unions and working families stronger." "Governor Walz isn't only an ally to labor — he's our union brother with a deep commitment to a pro-worker agenda," the AFL-CIO wrote on X. "Labor stands united behind the Harris–Walz ticket and ready to help lead the effort to defeat Trump, Vance and their Project 2025 agenda."
Why Harris’ VP Choice Is Good News for Workers
Slate
By Steven Greenhouse
Aug. 6, 2024
“Governor Walz isn’t only an ally to the labor movement, but also our union brother with a deep commitment to a pro-worker agenda,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the nation’s main labor federation.
Kamala’s V.P. Pick Sparks Major Endorsements That Should Scare Trump
The New Republic
By Paige Oamek
Aug. 6, 2024
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, or AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions, announced its support of Walz. “By selecting Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, Kamala Harris chose a principled fighter and labor champion who will stand up for working people and strengthen this historic ticket,” said Liz Shuler, president of AFL-CIO.
4 reasons why labor unions love Tim Walz
NPR
By Andrea Hsu
Aug. 6, 2024
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers noted that Walz, a former teacher, understands the struggles of working people. The AFL-CIO hailed the governor as a principled fighter and labor champion.
Reactions to Kamala Harris’ pick of Tim Walz for vice president
KFGO
By Thomson Reuters
Aug. 6, 2024
AFL-CIO PRESIDENT LIZ SHULER: “Gov. Walz isn’t only an ally to the labor movement, but also our union brother with a deep commitment to a pro-worker agenda. … The labor movement stands united behind the Harris–Walz ticket.”
Kamala Harris picks Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, union member, as running mate
People’s World By Press Associates
Aug. 6, 2024
Led by Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham, two dozen Minnesota union leaders touted Walz’s achievements for workers while in office. They pointed out his union chops, including that Walz—like Democratic President Joe Biden—walked a picket line with UAW members last year during the union’s Stand Up strike against the Detroit automakers.
Teachers union bosses applaud Tim Walz as VP pick: 'Represents America'
KIMA
By Kristina Watrobski
Aug. 6, 2024
The leaders of the nation's two largest teachers unions applauded the addition of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to the Democratic presidential ticket Tuesday. Vice President Kamala Harris selected Walz as her running mate after weeks of vetting numerous candidates. Other reported contenders for the position included Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. While announcing the news, Harris touted Walz's previous experience as a social studies teacher and football coach. Both the governor and his wife previously taught at a high school in Mankato, Minn. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) president Randi Weingarten and National Education Association (NEA) president Becky Pringle also latched onto Walz's education background Tuesday morning. "Inspired Choice!!! Gov Walz represents America," Weingarten wrote on X. "A social studies teacher and veteran from rural Minn."
Labor Unions Say Tim Walz 'Walks the Walk' on Working-Class Agenda
Common Dreams
By Jake Johnson
Aug. 6, 2024
The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest federation of unions, noted in a statement that Walz "delivered on a comprehensive, pro-union legislative package and created the gold standard for state governments aiming to do right by workers." The Guardian's Steven Greenhouse described the measure, which Walz signed into law last year, as "one of the most pro-worker packages of legislation that any U.S. state has passed in decades."
The Labor Movement Is Giddy About Tim Walz Becoming Harris’ VP Pick
In These Times
By Mindy Isser
Aug. 6, 2024
Now that the news is official, labor leaders across the country are sharing their enthusiasm. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called Walz a “union brother” and a “principled fighter and labor champion.” SEIU Minnesota, which represents 60,000 workers, released a statement which said, “Governor Walz has proven during his time in Congress and especially in the last six years as Governor that he is a champion for unions and working people, pushing for common sense policies that ensure all families — no matter our job, zip code, race or gender — have what we need to thrive… Our Union will be working hard to deliver Minnesota for the Harris/Walz ticket, and we’re excited to see the amazing work we’ve done here in Minnesota be brought to the White House.”
Unions cheer Walz pick as Harris VP
Axios
By Emily Peck
Aug. 6, 2024
Just last year, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a package of legislation considered one of the most sweeping pro-worker laws seen in the U.S. in decades. The big picture: The battle over the labor vote is key to capturing the White House in November and Walz's selection as Kamala Harris' vice president seems aimed right at that constituency. Union leaders and advocates for pro-worker and family policies like paid parental leave and childcare cheered Walz's selection on Tuesday.
Harris and Walz Make Their National Entrance Before Upbeat Democrats
The New York Times
By Reid J. EpsteinErica L. Green and Katie Glueck
Aug. 6, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris finished her two-week sprint to find a running mate by formally introducing Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota to the Democratic Party and the nation during a jubilant rally on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia. Ms. Harris hailed Mr. Walz, an affable former high school football coach whose elevation to the national ticket seemed hard to imagine when President Biden left the race, as the governing partner she had searched for. “Tim Walz was the kind of teacher and mentor that every child in America dreams of having and that every kid deserves,” Ms. Harris said. “The kind of coach — because he’s the kind of person — who makes people feel like they belong and then inspires them to dream big. And that’s the kind of vice president he will be. And that’s the kind of vice president America deserves.”
Local labor leader and political scientist react to Walz VP selection
KVRR
By Alex Bertsch
Aug. 6, 2024
Local AFL-CIO President Mark Froemke told us that labor unions in Minnesota have been able to work with the Governor well, securing what he says has been crucial and important legislation for working class people. “Legislation that we passed in Minnesota, under the Democratic Party and Governor Tim Walz, who’s done an outstanding job.”
ORGANIZING
Apple TV Visual Effects Workers Unanimously Vote to Join IATSE
The Hollywood Reporter
By Katie Kilkenny
Aug. 6, 2024
IATSE appears to have succeeded in unionizing another group of visual effects workers. Twelve workers on several Apple Studios shows voted unanimously to join the union in a National Labor Relations Board ballot count that took place on Tuesday afternoon, an NLRB spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter and IATSE confirmed. IATSE and Apple now have five business days to raise any objections before the election results are certified, but the employer is required to begin negotiating with the union.
NEGOTIATIONS & STRIKES
Storm King Workers Approve First Union Contracts
ARTnews
By Tessa Solomon
Aug. 6, 2024
Unionized workers at Storm King Art Center, in New York’s Hudson Valley, have approved their first labor union contract, ending months of negotiations over benefits and better wages. Approximately 75 workers at the beloved sculpture park, home to large-scale works by artists such as Richard Serra and Alexander Calder, voted in June 2023 to join two units of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 1000, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
13,500 US hotel workers hold strike votes over pay and conditions
The Guardian
By Michael Sainato
Aug. 6, 2024
About 13,500 hotel workers across Boston, Honolulu, Providence and San Francisco will vote on whether to strike this week as they push for significant wage increases and protections against job cuts. Employees at leading chains including Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Omni will decide in the coming days whether to approve the walkouts. The hotel industry stands accused of having used the Covid-19 crisis to reduce staffing and increase workloads.
Cornell UAW Workers Could Strike on Move-In Day If University Fails to Meet Union Demands
Ithaca.com
By Matt Dougherty
Aug. 5, 2024
As students prepare to return to Cornell University for the fall semester, members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2300, which represents thousands of service and maintenance workers at Cornell, are considering a strike set to begin on student move-in day if their demands for a fair contract are not met. Union workers have been working without a contract since July 1 and are fighting for significant improvements in wages, benefits, and workplace safety in ongoing negotiations with Cornell. "We are advocating for a fair, livable wage along with a variety of other demands, including cost-of-living adjustments, no-cost parking for essential employees, longevity rewards for reducing turnover, and safer workplaces," said Chauncey Bennett, a zone representative for UAW Local 2300 in Cornell Dining.
AT&T workers hold informational picket amid ongoing contract negotiations
Live 5 News
By Bella Carpentier
Aug. 6, 2024
AT&T workers represented by the Communication Workers of America Local 3704 held an information picket line Monday to raise awareness for ongoing contract negotiations in Atlanta. Negotiations between CWA District 3 and AT&T started on June 25. This process affects workers across nine southeast states, including South Carolina, who are covered by the BellSouth Telecommunications contract. That contract expired on Aug. 3. President of Communication Workers of America Local 3704, Bill Johnson, says that 166 of its Lowcountry AT&T workers are directly affected by ongoing negotiations.
Nurses, medical center talk contract
Antelope Valley Press
By Julie Drake
Aug. 6, 2024
Registered nurses at Antelope Valley Medical Center have been in negotiations for a new contract since March with little to no movement on key issues. Nurses have expressed concerns about short staffing and impact to patient care. The previous contract expired on May 26. Registered nurse Brandi Havle-Wechsberg brought concerns about the Women, Infants and Children program and all nurses at the hospital to the medical center governing board’s meeting Wednesday at the Community Resource Center in Lancaster.
Reno area plumbers, pipefitters union vote to end strike (Video)
2 News Nevada
By Staff
Aug. 6, 2024
Reno area Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 350 membership has ratified a contract to end a strike that began on Friday. The contract signing was confirmed to 2 News Nevada by the Nevada Association of Mechanical Contractors on Tuesday.
Labor contract between AT&T, union expires without strike — for now
WFAA
By Leonardo Rosas
Aug. 6, 2024
The labor contract between AT&T and the union representing thousands of its workers across the Southeast has expired but negotiations continue between the two sides. The agreement between Dallas-based AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and District 3 of the Communication Workers of America ended Aug. 3.
SAG-AFTRA’s chief negotiator on the AI sticking points in the video game performer strike
WBUR
By Deepa Fernandes and James Perkins Mastromarino
Aug. 6, 2024
Video game performers are two weeks into their biggest strike since 2016. Like the writer and actor strikes that shuttered Hollywood last year, the labor dispute revolves around artificial intelligence. “When you go to work, your likeness, your movement, your performance can be alienated from you and used to program a computer that can now perform in your stead,” says SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Ray Rodriguez. “That jeopardizes the whole rest of your career and the future of your employability.”
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
Union says toxic DPW culture must be 'gutted' following on-the-job death
WMAR
By Jeff Morgan
Aug. 6, 2024
Ronald Silver II died Friday after suffering a heat related illness on the job at Baltimore's department of public works. His death has sparked outrage from city leaders about the culture within the department. "The circumstances that led to brother Silver's death are deeply concerning because they are largely preventable," said Patrick Moran, AFSCME Maryland president.