Today's AFL-CIO press clips
POLITICS
Project 2025 Provides a GOP Blueprint for Destroying the American Labor Movement
Daily Kos
By Lawrence S. Wittner
Aug. 28, 2024
Consequently, the nation’s labor movement saw Trump’s past record and agenda for the future for what they were. In a statement issued on July 18, 2024, Liz Shuler, president of the national AFL-CIO, declared: “In his first term as president, Donald Trump was a disaster for workers and our unions.” Moreover, “the Trump Project 2025 Agenda lays out his plan to turbocharge his anti-worker policies, eliminate or control unions, and eviscerate labor laws and workers’ contracts.” Consequently, “a second Trump term would put everything we’ve fought for―good jobs, fair wages, health care, retirement security, worker security―on the chopping block.”
Union Firefighters Greet JD Vance With Boos After 'Most Pro-Worker' Claim
Common Dreams
By Brett Wilkins
Aug. 29, 2024
Union leaders have warned that a Trump-Vance administration would be inimical to organized labor, with AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler calling the GOP ticket "a corporate CEO's dream" and American Federation of Teachers chief Randi Weingarten hailing the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden as "the most pro-labor, pro-public education leaders our country has seen in modern history."
I’m a childfree teacher. JD Vance thinks that means I’m ‘brainwashing’ students. (Opinion)
MSNBC
By Christina Wyman
Aug. 29, 2024
In recently resurfaced comments, Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance asserted that childfree teachers “brainwash” and “destroy” the minds of children. As an educator, I hope women everywhere, in every profession, are listening. During a 2021 leadership forum hosted by the Center for Christian Virtue, Vance was asked how he’d handle issues with schools while senator. In his answer, he took aim at Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, saying, “You know, so many of the leaders of the left, and I hate to be so personal about this, but they’re people without kids, trying to brainwash the minds of our children.” “If she wants to brainwash and destroy the mind of children,” he added, “she should have some of her own and leave ours the hell alone.” To be clear, Weingarten is stepmother to two daughters and has publicly described herself as “a mother by marriage.” But her family status is irrelevant to her capacity to lead the nation’s teachers.
PAYWATCH/CEO PAY
The 10 highest-paid CEOs, from Broadcom to Blackstone
Quartz
By William Gavin
Aug. 29, 2024
Many of the head honchos at America’s corporate empires are earning more than ever, according to the AFL-CIO’s Paywatch report. S&P 500 CEOs made about $17.7 million on average in 2023, or more than 268 times the median worker’s income at those companies, according to the AFL-CIO, which reviewed compensation data for executives at 3,000 companies, including those in the S&P 500. Over the past decade, the average pay of an S&P 500 CEO has increased by $4.2 million. From 2022 to 2023 alone, compensation for CEOs grew 6%, according to the AFL-CIO, while others estimate a greater increase. The average worker is seeing about a 4.1% increase in their paychecks.
NEGOTIATIONS & STRIKES
Las Vegas union workers to picket, rally at Virgin Hotels amid ‘labor dispute’
Fox 5 Vegas
By Rachel Zalucki
Aug. 29, 2024
Las Vegas union workers will gather outside Virgin Hotels Thursday to picket amid the latest round of contract negotiations. The Culinary and Bartenders Union announced a rally and picket on Wednesday, as workers continue to negotiate for a new five-year contract amid a labor dispute with the property. This news comes after the union previously led over 700 hospitality workers out on a strike against the property in May. A first for the union in 22 years.
Labor Day Weekend Could See Major Hotel Strikes In U.S.
HuffPost
By Dave Jamieson
Aug. 29, 2024
Thousands of hotel workers in a dozen U.S. cities are preparing to go on strike as early as Labor Day weekend as they battle for new contracts with major hotel companies. Roughy 15,000 workers who are members of the union Unite Here have voted to authorize strikes against Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Omni properties. The union is warning travelers to be ready to encounter picket lines in the coming weeks, and possibly over the holiday weekend.
As Labor Day approaches, United Airlines Flight Attendants authorize strike call
People’s World
By Mark Gruenberg
Aug. 29, 2024
By a 99.99% share in a 90.21% turnout, the 28,000 unionized Flight Attendants at United Airlines authorized their officers to call a strike. The key reason: The company’s refusal to even consider a decent contract to replace the one which expired three years ago. The strike authorization vote sends a signal to Chicago-based United’s management that the attendants, members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, are serious about their demands.
United Airlines flight attendants approve strike authorization
The Hill
By Kelsey Kernstine
Aug. 29, 2024
United Airlines flight attendants voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike should contract negotiations between their union and the airline fail. Over 99 percent of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA members who took part in the vote did so in favor of the authorization. Some picketed after the vote Wednesday to get the word out about their demands.
Las Vegas nurses vote to authorize strike at MountainView Hospital
Fox 5 Las Vegas
By Rachel Zalucki
Aug. 29. 2024
Registered nurses at MountainView Hospital voted to authorize a strike on Wednesday after a union spokesperson said the hospital “refused to address numerous patient safety issues.” National Nurses United, a union representing around 950 MountainView nurses, says the strike was authorized by 98% of those participating. While the vote does not guarantee a strike, it does authorize those bargaining on the nurses’ behalf to call a strike, if they deem it necessary in negotiations. At any time in the process, the nurses have the option of calling off the strike if an agreement with HCA is reached. However, if nurses decide to move forward with a strike, hospital management would be notified 10 days before to allow time for planning patient care.
Charlotte Symphony musicians to get pay raises
WCNC
By Hank Lee
Aug. 29, 2024
The Charlotte Symphony and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 342, announced a new three-year agreement has been reached to keep the orchestra together. The new contract will give musicians a 13.5% pay raise over the next three years. The new deal also raises the minimum salaries for performers from just under $46,000 to a little over $53,000.
Strike threat across 35 hotels in Boston looms over hospitality sector
WBUR
By Alison Kuznitz
Aug. 29, 2024
Guests at nearly three dozen Boston hotels could experience less-than-desirable visits fueled by staff shortages as early as this weekend should thousands of hospitality workers go on strike due to unsuccessful contract negotiations. Roughly 4,500 workers who are members of UNITE HERE Local 26 are bracing for strikes across 35 hotels after months of rocky contract negotiations with hotel companies. The workers are shooting for higher wages to keep up with inflation and pandemic-era understaffing that they say has left more work for fewer employees to handle.
Thousands of Fred Meyer Employees Go On Strike Through Labor Day Weekend
Portland Mercury
By Taylor Griggs
Aug. 28, 2024
Nearly 5,000 employees at 28 Fred Meyer stores in and around Portland went on strike early Wednesday morning. The employees, represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555, plan to continue the strike for almost a week. Unless a deal is reached with Fred Meyer management, the grocery store workers won't return to work until 8 am Tuesday, September 3. UFCW says employees are striking over Fred Meyer's violation of labor laws amid contract negotiations between grocery store management and the union. The union has filed several Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against Fred Meyer, claiming the company is "refusing to provide essential information for current negotiations" and advertised benefits to employees the company hasn't actually proposed at the bargaining table.
Hampton Roads Transit employees score major raises with new union contract
WHRO
By Ryan Murphy
Aug. 29, 2024
Hampton Roads Transit drivers and mechanics negotiated huge pay raises in their new union contract. Starting pay will increase by 27% for operators and maintenance workers at HRT under the new three-year contract. Bus operators, for instance, will now earn $29 per hour, up from the roughly $24 hourly wage drivers climbed to in the most recent year of the previous contract. The new contract also reduces the amount of time for bus and light-rail operators to hit the top of the pay scale, more sick leave and additional days off. HRT’s Deputy CEO Brian Smith said management sees the raises and other perks included in the contract as a draw for workers.
Union workers who run PVTA buses in Hampden County consider strike
New England Public Media
By Nancy Eve Cohen
Aug. 29, 2024
The union representing bus drivers, mechanics and others who operate Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus routes in Hampden County said it plans to vote Saturday on whether to go on strike. A strike could impact 24 bus routes used by child care teachers, nursing assistants and others to get to work. The PVTA said in a statement, "If the Union decides to strike, there will be no bus service in the Greater Springfield area which includes the communities of: Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Holyoke (except Routes 41 & 48), Longmeadow, Ludlow, Springfield, West Springfield, Westfield and Wilbraham." Jim Harrington, the business agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 448, said workers want a fair contract, with fair wages and benefits.
Union plans picket, rally at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas over months-long contract dispute
KSNV
By Matthew Seeman
Aug. 29, 2024
The Culinary Union says it will hold a picket and rally outside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Thursday, part of its months-long impasse with the property over a new five-year contract. Union members will hold a picket outside the resort, and leadership is urging people not to cross the active picket line. Over 700 hospitality workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are Culinary and Bartenders union members. They've been working without a contract since the previous one expired last year.
JOINING TOGETHER
Unions in higher education are surging, new report reveals
The Guardian
By Michael Sainato
Aug. 29, 2024
Unionization has been surging in higher education, according to a new comprehensive report that reveals a 133% increase among graduate student employees in the US since 2012. An estimated 38% of graduate student employees are now unionized, with more than 150,000 workers in 81 bargaining units as of January 2024. The extraordinary increase was highlighted by the first comprehensive study on unionization in higher education since 2012, by the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions at Hunter College.
Higher Ed Unionization Has Surged Since 2012, Bucking U.S. Labor Trends
Inside Higher Ed
By Ryan Quinn
Aug. 29, 2024
Higher education unionization has been surging. Story after story of successful union drives has suggested this. But a new report, which collected data on more than 95 percent of the collective bargaining relationships between academic workers and their institutions, finally provides national figures for the phenomenon. The biggest boom was among graduate student workers. In 2012, the first year of the study period, they had about 64,400 unionized employees among their ranks. But, by early 2024, that number surged to 150,100. That's a 133 percent increase, and 38 percent of grad workers are now unionized.
Union workers, officials among those rallying to save hospitals
WKBN
By Abigail Cloutier, Nadine Grimley
Aug. 29, 2024
As the closing of Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Steward’s other healthcare systems in the valley loom, officials and union workers are still trying to save the hospitals and their jobs. AFSCME Ohio Council 8, the union representing many of the 908 workers at both TRMC and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital planned a rally for Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the corner of E. Market St. and Homewood Ave. SE.
Kaptur and unions meet to discuss working families' needs
Toledo Blade
By James Trumm
Aug. 29, 2024
At a forum convened on Thursday to discuss issues affecting working families, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur stressed that protecting the right of workers to unionize was of paramount importance. “When I go to work, one of the things that’s on my mind is your right to organize,” she said. “Organizing is a very precious right — and it can be taken away.” “We Democrats support labor laws and the right to organize. Without a union, you have no voice,” she added. The forum was organized by the Service Employees International Union and held at the Amazing Grace Christian Center on Airport Highway. About 30 officials and rank-and-file members of the SEIU, the Amalgamated Transit Union, and the Communications Workers of America attended. Ms. Kaptur (D., Toledo) repeatedly tied her lived experience to her political positions.
IN THE STATES
Report: Kentucky sees union popularity increase. Here's what we know
Courier Journal
By Olivia Evans
Aug. 29, 2024
In Kentucky, and nationwide, labor unions are gaining popularity. New data from Gallup found that in 2024, 70% of Americans approve of labor unions. “For two years in a row, Kentucky’s labor unions have seen strong membership growth," Dustin Reinstedler, president of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO said at a press conference Wednesday. "With inflation, corporate greed, housing costs, rising healthcare costs, and many other working-class issues, Kentucky workers have made it clear that the best way to fight income inequality is by joining a union.”
Pittsburgh Regional Transit's Red Line light rail to reopen on Sept. 1
CBS News
By Madeline Bartos
Aug. 28, 2024
Pittsburgh Regional Transit's Red Line light rail will open back up on Sept. 1 after it's been closed for more than two months. The Red Line closed on June 16 so Pittsburgh Regional Transit could work on a handful of maintenance projects. Contractors replaced several thousand feet of track, reconstructed four grade crossings and tackled some "non-safety-critical" projects to cut back on potential future closures, PRT said. Starting Saturday, several test trips will run between Dormont Junction and South Hills Junction. The test cars won't pick riders up. "I want to thank our riders for their patience during this project," said Pittsburgh Regional Transit CEO Katharine Kelleman. "I also want to thank Amalgamated Transit Union Local No. 85 for working with us to ensure riders had several alternate options during this closure."
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
AFSCME provides list of demands as people protest, call for change within DPW
WBAL
By Tori Yorgey
Aug. 29, 2024
Community leaders held a protest Wednesday to call for change within the Baltimore City Department of Public Works. The protest comes roughly four weeks after the on-duty death of DPW employee, Ronald Silver II, who died from the heat. “Why’d I come out today? Because I know how unfairly they’re being treated. I know how unfairly I was being treated, and I was management,” said Jerry Emmons, a former DPW solid waste employee. “I know that none of the policies that are set are set in this yard. They’re set downtown. They’re not set in this yard, and these guys got (to) abide by them.”
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Labor union disapproval hits 57-year low
Axios
By Emily Peck
Aug. 28, 2024
The share of Americans who say they disapprove of labor unions hasn't been this low since September 1967, per new Gallup data. Why it matters: Unions have seen a resurgence in recent years, with an uptick in strikes and organizing efforts, helped along by more positive public sentiment and, until recently, a strong labor market that emboldens workers to push for more from their employers. By the numbers: 70% of Americans said they approved of unions, per Gallup's most recent poll, conducted in August. That's just one point shy of the record hit in 2022 — also a 57-year high.