Today's AFL-CIO press clips
POLITICS
'Today, It's All on the Line': Progressives Mobilize Nationwide to Defeat Trump
Common Dreams
By Jake Johnson
Nov. 5, 2024
Progressive activists, labor unions, and lawmakers who have organized for months against Republican nominee Donald Trump emphasized the enormous stakes of Tuesday's election for abortion rights, healthcare, the future of Gaza, the climate, and democracy itself as Americans cast their ballots in what's likely to be one of the highest-turnout elections in modern U.S. history. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, progressive organizations and labor unions such as the United Auto Workers and AFL-CIO phone-banked and knocked doors across the country in an effort to defeat Trump, a former president who has threatened to prosecute his political opponents, gut regulations for the benefit of planet-destroying fossil fuel companies, give Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu free rein in the Middle East, allow states to implement the most draconian abortion bans, and deliver another round of tax cuts to the rich and large corporations.
ORGANIZING
Workers at Shedd Aquarium vote to unionize
WBEZ
By Sun-Times Wire
Nov. 5, 2024
Employees at the Shedd Aquarium have overwhelmingly voted to unionize, making it the latest cultural institution in the city whose workers have decided to form a union. More than 75% of employees voted in favor of union representation, according to a news release from Shedd Workers United, which is part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31.
JT Newsroom Employees' Union is Recognized
WGTD
By Staff
Nov. 5, 2024
Newsroom employees at the Racine Journal Times are praising their employer for not blocking their attempts to unionize. Less than three weeks after the paper’s editorial staff announced a plan to organize, the Racine NewsGuild was voluntarily recognized by Lee Enterprises as part of the Kenosha Newspaper Guild bargaining unit. The Iowa-based company owns both papers. The next step is for the Racine NewsGuild to negotiate a contract.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS
Boeing strike ends as workers accept new contract
Reuters
By Daniel Catchpole and Allison Lampert
Nov. 5, 2024
Boeing's (BA.N) U.S. West Coast factory workers accepted a new contract offer on Monday, ending a bitter seven-week strike that halted most jet production and deepened a financial crisis at the troubled planemaker. The union said members voted 59% in favor of the new contract, which includes a 38% pay rise over four years, easing pressure on new CEO Kelly Ortberg after two previous offers were voted down in recent weeks.
Wells Fargo, Union to Begin Closely Watched Contract Talks
Bloomberg Law
By Evan Weinberger
Nov. 5, 2024
Wells Fargo & Co. is slated to begin the first-ever contract negotiations between a giant US bank and unionized employees, setting the stage for union activity at the lender to ramp up. Wells Fargo and workers on Tuesday will kick off three days of scheduled bargaining talks at a branch in Albuquerque, N.M. The Eldorado branch in Albuquerque voted to join the Communications Workers of America’s Wells Fargo Workers United last December, making it the first branch of a big US bank to unionize.
Franz Bakery workers strike in Springfield, seeking a better contract
OPB
By Nathan Wilk
Nov. 5, 2024
Unionized workers at the Franz Bakery in Springfield have gone on strike in a bid for a better contract. Picketers said this strike affects more than 180 workers at the site—spanning production, sanitation, intake and shipping jobs. It began on Oct. 31. Brad Currier, a union member and Franz worker, said the union is asking for more reliable time off, higher wages, and new safety measures. He said bargaining with leadership hasn‘t gone smoothly, and the workers’ previous contract with the company expired in July. “They’re choosing to ignore our asks and our requests,” said Currier. “They’re choosing not to take action.”
NLRB
NLRB issues complaint against Dallas Black Dance Theatre, sets court date
KERA News
By Elizabeth Myong
Nov. 5, 2024
The monthslong saga behind labor disputes at Dallas Black Dance Theatre has taken another turn after the National Labor Relations Board issued a formal complaint against the dance company on Friday. Earlier this year, 10 dancers were fired from the company after unionizing with the American Guild of Musical Artists. The union filed unfair labor practice charges against the dance company in June and August, which the NLRB has been investigating.