Today's AFL-CIO press clips
POLITICS
Federal workers rally in DC after second DOGE email
Fox5
By Stephanie Ramirez
March 3, 2025
Several union members, including those from the country's largest defense labor union, cheered on federal workers Monday as they headed into the office. "Good morning federal workers, you are appreciated!" some shouted. The encouragement received nods in response, with one woman raising her hands to clap and cheer as she walked past. A few dozen union members gathered outside the McPherson Metro Station's Vermont Ave. exit. They were members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), the National Federation of Federal Employees, and more.
Exclusive: US health agency now says employees must respond to DOGE email
Reuters
By Patrick Wingrove and Dan Levine
March 3, 2025
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told employees on Monday that they were required to respond to an email from the Trump administration demanding they summarize their work over the past week, reversing its earlier position. The administration sent out a second round of emails on Friday evening in a renewed push by billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency team to assess the performance of government employees and overhaul bureaucracy.
Democrats Must Become the Workers’ Party Again
The New Republic
By Sherrod Brown
March 3, 2025
Since November 5, in the final months of the year, no one has had a lot of time for licking wounds. Seventy people in our office were suddenly out of work. My chief of staff and state director and I met with every member of our staff, working to find jobs for the public servants who had served Ohio, many for more than a decade. And we still had legislative work to do. We fought to finally get the Social Security Fairness Act through the Senate and signed into law. After more than 10 years of work, my penultimate vote in the United States Senate—after midnight, on my last night on the Senate floor—finally restored the full Social Security that more than three million American workers earned. Teachers and police officers and school cafeteria workers and bus drivers paid in over years of hard work. Now, they will finally get the retirement security they earned.
Government shutdown looms as Trump tries to assert new spending powers
The Washington Post
By Jacob Bogage
March 3, 2025
Congress has less than two weeks to extend federal spending laws and keep the government open, but now a clash over President Donald Trump’s attempt to seize powers the Constitution delegates to lawmakers threatens to stall talks and force a shutdown. Republican negotiators walked away from talks over the weekend to reach a deal on a top-line number on how much the federal government should spend for the rest of the 2025 fiscal year, which runs through Sept. 30. Democrats had said that number is irrelevant if Trump refuses to spend the money in accordance with the law — or if he empowers billionaire Elon Musk and his U.S. DOGE Service to terminate federal contracts and lay off tens of thousands of federal workers without regard to Congress’s wishes.
Trump has implemented many Project 2025 proposals, but there’s more he could do. Here’s a breakdown.
Boston Globe
By Alyssa Vega
March 3, 2025
Since taking office, President Trump has signed a wave of executive orders that align closely with Project 2025, a detailed conservative blueprint from the Heritage Foundation for governing in a second Trump term. The initiative calls for gutting the federal workforce, rolling back diversity and LGBTQ programs, and ramping up immigration enforcement, among other moves.
Unions, former federal workers show out to support in DC amid sweeping government cuts
WTOP
By Mike Murillo, Alan Etter and Alan Etter
March 3, 2025
Unions, federal retirees and former government workers gathered at sites around the D.C. region on Monday to rally against cuts to the federal workforce and show support to those on their way to the office. “We’re just here to say thank you. Just like during the pandemic, where we thank our first responders, we’re thanking our workers at the VA,” said Hasan Solomon, a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Linda McMahon confirmed to lead Education Department
Axios
By Avery Lotz and Kathleen Hunter
March 3, 2025
The Senate confirmed Linda McMahon on Monday to serve as head of the Education Department — an entity President Trump has targeted for elimination. Why it matters: Trump's proposals to dismantle the Department of Education could have dramatic implications for public schools that rely on federal funds to fill gaps in state and local support. Experts point to a recipe for chaos as critical government programs are reorganized.
'Another Unqualified Billionaire': Senate Confirms McMahon as Education Secretary
Common Dreams
By Brett Wilkins
March 3, 2025
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers—which is leading a "Protect Our Kids" nationwide day of action Tuesday—said in a statement that "we know we will disagree with Secretary McMahon on a host of issues, including her stance on using public funds for private school vouchers."
IAFF back collective bargaining bill reintroduced in House, Senate
Fire and Safety Journal Americas
By Isabelle Crow
March 3, 2025
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) push for national collective bargaining continued with the reintroduction of the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act. The bipartisan legislation was reintroduced in the U.S. House this week by Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MN), with the Senate version being led by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). General President Edward Kelly of the IAFF said: “Collective bargaining is one of fire fighters’ most basic rights and is key to ensuring a safe working environment, fair pay, and a dignified retirement. “Given the dangers fire fighters face today — from job-related cancer to dangerous staffing shortages — it is critical that they have the right to speak in a clear and collective voice.” If passed, the bill would grant public fire fighters, emergency medical workers, and law enforcement officers the ability to form labor unions, collectively bargain for hours and wages and provide resolution mechanisms for impasses during negotiations.
Trump To Tap Head Of Anti-Union Group To Run Labor Office
HuffPost
By Dave Jamieson
March 3, 2025
The Trump administration plans to put the former leader of an anti-union advocacy group in charge of the Labor Department’s office that oversees financial disclosures by unions and “union-busting” consultants, HuffPost has learned. Elisabeth Messenger, who served as the CEO of the Oklahoma-based Americans for Fair Treatment, or AFFT, is expected to be the new director of the federal government’s Office of Labor-Management Standards, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.
Senate Confirms Linda McMahon as Education Secretary
The New York Times
By Michael C. Bender
March 3, 2025
The Senate voted along party lines on Monday to confirm Linda McMahon as the nation’s next education secretary, putting the former pro-wrestling executive in charge of an agency that the Trump administration wants to eliminate. A wealthy Republican donor who served in the first Trump administration, Ms. McMahon has little experience in education. That lack of firsthand knowledge has been framed as an asset by a White House looking to abolish the department she now leads and as a glaring deficiency by her critics. Ms. McMahon, 76, told lawmakers during her confirmation process that she “wholeheartedly” agreed with President Trump’s “mission” to eliminate the Education Department. During her hearing last month, she argued that most Americans did, too, and that she was ready to make it happen.
In Speech to Congress, Trump Is Expected to Boast About DOGE Cuts and Ukraine
The New York Times
By Luke Broadwater and Michael D. Shear
March 3, 2025
President Trump is expected to boast about his assault on the federal bureaucracy and his efforts to upend global relationships during an address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, even as his administration faces lawsuits over his domestic agenda and Europe rebukes him over his treatment of Ukraine. Addressing his largest television audience since his return to power, Mr. Trump is expected to speak about the speed with which he has pushed through reductions in border crossings, cuts to government through the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, and a slew of executive orders. He is also expected to emphasize the need to pass his legislative agenda, which includes some $4 trillion in tax cuts.
US tariffs on Canada and Mexico take effect, as China takes aim at US farm exports
AP
By Josh Boak, Paul Wiseman and Rob Gillies
March 4, 2025
President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge and setting up costly retaliations by the United States’ North American allies. Starting just past midnight, imports from Canada and Mexico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties.
DOGE moves to cancel NOAA leases on key weather buildings
Axios
By Andrew Freedman
March 3, 2025
The Trump administration has informed NOAA that two pivotal centers for weather forecasting will soon have their leases canceled, sources told Axios. Why it matters: One of the buildings is the nerve center for generating national weather forecasts. It was designed to integrate multiple forecasting centers in one building to improve operating efficiency. It houses telecommunications equipment to send weather data and forecasts across the U.S. and abroad.
LABOR AND ECONOMY
American Sign Language interpreters union alleges poor working conditions, asks FCC to intervene
Texas Public Radio
By Jackie Velez
March 3, 2025
The American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters Union (OPEIU) held a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in front of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) building in Washington D.C. They asked the FCC to protect worker conditions by regulating two Video Relay Service (VRS) companies. ASL translators use VRS to provide visual translations for deaf and hard of hearing people in situations such as interpreting 911 calls.
‘Welcome news’: King Soopers union reacts to Kroger CEO’s abrupt resignation
KRDO
By Celeste Springer
March 3, 2025
United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 7 (UFCW7)-- the union representing local King Soopers employees-- says the resignation of Kroger's CEO is "welcome news." According to CNN, their CEO, Rodney McMullen, abruptly resigned after the company found his actions "inconsistent" with ethics policies.
ORGANIZING
Seabrook Starbucks joins union push for living wages amid stalled contract talks
Seacoastonline
By Staff
March 3, 2025
A Seabrook Starbucks is among the latest to join the ranks of stores whose employees have decided to join a union to fight for what they consider living wages and fair scheduling. The employees at the Seabrook Crossing location filed a petition for a union election last week with the National Labor Relations Board.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS
Baton Rouge bus worker strike begins, will go on 'as long as it takes,' union says
The Advocate
By Haley Miller
March 3, 2025
Around 40 union workers protested outside the terminal on Florida and N. 22nd Street early Monday morning, marking the beginning of a bus worker strike that has already brought down multiple bus routes. Capital Area Transit System workers with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1546 chanted "We move this city!" and cheered as cars, semi-trucks and emergency vehicles drove by, many honking in support.
UPTE-CWA 9119 and AFSCME 3299 unions strike across UC campuses
UCSD Guardian
By Isaac Burge
March 3, 2025
Over 4,000 UC San Diego employees participated in a series of strikes between Feb. 26 to 28 as part of a statewide unfair labor practice strike organized by two labor unions: the University Professional and Technical Employees CWA Local 9119 union and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 3299 union. Across all University of California campuses, over 20,000 healthcare, research, technical, and service professionals participated in the strike.
Machinists union ratifies CSX pact
Freight Waves
By Stuart Chirls
March 3, 2025
CSX announced on Monday that employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have voted to ratify the five-year collective bargaining agreement. “IAM’s ratification is a testament to the strength of our partnership with union leadership,” said Joe Hinrichs, president and chief executive of CSX, in a release. “This underscores our commitment to fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued and respected. Together, as ONE CSX, we will continue enhancing safety, efficiency, and service to secure sustained growth.”
Contract ending for 1,500 Santa Clara Co. VTA workers; possible strike looms
CBS News
By Tim Fang
March 3, 2025
More than 1,500 employees of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, including bus and light rail operators, may soon go on strike as their contract with the agency is set to expire without a deal. The current deal between VTA and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 will end after 11:59 p.m. on Monday. "Given this developing situation, VTA is encouraging residents and businesses to start preparing for alternative travel methods in case of a strike. Alternatives to public transportation include carpooling, ridesharing, taking regional rail, walking, and biking," the agency said in a message to riders Monday afternoon. Raj Singh, president of ATU Local 265, told CBS News Bay Area on Monday that there is currently an impasse between the two sides. While the union has not announced a strike date, nearly 96% of members voted last month to authorize a strike.
Wayne State University Graduate Employee Union Starts Bargaining for a New Contract
Left Voice
By Brian H. Silverstein
March 2, 2025
Graduate students at Wayne State University are heading into negotiations for a new contract. After many years of near-dormancy, graduate students have been energized by the momentum of the 2023 strike at University of Michigan and a series of industrial strikes in Detroit. Squeezed by increasing costs of living and an unstable environment for international students, graduate students at Wayne have been taking the first steps to revitalize their union. Now they’re taking the growing union into bargaining ahead of the end of their contract later this year. This week, graduate students, faculty, undergrads, and community supporters gathered outside the Wayne State Administrative building and held a rally to support the Graduate Educator Organizing Committee (GEOC) bargaining team.
Kern County workers to strike Wednesday over staffing and wage concerns
Bakersfield Now
By BakersfieldNow Staff
March 3, 2025
Kern County workers, represented by the local Service Employees International Union (SEIU), are set to hold a one-day strike at all county locations. The union alleges that the Board of Supervisors has failed to address staffing and wage concerns. Additionally, they claim the county has attempted to discourage participation in union activities, including retaliating against those who have participated.
JOINING TOGETHER
Union members protest local auto show (Video)
WQAD 8
By wqad.com
March 2, 2025
The union members were part of IATSE Local 85.
STATE LEGISLATION
A father died mining coal. His son warns KY bill would endanger other miners.
Kentucky Lantern
By Liam Niemeyer
March 3, 2025
Growing up along the Harlan-Letcher county line in Eastern Kentucky, Landen Morris often heard from family that he reminded them of his father. It wasn’t just because his slightly crooked smile or brown eyes resembled David “Bud” Morris, they told him. It was the way he talked, the way he laughed, his personality. Bud was a good person, they said, who cared about others. The 19-year-old plays the bass drum in the Morehead State University marching band, and his late father loved playing the drums in a rock band.
IN THE STATES
‘Catastrophic’: Experts warn mass deportations could cause Nevada economic fallout
Las Vegas Review-Journal
By Jessica Hill and Ricardo Torres-Cortez
March 1, 2025
Mass deportations would cause a “domino effect,” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer Susie Martinez of the Nevada State AFL-CIO, an umbrella labor federation that represents 120 unions in the state and roughly 150,000 workers. “This will affect the whole community, regardless of who you are or where you come from,” Martinez said.
WGN Radio
By Jack Heinrich
March 2, 2025
This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by chatting with Meghann Burke, the Executive Director of the NWSLPA (National Women’s Soccer League Players Association) and a former professional goalkeeper, to talk about the creation of the NWSLPA and what they added to their current CBA deal. Ruthy from the Chicago & Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United and Fauna, from First Ascent Uptown, joins the show to talk about what led First Ascent to want to organize, the reaction they got from management, and share how you can help them. For more information visit their Instagram page, instagram.com/climbing_workers_coalition.
St. Louis Labor Council, MO AFL-CIO raise alarm over federal worker firings
Labor Tribune
By TIM ROWDEN
March 3, 2025
The Greater St. Louis Labor Council reaffirmed its support for federal employees during this unprecedented time of attack and vowed that the Labor Movement would be there for public employees, just like they are there for working families every day. “Federal workers and their unions are essential to a fair and effective federal government that works for all of us, and are vital to ensuring fairness, accountability, and efficiency,” said Merri Berry, secretary-treasurer of the Missouri AFL-CIO and trustee of the Greater St. Louis Labor Council. “Any policy that weakens federal workers or attacks their unions harms not just them, but every working family.” “The federal workforce plays a key role in protecting the public good, from public health to national security. Rather than cutting their numbers, we should be investing in these workers so they can do the essential jobs we rely on them to do” said Berry. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has three locals affiliated with the St. Louis Labor Council, with members working for the VA and the USDA.
'We are under assault': Local VA employees protest cuts undermining veteran service (Photos)
WKRC
By Staff
March 3, 2025
The demonstration was organized by members of the American Federation of Government Employees.
APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINING
St. Dominic High School to offer new student building trades program
Labor Tribune
By Sheri Gassaway
March 3, 2025
The hands-on program, which will focus on carpentry, electrical, plumbing & pipefitting, and HVAC, will be taught in a neighboring 28,000-square-foot warehouse that St. Dominic purchased through an anonymous $2.4 million gift – the largest the school has ever received. The program will be available to juniors and seniors starting next fall. St. Dominic President Jim Welby said the curriculum was developed after consulting with apprenticeship coordinators at local building trades unions, including IBEW Local 1, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 and the Carpenters, the school’s union building contractors and area trade schools. “We are continuously evolving to meet the needs of our students and our community,” Welby said. “What’s truly remarkable about our new building trades program is that students can gain exposure to the field right here on St. Dominic’s campus as part of their daily coursework, along with their core classes in traditional subjects like science, math, literature and religion.”