Today's AFL-CIO press clips

POLITICS
US labor groups sue over ‘ignorant’ cuts of programs fighting child labor abroad
The Guardian
By Michael Sainato
April 15, 2025
Shawna Bader-Blau, the executive director of the Solidarity Center, a non-profit working in more than 90 countries to improve worker standards and conditions, said the cuts reduced the organization’s budget by 20%, in addition to 30% cuts through USAID cuts. “It’s a devastating, huge impact. The Solidarity Center is very often in countries where they are the only external support for trade union organizing and the advancement of worker rights. If we have to leave, we’re not replaced,” said Bader-Blau. “It’s critical to the American economy that American workers not be forced to compete with extremely exploited workers in other countries, up to and including forced and child labor in supply chains.”
Community members protest DOGE's access to Social Security during federal hearing in Baltimore
CBS News
By JT Moodee Lockman
April 15, 2025
Working and retired community members rallied outside of a Baltimore courthouse Tuesday as the White House's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attended a hearing over its access to the Social Security Administration. The hearing comes after a motion was filed on behalf of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The motion was filed after a federal judge temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing sensitive information at the Social Security Administration (SSA) in March. The federal judge said a group of unions challenged DOGE's access to those SSA systems, claiming it violated the Privacy Act.
Inside DOGE’s push to defy a court order and access Social Security data
The Washington Post
By Hannah Natanson and Lisa Rein
April 15, 2025
Representatives of Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service have sought for weeks to get around a court order barring their access to sensitive data and internal systems at the Social Security Administration, prompting career staff to repeatedly resist their efforts, according to a half dozen people familiar with the DOGE team’s actions and records obtained by The Washington Post.
Breaking his silence, Biden to speak out on Social Security
The Washington Post
By Meryl Kornfield and Naftali Bendavid
April 15, 2025
Former president Joe Biden is scheduled Tuesday eveningto deliver his first public comments since leaving the White House, speaking on the importance of Social Security after 12 weeks in which President Donald Trump has regularly excoriated his predecessor while Biden has kept quiet. Biden — speaking to a gathering of advocates for disabled people — is expected to address the future of the premier program for elderly and disabled Americans, which under Trump has faced website outages, technical glitches, unanswered phone lines and other problems amid Elon Musk’s cost-cutting efforts.
Unions Sue to Reverse Trump’s Dismantling of Labor Mediation Agency
The City
By Claudia Irizarry Aponte
April 15, 2025
The AFL-CIO, the United Federation of Teachers, the American Federation of Government Employees and nearly a dozen other unions joined in the suit, saying cuts to the agency endanger both workers and the economy. The cuts stem from a March 14 executive order that calls for a near-elimination of the agency and six others in the interest of the president’s government-slashing agenda led by the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
A Top Democratic Official Plots to Take Down Party Incumbents
The New York Times
By Shane Goldmacher
April 15, 2025
Randi Weingarten, an influential D.N.C. member and the president of the American Federation of Teachers, said she was backing Mr. Hogg’s efforts to insert his group into primaries, though she said she did not know yet of any specific members being targeted. “Yes, it will ruffle some feathers, and yes, some people will be upset,” Ms. Weingarten said. “The key is that they are trying to create the connection between the long-term values of the party and people who don’t see it. And you have to do things differently to make that connection.”
Trump signs healthcare executive order that includes a win for pharma companies
Reuters
By Ahmed Aboulenein
April 15, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump directed his health department on Tuesday to work with Congress on revamping a law that allows Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, seeking to introduce a change the pharmaceutical industry has lobbied for. Drugmakers have been pushing to delay the timeline under which medications become eligible for price negotiations by four years for small molecule drugs, which are primarily pills and account for most medicines.
Inside Trump’s Plan to Halt Hundreds of Regulations
The New York Times
By Coral Davenport
April 15, 2025
Across the more than 400 federal agencies that regulate almost every aspect of American life, from flying in airplanes to processing poultry, Mr. Trump’s appointees are working with the Department of Government Efficiency, the cost-cutting initiative headed by Elon Musk and also called DOGE, to launch a sweeping new phase in their quest to dismantle much of the federal government: deregulation on a mass scale.
Trump administration will ask Congress to cut funding for NPR and PBS
The Washington Post
By Frances Vinall, Scott Nover and Patrick Svitek
April 15, 2025
The Trump administration will seek to cut funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which contributes money to NPR and PBS, according to White House officials. The rescissions, requests to cancel funding already appropriated by Congress, are expected to be sent to Capitol Hill once lawmakers return from recess later this month. The CPB cuts are part of a larger $9.3 billion package that includes further proposed cuts to the State Department and the U.S. Institute for Peace.
Federal judge orders immediate thaw of climate, infrastructure funds
Politico
By Alex Guillén
April 15, 2025
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that EPA, the Interior and Energy Departments and other agencies unlawfully froze funds under Democrats’ climate and infrastructure spending laws, ordering the agencies to immediately resume disbursing the money. The ruling from Judge Mary McElroy of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, who was named to the bench by President Donald Trump in 2019, comes on the eve of an expected decision from another judge in Washington on whether EPA lawfully terminated $20 billion in climate grants. That case and other litigation are part of a complex web of lawsuits over frozen funds and terminated grants playing out in multiple courts.
IMMIGRATION
DOGE is collecting federal data to remove immigrants from housing, jobs
The Washington Post
By Rachel Siegel, Hannah Natanson and Laura Meckler
April 15, 2025
The Trump administration is using personal data normally protected from dissemination to find undocumented immigrants where they work, study and live, often with the goal of removing them from their housing and the workforce. At the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for example, officials are working on a rule that would ban mixed-status households — in which some family members have legal status and others don’t — from public housing, according to multiple staffers who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution. Affiliates from the U.S. DOGE Service are also looking to kick out existing mixed-status households, vowing to ensure that undocumented immigrants do not benefit from public programs, even if they live with citizens or other eligible family members.
Judge to consider Trump's compliance with order over wrongly deported man
Reuters
By Luc Cohen
April 15, 2025
A U.S. judge on Tuesday will consider her next steps on what she called the Trump administration's failure to update her on efforts to return a man illegally deported to El Salvador, in a case critics say shows the administration may choose to defy unfavorable court orders. The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who was deported on March 15 despite an order protecting him from removal, is one of several that have sparked concerns among Democrats and some legal analysts that Republican President Donald Trump's administration is willing to disregard the judiciary, an independent and equal branch of government.
Judge Rebukes Trump Administration’s Effort to Return Wrongly Deported Man
The New York Times
By Alan Feuer
April 15, 2025
A federal judge scolded the Trump administration on Tuesday for dragging its feet in complying with a Supreme Court order that directed the White House to “facilitate” the release of a Maryland man who was wrongly deported to a prison in El Salvador last month. “To date nothing has been done,” the judge, Paula Xinis, told a lawyer for the Justice Department. “Nothing.” The stern words came during a hearing in Federal District Court in Maryland, where Judge Xinis said that she intended to force Trump officials to answer questions — both in writing and in depositions — about what they had done so far to get the man, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, out of the prison.
Justice Department must provide details of attempts to return illegally deported man, judge says
The Washington Post
By Steve Thompson and Katie Mettler
April 15, 2025
A federal judge on Tuesday said she will require the Trump administration to produce records and sworn answers about the U.S. government’s attempts, or lack thereof, to return a Maryland resident who was apprehended by immigration authorities and illegally sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador. The decision from U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, where she left open the possibility of a contempt ruling against the Trump administration, marks another escalation in the legal showdown with the White House.
Trump calls for deporting some citizens to El Salvador, testing US law
Reuters
By Gram Slattery and Sarah Morland
April 15, 2025
President Donald Trump said on Monday he wants to deport some violent criminals who are U.S. citizens to Salvadoran prisons, a move that experts said would violate U.S. law. Trump's comments marked the clearest signal yet that the U.S. president is serious about deporting naturalized and U.S.-born citizens, a proposal that has alarmed civil rights advocates and is viewed by many legal scholars as unconstitutional.
SMART union demands return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, worker illegally deported by Trump
People’s World
By Brandon Chew
April 15, 2025
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) is calling on Americans to contact their representatives and senators to demand the Trump administration facilitate the immediate return of a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadorian national legally living in the U.S. with no criminal record, was arrested by ICE agents in Baltimore last month on accusations of being an MS-13 gang member. Abrego Garcia, who hasn’t been charged or convicted of any crime, has since been detained at the Center for Terrorism Confinement, a maximum-security prison accused by human rights groups of torture and due process violations.
NLRB
Whistleblower org says DOGE may have caused 'significant cyber breach' at US labor watchdog
Reuters
By Raphael Satter and A.J. Vicens
April 15, 2025
A whistleblower complaint says that Elon Musk's team of technologists may have been responsible for a "significant cybersecurity breach," likely of sensitive case files, at America's federal labor watchdog. The complaint, opens new tab, addressed to Republican Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton and his Democratic counterpart Mark Warner and made public Tuesday by the group Whistleblower Aid, draws on the testimony of Daniel Berulis, an information technology staffer at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Top House Democrat says DOGE data access at NLRB may be 'technological malfeasance'
NPR
By Stephen Fowler and Jenna McLaughlin
April 15, 2025
The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee is calling for an investigation into DOGE's access to the National Labor Relations Board following exclusive NPR reporting on sensitive data being removed from the agency. Ranking Member Gerry Connolly, D-Va., sent a letter Tuesday to Acting Inspector General at the Department of Labor Luiz Santos and Ruth Blevins, inspector general at the NLRB, expressing concern that DOGE "may be engaged in technological malfeasance and illegal activity."
Federal employee alleges DOGE activity resulted in data breach at labor board
NBC News
By David Ingram and Megan Lebowitz
April 15, 2025
A federal cybersecurity specialist has alleged in a whistleblower statement made public Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) caused a security breach at the National Labor Relations Board and may have illegally removed sensitive data from the board. The specialist, Daniel Berulis, made the allegations in a sworn declaration submitted to members of Congress and to a federal whistleblower office, asking them to investigate what he called a cybersecurity breach. His lawyer said that Berulis had also been targeted with a threatening note and photographs showing him near where he lives. The declaration was first reported by NPR, and NBC News has not independently verified the allegations.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS
UAW members at General Dynamics' electric boat unit authorize strike
Reuters
By Reuters
April 15, 2025
Union members at General Dynamics (GD.N) Electric Boat unit voted to authorize a strike, the United Auto Workers said on Tuesday. The move comes amid an ongoing labor dispute post the expiration of the members' contract on April 4 at Electric Boat, a part of the defense contractor's marine systems segment, which assembles nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy.
Strike possible as contract negotiations between UAW and General Dynamics rage on
WSFB
By Luke Hajdasz
April 15, 2025
Workers at Electric Boat in Groton now say a that strike is possible if negotiations with the company for a new contract go south. The company along with the Marine Draftman’s Association-UAW are involved. Members are seeking better pay, affordable healthcare, and pensions for newer workers. Around 1,200 union members met Monday to authorize the strike, saying that the company has not bargained in good faith. “The union is looking for fair wages. A little bit of profit sharing for a company that makes a metric ton of money and only shares it at the top,” said Electric Boat Senior Design Specialist Anne Wurzbacher.
Nurses at Kauaʻi’s Wilcox Medical Center ratify new contract that addresses pay, staffing levels
Kaua’i Now
By Staff
April 15, 2025
After nearly a year of negotiations and a three-day strike in January, Wilcox Medical Center nurses voted for a new three-year contract that went into affect Monday. The new agreement, which covers about 160 Wilcox nurses in the Hawaiʻi Nursesʻ Association, increases pay and addresses the concerns of nurses about insufficient staffing levels at the medical center in Līhuʻe on Kauaʻi. “It has been a relentless battle for almost a year,” union president Rosalee Agas-Yuu said. “After countless hours of organizing over 35 bargaining sessions, a three-day strike, and a Kauai County resolution, we are finally seeing a breakthrough.”
Fresno County in-home caregivers to receive pay increase, union says
The Fresno Bee
By Melissa Montalvo
April 15, 2025
After two years of negotiations, thousands of Fresno County in-home care workers are poised to secure a pay bump and increased medical benefits. The union that represents more than 500,000 caregivers across California announced a tentative contract agreement with the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. If ratified by the SEIU Local 2015 members and approved by the Board of Supervisors, the new contract will provide hourly wage increases of $1.25 on top of the current $0.60, bringing wages to $18.35 an hour by September. The contract will also provide a 15-cent increase to health insurance.
Union health care workers in Rochester get big wage wins, overtime caps
The Minnesota Star Tribune
By Trey Mewes
April 15, 2025
Health care union workers at St. Marys Hospital in the Rochester area are celebrating after they made significant contract gains with Mayo Clinic over the weekend. SEIU Healthcare announced that a three-person arbitration board ruled union workers at St. Marys, which include certified technicians, personal care attendants, patient escorts and maintenance workers among others, will get at least $20 per hour with increases over the next three years that bring people to almost $22 per hour at minimum.
AFSCME Local 3299, UPTE-CWA 9119 announce May 1 strike against UC
Daily Bruin
By Alexandra Crosnoe
April 15, 2025
Two UC unions called on their members to strike May 1 for the fourth time this academic year. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 – which represents service, patient care and skilled craft workers – said in a press release that it is striking in response to the UC’s systemwide hiring freeze. The University Professional and Technical Employees-Communications Workers of America 9119 – which represents researchers and technical workers – will also strike May 1 in response to the hiring freeze, according to its website. The two unions went on strike most recently April 1 but also went on strike in February and November, leading to limited dining, cleaning and mail services.
Longmont United Hospital Nurses Ratify Historic First Private-Sector RN Contract in Colorado
Longmont Leader
By Steven Middendorp
April 15, 2025
National Nurses United includes more than 225,000 members across the country, including VA Eastern Colorado Health Care system hospitals in Denver and Aurora. The nurses won their vote to unionize in 2022. The union press release states that they had to fight management for years to get to the bargaining table in 2024 before finalizing the first contract last week. Stuppler said that community support helped bring this contract to fruition.
United Steelworkers, ATI reach tentative agreement; ratification vote yet to come
Trib Live
By Haley Daugherty
April 15, 2025
United Steelworkers and ATI have reportedly reached a tentative contract agreement. The USW announced the development Tuesday evening via a text to its members. ATI spokeswoman Natalie Gillespie confirmed a tentative agreement was reached for a six-year labor agreement. She did not have specific information regarding the contract. She said USW is responsible for scheduling the ratification vote.
JOINING TOGETHER
UR graduate student workers will hold informational picket ahead of strike
WHEC
By Evan Bourtis
April 15, 2025
Graduate student workers at the University of Rochester will hold an informational picket on Tuesday afternoon, aiming to raise awareness for their upcoming strike. The students are preparing to strike on Monday, April 21, to call on the university administration to agree to a private union election agreement. According to the UR Graduate Labor Union, student workers are hoping to unionize to push for higher stipend payments, better health benefits, and parental support.
IN THE STATES
Georgia AFL-CIO to hold Warner Robins hearing on federal job cuts Wednesday
41 NBC
By Taylor Gilchrist
April 15, 2025
The AFL-CIO is hosting a public hearing on Wednesday to discuss the impact of cuts to federal services and jobs stemming from the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to a news release, working families are invited to join community leaders at the event, which is part of the AFL-CIO’s Department of People who Work a Living (DPWL) campaign. Those expected to be in attendance include Mayor LaRhonda Patrick; Staci Fox, the President and CEO of Georgia Budget and Policy Insititute; and Jeanette McElhaney, the Secretary-Treasurer of Central Georgia Federation of Trades.
APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINING
West Mesa trade program prepares students for life after school
KOB4
By Alika Medina
April 15, 2025
In about a month, dozens of students at West Mesa High School will be walking across the stage and into the construction trades. A first-of-its-kind pre-apprentice program is making that possible. Welding, plumbing and pipefitting are some of the life skills West Mesa High School students will walk out with, when they graduate later this year, taking a huge step into the construction industry. “I think it opens up their options more to resources they should use,” said Noah Garcia, a West Mesa High School student. Garcia and Luis Zamarripa are two of a handful of students in the program that is taught by UA Local 412 plumbers and pipefitters.
WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
Coal Miners Sue Trump Admin After It Halts Black Lung Protections
Gizmodo
By Lucas Ropek
April 15, 2025
In These Times writes that the United Miner Workers of America (UMWA) and the AFL-CIO’s United Steelworkers have filed litigation against the Mine Safety and Health Administration which, under Trump, has paused a long-pursued regulation that would have limited miners’ exposure to a toxic chemical commonly found in mines. The rule, called “Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection,” would have—just as it says—enforced new regulations that drastically reduced miners’ exposure to crystalline silica, which is a toxic mineral that can cause serious respiratory problems when inhaled.
NIOSH Cuts A Matter Of Life Or Death For Workers, Scientist Says
WV Public Broadcasting
By Chris Schulz
April 15, 2025
Two weeks ago, almost all the workers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) and Health offices in Morgantown woke up to notifications that they were out of a job. The cuts are part of a sweeping reduction in force at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as across the federal government in general.