Today's AFL-CIO press clips
POLITICS
On Teacher Appreciation Day, Trump cuts affecting profession in a 'huge way'
ABC News
By Arthur Jones II
May 6, 2025
The Trump administration has made dozens of cuts that some teachers say could impact their profession in a “huge way,” according to educators in terminated programs who spoke with ABC News. Before Teacher Appreciation Day, which is celebrated on Tuesday as part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the administration has slashed professional development initiatives, preparation programs, and other federally funded education projects that the administration has deemed as divisive and run afoul of its priorities.
Trump says Biden caused the economic downturn. That’s malarkey (Opinion)
The Guardian
By Steven Greenhouse
May 5, 2025
While Donald Trump delusionally asserts that “we’re celebrating the most successful first 100 days of any administration in American history”, last week’s economic news emphatically refutes that. Trump’s commerce department reported on Wednesday that the US economy – in a sharp and dismaying reversal – shrank in the first quarter of this year. That of course is when Trump returned to the White House, but Trump, true to form, denied that he was in any way responsible for the surprisingly bad economic news. Trump, who has spent his life blaming others and refusing to admit mistakes, was quick to blame Joe Biden for the downturn. The nation’s gross domestic product declined at a 0.3% annual rate in the quarter, after adjusting for inflation.
AFL-CIO’s Shuler, 100 days in, challenges Trump refusal to follow Constitution
People’s World
By Mark Gruenberg
May 6, 2025
As Republican President Donald Trump again verbally trashes the U.S. Constitution, both AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and the public, in a new poll by the Pew Research Center, are calling him out for what he is – a serious threat to democracy. Shuler says he is an “autocrat” and the people are telling pollsters he is a “dangerous dictator.” “We do not fall in line for autocrats,” declared Shuler.
At Trump’s urging, USPS board to name FedEx official as postmaster general
The Washington Post
By Jacob Bogage
May 6, 2025
“The apparent choice of a postmaster general that comes directly from service on the board of directors of FedEx, one of the Postal Service’s primary competitors, presents a clear conflict of interest,” Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, said in a statement. “This is an unmistakable push to hand business over to private shippers. Letter carriers and the over 300 million people we serve every day recognize this attempt at a hostile takeover of a beloved American institution for what it is, privatization-by-proxy.”
US House Democrats aim to force vote blocking cuts to Medicaid, food aid, sources say
Reuters
By Reuters
May 6, 2025
U.S. House of Representatives Democratic leaders on Tuesday are set to unveil a move to try to shield Medicaid and a food assistance program from cuts to offset the costs of President Donald Trump's tax cuts, according to three people familiar with the plan. Democrats will begin a discharge petition for the bill that could force a vote on the House floor if a majority of lawmakers sign on to the petition. This will be a difficult process in the lower chamber currently held by Republicans 220-213.
V.A. Secretary Says Slashing 80,000 Jobs Is a Goal, Not a Firm Plan
The New York Times
By Karoun Demirjian
May 6, 2025
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins pushed back on reports that his department would slash over 80,000 jobs, arguing that figures cited in internal department memos were merely goals and accusing Democrats of fear-mongering by saying the cuts would harm veterans’ care. “Our goal is a 15 percent decrease — could be more, could be less,” Mr. Collins told the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in his first Capitol Hill testimony since being confirmed to President Trump’s cabinet. He added that “no one has discussed firing doctors and firing nurses.”
Trump Is Waging War on Veterans Affairs Workers’ Unions
Jacobin
By Steve Early and Suzanne Gordon
May 6, 2025
When President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks trooped up to Capitol Hill earlier this year for Senate confirmation hearings, hardly any boasted about their past union connections. But Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins did. He helped win broad bipartisan approval for his nomination from a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC) that includes Bernie Sanders (I-VT) by mentioning that he belonged to the United Food and Commercial Workers, while working for five years at a Georgia grocery store chain. Said Collins: “I believe that the employees of the VA, whether they’re union or not, are very valuable and I respect that . . . I get the issue.”
Full 4th Cir. to Review Bar on DOGE Social Security Access
Bloomberg Law
By Mallory Culhane
May 6, 2025
The Trump administration’s bid to reverse a lower court order barring the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing sensitive data at the Social Security Administration will be heard by the full Fourth Circuit, the federal appeals court said in a Tuesday order. The en banc hearing will consider whether a federal trial court’s injunction should be allowed to stand. Judge Ellen Hollander, of the US District Court for the District of Maryland, granted the injunction in a suit led by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO alleging that DOGE’s unrestricted access to Social Security data violates the Privacy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.
By Confirming Bisignano, Senate GOP Greenlights 'DOGE Destruction of Social Security'
Common Dreams
By Jessica Corbett
May 6, 2025
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) president Lee Saunders similarly said that "the Senate just escalated threats to Social Security" by confirming a billionaire CEO who "has spent his career catering to Wall Street elites." "Bisignano could have stood up for working families and retirees by opposing efforts to roll back Social Security services, shut down offices, and lay off thousands of workers. Instead, he promises to provide more of the same failed, destructive leadership we have seen so far at Social Security," Saunders pointed out, also flagging his "DOGE person" remarks.
Senate Confirms Frank Bisignano as Social Security Commissioner
The New York Times
By Tara Siegel Bernard
May 6, 2025
The Senate voted on Tuesday to confirm Frank Bisignano as commissioner of the Social Security Administration, which has been thrown into turmoil after a three-month stretch steered largely by Elon Musk’s unofficial Department of Government Efficiency. President Trump’s nominee was confirmed by a vote of 53 to 47, which had been expected and was split along party lines.
US cancels FDA bargaining session over layoffs, union says
Reuters
By Patrick Wingrove
May 6, 2025
The Trump administration last week canceled the first bargaining session scheduled with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's largest workers union since its ability to represent government staff was temporarily restored by a federal court, according one of the union's bosses. Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman on April 25 issued an injunction to block the executive order from being implemented, pending the outcome of a lawsuit by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents about 160,000 federal employees including as many as 9,000 FDA staff.
Bill Londrigan on Trump’s first 100 days
Forward Kentucky
By Berry Craig
May 6, 2025
Bill Londrigan didn’t mince words assessing Donald Trump’s first hundred days in office. “A disaster,” said the Kentucky State AFL-CIO president emeritus. “Not only for the country, but for the working people of America. He’s attacking workers, including union members, particularly in the public sector.”
Editor & Publisher
By Staff
May 6, 2025
“President Trump’s attack on public TV and radio stations is an attack on workers and an attack on our communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of CWA. “This country — of the people, built by the people, for the people — relies on an independent and free local press. Working people are at the heart of local news stations, covering the stories that matter most to their communities. And with our communities under attack, working people will stand together and fight back.”
Department of Education Eliminates Grant for PBS Children’s Shows
The New York Times
By Benjamin Mullin
May 6, 2025
The White House effort to cut funding for NPR and PBS is beginning to take effect. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which backs NPR and PBS, said in a statement on Tuesday that the Department of Education had terminated a federal grant program that funded shows for children. The abrupt cancellation of the grant program, called Ready To Learn, resulted in a loss of $23 million that would have gone to children’s educational shows and games.
Government Executive
By Sean Michael Newhouse
May 6, 2025
Dozens of former federal employees have been meeting weekly on Tuesdays on Capitol Hill to urge members of Congress to reverse President Donald Trump’s staff and programs cuts across government, which often have been carried out by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency. On Tuesday, the group held a sit-in on the Capitol steps, as Democratic members of Congress urged them to continue their advocacy.
Trump’s federal layoffs are disproportionately impacting women and people of color
Fast Company
By Pavithra Mohan
May 6, 2025
The Trump administration’s layoffs across the federal workforce have already left tens of thousands of employees without jobs or on indefinite leave. But many federal agencies have since been instructed to make even deeper cuts to their workforce. In total, at least 12% of the 2.4 million workers employed by the federal government could be impacted, according to the New York Times. For many workers, the sweeping cuts have upended the stability that federal jobs long promised. They also significantly impact women and people of color, effectively making them another attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts—something that has been a priority for the Trump administration.
Department of Transportation is latest federal agency expecting layoffs
CBS News
By Kris Van Cleave and Graham Kates
May 6, 2025
Employees at the Department of Transportation are bracing for layoffs, as part of the Trump administration's effort to cut the federal workforce. During a town hall meeting last week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy informed DOT employees that the layoffs — referred to as reduction in force, or RIF — are expected soon, DOT officials confirm to CBS News. An employee attending the town hall said Duffy did not offer specifics about which agencies or employees would be affected. The Department of Transportation said the final number of cuts would depend on how many employees first take a buyout offer.
Trump’s Probationary Staff Overhaul Reflects Lessons From Court
Bloomberg Law
By Courtney Rozen and Austin R. Ramsey
May 6, 2025
The Trump administration wants to make it easier for supervisors in the federal workforce to dismiss probationary employees after a federal judge blasted agencies for firing tens of thousands of those workers for poor “performance.” Fired probationary employees, people who are new to their position, reported receiving identical letters in February stating performance was to blame for their termination, regardless of previous praise from their bosses. That led to a temporary setback for the Trump administration’s push to slash thousands of public sector jobs. Now, agencies can dismiss probationary workers for four reasons, including if they don’t serve the “needs and interests of the agency,” according to President Donald Trump’s April executive order.
ORGANIZING
Starbucks baristas at Kidder Street location unionize
Times Leader
By Staff
May 5, 2025
Starbucks on Kidder Street recently became the 40th location in the state to unionize as workers last week voted 15-1 to join Starbucks Workers United. “The Kidder Street partners join a growing nationwide movement of more than 11,000 baristas working together to win workplace protections on core issues like living wages, respect, racial and gender equity, and fair scheduling and staffing,” a press release from the union read. According to the release, Kidder Street will join more than 580 locations in 45 states, and the District of Columbia, that have won their union.
UNION NEGOTIATIONS
Video Game Voice Actors And Publishers Clash Over "Best And Last" Offer To End The Strike
Game Spot
By Blair Marnell
May 6, 2025
Last July, SAG-AFTRA authorized a voice actors strike against the major video game publishers, largely over the issue of AI protections. Nearly 300 days later, that's still the final point of contention between both sides. Now, the publishers have released what they characterize as the "best and last" offer for actors. And the actors have fired back with their counteroffer, all in the court of public opinion.
Las Vegas healthcare workers rally for better pay, conditions
8 News Now
By Madison Kimbro
May 5, 2025
Healthcare professionals rallied outside Sunrise Hospital on Monday, asking for improved working conditions amid ongoing contract negotiations. Healthcare workers who spoke with 8 News Now said the hospital’s refusal to meet their basic needs is threatening staff retention and compromising patient care across the region. They also told 8 News Now they want to see some accountability from the parent corporation, the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). “We are the heart and soul of our hospital, and we matter,” Medical Social Worker Genie Patrick said.
The Second City performers threaten strike over pay
WBEZ Chicago
By Mike Davis
May 5, 2025
Performers and stage managers at Chicago’s venerable comedy venue The Second City are threatening to strike if they are unable to reach an agreement with management over wage increases. The Actors Equity Association announced the possibility of a strike. Negotiations between Actors Equity and leadership at The Second City have been ongoing since February. The performers and stage managers are seeking higher pay. The current contract expired April 13.
JOINING TOGETHER
AFSCME members to rally in Champaign County for more pay, better insurance
WAND TV
By WAND Digital Team
May 6, 2025
Champaign County members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) plan to rally outside the county courthouse at noon Tuesday. According to the union, the members have been without a contract for over 120 days. “We do the work that makes county government happen, and in return we just want a fair wage that allows us to pay our bills,” said Cecilia Phillips, AFSCME Local 900 President and a Deputy Clerk in the Circuit Clerk’s office. “We make public service our priority, and we need management to make us a priority, too. They can show us that with fair wage increases and affordable health insurance.”
USD faculty members to strike Wednesday against course cancellations
Times of San Diego
By Kira Caspers
May 6, 2025
The union faculty members with Service Employees International Union Local 721 filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board in April in response to the cuts. The strike comes amid concerns that the university is considering mass course cuts in arts and sciences for the upcoming fall semester.
UAW rallying to pressure Stellantis to shift production to Michigan, US
Michigan Public
By Steve Carmody
May 5, 2025
The United Auto Workers union is rallying its members to demand Stellantis move production work to the U.S., and Michigan in particular. The UAW held a rally in Trenton Monday and plans to hold another in Warren Tuesday. Kevin Gotinsky, the UAW Stellantis department director, said the automaker should increase capacity at several Michigan plants.” “We have to send a clear message to Stellantis, and that is to invest in us, not in your rich Wall Street shareholders,” said Gotinsky.
STATE LEGISLATION
Bowser wants to repeal 2022 law passed by voters on tipped minimum wage
The Washington Post
By Jenny Gathright and Tim Carman
May 6, 2025
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser on Monday announced plans to repeal a law that gradually raises tipped workers’ minimum wage, part of what she described as a broader effort to counteract the economic impacts of the Trump administration’s federal workforce cuts by making the city more business-friendly.
Orlando Weekly
By McKenna Schueler
May 6, 2025
In a rare win for the little guy in state politics, Florida lawmakers temporarily postponed and effectively killed a measure that sought to gut labor protections for nearly 1 million temporary workers in the state who do odd jobs in construction, janitorial services, and other industries with a low bar to entry. The bill (HB 6033), sponsored by Republican state Rep. Shane Abbott, sought to repeal Florida’s Labor Pool Act, a law approved in 1995 that established more than a dozen protections for temp workers that weren’t covered by any other state or federal law at the time.
Colorado Democrats send union bill to Gov Jared Polis with veto threat looming
Colorado Politics
By Marissa Ventrelli
May 6, 2025
Colorado lawmakers on Tuesday officially approved the proposal to eliminate the requirement for an election before labor organizations can negotiate to impose dues on non-union members. The measure's fate remains uncertain, as Gov. Jared Polis has said he would veto it if business and labor, which had been negotiating over the legislation, failed to reach a compromise. Both sides confirmed over the weekend that no deal had been reached. Senate Bill 005, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Reps. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, seeks to repeal 80-year-old requirement to hold an election to establish a "union security" agreement at a an-already unionized workplace. Under that law, once agreed to by the company and the labor group, non-union workers would be required to pay union fees.
Labor unions set for another showdown with Colorado governor
Axios Denver
By John Frank
May 6, 2025
"Once again, we urge Governor Polis to stand with Colorado's nurses, construction workers and service employees … instead of siding with billionaire CEOs and corporate consultants trying to maintain the status quo that hurts working Coloradans," said Dennis Dougherty, co-chair of Colorado Worker Rights United and Colorado AFL-CIO executive director, in a statement.
Anti-public union law on hold after groups gather enough signatures to ask voters for repeal
The Salt Lake Tribune
By Robert Gehrke
May 6, 2025
Lt. Gov Deidre Henderson issued an order Tuesday blocking a new anti-union law from taking effect as county clerks finish counting signatures supporting a referendum to repeal the law that seems certain to qualify for the 2026 ballot. Utah law requires the lieutenant governor to issue an injunction on the law taking effect when a referendum has met the criteria to qualify for the ballot — in this case 140,748 valid signatures, as well as specific signature thresholds in at least 15 of the state’s 29 senate districts.
Utah Lt. Gov. Henderson issues stay to 'union buster' bill after signature collection
KUTV
By Jared Turner
May 6, 2025
Utah Lt. Gov. Deirdre Henderson has issued a temporary stay that will keep the “union buster” bill passed by the State Legislature from becoming law. She made the announcement in a social media post Tuesday afternoon. The bill, officially known as HB 267, would block teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public employees from collective bargaining contracts – essentially taking away state employees’ right to negotiate for higher wages.
IN THE STATES
See photos as more than 100 gather to protest USPS privatization in Windsor Heights
Des Moines Register
By Cody Scanlan
May 5, 2025
USPS letter carriers gather to rally against the privatization of the Post Office on May 5, 2025, in Windsor Heights.
APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINING
Massachusetts Celebrates National Apprenticeship Day
Contractor Magazine
By Staff
May 6, 2025
On May 1st, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and State Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones joined labor leaders, workforce partners, state and local officials, and hundreds of apprentices at IBEW Local 103 Union Hall to celebrate National Apprenticeship Day and recognize 250 years of apprenticeship innovation in Massachusetts.
Evers administration proposes mandatory apprentice rule for public projects
The Daily Reporter
By Ethan Duran
May 5, 2025
A state-proposed rule to require registered apprentices on public projects went through preliminary hearings on Friday. Construction unions said the rule will increase their workforce numbers, while open shop contractors said the rule will bar some construction companies from bidding. The Wisconsin Department of Administration introduced SS-026-25, which would require contractors working on taxpayer-funded projects that cost more than $25 million to have at least 10% of its workforce in each craft to be active apprentices registered with the Department of Workforce Development.
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Letter carriers unite for annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive
WJBC
By Staff
May 6, 2025
Letter carriers across the nation will be picking up more than just mail at the mail box this weekend as part of their annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. It’s the 32nd year that National Association of Letter Carriers will hold the event and locally, branch 522 will lead the drive in Bloomington-Normal and pick up food along city routes on Saturday, May 10.