MUST READ
Richmond Times-Dispatch
By Gregory J. Gilligan
September 8, 2021
American union workers are fed up with skyrocketing inequality and runaway corporate greed, and they are standing up for their rights, the new president of the AFL-CIO federation said. Liz Shuler told about two dozen striking workers at Mondelez International Inc.’s bakery plant in eastern Henrico County on Wednesday afternoon that their sacrifice is important for all workers. “The entire labor movement is the symbolism here that they’re standing up for,” said Shuler, who became the first woman to lead the AFL-CIO when she took over last month following the death of longtime president Richard Trumka.
Passage of the PRO Act is best for workers (Opinion)
Arizona Capitol Times
By Gary Allen
September 8, 2021
As a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) who has worked under collective bargaining agreements for more than four decades, I know first-hand the importance of labor unions that helped build our nation’s middle class. I started at the General Electric Aircraft Engine Plant in Albuquerque, and I know workplace safety, fair wages, and a collective voice in the workplace are just a few of the reasons workers join a labor union. Such workers’ rights are so important nowadays as we know we need to expand our American middle class. While unions have had successes, there’s more work to be done for those wanting to join. Participating in union organizing campaigns all across the country, including in the West, I’ve seen the horrible lengths companies will go to in order to keep total control of their workforce. It is unacceptable and American workers deserve better. The way to empower American workers is by passing the PRO Act. It would hold employers accountable and institute civil penalties for violations of the law, including back pay and damages.
POLITICS
Biden hails unions: 'Worker power is essential'
The Hill
By Alex Gangitano
September 8, 2021
The president held an event to celebrate Labor Day alongside Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and United Food and Commercial Workers member Jocelyn Cruces, a pharmacy technician who is administering COVID-19 vaccines in Arizona. “I’m so tired of trickle down,” Biden said. “When the middle class is booming and moving, everybody does well.”
Biden praises labor unions, workers as backbone of U.S. economy
Spectrum News
By Austin Landis
September 8, 2021
President Joe Biden on Wednesday honored labor unions and workers as the backbone of the U.S. economy and a core target of his domestic agenda working its way through Capitol Hill. “This is your house,” he told attendees, including essential workers, union leaders, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “I wouldn't be here without you. “If the last year has taught us anything, it's what's essential,” he later added. “What's essential is you. Not a joke — you and your union members.” Biden has long been a union supporter, and on Monday he visited the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers chapter in Delaware, where he brought lunch and chatted with members.
Big-city mayors back workers’ right to organize
People’s World
By Mark Gruenberg
September 8, 2021
The nation’s big-city mayors have formally backed the Protect The Right To Organize (PRO) Act, the wide-ranging pro-worker labor law reform legislation Congress is considering. Their U.S. Conference of Mayors resolution, during their now-zoomed annual meeting, drew praise from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. The labor federation is leading the crusade for the House-passed measure, HR842, which faces right-wing, corporate and Republican nationalism and a possible Senate GOP filibuster threat. “The nation’s mayors have called for passage of the PRO Act, and now it is time for the senators in Washington to listen,” Shuler said. The resolution also demands Congress pass related legislation ordering states to allow collective bargaining for public sector workers. Republican-run red states have banned it.
JOINING TOGETHER
Pokémon Oreos Would Be Cooler If Nabisco Workers Weren’t Striking
Kotaku
By Ian Walker
September 8, 2021
Nabisco employees belonging to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union (BCTGM) have been on strike since August 10 over disagreements with the company while negotiating a new labor contract. The main points of contention include Nabisco’s pushing for mandatory weekend work, longer shifts with no overtime pay, and a new health insurance plan that increases costs for workers. “Basically, the main thing we’re trying to get is a fair contract,” Nathan Williams, a Nabisco oiler from Virginia, told Motherboard last month. “During the pandemic, we came in seven days a week. Some people worked every day—16 hours a day—for three months. For [Nabisco leadership], it’s all about finding the cheapest way to make cookies.”
IUPAT Announces New Executive Board Members
US Glass News Network
By News Editor
September 8, 2021
On August 1, 2021, the general executive board of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) voted unanimously to elect a new executive board with Jimmy Williams Jr. as the organization’s new general president. Gregg Smith will serve as the new general secretary-treasurer. This comes after the retirement of general president Ken Rigmaiden and general secretary-treasurer George Galis on August 31. According to a press release, Williams Jr. enters as the youngest general president in IUPAT’s history, the youngest president of any building trades union in the U.S., and the youngest among unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
IN THE STATES
Workers thank Congressman Tim Ryan for fighting for bill helping their rights
WKBN
By Dave Sess
September 7, 2021
The PRO Act is a piece of legislation which strengthens the right for workers to organize. On Tuesday, the Communication Workers of America thanked Congressman Tim Ryan for his fight for the bill. PRO stands for Protecting the Right to Organize. The bill would also change the definition of independent contractors.
D'Asaro: Labor Day was brought to you by the Labor Movement
Daily Independent
By Teresa D’Asaro
September 7, 2021
This year, Labor Day takes on a whole new meaning for our labor movement as workers continue to fight for dignity and respect in the workplace, all while providing essential services on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve also seen employers’ true colors through our global health crisis. While some sprang into action to protect workers, we had to fight with others to provide basic necessities, like personal protective equipment or even a safe way for workers to report COVID-19 outbreaks without fear of retaliation. As the Chair of the Maricopa Area Labor Federation representing thousands of union members throughout the county, I can attest to the fact that our labor unions have activated like never before.
LABOR AND COMMUNITY
Labor council donates truck load of items to Food Bank of Sweetwater County
Wyoming Business Report
September 8, 2021
Labor Day Picnic attendees donated a truck load of food to the Food Bank of Sweetwater County and $350 in cash donations for the diaper bank. Southwestern Wyoming Central Labor Council members collected the donations and delivered them to the food bank in Rock Springs. Labor Council president Monte Morlock stated in a press release, “I want to thank all the people who came to the picnic and made donations. It was nice to meet and visit with everyone again. I also want to thank all the volunteers who helped make the picnic a success and Commerce Bank for the use of their grill.” The Central Labor Council is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and works to improve the lives of working people.