News

Beware the Medicare Coverage Helpline

By BERRY CRAIG

AFT Local 1360

Progressive Marriott Union Contract Could Have Ripple Effects

A series of settlements hammered out over the past few weeks between Marriott and its striking workers in Boston and seven other cities are ushering in groundbreaking benefits that could set a precedent not just for the service industry but for workers nationwide.

The Boston agreement, reached after workers spent more than six weeks on the picket lines, marching and chanting in the wind and rain and snow, includes a roughly 20 percent increase in wages over 4½ years, a 37 percent increase in pension contributions, and six weeks of paid maternity leave, plus two weeks for spouses.

Retired AFM Member Takes Advantage of Union Plus Rebate

When Gary Williams began shopping for new cell phones as holiday gifts for himself and his wife Dena last year, he quickly realized it was time to switch carriers. Williams is a retired member of American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 674 and a Union Plus Credit Cardholder, which gives him access to AT&T® discounts and benefits. When he learned about the AT&T smartphone rebate available to him, choosing AT&T was a no-brainer.

The Backlash to the GOP’s Union-Bashing Has Begun in Earnest

Has the Republican Party’s grand experiment in union-busting finally come to an end? Scott Walker, the Republican governor of Wisconsin, rose to national prominence in 2011 when he passed a landmark bill dealing a blow to unions in the state and across the country. With Act 10, Walker stripped public workers of their right to collectively bargain, gutting their salaries, health care, and pensions.

AFL-CIO President: How Working People Defined the Midterm Election

There was plenty of punditry plastered across cable news last week. But, as the dust settles, there is one story that has come to define this election: working people standing together to make a difference. The labor movement unleashed an unprecedented political program this year. Across the country, union members made the difference, fighting for our issues, for union candidates and for our proven allies.

AFL-CIO President 'Applauds' Trump on Trade, But Gives His Record a Thumbs Down

Richard Trumka, president of the U.S.’s largest labor group, AFL-CIO, appreciates President Donald Trump’s stance on trade. However, as it stands now, the president does not have a record that helps workers, according to Trumka.

Students Get Hands-On Experience In Building Trades During National Apprentice Week

Sponsored by the Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO, National Apprenticeship Week celebrates leaders in business, labor, and education and allows them to demonstrate their support for apprenticeship programs.

“We are committed to making our students and community aware of the multiple career options available and hands-on events are an excellent way for this meaningful career exploration to take place,” said Gary Kiltz, Superintendent of Greendale Schools.

With Its Primary Opponents Voted Out, What's Next For Labor Unions?

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with the president of the AFL-CIO, Richard Trumka, about union strategies following the midterm elections.

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Did teachers flunk on Nov. 6? Teachers say no.

By BERRY CRAIG

AFT Local 1360

Teacher ire over the Republican pension bill was supposed to trigger a big
Democratic wave last week.

The tsunami was a trickle. But don't blame waning teacher ardor, said Abigail
Barnes, a state House hopeful who lost.

A Paducah attorney who lives in Salem, Barnes disagrees that Democrats failed
to dent GOP supermajorities in the legislature "because the teachers didn't get out and
vote."