AFL-CIO Blog

  • Solidarity with Autoworkers: What Working People Are Doing This Week
    Solidarity with Autoworkers: What Working People Are Doing This Week AFL-CIO Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week. Actors' Equity:
    The latest issue of Equity News is available now! In this issue: Looking back at Equity's first strike, updates to the Short Engagement Touring Agreement and more! https://t.co/FJ25BeCmWj pic.twitter.com/vSmIvsnN11 — Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) September 18, 2019
    AFGE:
    We’re sending a clear message that no one messes with America’s workforce. Join us on September 24. https://t.co/FyYxjY90h4 #FedUpRiseUp #1u #RedForFeds pic.twitter.com/zN0bYjHVzg — AFGE (@AFGENational) September 18, 2019
    AFSCME:
    “He means the world to me,” says Never Quit Service Award winner Mandy Roberts-Amo. “I treat him like one of my own kids, because I know that he can do things. He’s a very strong-willed child and he’s extremely intelligent.” https://t.co/Z2bUXw3DSH — AFSCME (@AFSCME) September 18, 2019
    AFT:
    The secretary of labor needs to be a true advocate for working people, not a lawyer who spent his career defending corporations and stripping workers of their rights. Sign the petition here & reject Eugene Scalia for Secretary of Labor! https://t.co/MHDzk7kl5l pic.twitter.com/bGjZZ9ig4r — AFT (@AFTunion) September 18, 2019
    Air Line Pilots Association:
    Did you miss @ALPAPresident's keynote at #NATCACFS2019? Check out the full remarks here: https://t.co/GuxGo24Aiq — ALPA (@WeAreALPA) September 17, 2019
    Alliance for Retired Americans:
    ALERT: The Trump administration is pushing short-term health plans. But these plans don't provide the comprehensive coverage the ACA does and leave consumers with hefty bills. We can't afford insurance companies' greed any longer. #ProtectOurCare #JunkInsurance https://t.co/kq1Bh0X2QT — Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) September 18, 2019
    Amalgamated Transit Union:
    Silicon Valley light rail, bus drivers reach contract deal after contentious negotiations https://t.co/T6Vl6bN0P4 #1u #p2 #UnionStrong — ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) September 9, 2019
    American Federation of Musicians:
    Never surprising, but always outrageous when the corporate overlords try to stop working people from joining together in union. Solidarity with the @kickstarter staff organizing! ✊🏿✊✊🏾 #1uhttps://t.co/eaNHECekAx via @slate — AFM (@The_AFM) September 13, 2019
    American Postal Workers Union:
    Have you made the call? #USPSFairnessAct #APWUnited #1U pic.twitter.com/iDjlKBcE4v — APWU National (@APWUnational) September 18, 2019
    Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
    Power to the striking @UAW workers! We brought our protest pup Hermione to the picket line at the Whitemarsh GM plant in MD where many workers share that this will be the 5th or 6th time they are are left to forcibly quit or relocate. #UAWstrike #StandWithUs pic.twitter.com/kWIxZmXGuT — APALA (@APALAnational) September 18, 2019
    Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
    A room full of @afa_cwa Government Affairs activists gearing up to head to Capitol Hill to fight for Flight Attendant issues. #1u pic.twitter.com/CcGGaLK30p — AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) September 17, 2019
    Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
    One day longer @UAW. This fight against the greed of @GM is for all of us. We stand with you in solidarity. #UAWStrike #1u https://t.co/Jpt0ahO3T2 — BCTGM International (@BCTGM) September 18, 2019
    Boilermakers:
    Local 158 (Peoria, IL) members love veterans. Find out how they show their support https://t.co/vVN9VDr1CL — Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) September 16, 2019
    Bricklayers:
    Proud BAC Local 13 Nevada members are working on this project! #BestHandsintheBusiness #1u https://t.co/jq9IvMm1Cs — Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) September 18, 2019
    California School Employees Association:
    The final member who received the Member of the Year award at conference this year was Sandy Bennett! pic.twitter.com/4Kuy0uZN6u — CSEA (@CSEA_Now) September 17, 2019
    Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
    The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists stands in solidarity with our striking UAW sisters and brothers. Know that your fight is our fight. Your victory will be our reward. #OneFight #solidarity @UAW pic.twitter.com/GapR8eyihB — CBTU (@CBTU72) September 17, 2019
    Coalition of Labor Union Women:
    Register TODAY: September 16, or an extra $50 dollar fee will be added to the price of registration. https://t.co/KtwL7xICwu pic.twitter.com/nx52WQIdfF — CLUW National (@CLUWNational) September 16, 2019
    Communications Workers of America:
    This #HispanicHeritageMonth, we celebrate the valuable contributions of Latinx communities around the country to our culture and history! We recognize the incredible sacrifices made by Hispanic labor activists and continue to fight in their honor to build solidarity and power. pic.twitter.com/IV8QekUeUM — CWA (@CWAUnion) September 16, 2019
    Department for Professional Employees:
    Story producers for reality tv shows often have low pay, no benefits, and poor working conditions. Joining together in union is best way to fix these problems. #1u https://t.co/OdsITpX9Ok — Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) September 18, 2019
    Electrical Workers:
    Hotel employees in the #IBEW ? In this Iowa community, they’re a perfect fit. https://t.co/kEiEAgj3HW — IBEW (@IBEW) September 16, 2019
    Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
    Farm worker members working hard all day, doing backbreaking work at these speeds, work we will not do. We thank them and fight alongside them for their human rights!https://t.co/JVNmgHf5DW — Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) September 18, 2019
    Fire Fighters:
    #IAFFBurnCamp19 is happening this week and burn campers had a chance to tour the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. To learn more about the International Burn Camp visit: https://t.co/qN8uvsjhaj pic.twitter.com/6JtB3y9oFQ — IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) September 18, 2019
    Heat and Frost Insulators:
    We are extremely excited to announce that the Insulators Union will be participating in the @EnergyCommerce hearing this Friday at 9am: “Building a 100 Percent Clean Economy: Solutions for the U.S. Building Sector." The hearing will be streamed live: https://t.co/KCPLf4nJ5b — Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) September 18, 2019
    International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
    . @IFPTE, @seiu_uhw, and @OPEIU are ready to #STRIKE for their patients and their families!! #KaiserPermanente can still do the right thing and put patients over profits! #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/32tkkC28hK — IFPTE (@IFPTE) September 18, 2019
    Ironworkers:
    On September 27, you have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand how an old stove turns into the World Trade Center. Steel mills, fabrication plants, and other facilities across the country will open their doors for an annual #SteelDay celebration. https://t.co/rb59QLS2Uy pic.twitter.com/OVux8FyN3w — Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) September 18, 2019
    Jobs With Justice:
    When employers force working people to sign arbitration agreements, they strip them of their ability to take action if and/or when the employer does something wrong. https://t.co/GKUUXcC9nv — Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) September 18, 2019
    Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
    Hispanic Heritage Month has kicked off, read this compelling interview with Yanira Merino, LCLAA's National President and LiUNA's National Immigration Coordinator.@LIUNA https://t.co/bxtRawhkmc — LCLAA (@LCLAA) September 17, 2019
    Laborers:
    #LIUNA members are speaking out against so-called right-to-work in Virginia https://t.co/Mc3ttMYETX — LIUNA (@LIUNA) September 17, 2019
    Machinists:
    🧘🏿‍♀️🧘🏻‍♀️🧘🏽‍♀️🧘🏾‍♀️🧘‍♀️ teachers are organizing around making yoga instruction a sustainable profession. Follow @Unionize_Yoga for more ℹ️ #1u https://t.co/dgIDFvavPI — Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) September 18, 2019
    Metal Trades Department:
    “For this particular strike, I think what happened is the union feels somewhat betrayed. Because they helped GM during the bankruptcy period by taking concessions. And then GM turned around and closed those plants.” https://t.co/uZic6CXVJl — Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) September 17, 2019
    Mine Workers:
    “In July, we were alarmed to learn that 1,200 retired coal miners, their widows and their dependents would lose their health care benefits at the end of the calendar year." https://t.co/MI6Jd04hQY — United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) September 17, 2019
    Musical Artists:
    New York is a Union Town. Had a great day marching in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in organized labor! @AFLCIO @lizshuler @Local_802_AFM #LDP2019 #unionstrong #1u pic.twitter.com/6me5Seuk3I — AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) September 7, 2019
    National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
    For the panel “Commercial Space: Integrating the Future of the NAS,” NATCA Commercial Space Rep Paul Behan introduced ACTA's Kevin Hatton & Space Florida Senior VP & GM Jim Kuzma at #NATCACFS2019 to talk about ensuring compliance while encouraging commercial space operations. pic.twitter.com/teZl9eoFOS — NATCA CFS (@NATCACFS) September 17, 2019
    National Association of Letter Carriers:
    Gerome went to #NewMexico! He visited the Hot Air Balloon Museum in Albuquerque & then met with a retired letter carrier, Daniel Cdebaca, at the post office in Bernalillo. Write to [email protected] if you want Gerome to visit you. https://t.co/XgDZrRdfJa #1u #postalproud pic.twitter.com/zzeEIKlNgD — Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) September 18, 2019
    National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
    "Every single candidate needs to answer this question." NDLON's @sg_ndlon on whether Dems will #ChangeCourse on immigration, and the powerful #ElPasoFirme call to action Via @latinorebels: https://t.co/eEqoJ0uIhn — NDLON (@NDLON) September 16, 2019
    National Domestic Workers Alliance:
    Here’s how we do it: → Universal Family Care → Paid family leave → Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights — Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) September 18, 2019
    National Federation of Federal Employees:
    It's time to rise up against attacks on federal workers' rights, union contracts, and the ability to have a voice in the workplace! Join us on 9.24.19. #FedUpRiseUp pic.twitter.com/mxl65YWwnq — NFFE (@NFFE_Union) September 18, 2019
    National Nurses United:
    Why are #nurses at @UChicagoMed going on strike on Friday? Three words: For. Our. Patients. RN Denise Summers speaks at the @RPCoalition Saturday Morning Forum about this week's #RNStrike: pic.twitter.com/0vmh7LFuH5 — NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) September 18, 2019
    National Taxi Workers Alliance:
    Lyft, you may recall, is the same company that has been lying to California drivers, telling them that the new rules in AB5 will force the company to make drivers work scheduled shifts, when nothing in the law has any impact on driver schedules. — NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) September 13, 2019
    The NewsGuild-CWA:
    Congratulations on winning your first raise in more than a decade! Keep fighting the good fight! https://t.co/3mUyzxTOO8 — NewsGuild (@news_guild) September 18, 2019
    NFL Players Association:
    Veteran @BBulaga has the right idea–it's all about being prepared. #StayReady #ExpirationisComing https://t.co/zy5kIQ6o3D pic.twitter.com/IoCHaIS0ox — NFLPA (@NFLPA) September 17, 2019
    North America's Building Trades Unions:
    Another day, another #UnionConstruction project 🙌 Great progress is being made on the new 65,000 @Raiders stadium. Check out what the #BuildingTrades union members have to say!https://t.co/lPnkpscJct — The Building Trades (@NABTU) September 17, 2019
    Office and Professional Employees:
    We must put an end to #ForcedArbitration to ensure all working people retain the right to hold their employer accountable. — OPEIU (@OPEIU) September 18, 2019
    Painters and Allied Trades:
    Sign up for the IUPAT Rapid Action Network now! This e-activist network is our latest effort to get you the issues that matter the most on time and in your inbox. https://t.co/6qsEy4YPrk pic.twitter.com/VyyZKD7111 — GoIUPAT✊🏽 (@GoIUPAT) September 17, 2019
    Plasterers and Cement Masons:
    “IRAPs will not only jeopardize standards in the construction industry, putting workers and customers at risk, but also endanger the public who use the buildings and infrastructure the workers build. IRAPs have no place in the construction industry” https://t.co/uk5LojFyx3 — OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) September 18, 2019
    Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
    Aviation safety begins with men & women who make up the aviation workforce worldwide. PASS members at Federal Aviation Administration who perform safety critical work stand in solidarity w #RyanAir & @sepla_pilotos fighting for a fair contract. #unionsolidarty @WeAreALPA @AFLCIO https://t.co/CFLHOH10mf — PASS (@PASSNational) September 13, 2019
    Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
    Who do you think really represents the interests of working people? The union members & allies who came out to protest, or the @RightToWork attorney they were protesting who literally represented Mark Janus in front of the Supreme Court? pic.twitter.com/d1C0qlDTni — RWDSU (@RWDSU) September 17, 2019
    SAG-AFTRA:
    Union Announces Sweeping Changes for Largest Third Party Signatories https://t.co/mGUAssQSOt pic.twitter.com/BN3eFfJ4y5 — SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) September 17, 2019
    School Administrators:
    GM closing plants and sending job overseas not only hurts workers and our economy, it impacts the tax base in our communities taking vital money and resources away from schools and our children. Don't buy a GM car until the workers get a fair contract. Read our letter. #UAWStrike pic.twitter.com/rDN7f6k4Dg — AFSA Leadership (@AFSAUnion) September 17, 2019
    Solidarity Center:
    50+ union leaders & activists have been abducted in #Zimbabwe since Jan, & doctors now are protesting the abduction & disappearance of the acting president of the Zimbabwean Hospital Drs Assoc, Peter Magombeyi. @ZctuZimbabwe @ituc_africa @AfriNewsAgencyhttps://t.co/rzJrrFqZKk — Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) September 18, 2019
    Theatrical Stage Employees:
    "His great grandfather John Epley Barnhart was one of the original founders of IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, whose logo Lohrer proudly wears on the sleeve of his official The Lion King shirt." https://t.co/cyyv9Hh64Z — IATSE (@IATSE) September 18, 2019
    Transport Workers:
    The TWU supports @UAW workers on strike! #1u #solidarity https://t.co/hsqRGpT1Yz pic.twitter.com/tfnQCC4eSf — TWU (@transportworker) September 17, 2019
    Transportation Trades Department:
    The time to invest in our transportation #infrastructure is now, as, in the words of @RepPeterDeFazio, "the cost of inaction is too great."https://t.co/wVz5AuZsQW — Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) September 18, 2019
    UAW:
    We stood up for General Motors when they needed us most. Now we need GM to stand with us and invest in the healthcare we deserve. Working in the plant takes a toll on our bodies, so quality healthcare and affordable prescriptions are an investment in us! #Solidarity #StandWithUs pic.twitter.com/mFXKQpihLW — UAW (@UAW) September 18, 2019
    Union Veterans Council:
    It’s Saturday morning what are you doing🤔 I spent time this morning with over 50 union volunteers with the NOVA Labor Council launching a walk for @HelmerVA. Don’t just post about change! Be the change by knocking 🚪’s and making 📞’s. #1u pic.twitter.com/2a06sR3vip — Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) September 14, 2019
    UNITE HERE:
    Truth is, @Marriott’s “Green Choice” program hurts housekeepers. 💸 We lose wages and benefits. 🤕 Our jobs are harder and more painful. 🧪 We have to use more chemicals. Don't skip housekeeping. Sign the pledge to reject "Green Choice" → https://t.co/9XVtbcIRll#OOW19 — UNITE HERE (@unitehere) September 18, 2019
    United Food and Commercial Workers:
    Congrats to these members! MT @PaulMeinemaUFCW: Firefighters in Quebec - proud members of #UFCW Local 501 - have achieved a new union contract that provides wage increases, minimum hours of work & more. That's the #union advantage! https://t.co/Lg8Q3v5b9d pic.twitter.com/6nIN3UsXfq — UFCW (@UFCW) September 17, 2019
    United Steelworkers:
    As summer ends, other journeys begin at district Women of Steel leadership trainings https://t.co/TteioPgFSZ #WOS pic.twitter.com/ObIriD5sxF — United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) September 18, 2019
    United Students Against Sweatshops:
    "Campus activism can have a huge impact. Take the case of United Students Against Sweatshops..." Climate Strikes: What They Accomplish And How They Could Have More Impact https://t.co/QVAY5TCrPz — USAS (@USAS) September 16, 2019
    United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers:
    September is #SuicidePreventionMonth. We have partnered with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention to bring awareness to our members and their families. Pledge to STAND up for #suicideprevention. https://t.co/HaWee9IciE pic.twitter.com/WjLimz1vXA — Roofers Union (@roofersunion) September 16, 2019
    Utility Workers:
    Thank you, @SenDuckworth of Illinois, for taking the time to meet with us this week. It was an honor to meet you, and we appreciate the opportunity to discuss important issues faced by our members both in the state and across the nation. pic.twitter.com/iMqKXdf74m — UWUA National (@The_UWUA) September 18, 2019
    Working America:
    .@GM cutting off the health coverage of @UAW members striking for fair wages and better job security is beyond cruel. It's even worse when you remember that the CEO of General Motors was compensated $21.87 million in 2018 alone. #GMStrike https://t.co/toc3Z419pO — Working America (@WorkingAmerica) September 17, 2019
    Writers Guild of America, East:
    Introducing #LaborLingo - the WGA East's official Union Glossary! Because fall may be back-to-school season, but you can learn about unions any time of the year. #1u pic.twitter.com/rQljE7zIOR — Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) September 12, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/19/2019 - 09:50     — Sep 19
  • ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: A Huge Deal
    ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: A Huge Deal On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” podcast co-hosts Julie Greene and Tim Schlittner check in with AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council Executive Director Brad Markell about the UAW strike at General Motors and interview Veena Dubal, an associate law professor at UC Hastings College of the Law, whose work helped pave the way for passage of A.B. 5, the landmark pro-worker legislation in California.  Listen to our previous episodes: “State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/18/2019 - 10:40 Tags: Podcast — Sep 18
  • U.S. Labor Movement Supports Mexico's Working People
    U.S. Labor Movement Supports Mexico's Working People AFL-CIO At a meeting Saturday in Chicago, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) assured Mexican-American political, labor, community and religious leaders that the U.S. labor movement will work to ensure that any new trade agreement raises the standards of living for all working people across North America. “Any NAFTA agreement that leaves Mexican workers poor and vulnerable and American workers jobless is dead on arrival," Trumka said. And the U.S. and Mexican labor movement are in agreement that any new trade agreement must work for people not corporations.” Mexican Sen. Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, who leads Los Mineros, one of Mexico's few independent unions, attended the meeting along with Mexican Congresswoman María Libier González-Anaya. Both agreed with Trumka that any new trade agreement must protect workers on both sides of the border. AFL-CIO Gómez Urrutia explained that while the recently passed Mexican labor law reform was an important step forward, there is still much work to do to protect independent unions, and workers' freedom to bargain for a fair contract. “When NAFTA was passed 25 years ago, Mexico had the highest wages in Latin America," Gómez Urrutia said. "Today we have the lowest salary. This trade agreement created a model to exploit working people, through sham contracts written by corporations. Today in Mexico corporations set their own unions and enforce their own contracts." AFL-CIO The meeting took place a week after Trumka met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in the presidential palace in Mexico City, where they had a frank conversation about the fundamental changes that must be at the heart of any North American trade deal.  “I am absolutely convinced that President López Obrador wants the new labor law to work," Trumka said. "If in fact the new labor law doesn’t work and we can’t get rid of those 700,000 contracts, then I am afraid that our brothers and sisters in Mexico will be forced to live in poverty for decades to come. This is a great opportunity to enforce that law." AFL-CIO While in Mexico, Trumka also met with the nation’s labor minister and leaders from independent unions, including Gómez Urrutia. He witnessed firsthand the obstacles Mexican working people face in freely negotiating a collective bargaining agreement:
    My trip only served to confirm the disastrous impact of NAFTA. Forty percent of our brothers and sisters in Mexico are living in poverty. There are still hundreds of thousands of protectionist contracts. For years the Mexican government has kept wages artificially low for Mexican workers, and the tool that they used to do that are these sham contracts. 
    AFL-CIO The AFL-CIO’s senior strategic adviser for state and local bodies and federations, Ramon Becerra, and AFL-CIO International Director Cathy Feingold played active roles in organizing the meeting and engaging with political and community leaders from Mexican-American clubs, federations and worker centers, and labor and immigration activists. AFL-CIO In addition to trade, immigration was a top issue discussed during the meeting. González-Anaya highlighted the important role of labor unions in protecting immigrant rights.  In his address, Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter (IUOE) said, “At this time of history when Chicago is building on its legacy of being an immigrant city and fighting back against those who seek to divide us on economics and issues of race and ethnicity, when we should be coming together to lift up our core values and fight for economic and social justice.” AFL-CIO Trumka reminded attendees that we are a labor movement of immigrants and that our unions must provide sanctuary and our contracts must offer protections where our laws do not.  “Immigrants can find hope and a home in the labor movement,” he said. “Our nation is being poisoned by hateful rhetoric and divisive tactics that come from the highest level of our government. We are not going to rest until every aspiring American can live here and work here safely as a citizen of the United States.”   AFL-CIO Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/17/2019 - 10:03 Tags: Mexico     — Sep 17
  • Pittston, Solidarity and Labor's Future: Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup
    Pittston, Solidarity and Labor's Future: Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup In addition to the AFL-CIO's own "State of the Unions," there are a lot of other podcasts out there that have their own approach to discussing labor issues and the rights of working people. Here are the latest podcasts from across the labor movement in the United States. Follow the links below to find podcasts. They also can be found wherever you listen to podcasts: Arise! Labor Edition: Richard Trumka on Pittston, Solidarity and Labor's Future. Building Bridges: "Putting the movement back into the union movement with Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, who denounced President Trump’s government shutdown for endangering airline security and forcing workers to labor without pay and told her fellow labor leaders, 'to end this shutdown with a general strike!' She became America’s most powerful flight attendant and a rising star of the labor movement. And Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, president of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), New York's largest nurses union, which has become known for its support of Medicare for All. It has taken its service-oriented union work and further extended it for community needs. And Bianca Cunningham, a staff writer and organizer at Labor Notes Magazine, who got her start in the labor movement as a Verizon retail worker. She was a leader in the 2014 drive that won a union at seven stores, breaking into wireless retail for the first time in the company's history. These workers went on to win their first union contract when they joined landline workers in the 2016 Verizon strike." Heartland Labor Forum: "It’s 38 days and counting that the Blackjewel coal miners of Harlan County, Kentucky, are occupying the tracks saying, 'No Pay, We Stay!' We’ll get their story. Then, it’s almost 40 years since President Ronald Reagan fired over 11,000 striking professional air traffic controllers. What are the lessons of the [Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization] strike for today?"UCOMM Live: This week: "SharpieGate, the Weatherman and our new app, Drug Hub. Plus we have an interview with the AFL-CIO's Liz Shuler. She talks to us at the New York City Labor Day Parade. We remember 9/11 with IBEW Local 3's Business Manager Chris Erikson. Lenny is back to talk about the opioid crisis and some of the great work he did this past week volunteering in Philly. We look at how the [National Labor Relations Board] has lost its way under Trump, his obsession with a weather map, and the 10,000 jobs that were lost because of his trade war." Union City Radio: For the week of Sept. 9-13. Your Rights At Work: "Brian Prechtl, co-chair of the Baltimore Symphony Musicians Players’ Committee, with a BSO lockout update; 1199 SEIU's Yahnae Barner on the NLRB ruling that Universal Health Services Inc. at George Washington University Hospital engaged in unfair labor practices; POGO's Becca Jones on the effect of SharpieGate on federal workers, 'Case Closed' with David Schloss and Press Associates Inc.'s Mark Gruenberg with the latest labor news." Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/16/2019 - 14:50 Tags: Podcast — Sep 16
  • Nearly 50,000 UAW Members at GM Go on Strike
    Nearly 50,000 UAW Members at GM Go on Strike AFL-CIO As of midnight Sunday, UAW members at General Motors have gone on strike. The 2015 collective bargaining agreement between UAW and GM expired Saturday after GM offered an inadequate new contract. Nearly 50,000 workers are now on strike. They are demanding fair wages, affordable health care, a share of profits, job security and a defined path to permanent seniority for temporary workers. UAW President Gary Jones said: “We told UAW GM members that we would stand up for them and their future.” UAW Vice President Terry Dittes explained: “We stood up for General Motors when they needed us most. Now we are standing together in unity and solidarity for our members, their families and the communities where we work and live." Ted Krumm of UAW Local 652, who is the national bargaining committee chair, further expanded upon the need for the strike: 
    We have been clear at the table about what GM members have indicated we will accept. We are standing up for what is right. We as local unions will sacrifice to stand up for what we deserve. Our members have spoken; we have taken action; and this is a decision we did not make lightly. We are committed to a strong contract at GM that recognizes our UAW members, who make some of the greatest products in the world and make GM so profitable.
    AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) showed the federation's support for members of the UAW:
    As our UAW brothers and sisters prepare to walk the picket line, the 12.5 million working people of the AFL-CIO are ready to march alongside them. Calling a strike is a deeply difficult decision and always a measure of last resort. This is a fight to win dignity for the 46,000 auto workers who have delivered their bosses record-breaking profits for years. We will have their backs every day until they win the respect and security that they deserve.
    Other labor leaders, organizations and allies quickly showed their support for UAW members:
    Statement from President Bieber supporting UAW-GM members on strike. #Solidarity #1u https://t.co/cTCHl0zVkW — Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) September 16, 2019
     
    Always proud to stand with UAW members fighting for good jobs and fair wages. I’m hopeful the UAW and GM can negotiate and ratify a contract quickly so Michigan’s autoworkers can get back on the job as soon as possible, as this is so important to our economy. pic.twitter.com/BnVAFIlm9D — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) September 16, 2019
     
    Statement of NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on UAW’s Strike against General Motors https://t.co/6ahSY6RjUd — NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) September 16, 2019
     
    AFGE members stand in total solidarity with @UAW members striking for a fair contract with @GM! https://t.co/GVPa9hqTNO — AFGE (@AFGENational) September 16, 2019
     
    The IAM stands with the thousands of @GM workers as they fight for good wages and benefits! #solidarityhttps://t.co/whLHt9iK7q — Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) September 16, 2019
     
    .@Teamsters will honor @UAW @gm picket lines pic.twitter.com/NJpBv2DAfy — David Shepardson (@davidshepardson) September 15, 2019
     
    I support the @UAW's decision to employ American workers' most serious tool to achieve a better deal. #1u — Rep. Andy Levin (@RepAndyLevin) September 16, 2019
     
    I stand in solidarity with workers as they fight for better wages and benefits. — Senator Gary Peters (@SenGaryPeters) September 15, 2019
    Numerous presidential candidates also weighed in with their support for the UAW members:
    Unions like @UAW built the middle class in America by negotiating for better wages, benefits and treatment in the workplace. That work continues today.I stand with UAW as they fight to ensure their members’ hard work is rewarded with a fair share of the success they’ve created.— Michael Bennet (@MichaelBennet) September 16, 2019
    A job is about a lot more than a paycheck. It's about dignity and respect.Proud to stand with @UAW to demand fair wages and benefits for their members. America's workers deserve better. https://t.co/vdYS3sp4eo— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 15, 2019
    I'm proud to stand with the hardworking members of @UAW in their fight for fair wages, health care, and job security. @GM should do right by the workers who fuel its profits. https://t.co/3XF8OswRRn— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) September 16, 2019
    My grandfather was an assembly line worker & @UAW union rep outside of Detroit who showed me the power of collective action as a force to improve lives & right injustice. I stand with UAW workers in their fight for fair wages, better benefits & reversal of plant closures. https://t.co/zgXmm0m8jw— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) September 16, 2019
    As a former union-side labor lawyer, I know how difficult of a decision this is for hardworking folks and their families. They deserve better wages, benefits, and job security. A company generating record profits should pay workers their fair share. https://t.co/rc3ll07SBO— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) September 16, 2019
    The CEO of @GM made nearly $22 million dollars last year—281 times the median GM worker.I stand with the 46,000 @UAW members who have moved to strike, fighting for affordable health care and fair wages.GM can afford to do right by them.#StandWithUS #1U— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) September 15, 2019
    I stand in solidarity with the more than 48,000 United Auto Workers members who are striking for affordable health care, fair wages, and job security. When we raise our voices together, we can win. https://t.co/VJOhoBqjs6— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 16, 2019
    I stand with workers. I stand with @UAW. #UnionStrong https://t.co/rCVz7D4VvK— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) September 16, 2019
    I am with the United Auto Workers on strike today—and with workers everywhere, fighting for the dignity they deserve.— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) September 16, 2019
    Proud to be on the picket line w/ Lordstown @UAW members who are striking w/ 40,000+ of their sisters & brothers for fair wages & affordable healthcare, job security, a path for temp workers to become full-time workers and their share of GM's record-setting profits. #StandWithUS pic.twitter.com/dMvIZV2lfR— Tim Ryan (@TimRyan) September 16, 2019
    I am proud to support the @UAW workers who are standing up to the greed of GM. Our message to GM is a simple one: End the greed, sit down with the UAW and work out an agreement that treats your workers with the respect and the dignity they deserve. https://t.co/nAQoeX82oz— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) September 15, 2019
    I stand with the 50,000 @UAW members striking at General Motors. GM must put the welfare of its workers above perks for its executives and provide fair wages, affordable healthcare, and secure jobs.— Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) September 16, 2019
    Auto workers deserve good wages, comprehensive benefits, and economic security. I stand with @UAW as they strike to get what they deserve, and urge GM to come to the table and negotiate in good faith. https://t.co/VRmL7VzSzt— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) September 16, 2019
    Unions and the @UAW have been a force for worker equity and fair treatment for decades even as our economy has grown more inhuman and punishing. GM should value its workers fairly and compensate them what they deserve. https://t.co/hPwo38VOOp— Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) September 16, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/16/2019 - 12:17     — Sep 16