Pride Month Profiles: Miranda Schubert

For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Miranda Schubert of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

Miranda Schubert did what is asked of many unionists—she ran for office! And she won. She represents Ward 6 on the Tucson City Council  and continues to be a member of United Campus Workers of Arizona, CWA Local 7065. She never fails to be a voice for the working class and will continue to advocate for labor and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/04/2026 - 09:44

Tags: Pride

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Staff at Illinois School District Win Powerful First Contract

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73 who work at Downers Grove (Illinois) Community High School District 99 (CSD99) have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement.

Staff in the Custodial, Maintenance and Grounds (CMG) department first organized with SEIU last year, motivated by concerns around outsourcing. Highlights of the deal include raises, a guaranteed uniform allotment, a guarantee of no outsourcing for the duration of the contract and more.

“When we got the news about being outsourced, with a strong support from teachers and staff, a large group of CMG personnel from the three schools decided it was time to Unionize,” said custodian Steve Elmer. “SEIU Local 73 has lifted a great weight off our shoulders, being a union will make us stronger and better than ever for future CSD99 CMG employees.”

“I never [thought] highly of unions before, but after going through our first bargaining contract with our union representative Shea Marshall, it has changed my mind about unions,” said maintenance worker Jesse Eliasson.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/04/2026 - 09:38