05/22/2026 - 7:30pm
Workers and Unions Have a Right to Strike: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
U.N. Top Court Says Workers Have the Right to Strike Under Main Labour Law Treaty: “The United Nations's highest court on Thursday said workers and unions have a right to strike under the main international labour law treaty, in an advisory opinion that could influence labour laws around the world.”
Bakersfield, Statewide Planned Parenthood Clinic to Unionize Under SEIU: “More than 400 healthcare workers have unionized with the California labor group Service Employees International Union, forming Planned Parenthood Mar Montes Workers United. Esmeralda Diaz Avalos, a clinician at one of the clinics, said securing the union ensures that Planned Parenthood clinics across the state have access to resources, staffing and ‘ensuring a sustainable level of care’ for patients.”
Q&A With Bernie Burnham: Solidarity Goals of Minnesota’s AFL-CIO: “A post-legislative session news release from the AFL-CIO pointed out key wins for Minnesota’s working people. An AFL-CIO–led Workers Compensation bill passed with a 20% increase in benefits to make life more affordable for workers with a permanent partial disability while expanding the pool of professionals who can diagnose work-related post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Boulder Library Union Recognized by Trustees: “Employees in the Boulder Public Library District have a union. The BPLD Board of Trustees voted unanimously during its Tuesday meeting to recognize an employee union, an effort that first went public seven months ago. In the card check for the union—the vote to unionize—80% of 124 employees voted to unionize. This is the first public library district union in Colorado, which meant the board had to navigate complicated legal waters as it crafted rules for collective bargaining. Those rules were ratified in April. The union will be a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, or AFSCME. Now, union leaders and the Board of Trustees will work on negotiating a contract.”
Florida Ironworkers Give Back Through Take Kids Fishing Day: “Over 200 attendees were introduced to fishing and the outdoors at the 2026 Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) Ironworkers Local 397 Take Kids Fishing Day on April 25 at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center. All 128 kids in attendance took home a free rod and reel. In addition to fishing, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission held three educational stations about fish identification and regulations, knot tying and casting. Twenty-five volunteers from Ironworkers Local 397 provided instruction, including financial secretary-treasurer and business agent Keven Barber. The day was especially meaningful for Barber, who fished with his 5-year-old grandson, Bryar, for the first time.”
Hundreds of Kentucky Kids Participate in Union-Sponsored Fishing Events Across State: “Members of SMART Local 110 hosted youth fishing events across Kentucky on May 16, drawing hundreds of children and families to lakes in Paducah, Lexington and Louisville. Organizers said 279 children participated in the three 2026 Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Take Kids Fishing Day events, with each child receiving a free fishing rod and reel. Participants caught bass, bluegill, trout, crappie and catfish throughout the day. The events are part of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Work Boots on the Ground conservation program, which organizes free community outreach events focused on outdoor recreation and conservation.”
Rapid City Firefighters to Raise Money for Muscular Dystrophy, ALS Through Fill the Boot: “The Rapid City Fire Department Local 1040 is once again asking the community to support its annual Fill the Boot fundraiser benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Firefighters will collect donations from Wednesday, May 20, through Friday, May 22, at several locations across Rapid City. Crews will be stationed at donation sites from 9 a.m. to noon and again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day.”
Rush University Medical Center Nurses Vote to Unionize: “Registered nurses at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago voted May 14-16 to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee, an affiliate of National Nurses United. Of 1,830 eligible voters, 1,540 ballots were counted, with 1,190 votes cast in favor of unionization, according to the National Labor Relations Board, which conducted the election. Eleven ballots were challenged. ‘We are proud to join a strong union for RNs in National Nurses Organizing Committee that will give us the tools and resources to be powerful advocates for our patients,’ Jennifer Pearl, RN, a nurse in the hospital’s medical-surgical float pool, said in a May 18 union news release. ‘We call on all nurses in Chicago to join us in our union and organize for safe staffing, nurse retention and improved patient care.’”
Rush University Medical Center Nurses Celebrate Successful Vote to Unionize: “When it became clear Monday that Rush University Medical Center nurses had secured enough votes for union representation, two of Olivia Bouchard’s co-workers ran up and gave her a hug. ‘You just won your union,’ one of the women said to a beaming Bouchard, who helped organize the nurses. They were in a jubilant crowd of about 50 nurses gathered Monday at the Billy Goat Tavern in the West Loop for a watch party as the National Labor Relations Board tallied the union election votes.”
N.Y.C. Hotel Housekeepers Will Earn Over $100,000 Under New Contract: “The average pay of housekeepers in New York City hotels will increase to more than $100,000 a year as part of a contract settlement between an industry trade group and a powerful union. The deal, which the group ratified on Monday, averts a threatened strike this summer that could have disrupted the influx of tourists expected for the World Cup and America 250 festivities. The owners of nearly 250 hotels in the city reached agreement with the union, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, on an eight-year contract that would increase wages by more than 50 percent for workers, union officials said. The hotel owners will continue to pay the full cost of providing health-care benefits for 27,000 union members and their families.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 05/22/2026 - 11:04
05/22/2026 - 1:00pm
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Joelle Naeole-Corona
For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Joelle Naeole-Corona of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).
Joelle Naeole-Corona is an OPEIU Local 30 trustee and steward at Kaiser Permanente, where she works as a hospital aide. Hailing from a union family, Naeole said the best way to empower Asian American and Pacific Islander workers is to ensure “members are valued, recognized for their hard work, and empowered in the workplace.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 05/22/2026 - 08:22
05/22/2026 - 1:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hotel and Gaming Trades Council Wins New Industry-Wide Tentative Agreement
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.
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC) has reached a new tentative agreement with the Hotel Association of New York City that secures the biggest wage increases in the union’s history.
The new contract would be active for eight years, and by the end of its lifetime, room attendants and other nontipped workers would be earning six figures. Other highlights of the deal include fully paid parental leave, artificial intelligence guardrails, additional protections for immigrant members and more.
“Our union’s team carried out sophisticated and effective legal and political strategies, engaged in thousands of conversations with employers, and executed numerous bargaining strategies to create the leverage we needed,” said HTC President Rich Maroko in an open letter to the union’s members. “But in the end, we would not have won this agreement without the dedication of our members and the very real threat that we would strike. The threat of a strike or a picket line is our union’s most powerful weapon. In every contract fight, we need management to understand that if they won’t agree to a fair contract at the bargaining table, we will take our fight to the streets.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 05/22/2026 - 08:08
05/21/2026 - 6:00pm
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Charmaine S. Morales, RN
For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Charmaine S. Morales, RN, of AFSCME.
Charmaine S. Morales, RN, is president of United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), which represents over 40,000 registered nurses and health care professionals across California and Hawaii. She led UNAC/UHCP’s expansion into Hawaii in 2018, and during 2021 Kaiser Permanente negotiations, she secured recognition of mental health as equal to physical health. She is the first woman of color—and the first Mexican American and Filipina—to lead UNAC/UHCP. Morales’ leadership embodies solidarity, equity and transformation.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 05/21/2026 - 10:19
05/21/2026 - 6:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: MissionWired Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify First Union 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.
Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2336 members who work at MissionWired in Washington, D.C., have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Staff at the digital marketing and fundraising agency have been engaged in negotiations for more than two years. This is the latest campaign win for CWA’s Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA). Highlights of the agreement include guaranteed annual wage increases, higher salary bands, guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI) usage in the workplace, remote work arrangements and more.
“When we started organizing, we wanted a real voice in the decisions that shape our work and our lives. This contract gives us that voice to make sure the tools that we work with every day enhance our jobs rather than replace them,” said data engineer Kelsey Evans. “We’re super proud of what we were able to build into the workplace with a first contract.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 05/21/2026 - 10:14
05/21/2026 - 6:00pm
Worker Wins: Never Lose Sight of Your Goal
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
MissionWired Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify First Union Contract: Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2336 members who work at MissionWired in Washington, D.C., have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Staff at the digital marketing and fundraising agency have been engaged in negotiations for more than two years. This is the latest campaign win for CWA’s Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA). Highlights of the agreement include guaranteed annual wage increases, higher salary bands, guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI) usage in the workplace, remote work arrangements and more. “When we started organizing, we wanted a real voice in the decisions that shape our work and our lives. This contract gives us that voice to make sure the tools that we work with every day enhance our jobs rather than replace them,” said data engineer Kelsey Evans. “We’re super proud of what we were able to build into the workplace with a first contract.”
Chicago Nurses Win Historic Union Vote: On Monday, registered nurses (RNs) at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center celebrated winning their National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election to form a union with National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). Nurses at the 671-bed facility initially went public with their organizing effort in April. They cited concerns around staffing levels and working conditions, which directly impact the quality of patient care, as core motivators for the effort. “We are proud to join a strong union for RNs in [the] National Nurses Organizing Committee that will give us the tools and resources to be powerful advocates for our patients,” said Jennifer Pearl, RN in the medical-surgical unit’s float pool, in a press release. “We call on all nurses in Chicago to join us in our union and organize for safe staffing, nurse retention, and improved patient care.” “We are excited to bargain for a strong contract that protects patients and nurses so we can provide the best care possible,” said Regina Piper, RN in the antepartum/postpartum unit. “We want safe staffing. We want Rush to put patients before profits.”
Atlanta Firefighters Sign First Union Contract: In a milestone for the Southern labor movement, the Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters—Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 134—have signed their first-ever collective bargaining agreement. The deal contains important provisions governing wages, working conditions and equipment. Local 134 members won a new, more frequent pay system and an increase in their uniform allowance. “This shows you what can happen if you stay persistent, keep advocating, and never lose sight of your goal,” said Local 134 President Alvin Rashad. “We appreciate everything the IAFF, the 12th District, Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia President Nate Bailey, and our members have done to get us to this moment.” “This agreement gives Atlanta fire fighters a stronger voice on the job and helps improve safety for the communities they serve across the city,” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said. “Collective bargaining makes everyone stronger, and Local 134’s achievement is important not just for them, but for fire fighters across Georgia.”
USW Reaches Tentative Agreement with Arconic: The United Steelworkers (USW) announced on Saturday that the union has reached a tentative agreement with industrial manufacturer Arconic on a new master contract covering members at four facilities. The deal is still subject to membership ratification and was settled the day that the previous agreement was initially set to expire. “From the beginning of these negotiations, our members stood together and made clear that they were determined to secure a fair agreement that recognizes their hard work and dedication,” said Emil Ramirez, USW international vice president and chair of the negotiating committee. “The solidarity shown by our membership across all four Arconic locations gave this committee the strength and unity needed to reach a tentative agreement that we are proud to bring back to the members.”
Minnesota Hospital Workers Win Deal to Protect Patient Care: AFSCME-represented workers at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis joined together and successfully pushed state leaders to allocate funding to stabilize Minnesota’s largest public hospital. The bill would allocate $205 million in direct stabilization funding for HCMC, create a reserve account of up to $500 million and institute a new oversight structure after the corporate board was dissolved last year—a victory that also was accomplished in part through the advocacy work of union members. “For months, our union members who work at HCMC sounded the alarm about what was at stake if HCMC was allowed to shutter, and that was always an unacceptable reality,” Bart Andersen, executive director of AFSCME Council 5, said. “Workers shared their stories, organized relentlessly, advocated at the Capitol, held rallies and press conferences, spoke directly with lawmakers, all while also continuing to show up every single day at HCMC to provide lifesaving care for every patient who walks through the doors. Workers' activism, courage and unwavering commitment to our communities made this bipartisan agreement possible.”
Penn State Faculty Vote to Join SEIU: More than 5,000 faculty across Penn State campuses won their vote to form the Penn State Faculty Alliance (PSFA)—an affiliate of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 668. This was the largest union election in Pennsylvania’s public sector in nearly five decades. The new bargaining unit will include faculty members across all ranks and departments, tenured and contingent, full-time and part-time. “As faculty, we all came together to achieve a collective voice in Penn State’s decision-making,” said Marissa Baez, adjunct lecturer in arts and architecture and a PSFA organizing committee member. “Now, we can move forward as educators to create a better work environment for all faculty and support the best learning environment for our students.” “This is a win for all Penn State faculty and an incredible opportunity to advocate for higher education in Pennsylvania,” said Beth Seymour, professor of anthropology and a PSFA organizing committee member. “We encourage all faculty to join PSFA and get involved, as we look forward to working with the University and quickly negotiating a strong contract for the faculty. Together we will build a strong future for our entire University community.”
Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join the UAW: Workers at the Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the UAW. Guest relations workers and educators at the Smithsonian-affiliated science museum in Detroit cited bullying and harassment by management, scheduling issues, and lack of a voice at work as core motivators for organizing. “The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”
D.C. Pottery Studio Workers Vote to Form Union: Staff at All Fired Up, a Washington, D.C., paint-your-own pottery store, won their National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election to form a union with Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU’s) Workers United. Workers, under the name All Fired Up Workers United, voted unanimously to organize on Monday. Staff cited low wages and a lack of benefits as core motivations for their effort. Despite a lack of support from the business owner, sudden layoffs after the public announcement of the union drive and concerning comments made by the owner’s family during the election, workers stood strong and refused to back down. “All Fired Up Workers United is proud to announce that our workers unanimously voted “Yes!” for the union at today’s [NLRB] facilitated election,” the union said in a social media post. “Big thanks to all of our workers who voted, [Workers United, Mid-Atlantic Regional Joint Board] for their support and expertise, and [Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America] for cheering us on. We’re excited to prepare for contract negotiations! The real work is about to begin.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 05/21/2026 - 10:59
Tags:
Organizing
05/20/2026 - 5:00pm
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Eva Kuo
For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Eva Kuo of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
As IATSE Local 828’s vice president, Eva Kuo takes care of health and wellness matters for the local and has served on its intersectional and young workers committees. She also works part time at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Performance School as a props mentor. “I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love and still make a decent living,” she said. “I surely wouldn’t be able to do that without IATSE.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/20/2026 - 10:18
05/20/2026 - 5:00pm
Our Voice, Our Power: What Working People Are Doing This Week
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:
Happy Jewish American Heritage Month! From 18th Century garment workers to the unions of today, Jewish American workers have played an integral role in shaping the history of the American Labor Movement. Learn more about their impact at the link: https://bit.ly/4wBbPA5
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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) May 18, 2026 at 10:40 AM
AFSCME:
Air Line Pilots Association:
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Amalgamated Transit Union:
American Federation of Teachers:
May is #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth! Check out a new @sharemylesson.bsky.social blog on free, classroom-ready resources from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History that highlight Jewish Americans’ contributions to democracy, culture and civic life. sharemylesson.com/blog/jewish-...
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— AFT (@aft.org) May 20, 2026 at 10:22 AM
American Postal Workers Union:
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Boilermakers:
05/20/2026 - 5:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Atlanta Firefighters Sign First Union Contract
![Alvin Rashad [left] and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens shake hands as IAFF General President Edward Kelly looks on [back row, third from right].](https://aflcio.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/iaff.jpg)
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.
In a milestone for the Southern labor movement, the Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters—Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 134—have signed their first-ever collective bargaining agreement.
The deal contains important provisions governing wages, working conditions and equipment. Local 134 members won a new, more frequent pay system and an increase in their uniform allowance.
“This shows you what can happen if you stay persistent, keep advocating, and never lose sight of your goal,” said Local 134 President Alvin Rashad. “We appreciate everything the IAFF, the 12th District, Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia President Nate Bailey, and our members have done to get us to this moment.”
“This agreement gives Atlanta fire fighters a stronger voice on the job and helps improve safety for the communities they serve across the city,” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said. “Collective bargaining makes everyone stronger, and Local 134’s achievement is important not just for them, but for fire fighters across Georgia.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 05/20/2026 - 10:14
05/20/2026 - 5:00pm
Thank a Union: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations.
California Federation of Labor Unions:
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
