11/05/2025 - 5:30pm
‘The People, and Democracy, Won’: 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:
Every one of our endorsed candidates won last night! Join us in sending a congratulations to all.
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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) November 5, 2025 at 10:25 AM
AFSCME:
Alliance for Retired Americans:
11/05/2025 - 11:30am
National Native American Heritage Month Profile: JoMarie 'Jojo' Archibald-begay
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile is JoMarie 'Jojo' Archibald-begay of AFGE.
JoMarie "Jojo" Archibald-Begay is a proud member of the Diné tribe from Toadlena/Two Grey Hills, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. Observing the significant underrepresentation of Indigenous tribes in the union, she was compelled to take action and assisted in the creation of AFGE's N.A.T.I.V.E., a workgroup in development within the union that stands for ‘Native Americans Together for Indigenous Voices Everywhere.’
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 11/05/2025 - 10:02
11/05/2025 - 11:30am
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: SMART-TD Members Win Big Wage Increase, Benefits In New 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.
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) announced on Thursday that members have voted to approve a new collective bargaining agreement with railroads represented by the National Carriers Conference Committee.
The deal covers workers at BNSF Railway, Norfolk Southern, CN, and multiple Class II and Class III railroads. Ratified by a margin of nearly 70% approval, the deal includes compounded wage increases of 18.77% over the contract lifetime, stronger benefits provisions, improved time off and more.
“This contract represents a solid victory for our members,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “We secured real wage growth, protected our work rules and crew consist agreements, enhanced our benefits, and achieved these gains without giving up a single concession or protection. Our members stood together and recognized the value and importance of this agreement, and it paid off.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 11/05/2025 - 09:54
11/04/2025 - 10:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NewsGuild of New York Reaches Tentative First Contract Agreement at the Daily News, Secures Raises
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.
Journalists at the New York Daily News, members of The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, reached a tentative agreement with the paper’s owner, Alden Global Capital. A ratification vote on the two-year contract deal will be held in the coming days. The contact covers the tabloid’s print, digital and photo employees.
“I could not be prouder of everyone in the Daily News Union who made this possible,” said Michael Sheridan, unit chair of the Daily News Union. “Winning the first contract for the Daily News’ workers in more than 30 years was an uphill battle. From the historic walkout to distributing flyers and organizing rallies, it was a Herculean effort. But it never would have happened without the dedicated efforts of dozens of people, including those who have left the News for bigger and better things.”
The contract includes new minimum salaries of $60,000 at ratification and $63,000 by May 2026, and $75,000 for senior reporters and senior content editors; annual raises at ratification of 3% across the board and another 3% across the board increase in May 2026; expanded benefits for part-timers, including health care coverage for the first-time ever; protection of current flexible time off plan; preserved retirement benefits; enhanced paid leave; just cause protections that guarantee due process and representation should a worker face discipline or termination; and other benefits.
“This tentative agreement is the direct result of our Daily News Union members’ perseverance and determination to fight for the worth of their work covering this great city of ours,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. “Winning this contract means our journalists will be able to continue to report on the news that New Yorkers need to stay aware, safe and informed. New York needs its Hometown Paper and its Hometown Journalists more than ever.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 11/04/2025 - 10:28
11/04/2025 - 10:30pm
Vote Today!: 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 on X.
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Florida AFL-CIO:
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Maine AFL-CIO:
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
11/04/2025 - 4:00pm
National Native American Heritage Month Profile: Martin Olvera
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile is Martin Olvera of IATSE.
In 1995, Martin Olvera began his career starting with Disney’s “Pocahontas Live” stage show at MGM Studios in Florida and continued as an extra in various television shows, even playing a park ranger on Nickelodeon’s “The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo.” In 1996, Olvera had his first stagehand job with “American Gladiators Orlando Live.” “Being a part of this union has given me so much opportunity and support. Being Indigenous, we live in two worlds, and I give thanks that our industry gives me the opportunity to continue to live in both worlds.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 11/04/2025 - 12:50
11/03/2025 - 9:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: ATU Helps Secure $1.5 Billion Transportation Funding Bill in Illinois
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.
An aggressive grassroots political campaign launched by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) locals across Illinois, the state's General Assembly passed $1.5 billion legislation, securing critical public transit funding.
“We could not be prouder of our members, our Locals, and every front-line worker who leafleted, talked with riders, wrote the letter to legislators, and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with community and labor allies,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Because you showed up at the State Capitol, on the platforms, in the bus yards and train stations, we now have legislation that benefits riders, strengthens safety through a dedicated transit police force, and protects the jobs, wages, and benefits of our ATU members. We thank the Illinois Legislature for passing this bill and delivering for working families and transit riders alike.”
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act will be funded by revenue that currently feeds the state's Road Fund and other sources. This investment lays the groundwork to improve service, shorten travel times, and enhance rider safety. It also changes the region's transit governance to the NITA, creating new requirements to coordinate service, plan strategically, and better support riders.
“On behalf of our members, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to IP Costa, the International, and every member that mobilized for this fight,” said President/Business Agent Keith Hill of Local 241 in Chicago. “We know this bill means that our members’ jobs are safer, our riders will see better service, and our region’s transit system will be stronger. This is a win for union members and a win for every community that relies on buses and trains to get to work, school, or home.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 11/03/2025 - 10:32
11/03/2025 - 2:30pm
A Light at the End of the Tunnel: 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.
Millions of Borrowers Will Be Eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness After AFT Union Sues Trump Administration: “‘We took on the Trump administration when it refused to follow the law and denied borrowers the relief they were owed,’ AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement. ‘Our agreement means that those borrowers stuck in limbo can either get immediate relief or finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.’”
Nurses: Union Contracts Protect Those Who ‘Speak Truth to Power’: “Nurses ‘speak truth to power’ when hospitals put profits over patients, and union contracts protect them when they do, says National Nurses United President Mary Turner, RN. And that’s why unions and workers’ rights should be strengthened through passage of the Protect The Right To Organize Act, she told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Turner, a Minnesotan, was one of two pro-worker witnesses on October 22 at the GOP-run panel’s second in a series of hearings on the state of U.S. labor law and the need for reform.”
Union President Talks About Judge’s Ruling Halting Shutdown Layoffs: “Everett Kelley, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, talks about a judge’s ruling stopping the Trump administration from firing federal workers during the shutdown.”
CWA President Implores U.S. Regulators to Scrutinize EA Buyout to Address National Security and Labor Concerns: “Communications Workers of America (CWA) President Claude Cummings Jr. is urging regulators in the United States to scrutinize EA’s proposed $55 billion take-private over concerns it will place ‘thousands of jobs and sensitive consumer data at risk.’ The CWA currently represents over 4,000 unionized video game workers across the United States. EA is in the process of being acquired by an investor consortium that includes the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, PIF, and the investment firm co-founded by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.”
A Changing of the Guard for the UMWA: “The torch has been passed in one of the nation’s best known and longest standing labor organizations. Brian Sanson, a native of St. Albans, West Virginia, has become the new president of the United Mine Workers of America. Sanson was sworn in as the 16th president of the union at the UMWA Special Convention in St. Louis on Wednesday. He replaces longtime union head Cecil Roberts, a native of Cabin Creek, West Virginia. ‘You can’t replace a legend, you can only follow them,’ said Sanson.”
How Major Labor Unions are Positioning on AI: “So far, unions in the United States have adopted a fairly consistent tone on AI: that the technology has the potential to improve productivity and benefit society, but workers need to be involved in where and how it is deployed. The AFL-CIO, a federation of 63 unions representing roughly 15 million workers, typified that posture in a report published earlier this month. ‘There is a path where new technology makes work better and safer, with good union jobs that have fair pay and better job quality,’ the group wrote. ‘In this vision, working people have economic security, knowing that companies and public agencies must follow rules to make sure technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) is used safely, responsibly, and fairly.’”
Frontline Workers Avoid Strike, Ratify New Contract With Sutter Health: “Sutter Health reached an agreement with frontline employees Monday, avoiding a planned workers’ strike. Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) said this agreement averted an authorized strike at eight Sutter Health facilities in nine cities, including Oakland, Santa Rosa, Roseville, Berkeley, Lakeport, Vallejo, Antioch, Castro Valley and San Francisco.”
UMass Resident Physicians Reach Labor Deal: “University of Massachusetts resident physicians, interns and fellows employed through Worcester-based UMass Chan Medical School reached a tentative labor contract Oct. 23, according to a news release from their union shared with Becker’s. The tentative deal covers about 700 unionized physicians represented by Service Employees International Union’s Committee of Interns and Residents. According to the union, the agreement includes a 9.5% compensation increase over three years; $5,000 annually for mental health services per person, per household; an increase in the educational allowance to $1,500 per resident or fellow, per year (up from $1,000 in the prior contract); and a one-time licensure exam reimbursement. It also fully reinstates union members’ health benefits fund, including co-pay reimbursement.”
Black Americans Cannot Afford the Trump Administration’s Health Care Cost Spike: “This Saturday marks one month of the federal government shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers—nearly 20% of whom are Black and 30% of whom are veterans—are missing their second paycheck. Families across the country will be forced to choose between paying for groceries, rent and medical care. President Trump and his allies in Congress are inflicting this pain because they would rather shut down the government than deal with the looming health care crisis that will explode costs for more than 170 million Americans.”
Morton’s First-Ever Full-Time Firefighters Ratify Contract: “The first full-time firefighters in the Morton Fire Department’s nearly 150-year history have a contract with the village. The 19 members of Morton Fire & EMS Local 4952 of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), consisting of seven full-time firefighters and a dozen full-time paramedics, unanimously ratified the five-year contract last week.”
Temple Union of Resident Assistants Becomes First Undergraduate, Public University Union in State: “Temple Union of Resident Assistants voted 97–0 to join the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 153 on Oct. 7, making them the first undergraduate employees at a public Pennsylvania university to unionize. The union is forming a collective bargaining unit, which gives them leverage to bargain for better pay, working conditions and benefits during contract negotiations. ‘We’ve had a lot of success negotiating contracts with student workers,’ said Scott Williams, lead organizer for OPEIU Local 153. ‘We expect we’ll be following up with Temple very soon to begin this process.’”
United Steelworkers Elects Its First Woman President: “The United Steelworkers union, a Pittsburgh-based giant of organized labor, has selected its next leader. International Vice President Roxanne Brown secured the presidency in a unionwide election, the United Steelworkers announced Friday. Brown, a Black woman, is the 10th person to hold the top job—and the first who’s not a White man. She was the sole nominee for international president in an election process that started in June and stretched into the fall. Her four-year term as head of the 850,000-member union starts March 1.”
Cecil Roberts Reflects on Growing up in Coal Country, Going to Vietnam, and Why Too Many Miners Die on the Job: “United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts is retiring later this week. I’ve covered the coal industry, the mine workers and their leader since before he became union president 30 years ago. In a two-hour interview, we talked about growing up on Cabin Creek, going to Vietnam and coming home, the dangerous life of a miner, and the past and future of West Virginia’s coalfield communities. This is the first part of that interview.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 11/03/2025 - 14:21
11/03/2025 - 2:30pm
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Bricklayers
This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we've covered all 63 of our affiliates. Next up are the Bricklayers (BAC).
Name of Union: International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
Mission: To actively fight to improve the quality of life for all trowel trade workers—on and off the job—through access to fair wages, good benefits, safe working conditions and solidarity among members.
Current Leadership of Union: Timothy J. Driscoll has served as president of BAC since 2020. Prior to that he served as secretary-treasurer from 2017 to 2020, and as executive vice president from 2010 to 2017. A second-generation bricklayer, Driscoll joined BAC Local 3 in Massachusetts as an apprentice in 1985, where he worked on numerous commercial and institutional projects throughout the Boston area, earning his journeyman card in 1988. Traveling for work in the early 1990s, he eventually settled in the Washington, D.C., metro area and joined Local 1 in 1992.
His service with the international union began in 1995 when he joined BAC’s Government Relations Department, later becoming assistant to the president. In 1999, he was called upon to lead BAC’s Department of Trade Jurisdiction. In addition, he has been a leader directing the international union’s efforts to address emerging new products and building systems, seeking to enhance work opportunities for signatory contractors and BAC members alike.
Jeremiah Sullivan Jr. serves as secretary-treasurer and Keith Hocevar serves as executive vice president. The executive council consists of the executive board, regional directors, regional vice presidents, the Canadian Congress co-chair, craft vice presidents and at-large members.
Members Work As: Bricklayers, stone and marble masons, cement masons, plasterers, tilesetters and finishers, terrazzo and mosaic workers, pointers, cleaners and caulkers, refractory construction and masonry restoration workers—in short, the trowel trades.
Industries Represented: The trowel construction trades.
History: Watch this video about the history of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The BAC Craft Awards recognize distinguished service that BAC members provide to our unions and communities. BAC runs an International Pension Fund, a Member Assistance Program, IMI/IMTEF Maternity Benefit and Childcare Discount and an International Health Fund to improve the quality of life for members and their families. The BAC Disaster Relief Fund helps members who are survivors of natural or other disasters. Through its online tool sales store, BAC sells tools and branded clothing and other merchandise. BAC has several training and education resources. The BAC Journal provides information for working people in the masonry industry. The International Masonry Institute develops and conducts apprenticeship and training programs for BAC trowel trades craftworkers, as well as safety training. BAC also offers the Bates Scholarship for members’ children and stepchildren in the United States and Canada.
Learn More: Website, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 11/03/2025 - 11:51
10/31/2025 - 5:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Atlanta Unions Offer Free Halloween Costumes to Children of Federal Workers
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 AFGE and the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council gave away 100 children’s Halloween costumes on Tuesday at an event hosted by the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 479 in Atlanta.
The Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council has been holding food drives, supporting striking workers and distributing Kroger gift cards.
“So those who can’t make it here, we’ll be headed to day care after that,” said Program Coordinator Marie Thompson. “We’ll meet them where they are. Even if that means going to their jobs. You know the others who are still working or maybe not getting paid, and things like that, we’ll still pull up and drop a costume.”
“I mean, costumes can be anywhere from $20 to $30,” said Aaron Barker, president of AFGE Local 554. “So if they’re able to save that money and maybe buy food or pay rent or whatever the case may be—whatever their necessities are, they don’t have to spend that and they can get these costumes.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 10/31/2025 - 09:53
