For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Christon Jones of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Christon Jones has worked as a carpenter on “Get Us Home” and is an IATSE Local 873 health and safety instructor trainer. Since joining IATSE in 2017, he has worked with the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals outreach program and helped some of his mentees join IATSE. Jones says being an IATSE member means building his wildest dreams, which have brought great artistry into his life. “My proudest career moment was seeing my name on the credits reel, it was a big ‘I’ve arrived’ moment.”

Tags: Black History Month

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.

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) members reached a tentative agreement on Thursday for a new three-year contract with PSA Airlines.

The regional airline is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, that operates flights under the American Eagle brand. The deal includes a 30% to 50% increase in compensation over the lifetime of the contract, scheduling improvements, increased flexibility and other critical wins.

“PSA Flight Attendants save lives every day and serve as the face of American Eagle in ever increasingly difficult conditions,” said Lee Wilkes, president of AFA-CWA PSA. “This tentative agreement starts to recognize what we do every single flight to get people to their destination safely. We fought extremely hard to set a new industry standard for contract duration.”

“PSA Flight Attendants need these improvements and we fought hard to get them in their hands for a ratification vote,” said Sara Nelson, international president of AFA-CWA. “Although it was extremely difficult bargaining with PSA, American CEO Robert Isom demonstrated his longstanding commitment to recognize the work of frontline employees who make it possible for American to fly. We appreciate his direct engagement to make this agreement possible.”

For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Wynn Thomas of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Wynn Thomas has been working in the film industry for over 40 years and in IATSE since 1981. He says being an IATSE member has been inspiring and allowed him to work with the most talented artists and craftspeople in the industry. Thomas has worked to train young men and women from different communities so that they too can become union members. “I believe that part of my responsibility is to train the next generation.”

Tags: Black History Month

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 64 of our affiliates. Next up is the School Administrators (AFSA).

Name of Union: American Federation of School Administrators

Mission: To champion student success by empowering school leaders to speak up, lead with integrity and advocate for the professional, legal and economic rights they need to create safe, equitable and high-quality public schools for every student.

Current Leadership of Union: Mark Cannizzaro serves as president of AFSA. With more than 38 years in public education, Cannizzaro has been a dedicated advocate for strong public schools, effective school leadership and the students and communities whom schools serve. Cannizzaro began his career as a physical education teacher and progressed through key leadership roles as an assistant principal and principal. He taught and served as assistant principal at Totten Intermediate School 34 before leading Frank D. Paulo Intermediate School IS 75 as principal. From 2003 to 2012, his leadership at Paulo fostered a culture of academic excellence, collaboration and shared responsibility. A respected and nationally recognized voice in education, Cannizzaro has long been active in union leadership. He held multiple roles within the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, AFSA Local 1, including secretary, executive vice president and president, the latter of which he held for more than five years.

Donis Coronel serves as executive vice president, and Karl E. Perry serves as secretary-treasurer. AFSA’s leadership team also includes the following 16 general vice presidents: Clarence Allen, Kia Banks, Jody Covington, Moira Coogan, Victor Cristofaro, Carey Cunningham, Fran DiFiore, Carver Farrow, Brian Galbraith, Christine Handy, Diane Hauser, Richard Jackson, Luis Orengo, Elda Perez-Mejia, Henry Rubio and Caroline Satoda.

Current Number of Members: 25,000

Members Work as: School leaders, including principals; assistant principals; directors of student services, student activities, food service and transportation; and administrators and supervisors who manage the day-to-day operations and academics of schools.

Industries Represented: Public schools in the United States

History: July 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of AFSA. However, AFSA’s roots go back to 1962, when the Council of Supervisory Associations (CSA) was formed in New York City to fight for collective bargaining rights for school supervisors. By 1968, the CSA formally became a union and adopted the name Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, representing principals, assistant principals, directors, supervisors and other school leaders and advocating for fair pay, benefits and professional recognition. In 1971, the CSA, along with four other local unions in Washington, D.C.; Chicago; San Francisco; and Providence, Rhode Island, were granted a charter by then AFL-CIO President George Meany, formally establishing the School Administrators and Supervisors Organizing Committee (SASOC). The SASOC became a national organization dedicated to giving school leaders across the country a unified voice in education and labor matters. By 1976, the SASOC had grown to include 47 local unions nationwide and petitioned the AFL-CIO for full national union status. On July 7–8, 1976, delegates convened for the SASOC’s first constitutional convention and adopted a constitution, elected a general executive board and officially renamed the organization the School Administrators. At that time, then AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland granted the union a national charter, solidifying AFSA’s status as a national AFL-CIO affiliate.

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, AFSA has focused on organizing the unorganized and affiliating independent unions to create a stronger national voice for school leaders. This effort has been highly successful, bringing in thousands of new members, including leaders from some of the nation’s largest school districts. On the community side, the School Leadership Forum supports principals and other school leaders by providing research, resources and training needed to improve learning environments in classrooms across the country. The forum also funds the Diann Woodard AFSA Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to children of AFSA members. In addition, the AFSA Political Action Committee gives members a political voice on education issues, ensuring that school leaders can influence policies that affect their schools, staff and students.

Learn More: website, Facebook, X

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 powerful victory, UAW members who work for Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have voted by 96% to ratify their first union contract. The contract is a major milestone in Southern union organizing and delivers a number of powerful, life-changing wins. This includes a 20% wage increase, health care cost reductions, job security guarantees, an enforceable grievance procedure and much more.

“This victory shows what happens when workers stand up and refuse to be ignored. We didn’t just win better wages and raise standards at our plant—we forced respect onto the table and got it all in writing,” said Yogi Peoples, a bargaining committee member. “Our victory here at Volkswagen should send a message to autoworkers everywhere: don’t let management divide you. When workers fight together—united and unafraid —we can beat the odds and win!”

“This is just the beginning,” said Chattanooga Area Labor Council President Geoffrey Meldahl. “No more business as usual. Working people are sick and tired of begging for scraps to keep their lights on while the richest of the rich buy themselves yet another mega yacht. The future of the south is union strong!”

“This isn’t just a win for Chattanooga autoworkers,” Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council President Billy Dycus said. “It’s a win for our entire state because these workers have proven that when we band together, Southern workers have the power to win the wages, affordable healthcare, job security and respect we all deserve.”

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.

Beneficial State Bank Workers Ratify Second Contract: Members of Communications Workers of America (CWA) locals 9412 and 7901 who work at Beneficial State Bank locations up and down the West Coast have ratified their new collective bargaining agreement. The bargaining unit includes bankers, consumer loan servicing representatives, loan processors, underwriters, file clerks and custodial staff. Workers first organized in 2020 as part of CWA’s Committee for Better Banks. Their latest contract included wins like an average 9% general pay increase—and a wage differential for Spanish speakers—a higher employer 401(k) contribution match and more paid time off. “Ratifying a second contract is a huge win for us. In a time when so many workers are facing uncertainty, we’re proud that we secured continued improvements to our wages and benefits with no givebacks,” said bargaining committee member and Beneficial State Bank Commercial Banking Associate Michele Hunt. “Our contract has helped us hold Beneficial State Bank accountable to the workers who keep this bank running.”

Penn Graduate Student Workers Win Tentative Agreement: Nearly two years after winning their landslide election to join the UAW, members of Graduate Employees Together-University of Pennsylvania (GETUP-UAW) secured their first union contract on Monday night. The tentative agreement (TA) was reached just hours before the strike deadline, averting a potential work stoppage of more than 3,500 members. Highlights of the deal include stipend increases, major health coverage gains, enhanced child care benefits and more. Graduate student workers will begin voting on whether to approve the contract starting next week. “We won a historic contract that enshrines gains for grad workers,” said Clara Abbott, a bargaining committee member and Ph.D. candidate. “We won because thousands of graduate workers bravely stood together over the past several years: we had difficult conversations with our coworkers, collected petition signatures, packed the bargaining room, organized rallies, and ultimately prepared to withhold our labor and go to the picket line together to win what we deserve.”

Research Workers Secure TA with OHSU: Research workers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)—who are represented by Oregon AFSCME Council 75—have successfully reached a new tentative agreement after months of stalled negotiations. Members of Research Workers United (RWU) were poised to strike on Wednesday if administrators at Portland’s largest employer refused to settle a fair agreement. Despite the fact that workers are responsible for life-changing medical breakthroughs, almost one-third of members made less than the city’s living wage—something that became a key sticking point in bargaining. “These workers stood united for over a year demanding dignity, respect, and wages that reflect their expertise and value,” said Joe Baessler, executive director of Oregon AFSCME, in a press statement. “This agreement is proof that when workers stick together, they win.” “We have spent our careers pushing science forward, but too many of us have struggled to afford living in the city where we work,” said Lynne Swarbrick, a senior research associate and RWU bargaining team member. “This contract makes real progress toward fixing that.”

Despite Relentless Attacks, Nearly Half a Million Workers Unionized in 2025: New data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows union representation grew by 463,000 in 2025, bringing the total number of workers represented by union contracts to 16.5 million. Thanks to years of sustained organizing, 11.2% of all wage and salary workers in the United States are now covered under union contracts, up from 2024 and the highest in 16 years. “Billionaire bosses and union-busting politicians have tried to throw the kitchen sink at working people and their unions—slashing our jobs and rigging the rules to scare us out of organizing— but they are failing,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Working people are experiencing relentless attacks on our freedoms and our livelihoods. These numbers confirm what we’ve seen in the labor movement: Workers have felt President Trump’s billionaire-first agenda in action and are hungry to take back their power. Workers know that the best check on a bad boss is a strong union contract. In 2026, workers will continue to organize in every corner of the country and build power to fight for the lives they deserve….We call on Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, and to reverse the single largest act of union-busting in American history by passing the Protect America's Workforce Act in the Senate.” Read the full statement from the AFL-CIO here.

New England UFCW Members Ratify New Agreements with Stop & Shop: Five United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals in New England have ratified new four-year contracts with Stop & Shop. The agreements reached by locals 328, 371, 919, 1445 and 1459 cover a total of 28,000 workers in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The previous contracts at the regional supermarket chain were set to expire later this month. “In addition to annual wage increases, this proposed agreement preserves the strength and stability of our health insurance and pension benefits, maintaining the high standards that our membership has worked hard to achieve,” said the UFCW Local 1459’s bargaining committee in the union’s tentative agreement announcement.

Hale Nani Workers Reach TA, Averting Potential Work Stoppage: Members of UNITE HERE Local 5 who work at Hale Nani Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Honolulu have secured a new tentative agreement after issuing a united and credible strike threat. The bargaining unit includes certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and staff in the dietary, recreation, maintenance and housekeeping departments. These workers are responsible for bathing, feeding, monitoring vital signs, and assisting in the recovery and rehabilitation of hundreds of patients every day at one of the state’s largest skilled nursing facilities. Members delivered a strike notice to management last week, proving they were ready and willing to escalate if necessary. “We fought hard to reach this tentative agreement and win a contract that provides the staffing we need to take care of our patients, along with the wages and healthcare we need to take care of our families today and tomorrow,” said Gilda Ellazar, a CNA at Hale Nani. “From rallies outside of the facility to preparing to walk out on strike, our actions and determination paid off.”

Appalachian Regional Health Nurses Ratify New Contract: Members of the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) across nine Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) medical facilities in Kentucky and West Virginia have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a powerful new contract. Registered nurses (RNs) at the nonprofit health care system secured a number of wins all while rejecting any concessions to management. The contract ensures consistent wage increases, more time off that can be taken without penalty and preservation of layoff and seniority protections. “I am happy we were able to add language that guarantees every union nurse is getting a significant raise and 12 hours of holiday pay,” said Rachel Park, an operating room RN at Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center in Kentucky. “This was a huge victory for our night shift nurses who had this benefit taken away in prior contract fights.”

Homeless Services Staff Vote to Join SEIU: A majority of workers at Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) staff have signed union authorization cards to join the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721. USHS is the largest agency in San Gabriel Valley, California, providing housing support and employment services to homeless and very low-income adults and families. Workers at the nonprofit secured voluntary recognition from management and will soon begin negotiating a contract with fair wages and quality benefits that will help retain staff so they can continue supporting communities in need. “This is a huge step forward for workers at Union Station Homeless Services,” said Danielle Leal, a care coordinator at USHS. “We’re glad to now have a strong voice on the job to advocate for the resources we need to serve our clients and to gain the supportive working conditions we deserve. Our union will make our organization stronger and help ensure that we can provide the best services possible to the most vulnerable among us.”

Striking San Francisco Teachers Secure Tentative Agreement: The United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) announced Friday morning that they have reached a tentative agreement with the San Francisco Unified School District after a four-day long work stoppage. The deal includes major victories like fully funded family health care, support for special education, fair raises and more.

Half Price Books Staff Ratifies First Contract: United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) members at a Half Price Books storefront in Kansas City, Missouri, have secured their first collective bargaining agreement—the first location in the state to do so. Staff first joined Half Price Books Workers United back in November 2023, motivated in part by the termination of a co-worker who was recovering from cancer. They won the election unanimously and became the 11th store nationwide to organize for a better workplace. The new contract establishes major victories like a grievance procedure, increased sick days and fair raises. Four-year staff member William Theberge said of the contract victory: “It is a seat at the table, making sure we can hold the company as mutually accountable as they claim we can. A lot of that is making sure we’re holding them to their own mission statement and standard of treatment of their employees.”

Tags: Organizing

For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Michelle Mattox of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).

With 30 years of experience, Michelle Mattox exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding steward at Case Farms in Canton, Ohio. As a bargaining committee member, she played a crucial role in negotiations and continues to enforce the contract. Her kind spirit, great sense of humor and unwavering commitment to looking out for her fellow workers make her invaluable to the UFCW Local 880 family.

Tags: Black History Month

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 Communications Workers of America (CWA) locals 9412 and 7901 who work at Beneficial State Bank locations up and down the West Coast have ratified their new collective bargaining agreement.

The bargaining unit includes bankers, consumer loan servicing representatives, loan processors, underwriters, file clerks and custodial staff. Workers first organized in 2020 as part of CWA’s Committee for Better Banks. Their latest contract included wins like an average 9% general pay increase—and a wage differential for Spanish speakers—a higher employer 401(k) contribution match and more paid time off.

“Ratifying a second contract is a huge win for us. In a time when so many workers are facing uncertainty, we’re proud that we secured continued improvements to our wages and benefits with no givebacks,” said bargaining committee member and Beneficial State Bank Commercial Banking Associate Michele Hunt. “Our contract has helped us hold Beneficial State Bank accountable to the workers who keep this bank running.”

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:

As we continue our celebration of BlackHistoryMonth, we highlight this story about Frederick O'Neal: actor, civil rights activist and Equity president from 1964 to 1973. Learn more about the triumphs and accomplishments of this true visionary on the member portal. https://bit.ly/3OiD8Oc

[image or embed]

— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) February 19, 2026 at 9:19 AM

AFSCME:

This Ramadan, we honor the values of service, empathy and community. Wishing all who observe a month filled with peace and purpose. pic.twitter.com/feXZukz57o

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) February 19, 2026

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Reminder: Social Security is OURS. We spend DECADES contributing and our benefits reflect the hard work we've put in over the years!

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) February 19, 2026

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Our Local 788-St. Louis, MO, made history by launching the first registered Paratransit Operator apprentice program in the country. The program developed with Metro in St. Louis is a powerful statement about the value of our paratransit members, who provide safe and reliable… pic.twitter.com/jhbInoRmMj

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) February 19, 2026

American Federation of Musicians:

The AFM is creating a secure and encrypted platform where AFM members can report a range of concerns, including harassment, contract or policy violations, unresolved payroll discrepancies, and instances of feeling unsafe in any way. Read more here: https://t.co/IawYI7adng

— AFM Local 47 (@AFMLocal47) February 14, 2026

American Federation of Teachers:

In response to thousands of members who took the AFT’s debt survey, we’ve launched a new campaign: Fight for Affordability. Watch @rweingarten.bsky.social and allies share the survey results and announce new tools to help AFT members navigate debt at a press conference in Orlando yesterday.

[image or embed]

— AFT (@aft.org) February 19, 2026 at 12:18 PM

American Postal Workers Union:

"It is the union's position that every employee has the right to call 9 -1 -1. That is not even debatable. This is what you're supposed to do in an emergency situation." - APWU President Jonathan Smith. pic.twitter.com/bjrwuiH5rE

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) February 12, 2026

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Amber Armour of the Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Amber Armour exemplifies leadership, dedication and service in the labor movement and her community. As an organizer, chair of the IBEW Local 640 examining board, treasurer of the local’s women’s committee, recording secretary of the local Coalition of Labor Union Women chapter, an apprenticeship instructor and a member of the local’s minority caucus, she champions equity, education and empowerment. Armour shows tireless commitment to mentoring apprentices, advocating for women in the trades and strengthening union solidarity.

Tags: Black History Month