Black History Month Profiles: Ericka Igess

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 Ericka Igess of the Utility Workers (UWUA).

Ericka Igess is the first Black woman to serve on her local’s executive board, and she is honored and proud to be a voice for all members of UWUA Local 18007. As recording secretary, she takes pride in helping others get through challenges they face and helps members deal with issues they may have at work. She also helps to make sure the collective bargaining agreement is being diligently enforced. 

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/04/2026 - 10:27

Tags: Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month: 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.

Alaska AFL-CIO:

Our labor movement could not exist without the work of Black union members and leaders.

During #BlackHistoryMonth and every month, America's unions fight for racial justice in the workplace and beyond. pic.twitter.com/W3PQ09TY1Y

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) February 2, 2026

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

“The last thing our San Diego childcare providers need is for a second-tier influencer and a twice-failed political candidate harassing them at their homes or businesses. The California Labor Movement continues to stand with our immigrant and refugee communities and the children… pic.twitter.com/xpel7lsuFc

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) February 3, 2026

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

.@32BJSEIU: "It’s the first time that fast food workers in our state have been unionized, something we’d only seen in states like California or New York. So, this is a huge moment for us. This has been a half-decade-long fight for our members"https://t.co/A4NhBkjbCS

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) January 29, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

The renowned labor leader Bayard Rustin once said, “To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true.” And we know our truth. We stand firm in our commitment to fighting for all workers and know that labor rights are civil rights. #BlackHistoryMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/QtTBRSkUrM

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) February 1, 2026

Maine AFL-CIO:

"This is just an age-old tactic to pit workers against workers, divide the working class and deflect their attention away from the people who are robbing them blind: billionaires and corporations."https://t.co/V1Ud5Iv7dn

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) January 28, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Share this with any veteran you know who might be looking for a career change! pic.twitter.com/lEbjctysnk

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) February 2, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Today, the Michigan AFL-CIO endorsed Karen McDonald for Attorney General. As a prosecutor, Karen has supported safe workplaces and stood up to corporate greed. Michigan workers need and deserve a fighter like Karen. pic.twitter.com/L40O0JKkN7

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) February 3, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Union negotiators said the three-year contract delivers on the demands that sparked co-op workers’ organizing drive, including more agency in the workplace, economic gains and improvements to scheduling. https://t.co/awcxSXwHXn #BetterInAUnion

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 3, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

In just one year under President Trump, America lost 70,000 manufacturing jobs AND lost 145,000 blue collar jobs. 

Today, Blue-collar consumer
confidence is at a record low since 1976 when surveys began asking the question. pic.twitter.com/qzRPqjfBn9

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 3, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

.@AFGENational Local 1224 held a vigil for Alex Pretti at the Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse. 

Labor and community stood in solidarity with Alex’s family, coworkers, healthcare workers, patients, and all in Minnesota and nationwide mourning this violent loss. pic.twitter.com/4StFQGU5IM

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) February 1, 2026

New Hampshire AFL-CIO:

Use the link below to tell the Labor Committee to vote NO on HB 1704-FN. We don’t need chaos and higher property taxes: https://t.co/fm5WuJyPCy#nhpolitics https://t.co/u1LShv1I2V

— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) February 2, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

“The NY FAIR News Act will uphold journalists’ credibility, safeguard the integrity of news reporting and strengthen public trust. These common-sense guardrails are essential for a healthy democracy.” -President Mario Cilento https://t.co/fEVx6eKehd

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) February 2, 2026

Oregon AFL-CIO:

We’re proud to endorse Gov. Tina Kotek @Tina4Oregon for re-election as Oregon State Governor. Gov. Kotek is a key partner in fighting for progress towards a fair and just economy. pic.twitter.com/eeexo5bHWb

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 1, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

“You know how else we can put money in people’s pockets?

By finally raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania!”@GovernorShapiro #PABudget

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 3, 2026

Texas AFL-CIO:

BREAKING: We just approved our Texas AFL-CIO COPE 2026 Primary Endorsements! 

We're ready to get to work to elect this wave of union members, and take on the billionaires and the big corporations. View our full list of endorsements here: https://t.co/Bl44Q6ekRf pic.twitter.com/vqjBVdZIF2

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 26, 2026

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Congrats to Seattle Children's @myWSNA nurses on their new contract!!! ✊ https://t.co/WtIKMDGQT5

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 2, 2026

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/03/2026 - 13:12