04/20/2026 - 10:30am
Giving Back to the Community: 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.
Unions Bash AI as Opposition Grows: 'We Believe in Human Beings': “‘We are here to sound the alarms on AI,’ said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. ‘This race that everybody seems to think we're in to advance AI at all costs—with no guardrails or protections for people—is reckless and dangerous.’”
Unions Sue U.S. Labor Board Over Bid to Concentrate Legal Powers in D.C.: “A group of unions has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the U.S. agency that oversees union elections for federal employees from stripping career staffers of the power to order elections and giving it to a panel appointed by the president. The unions in a complaint filed in Boston federal court on Wednesday said the Federal Labor Relations Authority's policy change, which was announced last month and is set to take effect April 23, was not adequately explained and will upend a system developed over decades with just 30 days' notice.”
Roxanne Brown: Why This Union Paramedic Treats an Epidemic of Inequality: “Dominick Sapien and a fellow paramedic arrived at a home in Central Wyoming to find the victim of a fall lying helpless on the floor, one knee split in half, part of the mangled mass of flesh and bone jiggling up and down. Sapien, president of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9012, prepared to transport the person to the hospital for emergency surgery. But the patient, writhing in pain and unable to move without help, balked at going. ‘I can’t,’ the patient said, describing the cost of an ambulance ride and hospital care as simply unaffordable. ‘I’ll just rest.’ Tragic, isn’t it? Rest alone was never going to help Sapien’s patient walk again. Yet this is the kind of story we hear more and more often in a nation where a handful of billionaires possess obscene wealth while growing numbers of ordinary people go without food, health care, and other essentials. It’s an epidemic of inequality.”
Doctors at This Central Valley Hospital Voted to Unionize. Here’s Why: “Doctors in training at the largest hospital in Tulare County have voted to form a union, saying they are underpaid and overworked at the under-resourced hospital. A ‘super majority’ of 150 residents at Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia voted in favor of representation, the Committee of Interns and Residents of the Service Employees International Union said in a news release.”
Hundreds of Students Participate in FORGE Welding Competition in Rochester: “The annual FORGE Welding Competition took place at Local 6 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center on Wednesday with about 500 students participating. According to Training Coordinator Jeremy Thompson, the competition is a hands-on event that works to connect students with careers in the trades, manufacturing and engineering sectors. ‘It’s a great opportunity for us as the host of the competition too, because where else could you have an opportunity to get 500 high school students into the training center to see what we do,’ he said.”
Postal Service Union Rolls Out ‘America Needs Vote by Mail’ Ad Campaign Amid Trump Attacks: “The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has rolled out a pro-mail-in voting advertisement following President Trump’s recent attacks on the practice. The ad, titled ‘America Needs Vote by Mail,’ features people in multiple occupations and circumstances, from a flight attendant to a college student to a farmer, discussing their reasoning for voting by mail.”
Threats to Library Funding End with Settlement by Trump Administration: “The American Library Association, a nonprofit that promotes libraries, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit arguing that the cuts violated the Constitution and federal law by usurping Congress’s authority over how federal funds are spent.”
NJ Transit Light-Rail Mechanics Join TWU: “Mechanics working on New Jersey Transit's Hudson-Bergen light-rail system yesterday voted to join the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU). All employees of the light-rail system are now part of TWU, union officials said in a press release. The mechanics and car cleaners are both employed by North Central Transit Services, while operators and maintenance-of-way employees work for ACI-Herzog. ‘With [the] mechanics...joining the TWU, we now have a unified workforce ready to fight more effectively,’ TWU International President John Samuelsen said. ‘Today’s successful vote now sets up bargaining for a first contract that will lead to better pay, quality-of-life and working conditions for NJ Transit mechanics.’”
LAUSD, SEIU Reach Deal: “Why now: Two days after LAUSD reached new deals with its teachers union and its principals union, the district tentatively agreed on a contract with SEIU Local 99. Why it matters: The unions gave the district an April 14 deadline to reach a deal, or face a walkout. A strike by all three would have shut down district schools and disrupted the education of about 400,000 students and the lives of families scrambling for child care.”
UFCW, JBS Ratify Agreement at Colorado Facility: “United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with JBS USA on April 12 at the beef plant in Greeley, Colo. The terms of the new deal run through April 2028 and affect nearly 3,800 workers at the facility, which has the capacity to process up to 6,000 head of cattle per day. The agreement was reached after both sides held talks on April 9-10, following a union strike since March 16. UFCW announced workers would return to their jobs on April 7 before the agreement was completed.”
UAW Members Give Back Through Monthly Food Distribution: “Members of the local labor union representing workers from the Stellantis plant in Belvidere give back to the community even after the plant’s shutdown. UAW Local 1268 partnered with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to host a food distribution event Saturday morning, offering resources like food, clothing, shoes and books to families in need.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 04/20/2026 - 10:01
04/20/2026 - 10:30am
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Rochester, New York, Nursing Home Staff Unanimously Ratify 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.
Members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East have unanimously voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Rochester Regional Health’s Unity Living Center in Rochester, New York.
Staff at the skilled nursing facility work as licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, activity aides, unit secretaries and physical therapy aides. Their previous agreement expired earlier this year. Throughout seven months of bargaining, the issues of staffing, recruitment and retention, and compensation remained core sticking points. The new contract was reached one month after a powerful informational picket. Highlights of the deal include an 8.75% wage increase over the lifetime of the agreement, an additional floating holiday, an attendance bonus and other provisions that will help support overworked and underpaid staff.
“I feel happy about our new union contract. It was a fight that we won and my next goal is to make sure everyone belongs to the union and benefits from the contract,” LPN Kiara Grey-Bradley said in a press release.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 04/20/2026 - 09:33
Tags:
Organizing
04/17/2026 - 3:00pm
Action Alert: How’s Your Tax Return?
President Trump promised working people back in January that our tax refunds would increase by $1,000 this year. Well it’s Tax Day, and surprise, surprise—that’s not even close to what most of us are actually getting back.
Even if you’re one of the lucky ones getting a big check from the IRS this year, where will that money go?
Higher gas prices from the attacks on Iran.
Higher health care prices from throwing millions of people off their insurance.
Higher rent, groceries, utilities, child care and everything else. Heck, the administration even shuttered the new Direct File system that let us easily file our federal taxes for free.
Shit’s too expensive, and our government hasn’t done a thing except give even more tax breaks to big corporations and billionaires who don’t need it.
Those big, ugly tax cuts for the rich—the biggest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in American history—passed last summer have already resulted in devastating cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs for struggling families. And the president’s newest budget proposal, released earlier this month, would make even bigger cuts to food, housing, education, heating and workforce development programs.
This Tax Day, we need our fellow Americans to understand that it’s time for the rich to pay their fair share so we can stop the cuts to the programs working people rely on.
Share our #TaxDay post with or without our suggested message. First, you’ll need to fill in your occupation:
“I'm a ___, and I paid more in taxes than billionaires this #TaxDay. It’s time for our elected leaders in Washington, D.C., to make big corporations and billionaire CEOs pay their fair share. @aflcio.”
While costs keep going up, most workers’ paychecks aren’t keeping up.
That’s why unions are fighting every day for higher wages (and better health care, safer working conditions and a stronger retirement) for our members, and for all working people.
In the streets and on the shop floor, in union halls and at the ballot box, working people are rising up and fighting to take our power back.
Show your power this Tax Day by spreading a critical message: Working people shouldn’t pay more in taxes than billionaire CEOs.
Thank you for standing up for working people on Tax Day and every day.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 04/17/2026 - 11:37
04/17/2026 - 3:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Makeup and Hair Workers at ESPN Vendor Join IATSE
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.
Hair and makeup artists employed by an ESPN contractor have voted overwhelmingly to form a union with Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 798.
The workers are employed by Distinct Artistry to manage the on-screen appearances of ESPN’s studio hosts, commentators and guests at the network headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, as well as at major sporting events. Staff cited the need for health insurance, retirement benefits and workplace protections as core motivations for organizing.
“Local 798 has stood in solidarity with the Distinct Artistry Hair and Make-Up Artists and is thrilled they have voted for union representation,” said Local 798 President Angela Johnson. “We are optimistic that Distinct Artistry will meet us at the bargaining table and negotiate a contract in good faith.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 04/16/2026 - 11:59
Tags:
Organizing
04/17/2026 - 3:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment Workers Ratify Contracts
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.
Nonfiction television staff represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) at Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment ratified new collective bargaining agreements.
These members are responsible for producing popular shows like “The Food That Built America,” “To Catch a Smuggler,” “90 Day Fiancé” and more. Both bargaining units secured major wins around minimum rate increases and other working condition improvements.
“Nonfiction production workers are the backbone of some of the most-watched television,” said Michael Rauch, vice president of Film/TV/Streaming at WGAE, in a press release. “These newly-ratified contracts reflect what workers across the industry deserve—fair pay, real protections, and stability in an unpredictable work environment. Lucky 8’s first contract, and Sharp’s third, show that organizing works, and the energy we saw at this weekend’s summit makes clear that workers are ready to keep building. Nonfiction workers know their value, and the WGAE is here to help them fight for it.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 04/17/2026 - 09:49
Tags:
Organizing
04/17/2026 - 3:00pm
Worker Wins: Bold Action and Courage
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
UTLA and SEIU Reach Agreements, Averting Strike: In the early hours of Tuesday morning, members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99 reached a tentative agreement (TA) with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). With a TA also in place for their union brothers, sisters and siblings in the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)—an affiliate of the AFT—the planned work stoppage at the county’s second-largest school district has been called off. The deal covering 30,000 custodians, food workers, special education assistants and bus drivers was reached just hours before the strike deadline. LAUSD settled contracts with the approximately 38,000 member-strong UTLA and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles over the weekend. SEIU and UTLA both won wage increases, protections against subcontracting and more. “The truth has always been clear—the district CAN afford these changes. With this agreement, resources will begin to be redirected away from unnecessary spending and toward the students and classrooms that need them most,” said Julie Van Winkle, vice president of UTLA. “This contract fight has never been about prolonging conflict. It has always been about securing the respect and investments that educators and students deserve. This TA is a powerful step forward and a momentous win for the Los Angeles school community.” “This agreement was won through the bold action and courage of thousands of workers who were willing to sacrifice to improve conditions in their schools and their lives,” Local 99 Executive Director Max Arias said. “A strike was always the last resort, and we are proud that we could work with the school district and Mayor Karen Bass to reach an agreement that recognizes the contributions of front line workers in our schools.”
AFSCME and American Library Association Prevail in Fight to Protect Libraries and Museums Nationwide: AFSCME and the American Library Association (ALA) have reached a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue to support libraries and museums across the country. IMLS has a congressional mandate to provide essential coordination, research and funding for the nation’s libraries, museums, public gardens, aquariums, zoos and other cultural institutions that enrich our lives and educate our communities. The lawsuit was filed last year amid the Trump administration’s attacks on the federal agency, including major staff reductions. “Today is a victory for every community that depends on libraries and museums as gateways to opportunity, learning and connection,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “As the nation’s largest union of cultural workers, AFSCME members fought tirelessly to protect this essential institution, which supports the vital services we provide to communities across the country. Thanks to these efforts, this vital funding is protected in every state in the country, so our communities can continue to have access to these essential places of learning.”
NJ Transit Light Rail Workers Join TWU: Mechanics who maintain NJ Transit’s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail have voted overwhelmingly to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU). This milestone means all workers in the privately operated system are now represented by TWU. The mechanics for the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail are employed by North Central Transit Services, which holds a maintenance contract for the 24-station route between West Bergen and Bayonne, New Jersey. “The TWU knows that worker power comes from a unified front, all crafts and classes in one big union,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “With Mechanics at Hudson-Bergen Light Rail joining the TWU, we now have a unified workforce ready to fight more effectively. Today’s successful vote now sets up bargaining for a first contract that will lead to better pay, quality-of-life, and working conditions for NJ Transit Mechanics.” “Today’s successful election shows the power of the TWU in New Jersey,” said TWU Transit, Universities, Utilities, and Services Division Director Willie Brown. “We now begin the work of getting a first contract for Mechanics that will address securing a living wage, better working conditions, and management that bullies workers.”
ALPA Members Reach Tentative Contract Agreement with FedEx: Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) members who work for FedEx have reached a new tentative five-year agreement with the company. The new deal comes after five years of negotiations with the multinational conglomerate. Economic provisions had been a sticking point in bargaining; this contract includes hourly pay increases of nearly 40% in 2026 and 3% annual pay bumps starting in 2028. “This tentative agreement was reached after lengthy and intensive mediation under the supervision of the National Mediation Board,” said Capt. Jose Nieves, chair of the FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC), in a press statement. “The next step is completing the MEC review and providing pilots with the information needed to evaluate the agreement.”
NYU Staff Ratify New Union Contract: Members of Contract Faculty United-UAW (CFU-UAW) at New York University (NYU) have overwhelmingly ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. The victory comes after a brief and powerful strike in late March. Highlights of the deal include raises of $14,000 effective fall 2026, fixed annual 3.5% wage increases through fall 2029, protections for academic freedom, artificial intelligence guardrails and more. “After nine years of organizing and 17 months of bargaining, this result is a clear announcement that we have won the strong first contract we need and deserve,” the union said in a website post. “But our contract, no matter how strong, is not our union. Our union is all of us, fighting together for a fairer and stronger university. In the months and years to come, we will need to stand together to enforce our contract, defend academic freedom and protect and strengthen the new rights we’ve won.”
UFCW Members Ratify Tentative Agreement with JBS: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 members have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year contract with JBS USA following a powerful three-week work stoppage. Workers at the company’s flagship beef processing plant in Greeley, Colorado, walked off the job after a nearly unanimous vote to authorize an unfair labor practice strike. The new collective bargaining agreement contains a number of major victories—including wage increases that are 33% higher than management’s pre-strike proposal—and not a single concession. “This tentative agreement is a testament to the incredible resolve of our members at the JBS Greeley plant,” said Kim Cordova, president of Local 7. “These workers stood together on the picket line for three weeks, through extreme weather, because they knew their worth and refused to be disrespected. Today, that sacrifice has been rewarded. This is what union power looks like.”
Makeup and Hair Workers at ESPN Vendor Join IATSE: Hair and makeup artists employed by an ESPN contractor have voted overwhelmingly to form a union with Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 798. The workers are employed by Distinct Artistry to manage the on-screen appearances of ESPN’s studio hosts, commentators and guests at the network headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, as well as at major sporting events. Staff cited the need for health insurance, retirement benefits and workplace protections as core motivations for organizing. “Local 798 has stood in solidarity with the Distinct Artistry Hair and Make-Up Artists and is thrilled they have voted for union representation,” said Local 798 President Angela Johnson. “We are optimistic that Distinct Artistry will meet us at the bargaining table and negotiate a contract in good faith.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 04/16/2026 - 13:59
Tags:
Organizing
04/15/2026 - 7:30pm
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:
ICYMI- The Basement is the first unionized escape room in America and has set an important example for other immersive performers. Their three main asks – safety, salary and scheduling – have been a rallying point for these workers since unionizing in 2023. Listen to their story: bit.ly/4sP5LSd
[image or embed]
— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) April 14, 2026 at 11:38 AM
AFSCME:
Air Line Pilots Association:
Alliance for Retired Americans:
04/15/2026 - 1:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Members Ratify Tentative Agreement with JBS
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.
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 members have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year contract with JBS USA following a powerful three-week work stoppage.
Workers at the company’s flagship beef processing plant in Greeley, Colorado, walked off the job after a nearly unanimous vote to authorize an unfair labor practice strike. The new collective bargaining agreement contains a number of major victories—including wage increases that are 33% higher than management’s pre-strike proposal—and not a single concession.
“This tentative agreement is a testament to the incredible resolve of our members at the JBS Greeley plant,” said Kim Cordova, president of Local 7. “These workers stood together on the picket line for three weeks, through extreme weather, because they knew their worth and refused to be disrespected. Today, that sacrifice has been rewarded. This is what union power looks like.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 04/15/2026 - 10:13
04/14/2026 - 6:30pm
Your Vote Counts: 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 Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Connecticut 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:
New York State AFL-CIO:
Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Texas AFL-CIO:
04/14/2026 - 12:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFSCME and American Library Association Prevail in Fight to Protect Libraries and Museums Nationwide
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.
AFSCME and the American Library Association (ALA) have reached a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue to support libraries and museums across the country.
IMLS has a congressional mandate to provide essential coordination, research and funding for the nation’s libraries, museums, public gardens, aquariums, zoos and other cultural institutions that enrich our lives and educate our communities. The lawsuit was filed last year amid the Trump administration’s attacks on the federal agency, including major staff reductions.
“Today is a victory for every community that depends on libraries and museums as gateways to opportunity, learning and connection,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “As the nation’s largest union of cultural workers, AFSCME members fought tirelessly to protect this essential institution, which supports the vital services we provide to communities across the country. Thanks to these efforts, this vital funding is protected in every state in the country, so our communities can continue to have access to these essential places of learning.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 04/14/2026 - 09:37
