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 features Janna Lopez of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Janna Lopez is a nontribal card member of Yaqui and Taos Pueblo tribes. Lopez was sworn in to IATSE Local 695 in 2016 and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, where she trained as a sound designer. Lopez has worked as a day player for drama television series “NCIS” and the Marvel show “Runaways.” “My motto is ‘if you are not working, be learning,’” Lopez said. “I have been able to take classes presented by my local to better do my job as a Y-7A, sound utility.” Lopez has volunteered with the LA Sound Mixers Facebook group, Cinema Audio Society and LA Skins Fest during Native American Heritage Month.

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 features Rob Manning of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).

As president of his local, Rob Manning stands up for his fellow workers’ rights. Just this month, he stepped in to ensure that the agencies granted employees time to vote in the presidential election. His ongoing project is to obtain proper COVID-19 hazard pay compensation for Indian Health Service employees. The pandemic claimed the lives of Manning’s mentor, Verle Follette, and numerous other workers. In his community, Manning volunteers his time with Spotted Bull Recovery Resource Center, helping those with addictions recover. He also serves as the president and chaplain of the Prairie Riders Motorcycle Club.

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 features Joseph Obed of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).

Joseph Obed, one of the newest insulators to Local 137, completed his first turnaround at the liquefied natural gas plant in Kitimat, British Columbia. Obed recently finished pre-employment training and brought his dedication and hard work to the job, showcasing his skills and commitment to his trade. 

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 features Marty Bowman of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

Marty Bowman has been an IR technician at Frontier Communications for 32 years. He serves as a union steward for CWA Local 7019, representing members on the Navajo Nation reservation in northern and eastern Arizona. He actively mobilizes his group to ensure safe working conditions and effective representation. He strongly believes in community involvement, especially for youth. He participates in cultural events such as powwow dance circuits and facilitates Yeibichai services with his family. A dedicated family man and union activist, Bowman strives to keep his Native culture vibrant among the youth on the reservation.

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 features Alexander “Alex” Osif of the Mine Workers (UMWA).

Alex Osif is of Kin Yaa’áanii (The Towering House) clan of the Navajo tribe. He also works as a case manager in the Black Lung Clinics Program at Canyonlands Healthcare in Chilchinbeto, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. Osif represents his union brothers and sisters and is a tremendous advocate for those with black lung disease. He works with the National Black Lung Association and brings that program to the Southwest for his retirees, his communities, the Navajo Nation and beyond into the surrounding mining communities.

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 the Chicago Tribune Guild, part of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), won their first contract with Alden Global Capital last week after six years of bargaining.

Alden Global Capital, which has a well-established reputation of gutting and slashing newsrooms, began buying into the Tribune Publishing Company in 2019. The hedge fund fully acquired the paper in May 2021. This landmark contract was ratified with near-unanimous approval on Friday, providing two years of consecutive raises and an immediate signing bonus. The agreement also retains Guild members’ 401(k) match, raises minimum salary floors and establishes essential protections against artificial intelligence outsourcing.

“We won because we fought, and we fought because we believe in the work we do for Chicago,” said Unit Chair Jake Sheridan. “The world needs people to push for truth right now. That’s what we do. This contract gives us a little more stability and a little more pay so we can keep doing it.”

Tags: Organizing

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 features Makayla Gallagher of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).

Makayla Gallagher is proudly affiliated with the Sitnasuak and Bering Straits Native corporations in Alaska. Born and raised in the state, Gallagher has a deep connection to the outdoors, embracing it not only as a pastime but as an integral way of life. She is an active member of PASS and serves as her facility’s union representative, dedicated to understanding the benefits available to employees and fostering positive relationships within the Federal Aviation Administration.

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.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) workers in Philadelphia tentatively agreed to a new one-year contract. More than 5,000 workers are represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 and include bus, subway and trolley operators, mechanics, cashiers, maintenance people and custodians. The tentative deal would include a 5% pay increase that, coupled with the last deal, increases workers’ wages to 12.5% more than they made as of Dec. 8, 2023. Members who retire during the life of the contract will receive an additional 5% pension increase. Also included in the contract are schedule stability for operators, increased health benefits and safety changes.

Union members will vote on whether to ratify the deal on Dec. 6. Local 234 unanimously authorized a strike that would become unnecessary if members approve the tentative deal.

“We’re going to continue to work in tandem in hopes that we can get transit funding, so we won’t be back at this place next year," said Local 234 President Brian Pollitt.

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 (formerly Twitter).

Alabama AFL-CIO:

pic.twitter.com/vDUOcS8XOe

— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) October 17, 2024

Alaska AFL-CIO:

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. 

Check out the members we've featured so far:

• Kassy McDowell
• Kota Aranda