AFL-CIO Now Blog

Happy Earth Day: What Working People Are Doing This Week

superuser — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400

Happy Earth Day: 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:

On Monday, Equity honored Afra Hines with the Legacy Robe at the Broadway opening of SCHMIGADOON! This season marks the 75th anniversary of this historic tradition. Check out our profile for interviews with past recipients

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NYC Residential Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike

superuser — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NYC Residential Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike

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.

Just days ahead of a strike deadline, 34,000 SEIU Local 32BJ members who work as doormen, porters and maintenance workers across New York City reached a tentative agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB).

These members perform essential work at approximately 3,500 apartment buildings, condos and co-ops—their previous deal was set to expire today. Highlights of the new contract include raises of $4.50 an hour over the life of the contract, a 15% increase to pension benefits, protections for employer-covered health care and more.

“Today we found a common path forward with the RAB that rewards workers appropriately,” 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said. “This agreement honors the indispensable contributions 32BJ members make to our city.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/23/2026 - 09:22

Worker Wins: A Fight We Won

superuser — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:30:00 -0400

Worker Wins: A Fight We Won

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

Maryland Public University Nontenure-Track Faculty Win Collective Bargaining Rights: The Maryland General Assembly has passed legislation extending collective bargaining rights to the majority of nontenure track faculty at Maryland's four-year public universities. This victory was a direct result of the tireless organizing done by unions like AFT-Maryland, United Academics of Maryland—an affiliate of American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and AFT—Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 and the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO. The bill now heads to Gov. Wes Moore’s desk for his signature. “For years, I have heard from faculty who have been showing up for their students while barely keeping their heads above water and without a seat at the table,” said AFT-Maryland President Kenya Campbell. “Today, we celebrate, and tomorrow we keep fighting – fighting to organize our non-tenure track faculty so they have a voice and fighting to extend collective bargaining rights to all faculty.” “Our universities are under attack,” said Karin Rosemblatt, president of the University of Maryland–College Park chapter of the United Academics of Maryland. “Our academic freedom is being radically curtailed by the illegal moves of the Trump administration, and our administrations feel their hands are tied. Funding for higher education has been stagnant for almost two decades. Students are forced to learn under the pressure of debt and overcrowded classrooms. Our shared governance structures are routinely circumvented or sidelined. But collective bargaining will help faculty fight back. With a union, they will win the job security and resources that will make for better work, better teaching, and better research.”

Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment Workers Ratify Contracts: 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.”

Rochester, New York, Nursing Home Staff Unanimously Ratify New Contract: 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.

NYC Residential Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike: Just days ahead of a strike deadline, 34,000 SEIU Local 32BJ members who work as doormen, porters and maintenance workers across New York City reached a tentative agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB). These members perform essential work at approximately 3,500 apartment buildings, condos and co-ops—their previous deal was set to expire today. Highlights of the new contract include raises of $4.50 an hour over the life of the contract, a 15% increase to pension benefits, protections for employer-covered health care and more. “Today we found a common path forward with the RAB that rewards workers appropriately,” 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said. “This agreement honors the indispensable contributions 32BJ members make to our city.”

New Jersey Cannabis Workers Celebrate Union Election Victory Ahead of 4/20: Workers at cannabis products producer Sun Extractions have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 360, marking another win for the union’s ongoing campaign to ensure fair labor protections in the emergent industry. Medical and recreational cannabis sales in the state are on track to exceed $2 billion, and the workers who make those profits possible are organizing to ensure that they can secure wages and benefits that reflect that success. “New Jersey’s cannabis industry is stronger today, thanks to this vote by Sun Extractions workers,” said Hugh Giordano, director of organizing at UFCW Local 360. “Sustainable success for businesses, employees, and communities starts with fair treatment, strong standards and shared commitments. That’s how jobs in the cannabis industry become long-term careers, and it’s the future these employees are working towards.” "We have more reasons than ever to celebrate 4/20 this year. We’re welcoming the workers of Sun Extractions into the Local 360 family, seeing the hard work of our members move an entire industry forward, and talking to other states as they look to New Jersey as a model of how to do it right,” UFCW Local 360 President Sam Ferraino Jr. said. “It’s another proof-point for what we always say: stronger unions mean stronger industries and stronger communities. And that’s worth celebrating.”

Lush Cosmetics Workers in Maryland Vote Unanimously to Join UFCW: Staff at a Lush Cosmetics storefront in Baltimore last month voted unanimously to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27. These workers join the ranks of their colleagues in St. Louis; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and Friendswood, Texas, who are part of the growing number of staff organizing to improve conditions at the British retailer. “It has been a joy working at Lush since I joined as floor leader in the 2024 holiday season,” said Hazel Schalow, a worker at the Baltimore store. “I value all my co-workers so much, which is why unionization feels like the right thing to do so that our store can continue succeeding. I want to make sure everyone who’s a part of Lush Harbor East can have the proper pay and scheduling to build a life for themself here in the city we love, and I’m so proud of us all for taking this big step forward together! We support all our fellow co-workers in raising issues to be improved, and we have each other’s back because caring is what we do best as a workforce.” “This is what happens when workers stand together and refuse to be pushed around,” said Jason Chorpenning, president of UFCW Local 27. “These workers faced union-busting head-on and still won unanimously. That sends a message to this company and every employer in retail: workers are done accepting low pay, unpredictable schedules, and disrespect on the job.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/23/2026 - 11:40

Tags: Organizing

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lush Cosmetics Workers in Maryland Vote Unanimously to Join UFCW

superuser — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:30:00 -0400

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Lush Cosmetics Workers in Maryland Vote Unanimously to Join UFCW

Staff at a Lush Cosmetics storefront in Baltimore last month voted unanimously to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27.

These workers join the ranks of their colleagues in St. Louis; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and Friendswood, Texas, who are part of the growing number of staff organizing to improve conditions at the British retailer.

“It has been a joy working at Lush since I joined as floor leader in the 2024 holiday season,” said Hazel Schalow, a worker at the Baltimore store. “I value all my co-workers so much, which is why unionization feels like the right thing to do so that our store can continue succeeding. I want to make sure everyone who’s a part of Lush Harbor East can have the proper pay and scheduling to build a life for themself here in the city we love, and I’m so proud of us all for taking this big step forward together! We support all our fellow co-workers in raising issues to be improved, and we have each other’s back because caring is what we do best as a workforce.”

“This is what happens when workers stand together and refuse to be pushed around,” said Jason Chorpenning, president of UFCW Local 27. “These workers faced union-busting head-on and still won unanimously. That sends a message to this company and every employer in retail: workers are done accepting low pay, unpredictable schedules, and disrespect on the job.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/22/2026 - 10:19

Tags: Organizing

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey Cannabis Workers Celebrate Union Election Victory Ahead of 4/20

superuser — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:30:00 -0400

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey Cannabis Workers Celebrate Union Election Victory Ahead of 4/20

Workers at cannabis products producer Sun Extractions have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 360, marking another win for the union’s ongoing campaign to ensure fair labor protections in the emergent industry.

Medical and recreational cannabis sales in the state are on track to exceed $2 billion, and the workers who make those profits possible are organizing to ensure that they can secure wages and benefits that reflect that success.

“New Jersey’s cannabis industry is stronger today, thanks to this vote by Sun Extractions workers,” said Hugh Giordano, director of organizing at UFCW Local 360. “Sustainable success for businesses, employees, and communities starts with fair treatment, strong standards and shared commitments. That’s how jobs in the cannabis industry become long-term careers, and it’s the future these employees are working towards.”

"We have more reasons than ever to celebrate 4/20 this year. We’re welcoming the workers of Sun Extractions into the Local 360 family, seeing the hard work of our members move an entire industry forward, and talking to other states as they look to New Jersey as a model of how to do it right,” UFCW Local 360 President Sam Ferraino Jr. said. “It’s another proof-point for what we always say: stronger unions mean stronger industries and stronger communities. And that’s worth celebrating.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/21/2026 - 10:20

Solidarity In the Streets: In the States Roundup

superuser — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Solidarity In the Streets: 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:

Yesterday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta released evidence in a case he is bringing against Amazon for price-fixing.

Emails show us that this giant retailer is unlawfully pressuring and forcing other retailers to not allow their prices to dip below what Amazon charges.… pic.twitter.com/LSt8036SI4
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) April 21, 2026

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

BREAKING: Hair and Make-Up Artists employed by Distinct Artistry at ESPN have voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing with IATSE Local 798! @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/omJwPsSA4a
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 13, 2026

Florida AFL-CIO:

ICYMI: Check out the coverage of the great work being done by our siblings in @SoFloAFLCIO who are advocating for better working conditions for World Cup Workers! https://t.co/aD44SZhxWl
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 15, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Wrapping up NABTU's Legislative Conference in D.C. when IL AFL-CIO President Tim Drea and Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney ran into U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. #UnionStrong #NABTU2026 pic.twitter.com/4YwXCZ3uES
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 21, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Congrats to all the runners today, we hope all the fans out there had a blast on a beautiful Marathon Monday! Thank you to the countless workers who make today possible. We hope everyone across MA is enjoying a restful and reflective Patriots Day https://t.co/KIsK2tGw5E
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) April 20, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Are you ready to March on May Day? pic.twitter.com/sL92wyFRBd
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 20, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Any union member will tell you it's #BetterInAUnion . Minnesota’s Labor Movement fights better pay, safer workplaces, healthcare & retirement security, more union jobs, and respect at the workplace. Get involved to help build a stronger Labor Movement. https://t.co/QfiywfwJqU pic.twitter.com/5eftRmlmDg
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 20, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Call your state representative and tell them to VOTE "NO" on H.J.R. 173 & 174. pic.twitter.com/wBCxAn4mAx
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 21, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Showing up for a headline is not the same as showing up with a real solution. pic.twitter.com/vYQZXXzJ7M
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 17, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

For 17 years, the journalists and media workers of the Albany Newspaper Guild have been working without a contract at the Times Union. On the latest #UnionStrong podcast, we’re diving into their story. Listen wherever you get podcasts or watch on YouTube. https://t.co/gOFigZ0oDF
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 17, 2026

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Join us April 28th in Raleigh to toll a bell 196 times - once for each person in NC who died while working for a better life in 2024. RSVP at https://t.co/WZaKnjtfir #WMD2026 #1u pic.twitter.com/zu5fGpp6mS
— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 17, 2026

Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:

Working people ❤️ vote by mail.

Voting by mail makes democracy more accessible and is a free, safe way to participate in elections. pic.twitter.com/AGVZlMEC8R
— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 20, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Union voices matter—and together, we’re making them heard.

Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: National Women's Soccer League Players Association

superuser — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: National Women's Soccer League Players Association

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 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA).

Name of Union: National Women’s Soccer League Players Association

Mission: The players of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) vow to build on the opportunity that has been afforded to them, as well as work to achieve those goals that have not yet been attained. They honor the vision and progress of those who came before them. They commit themselves to doing all in their power for the betterment of their members so that they may best contribute to the common goal: to play world-class soccer on the field and to inspire the next generation off the field.

Current Leadership of the Union: The executive committee consists of Haley Hopkins (president), Dani Weatherholt and Madison Hammond (vice presidents), Maggie Graham (secretary), and Emily Menges (treasurer).

Day-to-day operations are handled by Executive Director Meghann Burke and Deputy Executive Director Tori Huster.

Current Number of Members: More than 400

Members Work As: Professional soccer players.

Industries Represented: Professional women’s soccer.

History: The NWSLPA was first organized in 2017, as players conducted a card-check drive to unionize all NWSL players under a standard player agreement. The NWSLPA adopted its constitution and bylaws, and Yael Averbuch was elected as the union’s first president.

In 2018, the NWSL voluntarily recognized the NWSLPA as the exclusive bargaining representative of all NWSL players.

In April 2019, Brooke Elby was elected as the union’s second president. That same month, the NWSLPA engaged in its first-ever work stoppage, as players on the Chicago Red Stars and Reign FC refused to play in unsafe field conditions. By December, Elby was named co-executive director, sharing responsibilities with Averbuch.

In 2020, Tori Huster was elected the third president in NWSLPA history. In July 2020, the NWSLPA notified the league of its intent to negotiate its first collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

In March 2021, the NWSLPA named Meghann Burke as its first full-time executive director, formalizing the union’s leadership at a critical moment. By August 2021, players brought forward reports of misconduct by coaches and others in positions of power, prompting a broader reckoning across the league. After successfully canceling a full weekend of games, players returned to the field on Oct. 6, 2021. In the sixth minute of play, matches across the league paused as the players gathered at the center circle, standing arm-in-arm in silence to call for change. The NWSLPA issued eight demands outlining a path toward accountability and structural reform.

In January 2022, the NWSLPA ratified its first CBA. The agreement established free agency rights for the first time in U.S. domestic women’s professional soccer under a CBA, significantly increased minimum salaries, returned group licensing rights to players, introduced revenue-sharing mechanisms, and secured critical health and safety protections—including mental health leave, pregnancy and parental leave, second medical opinions, and the right to choose a surgeon.

In October 2022, the joint investigative team—formed by the NWSLPA and NWSL in response to the players’ demands—released its findings, marking a critical step toward accountability and reform. On Dec. 14, 2022, the NWSL announced unprecedented disciplinary sanctions in response to the report, signaling a turning point for the league.

In 2024, the NWSLPA and NWSL reached and ratified a second CBA after months of voluntary bargaining, securing further historic gains for players and continuing to reshape standards across women’s professional sports in the United States.

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The NWSLPA partners with various organizations. The Support the Players National Emergency Trust was created to provide charitable assistance to current and former professional women’s soccer players with unexpected financial hardships, and to remove cost as a barrier to accessing mental health services. The NWSLPA works with various partners to feature officially licensed products.

Learn More: Website, Bluesky, Instagram

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/20/2026 - 14:11

Giving Back to the Community: The Working People Weekly List

superuser — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:30:00 -0400

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

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Rochester, New York, Nursing Home Staff Unanimously Ratify New Contract

superuser — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:30:00 -0400

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Rochester, New York, Nursing Home Staff Unanimously Ratify New Contract

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

Action Alert: How’s Your Tax Return?

superuser — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

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