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.

The United Soccer League (USL) and the USL Players Association (USLPA), a Communications Workers of America (CWA) affiliate, announced on Wednesday that they had reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

“The United Soccer League and the USL Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on key terms of a new collective bargaining agreement for the USL Championship and USL Premier, pending final ratification,” the union and league said in a joint statement. “This milestone represents a significant step forward for the league and its players, reflecting a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game and the advancement of professional standards. Both sides will now work through the remaining steps required to finalize the CBA, and additional updates will be shared at a later time.”

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.

U.S. Working Class Mobilizes Ahead of Nationwide ‘May Day Strong’ Rallies: “Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO—which represents nearly 15 million workers and 65 affiliated unions—said Wednesday that ‘for the labor movement, Workers Memorial Day and May Day aren’t just days of reflection—they are days of demand.’ ‘Amid attacks on our health and safety, our civil rights, and our very freedom to organize, we are standing up for a worker-centered vision of America,’ Shuler continued. ‘From now through November, the AFL-CIO, our state and local labor movements, and allies across the country will be in the streets and at worksites to peacefully engage our co-workers and neighbors on the issues at stake in the next election so we can ensure that everyone can vote and every vote is counted and unify working people around our economic demands.’ ‘This week and for the months to come, we will continue to fight for our vision of a worker-centered America,’ she added.”

SAG-AFTRA Launches ‘I Am An Actor’ Podcast; First Guests Include Quinta Brunson, Kate Hudson, Mariska Hargitay, Kerry Washington: “At the beginning of every Actor Awards (the kudocast formerly known as the SAG Awards), actors give a speech from their chairs in the room, sharing their origin stories. It’s usually about their big break, or how they first got their SAG-AFTRA card. The anecdotes can be amusing, serious or emotional, but they always end the same way: With the performer sharing their name, then proudly declaring, ‘I am an actor.’ That’s the inspiration behind ‘I Am An Actor,’ a new podcast from SAG-AFTRA that launches on May 7. The show, available on all podcast platforms, will be hosted by Actor Awards showrunner Jon Brockett and actor Jamie Chung (‘Dexter: New Blood,’ ‘Lovecraft Country’).”

Philadelphia’s Union Movement Gains Momentum with New Organizing Drives Across the City: “Philadelphia’s reputation as a union stronghold is being reinforced by a wave of new organizing efforts spanning from the University of Pennsylvania to local coffee shops. Labor activity has intensified across the city over the past five years, with six new unions forming at the University of Pennsylvania. Workers at businesses like Starbucks, World Cafe Live and Whole Foods have also launched their own unionization campaigns.”

Six Local Schools Compete in Annual Welding Contest at Wheeling Ironworkers Local 549: “Sparks flew at the Wheeling Ironworkers 549 as students from six local schools put their welding skills to the test in the second annual welding competition. The welders were judged on their skills and how their techniques would translate in a real-world environment. ‘It’s not just welding that we do, but this gives them an eyeopener of al the different aspects of ironworking,’ said Stephen Sipos, an apprenticeship coordinator. ‘It allows them to see our shop, see what they can do with their hands, the kind of pay and benefits we offer because we’re also upstairs explaining different things to them.’”

‘Death on the Job’ Report Details Workplace Safety Decline Under Trump: “‘Every worker should be able to go home safe and healthy at the end of their shift—but 55 years after the founding of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, that fundamental right is in danger,’ warned AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler.”

AFL-CIO President Calls AI 'Single Biggest Threat to Working People of Our Lifetime': “The head of the AFL-CIO said Tuesday that artificial intelligence threatens worker safety, privacy and job security if left unregulated, and called for immediate legislative guardrails. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the national federation of 65 unions representing nearly 15 million workers, said that employers are deploying AI across industries without sufficient oversight.”

Alabama Labor Groups Host Workers’ Week of Action Kickoff: “During a kickoff event for the Alabama Workers’ Week of Action, labor and community organization advocates discussed labor campaigns and events planned across the state. The livestream, hosted by the Valley Labor Report, highlighted events and labor campaigns put together by organizations participating in the week of action, scheduled around Workers Memorial Day on April 28 and May Day, or International Workers Day, on May 1. The event’s panel was hosted by Jacob Morrison, president of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, a regional council of labor unions and body of the AFL-CIO, and featured representatives of the United Campus Workers of Jacksonville, Jobs to Move America, Alabama Arise, the Southern Workers Assembly, United Auto Workers and Communication Workers of America.”

Screenwriters Overwhelmingly Approve a 4-Year Contract with Hollywood Studios: “Members of the screenwriters union overwhelmingly ratified a four-year agreement with Hollywood studios and streamers on Friday, bringing an end to a surprisingly smooth and quick process that brought a prolonged strike the last time around. Union leaders said 90% voted to approve the deal struck between the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Studios will now shift to negotiations with actors and directors.”

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Saia ‘Ahau of AFGE.

Saia ‘Ahau is a transportation security officer and serves as assistant chief steward for AFGE Local 1260 in Northern California. “At the heart of my Tongan culture sits family and community,” ‘Ahau said. “When I joined AFGE and the federal service in 2022, I dedicated myself to bringing those values into my work as a public servant, a local steward and an advocate for labor.”

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.

Eight production employees at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Live Arts’ Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts have voted unanimously to join IATSE Local 8.

The group includes full-time and part-time audio engineers, digital production supervisors, house electricians, production coordinators, and theatre technicians who operate the venue’s technical and production systems.

“There are a lot of great aspects of working here at Penn Live Arts,” said Tait Adams, theatre technician. “There is also a lot of room for improvement. As the organization continues to grow, the workers deserve to have a say in our conditions. Being represented by IATSE Local 8 means that we have the necessary support and resources to make sure our voices are heard.”

Tags: Organizing

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 AFSCME Local 1404—part of AFSCME Council 93—successfully fought to defeat a plan to privatize custodial services in a Massachusetts school system, saving the jobs of up to 22 dedicated public sector workers.

Workers showed up to Dracut School Committee meetings and town elections, leafletted in freezing temperatures, and spoke out on social media and in the local news to educate residents on the benefits of keeping the custodial services in-house. Their victory is also a win for the broader school system because AFSCME members can now continue to dutifully serve the community.

“We just kept fighting for our rights, and thanks to Council 93 for all their help and guidance every step of the way, we are able to say that we came out on top,” said Local 1404 President Chad Adamczyk. 

“The custodians themselves played the most important role simply by quietly doing their jobs so well over many years before this fight. Because of their dedication and hard work throughout their careers, the Dracut community joined us in the fight,” said Council 93 Executive Director Mark Bernard, who’s also an AFSCME vice president. “Despite the uncertainty they dealt with as their livelihoods were on the line, they proudly continued to show that same strong work ethic throughout the fight. When we fight, we win.”

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

Air Ambulance Crews in Nevada and California Join TWU: Flight nurses and flight paramedics in northern Nevada and California voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU). Employed by REMSA Health, these air ambulance crews regularly perform intense, high-risk rescues in remote areas. The newly minted TWU members cited inadequate compensation and exclusion from important decision-making processes as core motivators for organizing. Despite an aggressive anti-union campaign by management, medical workers are energized and ready to bargain for the fair wages, quality benefits and respect they deserve. “These critical first responders no longer have to fight their callous and dismissive bean-counting bosses alone,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “REMSA’s union-busting actions failed miserably during this campaign,” TWU International Organizing Director Angelo Cucuzza said. “I hope, for their sake, the consultants they hired were on a contingency basis. The rehashed garbage they put out brought more workers to the TWU’s side, proving once again the boss is usually the best union organizer.”

Workers at the Holy Donut Vote Unanimously to Form Union: Staff at a Portland, Maine, donut shop have voted unanimously to join IAM Union to address low wages and other workplace concerns. The Holy Donut Workers-Park Ave-IAM Union bargaining unit represents staff at the Park Avenue location of the Holy Donut. Workers have seen an outpouring of support from labor allies such as the Maine AFL-CIO, the Southern Maine Labor Council, the UMaine Graduate Workers Union (UMGWU-UAW Local 7650), the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (MSNA/NNOC), and more. “The work continues as we move to negotiations!” the bargaining unit said in a social media post. “To every person, union, and organization who called, messaged, emailed, mailed letters, showed up in person, stood with us in any way: Thank you! We are truly so excited to join our friends throughout Maine to advocate for all workers! Solidarity Forever!”

Dining Workers at Virginia State University and Norfolk State University Win Recognition: Campus dining workers at two of Virginia’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—Virginia State University (VSU) and Norfolk State University (NSU)—have officially been recognized as members of UNITE HERE Local 23. These essential staff members are employed by Thompson Hospitality, a subcontracted food service provider. “I’m proud of the hard work and resilience it took for me and my coworkers to show Thompson Hospitality that, just like workers at all the other union universities, we deserve better wages and excellent healthcare at VSU. I personally can’t wait until the contract so that I can be able to pay my bills and still have some funds left over to go see my family in Louisiana!” said Nikita “Miss Nikki” Whitten, a cook for four years with Thompson Hospitality at VSU. “Our new union members have won the right to negotiate a union contract and secure higher wages, affordable quality health insurance, and a pension plan that means they can retire on with dignity,” said Marlene Patrick Cooper, president of UNITE HERE Local 23. “This is an opportunity for workers to earn the wages and benefits that match the care they afford to students every day. What’s more, the workforces at VSU and NSU are majority Black, and this victory will bring their compensation up to par with other unionized campus dining workers throughout Virginia, the South, and the nation.”

OPB and KMHD Content Creators Unanimously Ratify First Contract: SAG-AFTRA members at Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) and KMHD Jazz Radio have ratified their first union contract. Highlights include a $65,000 minimum annual salary for all jobs, annual raises of at least 3%, guardrails around artificial intelligence (AI), safety protections, grievance processes, severance and more. “We extend our sincere congratulations to our newest members for their unwavering perseverance throughout the process of achieving and ratifying this contract,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “SAG-AFTRA is honored to stand in solidarity as we move forward together.” “The process of securing this first contract has had a powerful and lasting impact across all of OPB. We are truly excited and grateful to SAG-AFTRA for their partnership in making this possible, and we look forward to realizing the full benefits this milestone represents,” said the organizing committee.

Nurses at Ford Chicago Assembly Persevere, Vote to Join UAW: Earlier this month, after enduring an aggressive union-busting campaign by the company, nursing staff at the Ford Chicago Assembly plant successfully voted to join the historic UAW Local 551. The local already represents more than 5,000 autoworkers at Ford’s oldest operating manufacturing facility, and it traces its roots all the way back to the beginning of the UAW. Management ran a full-court press anti-union effort against the six-person bargaining unit. But with the support of their UAW siblings, the nursing staff members persevered and are now focused on bargaining for a contract that will ensure they have the resources needed to keep plant workers safe. “I’ve been a member of this local for over 30 years, and during that entire time, the nurses here have never been unionized,” Local 551 President Chris Pena said. “So, to see them finally win a seat at the table, everyone at the local is incredibly proud of them for demanding a voice.” “We felt like management didn’t want to make any type of financial investment in us that would allow us to increase our skills and our knowledge,” said Mary Quasney, an associate nurse at the plant. “We felt like we were understaffed, and that can have negative effects on the work we do. We truly care about the workers in this plant, and we want to provide the best care possible for them when they come to us.”

Vineyard Theatre Crew Ratifies First Collective Bargaining Agreement: Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) members who work at Vineyard Theatre in New York City have ratified their first union contract. Backstage and overhire crew at the Off-Broadway theater company announced the news in a joint statement with management, noting that the bargaining process was thoughtful and collaborative. The agreement establishes a clear framework governing pay, benefits, workplace protections, scheduling and more. “Behind the scenes workers are the backbone of live entertainment,” said Brian Munroe, IATSE international representative. “They deserve fair wages, benefits, and union representation. The Vineyard Theatre worked in good faith negotiations with the IATSE to achieve this. We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Vineyard.”

Massachusetts AFSCME Members Defeat Privatization Attempt: Members of AFSCME Local 1404—part of AFSCME Council 93—successfully fought to defeat a plan to privatize custodial services in a Massachusetts school system, saving the jobs of up to 22 dedicated public sector workers. Workers showed up to Dracut School Committee meetings and town elections, leafletted in freezing temperatures, and spoke out on social media and in the local news to educate residents on the benefits of keeping the custodial services in-house. Their victory is also a win for the broader school system because AFSCME members can now continue to dutifully serve the community. “We just kept fighting for our rights, and thanks to Council 93 for all their help and guidance every step of the way, we are able to say that we came out on top,” said Local 1404 President Chad Adamczyk. “The custodians themselves played the most important role simply by quietly doing their jobs so well over many years before this fight. Because of their dedication and hard work throughout their careers, the Dracut community joined us in the fight,” said Council 93 Executive Director Mark Bernard, who’s also an AFSCME vice president. “Despite the uncertainty they dealt with as their livelihoods were on the line, they proudly continued to show that same strong work ethic throughout the fight. When we fight, we win.”

Tags: Organizing

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:

Equity publishes member-written letters reflecting on the lives of their fellow members who have passed away. Fill out the member commemoration form in the member portal to share your letters of remembrance. https://members.actorsequity.org/member-commemoration

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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) April 29, 2026 at 9:30 AM

AFSCME:

Every worker deserves a job where they feel safe and protected.

This Workers Memorial Day and every day, AFSCME members are committed to building safer workplaces and a future where no job costs a life. pic.twitter.com/8RneAMUJrf

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 28, 2026

Air Line Pilots Association:

Today we honor the memory of pilots and all workers who have been injured or killed on the job, and renew our commitment to the fight for safer workplaces. #WorkersMemorialDay pic.twitter.com/iU9RVThIGw

— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) April 28, 2026

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Just imagine:

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.

Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) members who work at Vineyard Theatre in New York City have ratified their first union contract.

Backstage and overhire crew at the Off-Broadway theater company announced the news in a joint statement with management, noting that the bargaining process was thoughtful and collaborative. The agreement establishes a clear framework governing pay, benefits, workplace protections, scheduling and more.

“Behind the scenes workers are the backbone of live entertainment,” said Brian Munroe, IATSE international representative. “They deserve fair wages, benefits, and union representation. The Vineyard Theatre worked in good faith negotiations with the IATSE to achieve this. We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Vineyard.”

Tags: Organizing

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:

On #MayDay2026, workers will take to the street all across California to demand a strong union in every workplace!

Make your voice heard! Visit https://t.co/cPcUJZ1YpZ to find a community action near you, and join us in a statewide #EconomicBlackout where we buy NOTHING all day… pic.twitter.com/C9RJ9skm2l

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) April 27, 2026

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

This ceremony marks the 39th anniversary of the L'Ambiance Plaza collapse.

Due to faulty lift slab construction, 28 workers were crushed to death and 22 were injured.

Join us on April 23 at 11:30am to remember and pay tribute to the workers who died and those who were injured. pic.twitter.com/0jPcSFxL0p

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 22, 2026

Florida AFL-CIO:

This week marks both the arrival of #WorkersMemorialDay and #MayDay2026! Looking to find your nearest event in Florida? We have set up a state specific hub for as many as we could find! Visit https://t.co/0BRwA2JdZN to see how you can take action, and email us for additions! pic.twitter.com/tpCrSOSVYn

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 27, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

April 28 marks 50+ years since the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) guaranteed every worker the right to a safe job. Yet workplace fatalities are rising. It’s time to fully fund OSHA and make safety a real priority. #WMD2026 pic.twitter.com/VuZQy6mDk9

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 28, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

We were honored to be at the @OPEIU National Education conference to talk about the impact of AI and the power of the tech industry on the working class @opeiulocal6BM pic.twitter.com/w9Bib4lihg

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) April 24, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Calling all supporters of the labor movement

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.

Postal Service Union Launches Television Ads Promoting Mail-In Voting: “The integrity of Georgia elections has been questioned by President Donald Trump and others since 2020. Now the postal workers' union wants to restore voter confidence in voting by mail via the airwaves. The American Postal Workers Union will begin airing television ads starting this week to promote casting your ballot via mail. Georgia APWU President Charles Brouhgton said he wants to have an impact on voters.”

Effort to Dedicate Corner to Local 34 Founding Member Moves Forward: “New Haveners and Yale student leaders have collected about 320 signatures on a petition to name the corner of College and Elm streets in honor of a man who helped establish Yale’s first employee union. The petition required 250 signatures to qualify for review by the president of the Board of Alders, Tyisha Walker-Myers, who may assign it to one of the board’s committees, according to Ward 1 Alder Elias Theodore ’27. Theodore said he recently submitted the petition to City Hall for review.  Under the proposal, the corner would be dedicated to John Wilhelm ’67, who helped found Local 34, which represents the University’s clerical and technical workers. Last year, the union celebrated the 40-year anniversary of its first contract with Yale—a milestone that motivated locals Aldo Cupo and Cheryl Bergman to spearhead the renaming efforts, they said.”

Ford, UAW Volunteers Plant 200-Plus Trees and Shrubs in Detroit Industrial Sector: “An industrial stretch of Detroit is getting a green transformation this week as dozens of volunteers from Ford and the United Auto Workers give back to the community where they work. As part of National Volunteer Week, Ford employees spent Thursday planting trees and shrubs at Fort Street Bridge Interpretive Park, a developing green space along the Rouge River. UAW volunteers will join on Friday. The effort marks one of the final construction activities before the park officially opens in late May.”

IBEW Local 1 Members, Contractors Team Up with Rebuilding Together to Help Homeowners in Need of Electrical Repairs: “Retired Army veteran MC Thomas has lived in his home off Paducah Drive here for 25 years. He’s tried to keep up with repairs, but says it’s tough living on a fixed income. ‘You save and save, and then something else happens with the house,’ Thomas said. ‘It’s crazy.’ Fortunately, Thomas recently received a helping hand on some electrical work from volunteers with the Electrical Connection—a partnership between IBEW Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)—and Rebuilding Together St. Louis.”

Senators Introduce Bill to Prevent Loss of Some Railroad Retirement Benefits: “Two senators have introduced legislation that would end reductions to railroad retirement benefits for some retirees or their spouses who continue working in non-railroad jobs after retirement. Unions supporting the bill include the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Transportation Communications Union.”

Union Pacific Settles Dispute with Rail Supplier, Reaches 7-Year Agreement: “‘USW members have proudly produced steel rail for Union Pacific for generations, and as we look to the future, we’re pleased that our nation’s transportation infrastructure will continue to be U.S.- and union-made,’ USW International President Roxanne Brown said in a statement.”

NIPSCO, USW Reach Tentative Agreement: “The Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and the United Steelworkers (USW) have reached a tentative agreement after failed negotiations forced a lockout. The two sides started negotiations in January, but couldn’t reach a new collective bargaining agreement by the expiration of their contract on March 31. That led to a weeks-long lockout that began on April 2, which kept over 1,600 people from work. The agreement is pending ratification by union members. It includes a requirement for union members to stop picketing, leading to the cancellation of scheduled rallies.”