Women's History Month Profiles: Alexandria Smith

For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Alexandria Smith of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).

Alexandria Smith has shown remarkable dedication and has made an impact on Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 90. Her commitment to her craft, her steady leadership and the pride she brings to the trade have strengthened the local’s membership in meaningful ways. Her accomplishments reflect both her talents and her heart.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/24/2026 - 10:19

Tags: Women's History Month

Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: United Autoworkers

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 UAW.

Name of Union: The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America

Mission: To improve working conditions, create a uniform system of shorter hours, higher wages, health care and pensions; to maintain and protect the interests of workers under the jurisdiction of the international union. To unite in one organization, regardless of religion, race, creed, color, sex, political affiliation or nationality, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, all employees under the jurisdiction of the international union. To improve the sanitary and working conditions of employment within the workplace and in the accomplishment of these necessary reforms. To educate the membership in the history of the labor movement and to develop and maintain an intelligent and dignified membership; to vote and work for the election of candidates and the passage of improved legislation in the interest of all labor. To enforce existing laws; to work for the repeal of those which are unjust to Labor; to work for legislation on a national scale, having as its object the establishment of real social and unemployment insurance, the expense of which to be borne by the employer and the government. To engage in legislative, political, educational, civic, welfare and other activities, which further, directly or indirectly, the joint interests of the membership of this organization in the improvement of general economic and social conditions in the United States, Canada and generally in the nations of the world.

Current Leadership of Union: Shawn Fain serves as president of the UAW. He has been a member of the union for 29 years. Hailing from a family of UAW members, Fain got his start with the union in 1994 as an electrician for Chrysler at Kokomo Casting Plant in his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. He served his local at every level, from Education & Bylaws chair to CAP chair to being elected to five terms as a skilled trades committeeman, and plant shop chairman for UAW Local 1166. He was a UAW negotiator in 2009, during the Chrysler bankruptcy, and was elected again as negotiator in 2011. He became an international representative in 2012. In 2015, he chaired the International Skilled Trades Sub-committee. The membership elected Fain to the office of president in the first-ever direct election for the international executive board, and he was sworn in on March 26, 2023.

Margaret Mock serves as secretary-treasurer, and the UAW has three vice presidents: Laura Dickerson, Rich Boyer and Mike Booth. The UAW has nine regional directors, including Lashawn English, Mark Depaoli, Steve Dawes, David Green, Brandon Campbell, Mike Miller, Tim Smith, Jimmy Lakeman and Brandon Mancilla.

Current Number of Members: 1 million active and retired members.

Members Work As: Autoworkers and in other jobs.

Industries Represented: Multinational corporations, small manufacturers and state and local governments to colleges and universities, hospitals and private nonprofit organizations.

History: Founded in 1935, the UAW was initiated and led by autoworkers. In 1936, they launched the Flint Sit-Down strike, one that lasted 44 days. They refused to leave the GM plants until their working conditions were improved—good wages, pension, health care and more—igniting a new wave of industrial labor movements across the country. The UAW helped pass the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. To this day, its legacy continues.  

To learn more, watch the following video:

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The UAW's Local Union Communication Association helps UAW locals produce top-quality, effective communications. The UAW publishes Solidarity magazine and SolidWeb,a free website-building tool designed specifically for UAW locals. UAW publishes Solidarity magazine. UAW supporters can take action by reviewing UAW members’ community service and lists of products manufactured by its members. The UAW has established ethical practices codes and resources for women workers, retirees, health and safety and veterans along with various standing committees.

Learn More: Website, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok, Threads, Reddit, LinkedIn

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/23/2026 - 13:40

‘We're Excited About What's Ahead’: 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.

About 200 South Jersey Healthcare Workers Vote to Unionize: “About two hundred workers at a pair of South Jersey health care firms voted to unionize in separate elections last week, New Jersey’s largest healthcare union announced. Health Professionals and Allied Employees, the state’s top healthcare labor union, said about 160 workers at Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice will unionize after a 95-27 vote. The group—which includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, and others—said they sought unionization due to unrealistic workloads.”

Harvard Custodians Ratify New Four-Year Contract After Months of Bargaining: “Harvard custodians overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract this week, capping nearly six months of contentious bargaining with the University. A majority of members of Service Employees International Union 32BJ participated in the vote, which was conducted by paper ballot at worksites across campus and hand-counted by union leaders. Custodians cast ballots at locations across the Harvard system—including Harvard Yard and graduate schools—with polling stations open from morning through evening on Monday and Tuesday.”

IBEW Plans New Union Hall in Mount Pleasant: “The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 430 plans to build a new 11,500-square-foot union hall building northwest of Washington Avenue (Highway 20) and West Road in Mount Pleasant, according to plans to be reviewed by the village Plan Commission. The building would serve as the new home for the local business office and meeting hall for IBEW Local 430. Its union hall is currently located at 1840 Sycamore Ave. in Racine. The building will be occupied by four to six business office staff during workdays. IBEW Local 430 holds membership meetings throughout the year with each meeting open to its approximately 150 union members.”

Judge Orders Restoration of Voice of America, Putting Hundreds of Journalists Back to Work: “A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the Trump administration to restore the government-run Voice of America’s operations after it had effectively been shut down a year ago, putting hundreds of employees who have been on administrative leave back to work. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth gave the U.S. Agency for Global Media a week to put together a plan for putting Voice of America on the air. It has been operating with a skeleton staff since President Donald Trump issued an executive order to shut it down.”

Home Care Workers Unionized 10 Years Ago: Good for Workers, Good for Their Clients: “Among the greatest challenges in human services during the past decade has been attracting and retaining the workforce needed to support our growing population of seniors and people with disabilities. For home care positions, particularly in the less skilled jobs, there are simply not enough people. Personal care attendants, often referred to as home care workers, do the difficult work of supporting seniors and people with disabilities so they can remain in their own homes. This can include bathing and toileting and mobility, helping their clients run errands, light housekeeping and meal preparation. They are not medical professionals but may monitor health and behavior.”

NFLPA Elects Former Browns Offensive Lineman J.C. Tretter as Union's Next Executive Director: “The NFL Players Association announced on Tuesday that former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman J.C. Tretter has been elected by the Board of Player Representatives to be the union's next executive director. Tretter ascends to the role after serving as NFLPA president from 2020 to 2024, along with his nine-year career in the league. ‘On behalf of the Board of Player Representatives, we are proud to welcome J.C. Tretter as our new executive director and confident in the leadership that he will bring to our union,’ the NFLPA said in a statement. ‘This decision reflects the responsibility our Board of Player Representatives carries on behalf of every player. We conducted a thorough, deliberate search to identify the right long-term leader to deliver sustained, meaningful progress for our members. J.C. earned the trust of our Board and demonstrated a clear commitment to serving this membership. We're excited about what's ahead.’”

Postal Workers Union Launches Safety Campaign in Nevada, Across U.S.: “The American Postal Workers Union is calling for major safety reform at the U.S. Postal Service after a series of troubling events. Last fall in Michigan, a postal worker was crushed to death next to a machine, and his body wasn’t discovered for hours. The union says the Postal Service consistently reports more workplace injuries than nearly all other federal agencies. Workers contend with industrial accidents, vehicle crashes, severe weather, exposure to toxic substances, and even explosives sent through the mail.”

Virginia Lawmakers Pass Bill to End Collective Bargaining Ban for Public Workers: “Virginia lawmakers on Saturday passed legislation to lift a state ban on public sector collective bargaining for about half a million public sector workers. The bill would apply to public teachers, firefighters, maintenance workers, and other employees employed by local governments and school boards, along with people who work at state agencies. Virginia labor advocates and policy watchers say this is a historic moment given how long the ban was in place and the number of workers it would impact. ‘This is probably one of the most significant pieces of legislation that will advance worker rights, specifically for public sector workers, in a very long time,’ said Rodrigo Soto, legislative and campaigns director at The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis.”

IAFF Shares Cancer Presumption Win for New Mexico’s Firefighters: “The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has spotlighted how after years of fighting for stronger presumptive coverage, New Mexico firefighters have secured a legislative win that expands occupational cancer protections. The victory followed coordinated advocacy by the New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters and the IAFF, culminating in the passage of House Bill 128. Signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the measure strengthens the state’s cancer presumption statute and enhances workers’ compensation protections for firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancers.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/23/2026 - 12:08

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Harris County Workers and Local Unions Win Campaign for Consultations Policy

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.

After Harris County workers, commissioners and labor allies gathered for a press conference on Wednesday to call for the passage of a consultations policy that will give county workers a seat at the table to address workplace concerns, the policy was approved in a 3–1 vote.

At the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation meeting hall, representatives from HOPE AFSCME Local 123, AFSCME Local 907, the Houston Federation of Teachers, the Culinary Union, and the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council stood together to urge commissioners to approve the policy. Texas law currently prohibits public workers from collective bargaining, but this local program will make it easier for county workers to file grievances related to pay, working conditions and terminations so they can continue to deliver essential services to residents. Similar policies are already in place in the Houston and Austin independent school districts and the City of Austin, but now that commissioners have adopted this program, Harris County is the first county in Texas to have such a policy in place.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/23/2026 - 09:48

Women's History Month Profiles: Tracy Miller

For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Tracy Miller of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).

Tracy Miller is a longtime labor activist and unit director with the Hydro One Local of the Society of United Professionals, IFPTE Local 160. With more than 25 years of union leadership, she has advanced equity through delegate training, women’s organizing and national advocacy. She co-chairs the IFPTE Women’s Solidarity Network and continues to provide steady, principled leadership at both the local and international levels of her union.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/23/2026 - 09:53

Tags: Women's History Month

Women's History Month Profiles: Mika Brown

For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Mika Brown of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

A camera operator for 20 years, Mika Brown has worked in sports broadcasting for 16 of those and has been a proud member of IATSE Local 317 for eight. Brown said being an IATSE member means having the support of a skilled, dedicated community that ensures fair wages, benefits and protections, allowing her to focus on her craft. “I’m proud to advocate for more representation and opportunities for women in sports broadcasting.”

Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 03/21/2026 - 10:01

Tags: Women's History Month

Women's History Month Profiles: Mildred Womble

For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Mildred Womble of AFSCME.

All day long, Mildred Womble solves problems. A dedicated customer service agent at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration for more than 30 years, she’s seen it all—and handled it with heart. Recently, she’s taken on a new mission: strengthening safety measures to protect front-line staff by working with management to develop clear, practical workplace safety materials and guidelines that keep colleagues informed, prepared and protected.

Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 03/22/2026 - 10:01

Tags: Women's History Month

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Union Ratifies New Agreement with Leidos

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.

IAM Union (IAM) members who work as flight service workers in Virginia and Texas have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with their employer, Leidos.

The new contract covering the Locals 2010 and 2011 bargaining units contains a number of major wins that reflect the essential work members perform. Highlights include structured annual pay increases through the lifetime of the deal, higher wage premiums for Sunday shifts, improved retirement fund contributions and more.

“This agreement reflects the voices and priorities of our members,” said Chief Steward Clay Dawson. “By listening to our members and negotiating collectively, we were able to secure stronger wages, improved benefits, and protections that help guarantee job security for the next three years.”

“This adjustment prevents management from using overly aggressive performance metrics as a justification to reduce staffing,” said IAM Local 2011 President David Villa. “It ensures our members can provide quality service while maintaining stable employment. This contract was built on solidarity. Our locals worked side by side to make sure the final agreement protects benefits, secures future raises, and strengthens the foundation for our members’ careers.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/20/2026 - 09:52

Women's History Month Profiles: Dorothy Hollingsworth

For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Dorothy Hollingsworth of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).

ITPEU/OPEIU Local 4873 member Dorothy Hollingsworth has been a union member for 54 years. A food service employee at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Hollingsworth takes great pride in her work, which she approaches with passion and attention to detail.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/20/2026 - 09:57

Tags: Women's History Month

Worker Wins: ‘We Work Together for A Purpose’

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

UAW Bargaining Units Reach Tentative Deal with UC, Averting Strike: Three UAW bargaining units reached tentative agreements Friday with the University of California (UC) system after months of negotiations. If ratified, these would be the first union contracts for members of Student Services and Advising Professionals-UAW (SSAP-UAW) and Research and Public Service Professionals-UAW (RPSP-UAW). The previous deal covering members of UAW Local 4811—who work as teaching assistants, student researchers, postdocs and in other academic roles—had expired at the end of February. All three collective bargaining agreements contain powerful wage increases. RPSP-UAW and SSAP-UAW also secured major wins around health care costs, job security, professional development language and more. Local 4811 is celebrating expanded child care access and new provisions establishing a legal fund for international workers.

Oregon Health Care Staff Joins SEIU: Workers at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital in Oregon have overwhelmingly voted to form a union with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49, successfully securing fair representation for staff at all Samaritan facilities. The new bargaining unit covers roles like nutrition services, housekeeping and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Workers were motivated to organize to secure the fair pay and affordable health care that their counterparts at other locations have won in their collective bargaining agreements. “The union is something so cool because you can make decisions together with administration,” CNA Adilson Nuñez said, “and we both create something that is good for us as employees. We work together for a purpose, we work together for the same goal.” “One of the ultimate goals in all of this is providing workers with a better life through their contracts with good benefits,” added Alan Dubinsky, Local 49’s communications director, “and recognizing how that also helps the communities that they serve.”

Court Orders Restoration of AFGE Veterans Affairs Union Contract: On Friday, a U.S. district court judge ordered the reinstatement of the master collective bargaining agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the AFGE National Veterans Affairs Council (AFGE/NVAC). Secretary Doug Collins terminated the AFGE/NVAC contract on Aug. 6, ripping away collective bargaining rights from nurses, doctors, benefits specialists, housekeepers, electricians, painters, food service workers, lawyers, dentists, pharmacists, crisis responders, mental health specialists, cemetery workers, janitors and more. “As unionists, it’s our duty to stand up for what’s right and hold the VA accountable,” said NVAC President Mary Jean “MJ” Burke. “Every American knows the importance of free speech, the separation of powers, and the protections guaranteed to us in our nation’s Constitution. Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to the veterans and servicemembers who fought to defend these principles. We are grateful for today’s court decision, but there is still work to do. The Union will not be deterred. Our members will continue carrying out the VA’s mission every day in service to those who served.” “Today's ruling holds this administration accountable and makes clear: No one can retaliate against workers for standing up for their rights,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “We are pleased the court has restored the largest union contract of VA employees and protected both the federal workforce and the veterans who depend on them.”

ALPA Secures Tentative Agreement with Air Transport International: Members of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) who work for Air Transport International (ATI) are set to vote on a new tentative agreement that will provide approximately $114 million in value over the life of the contract. ATI pilot leadership has voted to move the deal to a membership vote after more than five years of negotiations with the Ohio-based airline that operates cargo jets in Amazon’s air logistics network. Highlights of the new contract include immediate pay increases, a ratification bonus, company-funded contribution to retirement funds, improvements to scheduling and more. “This tentative agreement reflects not only our value to the company but is also the direct result of the unity and tenacity of every ATI pilot,” said Capt. Michael Sterling, chair of the ATI Master Executive Council (MEC). “This agreement will go a long way to improving the lives of our fellow pilots. As we move from the negotiation process to member ratification, I want to express my thanks to my fellow negotiators, the National Mediation Board, and every ATI pilot—all of whom stood in solidarity for almost six years. We are proud of our relationship as Amazon’s largest airline, and we believe this agreement will help reinforce our continuing partnership moving forward.”

Fort Worth Report Staff Win Election to Form Union: On Monday, staff at the Fort Worth Report announced they have overwhelmingly voted in favor of forming a union with Media Guild of the West, The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 39213. The nonprofit newsroom’s leadership declined to voluntarily recognize the Fort Worth Reporters Guild, but workers were not deterred. After overcoming repeated attempts from management to interfere with the organizing process—including hiring a third-party union-avoidance firm—the newly minted members are celebrating a powerful National Labor Relations Board election victory and preparing for their first union negotiations. “These results were not based on mob rule, but rather a reflection of every single unit member who has been heavily involved in this process since its launch,” the Guild’s organizing committee said in a press statement. “This is the next and vital step for our community newsroom, and we look forward to steering trusted news forward in Tarrant County together.”

Motion Capture Workers Ratify First Contract: Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) members at 2K’s motion capture studio have successfully ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. The Petaluma, California, video game studio operated by parent company Take-Two Interactive is known for popular titles such as NBA 2K and WWE 2K. The new contract is a historic first for motion capture video game workers and establishes major wins such as wage floor minimums, yearly pay increases, protected benefits, an enforceable framework for promotions, staffing and subcontracting protections, work-from-home policies, protections related to artificial intelligence, and more. “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together and bargain for the future of their craft,” said IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb. “These workers made history when they organized, and they have made history again by ratifying the first union contract for motion capture video game workers in the United States.” “We went into the negotiating process understanding there would be a strong fight ahead,” said stage technician Connor Bredbeck. “We were united in our goals, shared in solidarity with one another, and focused on protecting the work we love while acknowledging our critical efforts in making games at 2K. We are pleased that 2K was willing to negotiate and made the effort to understand, honor and recognize the contributions of our team.”

USW Members Secure New Master Agreement at Domtar: United Steelworkers (USW) members across nine local unions voted overwhelmingly this winter to approve a new master contract covering workers at Domtar paper facilities around the United States. This new agreement is the first after a series of acquisitions in 2021 and 2023. But thanks to the steadfast unity displayed by members nationwide and well-established internal communications channels, they won the best wage increases the USW has ever negotiated with Domtar. “With new ownership and leadership at the table, we knew this round of bargaining would be challenging,” said USW International Vice President Luis Mendoza, who oversees the union’s paper sector. “It wasn’t easy, but with working families seeing expenses rising across the board, and the industry in a time of uncertainty, members should be proud of the progress they made in this agreement. By standing together, members achieved a fair agreement that rewards their hard work but also positions the company for success and protects workers’ future in a changing industry.”

New York Transit Museum Workers Organize to Join AFSCME: Workers at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn have filed for a National Labor Relations Board election to form a union with AFSCME District Council 37. Following a successful organizing drive by their co-workers in the museum gift shop to join Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 last year, museum educators, visitor experience staff and others are now fighting for union representation, too. Workers went public with their effort to form the New York Transit Museum Collective in early February. Management has yet to voluntarily recognize AFSCME as their bargaining representative, but staff remain committed to fighting for a contract that addresses low wages, lost benefits and other core concerns. “Our museum tells stories that wouldn’t exist without organized labor,” said Ava Dennis, a part-time museum educator. “We tell these stories, we uplift them and remember them.  We deserve that same sort of opportunity.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/19/2026 - 11:53

Tags: Organizing