09/12/2025 - 4:00pm
We Remember: 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 Sept. 17, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, you're invited to join hands with New Jersey residents from Fort Lee to Washington Crossing to form a living chain of resistance against authoritarianism. Learn how you can be a part of @handsacrossnj.bsky.social here - https://handsacrossnj.org/
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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) September 10, 2025 at 10:20 AM
AFSCME:
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Amalgamated Transit Union:
American Federation of Teachers:
09/12/2025 - 4:00pm
Worker Wins: This Is Only the Beginning
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
New Jersey Governor Signs Five Pro-Labor Bills into Law: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law five bipartisan, pro-labor bills that will benefit working people in the state. One of the pieces of legislation bans captive audience meetings, requires that employers clearly communicate to their staff that attendance is voluntary and also protects workers from retaliation if they choose to not sit in on these meetings. The other bill requires that social studies classes for grades 6–12 provide education on the rich contributions, history and heritage of the labor movement. “Governor Murphy has signed a significant amount of pro-labor legislation into law over the past seven and a half years, and the addition of these two laws further illustrates his commitment to working families and unions,” said Charles Wowkanech, president of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. “We sincerely appreciate his support, as well as the leadership of the prime sponsors of these bills for their advocacy….Collectively, these two new laws illustrate that New Jersey continues to be a strong union state.”
Duke Grad Student Union Ratifies Historic Contract: After two years of negotiations and strikes, members of the Duke Graduate Students Union (DGSU)—which is part of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Southern Region Local 27—voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first contract, with 99% in favor. This agreement—a first for union graduate student workers in the South—will increase members’ base annual stipend, and future raises will be at the same rate as raises for regular-rank faculty. Other wins include nine weeks of parental leave, protections for undocumented students and those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, child care subsidies, workload guardrails and more.
University of California Staff Vote to Join UAW in Landslide Vote: More than 7,000 research and public service professionals (RPSPs) across the University of California (UC) system announced on Tuesday that they have overwhelmingly voted to form a union with the UAW. RPSP-UAW members are in good company: They’re joining the ranks of over 50,000 other UC workers who are already part of the UAW. These staff members, who perform essential work like administering grants and analyzing data, are organizing in the wake of ongoing federal attacks on higher education funding. “As the Trump administration continues its assault on workers, it’s never been more important to join the movement of tens of thousands of higher education workers throughout the country who are standing up for social and economic justice at their jobs and in their communities,” said UAW Region 6 Director Mike Miller. “Forming a union has never been more important with higher education under increasing attack,” said Deborah Ferguson-Fitch, a research administrator at UC San Francisco. “We are joining a movement of research and professional employees in UAW who have been at the forefront of fighting funding cuts and protecting jobs and values in higher education.”
Fort Bend Transit Operators Vote to Join TWU to Address Appalling Working Conditions: Bus and van operators at Fort Bend Transit in Rosenberg, Texas, overwhelmingly voted to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU) on Friday. They sent a strong message to the operator Transdev that a complete lack of respect for workers is unacceptable. “Transdev forces drivers to work without proper bathroom breaks, disciplines and fires drivers through a draconian attendance policy and punishes workers who dare to bring concerns about their working conditions to management. That is unacceptable and it ends TODAY. Transdev’s anti-union rhetoric has epically failed,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “We will fight and win a first contract that improves the working conditions and lives for Fort Bend Transit workers and their families. They are fed up with a lack of respect from management. A contract forces the bosses to make changes instead of punishing workers who dare to speak up.” In recent months, commuters in Rosenberg have been plagued by service disruptions because of Transdev’s mismanagement and treatment of workers. Buses frequently experience overcrowding and commuters are turned away, leaving bus operators at risk of assault and outrage from angry customers.
AGMA and San Francisco Opera Announce New Two-Year Contract: The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and San Francisco Opera announced a new two-year collective bargaining agreement, ratified by AGMA’s Board of Governors on Aug. 25. The agreement comes after nine months of negotiations. The new contract, effective through Feb. 28, 2027, includes pay increases, equitable pay adjustments, enhanced work-life protections, other new benefits, and enhancements to scheduling and audition processes. “This agreement reflects the dedication of every AGMA member at San Francisco Opera; we really came together. Solidarity works,” said Sally Mouzon, AGMA’s Western Region vice president, and a San Francisco Opera chorister. “It’s about respect for the job we do, a healthy balance between life and work, and ensuring that artists have a real seat at the table as our beloved San Francisco Opera plans for the future.”
Production Assistants for Hit TV Show ‘The Pitt’ Vote to Organize with LIUNA: Production assistants (PAs) on the second season of the HBO Max medical drama “The Pitt” voted to join Laborers (LIUNA) Local 724, Production Assistants United. The vote was unanimous. “The PAs on this show are real professionals and we bring our A game every day, so it means a lot that we can now collectively bargain for the same rights and benefits that everyone else gets,” said set production assistant Michael McWilliam. “The Pitt” is the first major television production where production assistants have organized. “LiUNA Local 724 is honored to be at the tip of the spear representing those who long have deserved respect and dignity behind the scenes here in Hollywood, but who have so long been denied that recognition in this place we call Hollywood,” said Local 724’s business manager Alex Aguilar. “This is only the beginning.” Production Assistants United is primarily advocating for bread-and-butter benefits such as wage raises, access to union health plans, turnaround times, grievance procedures and more structured career pathways for PAs who do not have many clear options for career advancement.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 09/12/2025 - 10:30
Tags:
Organizing
09/11/2025 - 3:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Production Assistants for Hit TV Show ‘The Pitt’ Vote to Organize with LIUNA
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.
Production assistants (PAs) on the second season of the HBO Max medical drama “The Pitt” voted to join Laborers (LIUNA) Local 724, Production Assistants United. The vote was unanimous.
“The PAs on this show are real professionals and we bring our A game every day, so it means a lot that we can now collectively bargain for the same rights and benefits that everyone else gets,” said set production assistant Michael McWilliam.
“The Pitt” is the first major television production where production assistants have organized.
“LiUNA Local 724 is honored to be at the tip of the spear representing those who long have deserved respect and dignity behind the scenes here in Hollywood, but who have so long been denied that recognition in this place we call Hollywood,” said Local 724’s business manager Alex Aguilar. “This is only the beginning.”
Production Assistants United is primarily advocating for bread-and-butter benefits such as wage raises, access to union health plans, turnaround times, grievance procedures and more structured career pathways for PAs who do not have many clear options for career advancement.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/11/2025 - 10:17
09/10/2025 - 3:30pm
Pay Them What You Owe Them! 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 on X.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Maine AFL-CIO:
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
09/10/2025 - 3:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Fort Bend Transit Operators Vote to Join TWU to Address Appalling Working Conditions
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.
Bus and van operators at Fort Bend Transit in Rosenberg, Texas, overwhelmingly voted to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU) on Friday. They sent a strong message to the operator Transdev that a complete lack of respect for workers is unacceptable.
“Transdev forces drivers to work without proper bathroom breaks, disciplines and fires drivers through a draconian attendance policy and punishes workers who dare to bring concerns about their working conditions to management. That is unacceptable and it ends TODAY. Transdev’s anti-union rhetoric has epically failed,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “We will fight and win a first contract that improves the working conditions and lives for Fort Bend Transit workers and their families. They are fed up with a lack of respect from management. A contract forces the bosses to make changes instead of punishing workers who dare to speak up.”
In recent months, commuters in Rosenberg have been plagued by service disruptions because of Transdev’s mismanagement and treatment of workers. Buses frequently experience overcrowding and commuters are turned away, leaving bus operators at risk of assault and outrage from angry customers.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 09/10/2025 - 10:08
Tags:
Organizing
09/09/2025 - 8:00pm
‘The State of Our Unions Is Under Attack and Fighting Back’: 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.
Fred Redmond: Celebrating the Power of Black Union Organizers: “The country just celebrated Labor Day and the contributions working people and unions have made toward a more equitable and just society. Throughout our history, the labor movement has marched, fought and stood together to win every bit of progress: to end child labor and make dangerous jobs safer. For fair wages, affordable health care, time off to spend with family. For dignity and respect, no matter where you come from or the color of your skin.”
Union Workers, Mayoral Candidates March in Annual Labor Day Parade: “The grand marshals at this year’s parade were Hotel and Gaming Trades Council President Rich Maroko and WNBA Player’s Association Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson. The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, which organizes the event, says it is the biggest and oldest Labor Day parade in the country.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: ‘The State of Our Unions Is Under Attack and Fighting Back’: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered the 2025 State of the Unions address, highlighting the resilience and strength of workers who are under constant threat from the Trump administration’s assaults on their jobs, contracts and communities. President Shuler shared stories from the AFL-CIO’s 40-plus-city ‘It’s Better in a Union: Fighting for Freedom, Fairness and Security’ bus tour, which stopped in St. Louis on July 25. Her speech included accounts from veterans fired from their federal government jobs and immigrant workers living under the mass deportation agenda, as well as the historic union organizing and contract fights across the country. She described the Trump administration as ‘government of, by, and for the billionaires,’ and stressed that ‘Republicans aren’t going to save us. Democrats aren’t going to save us. Working people are going to save ourselves.’ President Shuler’s address also kicked off the Workers’ Labor Day week of action, during which the Labor Movement and allies hosted nearly 1,000 events across the country in the fight for what workers deserve.”
AFSCME, Cultural Organizations Ask Court to Reinforce IMLS Protection: “AFSCME president Lee Saunders emphasized the importance of IMLS to cultural institutions. ‘Today, we urge the court to continue to protect federal support for museums and libraries from anti-worker billionaires who are trying to rob our communities of the services we depend on,’ Saunders said in a press statement, noting that attacks on federal agencies such as IMLS are ‘attempts to deprive us of our history, our resources, and our freedom to learn.’ Saunders noted that U.S. libraries and museums ‘educate the next generation, help workers access job training, and provide a safe space where anyone can learn.’ Through its Cultural Workers United movement, AFSCME has made a push to bring library and museum workers on board, and recently announced a milestone of 50,000 members from literary, arts, and other organizations.”
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Strengthening Workers’ Rights and Labor Education: “‘Today, New Jersey is showing what it looks like to lead for working people,’ said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. ‘One bill Governor Murphy will sign bans one of union-busters’ favorite tactics, in which they force workers into meetings to listen to religious and political speech, including anti-union propaganda, in an effort to sow misinformation and intimidate them out of their organizing. The second bill will ensure that New Jersey students learn about unions’ critical role in building the middle class and improving the lives of working people in schools. Learning about the labor movement’s struggles and progress empowers students to not only understand labor’s contributions to our past, but the importance of unions to our future. I commend the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and the governor for working together to protect workers’ fundamental freedoms and make this groundbreaking education law a reality. We urge other states to follow New Jersey’s lead.’”
Festival Foods Workers Are Latest to Organize in Madison: “Steven Temple has worked at Festival Foods, a grocery store on East Washington Avenue in Madison, for nearly four years. When workers won their union vote on Aug. 14, Temple felt elated. ‘I’m on cloud nine and I’m not coming down,’ said Temple, who works behind the deli counter. He estimated that Festival employees had been working toward unionizing for a full year. Temple said worker concerns vary, but in general, the union will focus on pay equity, stronger security measures for employees, and less punitive attendance policies. Workers voted to join United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1473, which will represent approximately 80 hourly, non-managerial employees at the grocery store. Workers won their vote 46-18, and are currently waiting to schedule a meeting with the company to begin bargaining.”
Over 1,000 Demonstrations Held Across the U.S. for Labor Day: “More than a thousand demonstrations were held across the United States Monday for Labor Day, as protesters came out against what the AFL-CIO called a ‘government by, and for, the CEOs and billionaires.’ The protests came after President Trump stripped nearly a half a million federal workers of their union protections in August.”
Stephanie Bloomingdale: A Prominent Republican Once Said Nation Must Preserve the Rights of Its Workers: “As the old saying goes, ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same.’ It’s an apt observation for many situations. Labor Day is a good time to reflect on how it applies to the world of work in 21st century America. Much has been written about the unprecedented impact things like artificial intelligence and the so-called gig economy are having on the relationship between workers and our employers. While the modalities of work may indeed change, there is an underlying dynamic which remains constant: the boss’s desire to get the most possible labor from the fewest possible workers for the least possible compensation.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on Why Labor Day Is More Important Than Ever: “As we approach Labor Day this Monday, it’s more important than ever that we take time to reflect on what the holiday stands for. The Trump administration has been ruthlessly anti-union from the first day of Trump’s second term. His aggression towards workers’ rights proves, at least to some extent, that he knows the power of the people is greater than the people in power. Jen is joined by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler to discuss how the working class feels abandoned in Trump’s America, how the labor movement is holding strong despite constant attacks, and how we can build an aspirational economic future.”
New York AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento Discusses the State of Labor: “But according to Mario Cilento, the president of the 2.5 million member federation of unions known as the AFL-CIO, Trump is not a friend to labor. According to Cilento, he’s opposed legislation that strengthens unions and safety regulations and has allowed the National Labor Review Board to erode. As the country looks forward to celebrating the labor force on Monday, Capital Tonight wanted to catch up with the long-time president of the New York State AFL-CIO, which typically backs Democrats in this blue state.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 09/08/2025 - 14:36
09/09/2025 - 1:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: University of California Staff Vote to Join UAW in Landslide Vote
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.
More than 7,000 research and public service professionals (RPSPs) across the University of California (UC) system announced on Tuesday that they have overwhelmingly voted to form a union with the UAW.
RPSP-UAW members are in good company: They’re joining the ranks of over 50,000 other UC workers who are already part of the UAW. These staff members, who perform essential work like administering grants and analyzing data, are organizing in the wake of ongoing federal attacks on higher education funding.
“As the Trump administration continues its assault on workers, it’s never been more important to join the movement of tens of thousands of higher education workers throughout the country who are standing up for social and economic justice at their jobs and in their communities,” said UAW Region 6 Director Mike Miller.
“Forming a union has never been more important with higher education under increasing attack,” said Deborah Ferguson-Fitch, a research administrator at UC San Francisco. “We are joining a movement of research and professional employees in UAW who have been at the forefront of fighting funding cuts and protecting jobs and values in higher education.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 09/09/2025 - 09:45
09/08/2025 - 12:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: New Jersey Governor Signs Two Pro-Labor Bills into Law
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.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law two bipartisan, pro-labor bills on Wednesday that will benefit working people in the state.
One of the pieces of legislation bans captive audience meetings, requires that employers clearly communicate to their staff that attendance is voluntary and also protects workers from retaliation if they choose to not sit in on these meetings. The other bill requires that social studies classes for grades 6–12 provide education on the rich contributions, history and heritage of the labor movement.
“Governor Murphy has signed a significant amount of pro-labor legislation into law over the past seven and a half years, and the addition of these two laws further illustrates his commitment to working families and unions,” said Charles Wowkanech, president of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. “We sincerely appreciate his support, as well as the leadership of the prime sponsors of these bills for their advocacy….Collectively, these two new laws illustrate that New Jersey continues to be a strong union state.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 09/08/2025 - 09:46
09/04/2025 - 5:00pm
AFL-CIO Bus Tour Visits Wisconsin to Rally Against Funding Cuts to Public Services
On Wednesday, the AFL-CIO “It’s Better In a Union” bus tour rolled through Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for a community forum with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) about how the recent federal budget bill will harm working people in the state.
Labor leaders, educators, health care advocates and community members turned out for the event to speak out about how funding cuts will directly impact education, health care and other vital services in western Wisconsin. The panel included AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFT-Wisconsin President Jon Shelton and Dr. Jill Underly, Wisconsin's state superintendent of public instruction.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 08/29/2025 - 13:08
Tags:
Better in a Union Bus Tour
09/04/2025 - 5:00pm
Worker Wins: I Could Not Be More Proud
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Atlanta Airport’s Plane Train Workers Vote to Form Union: Late last month, IAM Union’s Rail Division and TCU/IAM announced that workers who operate and maintain the Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have successfully voted to form a union. Employed by French transportation systems manufacturer Alstom, these workers ensure the operation of the Plane Train, which carries passengers between terminals at the world’s busiest airport. Newly minted TCU/IAM members are eager to negotiate a contract that addresses their concerns around job security, wages, working conditions and more. “This victory marks a historic moment as the first joint organizing effort between TCU and the IAM, and we could not be prouder of the outcome,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “The Alstom workers, who operate and maintain the Plane Train at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, perform vital work keeping hundreds of thousands of passengers moving safely every day through the world’s busiest airport. We proudly welcome these workers into our union family and look forward to negotiating a strong first agreement that secures the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve.”
BCTGM Local 1 Members Ratify New Contract: After 11 weeks on the picket line, members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 1 who work at Teasdale Latin Foods in Hoopeston, Illinois, have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. Workers stood together and fought back hard against the food supplier’s attempt to outsource union jobs, change scheduling practices and establish a two-tier wage system. “These hard-working members put it all on the line in their fight for a fair contract,” said BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton. “This settlement is the result of their dedication, and the solidarity of the labor movement and the community. When you attempt to dismantle a BCTGM Union contract, we will fight back. When private equity owners with no ties to the local community try to undermine the negotiating process, we will fight back. Our members in Hoopeston sacrificed their jobs to stand up for working people everywhere. I could not be more proud.”
Diablo Game Developers Form Union with CWA: In the latest victory for video game worker organizing, more than 450 game developers behind the popular series Diablo voted last week to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The new bargaining unit—which is one of the largest wall-to-wall unions at a Microsoft-owned studio—includes game developers, artists, designers, engineers and support staff across the video game franchise. These workers join colleagues at other major game studios who have asserted their power by organizing as part of the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) network. “With every subsequent round of mass layoffs, I've witnessed the dread in my coworkers grow stronger because it feels like no amount of hard work is enough to protect us,” said Kelly Yeo, Team 3 game producer on Diablo and organizing committee member. “I am overjoyed that we have formed a union—this is just the first step for us joining a movement spreading across an industry that is tired of living in fear. We are ready to begin fighting for real change alongside our Diablo colleagues.”
BlueOval SK Workers Vote Union Yes!: Late Wednesday night, the UAW announced workers at the BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky won their election to join the union. The UAW released the following statement after the victory: “BlueOval SK workers won a majority of votes in an NLRB election to unionize their plant in Glendale, Kentucky, securing a hard-fought victory. This is a major step forward for workers who stood up against intense company opposition and chose to join the UAW. “There are 41 challenge ballots still outstanding. We believe they are illegitimate and represent nothing more than an employer tactic to flood the unit and undermine the outcome. We will fight these challenges to defend the democratic choices of these workers, as we always do when corporations try to interfere with workers’ democratic choice. The challenged ballots are not part of the group of workers who built their union from the bottom up. They deserve to have their own union, in an appropriate bargaining unit with a representative of their own choosing. “The UAW is calling on Ford to acknowledge the democratic decision of its workforce. They should immediately drop their anti-democratic effort to undermine the outcome of the election and recognize a majority of BlueOval SK’s production and maintenance employees have chosen to join the UAW and ensure battery jobs in Kentucky are good, safe, union jobs.”
Yosemite Workers Vote to Join NFFE-IAM: In response to the Trump administration’s attacks on federal workers across agencies, park rangers, educators, researchers, first responders, and other staff in Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks have voted overwhelmingly to join the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). Across the parks, more than 97% of ballots cast were in favor of joining NFFE-IAM. The votes were certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority on Monday. This powerful display of unity comes in the wake of steep staffing cuts and broader efforts from the White House to undermine the collective bargaining agreements of federal workers. “We just want to be protected from this administration,” said an anonymous Yosemite worker who helped with the organizing effort. “It comes as no surprise workers in the National Park Service are overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing, as federal employees across the country have been faced with reductions in force, threats to workplace protections, and slashed agency budgets under this administration,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “NFFE will be taking every step possible to increase both staffing and resources, and to defend employees from actions that threaten their rights and the incredible work they do stewarding our public lands. I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women who carry out the important mission of maintaining Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 09/04/2025 - 12:47
Tags:
Organizing
