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 64 of our affiliates. Next up is the National Lacrosse League Players’ Association (NLLPA).

Name of Union: National Lacrosse League Players’ Association

Mission: The Association works to establish improved working conditions, job security and economic benefits for all members through its role to act on behalf of all members as the collective bargaining unit. The NLLPA cooperates and collaborates with other labor organizations to advance the interests of its members. The NLLPA’s mission is to promote, unite and represent the interests of all its collective members. The Association gives its members a voice and promotes loyalty among its members.

Current Leadership of Union: Zach Currier serves as president. Reid Reinholdt is the vice president and executive director. Gee Nash serves as treasurer. John Rosa is the secretary. Each team also selects a player representative. See the full list.

Current Number of Members: 400

Members Work As: Professional lacrosse players

Industries Represented: Men’s professional lacrosse

History: The National Lacrosse League Players’ Association is the exclusive bargaining representative for players of the National Lacrosse League with respect to wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment. The Players’ Association was founded in 1992, and the union was certified on May 7, 1993, by the National Labor Relations Board as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League Players’ Association (MILLPA). In 1997, the MILLPA became the Professional Lacrosse Players’ Association (PLPA) when the Major Indoor Lacrosse League amalgamated with several private owners to become the National Lacrosse League (NLL) beginning with the 1997–98 season. The PLPA was renamed the National Lacrosse League Players’ Association in 2022. The Players’ Association has negotiated 11 collective bargaining agreements to date on behalf of its players. 

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The NLLPA tells the stories of its members. It also works with numerous partners and sponsors and spotlights businesses owned by players.

Learn More: Website, X, Instagram

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 members from across the country gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Southern Maryland for hands-on-training and leadership development as part of the IAM Young Workers Program.

These up-and-coming union members took part in the experience because they’re all interested in developing Young Worker Committees in their local unions. Over the course of a week, members learn about IAM history, strategic planning, parliamentary procedure, the power of generational diversity, public speaking and issues-based organizing from experienced union educators and staff.

“This initiative is designed to engage and empower the next generation of union members by providing them with exposure to a wide range of departments, leaders, and opportunities within our movement,” said IAM Women’s and Young Workers Director Dee Colbert. “It is imperative that we give young workers meaningful experiences that deepen their understanding of union values and help shape their leadership mindset as they prepare for long, successful careers in the labor movement.”

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.

Employees at Build-A-Bear Workshop at Union Station in St. Louis voted unanimously to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 655, making it the first Build-A-Bear location in the country to organize.

In December, nine assistant workshop managers, sales leads and bear builders at the Union Station store unanimously filed to join Local 655 and requested voluntary recognition of the union. However, the company denied their request for recognition. Then, the day before the election, the company fired one of Local 655’s lead organizers.

“We’ve filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board on the firing,” said Sean Shannon, an organizer with the local. “Now we have to wait 10 days for the NLRB to certify the election results, and then we can begin bargaining with the company. All of the employees are really excited about joining the union.”

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

OHSU Workers Overwhelmingly Approve New Contract: AFSCME Local 328 members at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement, averting a potential strike. The bargaining unit at the academic medical center covers a wide range of roles, from administrative work and food service to patient care. Highlights of the deal include immediate wage increases—and a new minimum wage floor of $25 per hour by the end of the contract lifetime—a $4,500 ratification bonus, increased time off and more. “Our $25 minimum wage will set a new standard for the city of Portland and the broader labor movement,” said Local 328 in a blog post. “Other unions will build on our wins in the same way our contract builds on the work of those who came before us. There is a common saying in the labor movement that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” Despite all the difficulties we face in these times, we are doing our part to improve not [just] the lives of our members, but of our communities.”

NABTU Applauds Court Decisions Restarting Major U.S. Offshore Wind Projects: Last week, three federal judges ruled that offshore wind projects off the coasts of New England, New York and Virginia can continue construction. North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) applauded the decisions, which will allow union members to return to work. Trump’s Interior Department sought to disrupt these critical East Coast energy infrastructure projects in December, issuing stop-work orders based on undisclosed national security concerns. This clears the way for progress to continue on Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project, Ørsted’s Revolution Wind and Equinor’s Empire Wind projects. “With energy demand surging and prices spiking, the last thing our government should do is take any form of power generation offline,” said NABTU President Sean McGarvey in a press statement. “The men and women of NABTU are proud to be constructing every offshore wind project in the United States, all under strong project labor agreements. These rulings mean our members can get back to work and keep affordable, clean, reliable power moving to our communities.”

The Courier-Journal Journalists Ratify First Contract: Members of the Indianapolis NewsGuild, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 34070, who work at The Courier-Journal have ratified their first union contract. Journalists at Kentucky’s paper of record first voted to form the Courier Journal Guild in 2022 and have been bargaining with parent company USA Today Co. amid multiple rounds of layoffs. “After years of organizing, we are thrilled with this unanimous endorsement of a first contract that improves everyone’s paycheck and enshrines critical workplace protections,” said Kayla Dwyer, president of the Indianapolis NewsGuild. “This is a day so many people in our newsroom have been waiting on, one of the brightest moments of my nearly 10 years with The Courier-Journal, and I’m beyond thrilled to see us cross the finish line,” said Lucas Aulbach, chief politics reporter at The Courier-Journal. “I’m happy for every journalist in line for a raise, I’m happy we have new workforce protections in place and benefits like lengthier parental leave, and the response we had from our guild members as we got closer to ratification has been really encouraging. We have a ton of momentum and I’m excited to see what comes next.”

Metropolitan Museum of Art Staff Vote to Join UAW: Staff at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City have overwhelmingly voted to form a union with UAW Local 2110. The bargaining unit includes a number of essential roles at the historic institution, including curators, librarians, conservators, archivists and more. Workers at The Met join the ranks of their colleagues at the Guggenheim, New York Historical, the Tenement Museum and other cultural centers in the city who are already represented by Local 2110. “I’ve worked at The Met for 31 years and I truly love it, but our expertise and our labor have real value deserving of recognition,” said Stephanie Post, a digital archivist, “By unionizing, we aren’t just protecting our own jobs—we are building a collective voice to ensure every staff member, now and in the future, gets the respect and protection they deserve.”

New York State Optimum Workers Vote to Join IBEW: Cable, telephone and broadband workers at Optimum in the Hudson Valley, New York, area have successfully voted to form a union with Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 363. These newly minted members work in Greenwood Lake, New York, and are the latest organizing victory for IBEW after Optimum workers in nearby West Nyack won their election in September. Workers are now preparing to negotiate their first collective bargaining agreement. “This victory shows that Optimum workers want a real voice on the job,” said Sam Fratto, business manager of Local 363. “Like the workers in West Nyack, Greenwood Lake employees are standing together to win fair wages, strong benefits, and clear protections through a union contract.”

UFCW Celebrates New Cannabis Worker Protections Law: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152 is applauding New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy for signing legislation that extends critical labor rights to cannabis cultivation workers across the state. Currently, the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 excludes agricultural workers, leaving them without clear and enforceable labor protections. This new law prohibits cannabis employers from interfering in their staff’s right to organize, increases potential penalties for labor law violations and protects the freedom to collectively bargain. Local 152 played a pivotal role in advancing this legislation to stop companies from taking advantage of unintended loopholes in New Jersey’s cannabis regulations. “Today’s signing is a victory for all working people in New Jersey,” said Daniel Ross Jr., president of UFCW Local 152. “Cannabis cultivation workers were building a new industry without labor protections many take for granted. Local 152 made it clear to lawmakers that fairness should not be avoided, and Governor Murphy’s signature ensures these workers now have the rights, dignity and legal clarity they deserve.”

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 the Indianapolis NewsGuild, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 34070, who work at The Courier-Journal have ratified their first union contract.

Journalists at Kentucky’s paper of record first voted to form the Courier Journal Guild in 2022 and have been bargaining with parent company USA Today Co. amid multiple rounds of layoffs.

“After years of organizing, we are thrilled with this unanimous endorsement of a first contract that improves everyone’s paycheck and enshrines critical workplace protections,” said Kayla Dwyer, president of the Indianapolis NewsGuild.

“This is a day so many people in our newsroom have been waiting on, one of the brightest moments of my nearly 10 years with The Courier-Journal, and I’m beyond thrilled to see us cross the finish line,” said Lucas Aulbach, chief politics reporter at The Courier-Journal. “I’m happy for every journalist in line for a raise, I’m happy we have new workforce protections in place and benefits like lengthier parental leave, and the response we had from our guild members as we got closer to ratification has been really encouraging. We have a ton of momentum and I’m excited to see what comes next.”

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:

Swing Day continues! Swings sent in their thoughts on things you might not know about a swing’s job, insight on how they plan their day and how you can support the swings in your cast! #EquityTeamSwing

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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) January 21, 2026 at 12:16 PM

AFSCME:

A new filing from the Trump administration confirms that the shady billionaires running DOGE have put our private data at risk. This is why AFSCME has been fighting in court to protect Americans' Social Security data from DOGE, and we'll keep fighting. https://t.co/YxG0zVKmJ2

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 21, 2026

Alliance for Retired Americans:

The Department of Justice has admitted that DOGE mishandled our personal data held by the SSA. Read our full statement: https://t.co/VFdEbenR7v pic.twitter.com/ffpZmgD21U

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 21, 2026

Amalgamated Transit Union:

A surprise visit by International President John Costa to congratulate @ATULocal689-Washington, DC, member Maurice Yarber for his Emmy award winning Channel 9 news story, watch story @https://bit.ly/689-Yarber-Emmy-Ch9News #1u #canlab #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/PSCCcbkMMf

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 21, 2026

American Federation of Musicians:

AFM Stands in Solidarity with UAW Against Conn-Selmer Offshoring ✊
The AFM and President Tino Gagliardi are standing firm with the UAW following Conn-Selmer’s decision to close its Eastlake, Ohio, plant and move manufacturing to China.
This move is a betrayal of the union… pic.twitter.com/VGbbR5ltJr

— AFM (@The_AFM) January 11, 2026

American Federation of Teachers:

AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram's piece in @wordinblacknews.bsky.social denounces book bans& curriculum restrictions as the latest in a long history of attacks on Black education. Even in the age of Trump, the blueprint for Black educational power still stands. wordinblack.com/2026/01/game...

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— AFT (@aft.org) January 21, 2026 at 12:27 PM

American Postal Workers Union:

APWU attended the 2026 AFL-CIO Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference, which took place January 15-18 in Baltimore, MD. APWU President Jonathan Smith, Executive Vice-President Debby Szeredy, Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Powell, and Legislative & Political… pic.twitter.com/GGCKHClp70

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) January 20, 2026

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

Omni Flight Attendants have reached a Tentative Agreement for nearly 300 Flight Attendants earlier this month. The agreement includes economic and quality of life improvements, most notably a 40% pay increase. pic.twitter.com/uRHD0QQwj5

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 20, 2026

Boilermakers:

BNAP's Mark Wertz invited WELD Podcast to the National Apprenticeship Competition. Checkout their podcast featuring Wertz, L-26 instructor Joseph Fasulo and L-26 #Boilermaker Trey Powellhttps://t.co/QtU4eVJGRS

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 21, 2026

Bricklayers:

These two third year BAC apprentices are locked in

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.

AFSCME Local 328 members who work at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new labor contract, putting them on track to set a $25 minimum wage for workers by 2028. The members work in a wide range of jobs, from patient care to administration to food services.

Of the 4,730 members who voted, some 84% voted to approve the agreement, which immediately raises the minimum wage for union members from $18 to $20, with additional raises up to $25 just before the contract’s mid-2028 expiration date. The contract also includes across-the-board raises for members of between 3% and 4% annually for each of the next three years, and a $4,500 ratification bonus.

“Our $25 minimum wage will set a new standard for the city of Portland and the broader labor movement,” the union said on its blog. “Other unions will build on our wins in the same way our contract builds on the work of those who came before us.”

During his first year in office of his second term, President Trump and his allies have ruthlessly implemented the Project 2025 agenda that threatens working people’s fundamental rights and freedoms. The administration committed the single biggest act of union-busting in history, launched a brutal assault on immigrants and communities across the country, and attacked our most treasured rights, including the freedom of speech. It has ripped health care from millions, made billionaires richer and corporations more powerful, moved to unleash unregulated, untested artificial intelligence technology, and dismantled government agencies that provide essential services. 

And every day in the Trump economy, working people are struggling to get by. President Trump promised to “make America affordable again,” but instead spent this first year driving up costs, holding down wages and letting jobs disappear—including good-paying jobs that would help keep energy bills from skyrocketing. A comprehensive summary of the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on working people can be found here.

“One year into President Trump’s second term, working people’s lives are more expensive and less free,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Trump has governed for and by the billionaire CEOs and Big Tech companies, making the wealthy and powerful even richer while working people across the country struggle to get by.”

“As the 2026 campaign kicks into gear, the labor movement will make sure working people know about each and every broken promise—and work to elect leaders who will help us build an economy for workers, not billionaire bosses.”

The AFL-CIO’s memo on Trump’s past year in office, including quotes from working people, can be found here.

After four days of powerful speakers, informative workshops and revitalizing fellowship, the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference officially came to a close in Baltimore on Sunday.

Friday’s agenda kicked off with a performance by the Baltimore City College Marching Knights Drumline, followed by remarks from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, the “Faiths United to Save Democracy” and “What’s at Stake? The Dignity of Work, Economic Justice and Labor” panels and an afternoon of workshops covering topics like resistance to Trump’s mass deportation agenda, the impact of artificial intelligence on workers and more.

On Saturday, United Steelworkers (USW) Vice President at Large and President-Elect Roxanne Brown delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that “we are the labor movement, we are built for moments like this.” Then, attendees heard American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, SEIU United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW) and SEIU California President David Huerta and Metropolitan Washington Council President Samuel A. Epps discuss how the labor movement is fighting back on attacks on immigrants. The day concluded with four hours of intensive nonviolent civil resistance training.

The last day of programming began with a powerful faith service featuring uplifting music and testimony from religious leaders from different denominations, followed by the community service activity and the Gala and awards ceremony. The William “Bill” Lucy Eyes on the Prize award was given to Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO President Courtney L. Jenkins, while Mine Workers (UMWA) International President Emeritus Cecil Roberts received the Drum Major for Justice award, the At the River I Stand award was given to Laborers (LIUNA) Local 572 Business Manager Sonia Vasquez Luna and AFGE President Everett Kelley received the Justice, Peace and Freedom award.

Tags: MLK conference

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:

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/XrfCi3GZxQ

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 19, 2026

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

In this moment in history, Martin Luther King Jr’s words serve as a more powerful reminder than ever. 

In the face of relentless attacks on our healthcare, our immigrant brothers and sisters, and our right to unionize, we must not despair. 

In the face of Big Tech,… pic.twitter.com/R4oiYcDNOI

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) January 19, 2026

Florida AFL-CIO:

As the 2026 Florida #LegislativeSession kicks off this week, so do your FL AFL-CIO Legislative Updates. Make sure you stay tuned to our YouTube and other social media to hear the latest from the Florida Capital and more. Welcome to Derry? Welcome to Tallahassee... pic.twitter.com/WsMS06iqDT

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 13, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Childcare workers in Chicago took to the streets to demand that the billionaires in the White House stop the funding freeze. It's time to invest in our kids, not recklessly slash budgets that support our communities. #StopTheFreeze #ChildcareWorkers #ProtectChildcare #1u pic.twitter.com/TnOSwhR628

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 16, 2026

Maine AFL-CIO:

Hundreds of union members have provided input for our Contract for Maine's Working Class, an agenda by workers and for workers. https://t.co/PhJp5JzCbA

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) January 16, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for justice and equality.

The civil rights and labor movements have long worked together, and we honor that bond by continuing Dr. King’s work and mobilize for a better future for all. pic.twitter.com/nKVnEGiahG

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 19, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Sundays are for self reflection... pic.twitter.com/C93uh2rLZX

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) January 18, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

:..union members will join with our fellow Minnesotans to reject fear and speak with one voice as we call for ICE to leave our state, no additional funding for ICE, legal accountability for ICE and for large corporations to stop cooperating with ICE.” https://t.co/46kf4bWRvh

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 20, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Thank you to the St. Louis Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists @cbtu_stl for hosting an excellent & inspiring #MLKDay dinner tonight. The labor movement & Civil Rights movement have a long history of working together, for an ‘Injury to One is an Injury to All’. pic.twitter.com/cNnvpd8vuq

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 20, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Thank you, Assemblymember @Carter4NV, for taking the time to speak with our retirees and for recognizing their lifelong dedication!

We appreciate your leadership and the work the Legislature has done to support Nevada’s retirees. pic.twitter.com/RFnAwudh9y

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

One day longer, one day stronger! Nurses are fighting for safe staffing, healthcare benefits, and real protections from workplace violence. Join them on the picket line: https://t.co/fo3CyX4HHz pic.twitter.com/5DgOoPp8fa

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) January 16, 2026

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Statement from #Ohio @AFLCIO President Tim Burga as we honor Dr. #MartinLutherKingJr pic.twitter.com/6EDHid6CDx

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 19, 2026

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Tell Oregon lawmakers: Don't balance the budget on the backs of working people. pic.twitter.com/rVjPX8eCuw

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 18, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

For four days, @IAM_Union Local 1211 members at Parker Lord in Erie have shown unbreakable solidarity—standing strong in freezing temperatures and refusing to back down in their fight for fair wages and a good contract. 

We stand with them. ✊https://t.co/gVCMXKXB8c pic.twitter.com/PXaTaWSgPf

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 15, 2026

Texas AFL-CIO:

NEW: This year’s COPE Convention features five workshops to equip workers with skills and tools to build political power!

Join us in Georgetown on Jan. 24-25 to learn how workers can achieve electoral wins in our fight against billionaires. Details: https://t.co/QwLeNaMr2E pic.twitter.com/Ypay2qcGo6

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 18, 2026

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

To support behavioral & mental health in building or construction apprenticeships: 

Click the link in the article➡️
Under “Position” Select PRO
Enter your name & info https://t.co/BOk6R0MxuN

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 20, 2026

West Virginia AFL-CIO:

Here we go again. One of the first bills on Gov Morrisey’s agenda is to strip the civil service protections from more state employees (HB 4025). His real priorities for working West Virginians are clear