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 Anna Rose Sullivan of AFSCME.

For Anna Rose Sullivan, being a public defender is about fairness. Many of her clients lack the financial means to hire a private lawyer. Sullivan works every day to ensure that everyone—regardless of their economic background—receives fair and equal treatment under the law. And through her union, she and her co-workers have negotiated for sustainable caseloads so they can give each case the time and attention it deserves.

Tags: Women's History Month

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

Vestas Wind Techs Vote to Join UWUA: Vestas wind turbine technicians in Michigan voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to join Utility Workers (UWUA) Local 223, becoming the international company’s first technicians in North America to do so. Denmark-based Vestas is the largest wind turbine company globally—these newly minted UWUA members perform routine operations and maintenance on 128 different turbines, including major part replacements. Workers initially contacted the union about organizing, with concerns over work-life balance, training and the company’s safety culture. “These workers took a remarkable step forward to take back their power,” said UWUA National President James Slevin. “They were up against a strong anti-union campaign. The company pulled all the usual stunts to try to get them to vote against this union campaign. We welcome these Vestas wind techs to our membership, and we look forward to addressing their key concerns when we sit down to negotiate their first contract.”

AGMA and Cincinnati Opera Announce New Contract: The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Cincinnati Opera released a joint statement last week announcing the ratification of a new three-year contract. This collective bargaining agreement comes as the opera company is in preparation for its 105th anniversary Summer Festival that will feature the talent of AGMA members onstage and behind the scenes. Highlights of the deal include wage increases, improved workplace protections, new policies addressing core member concerns like artificial intelligence and more. “These negotiations were a testament to the strength and solidarity of the artists of Cincinnati Opera,” said AGMA Counsel Martha Kinsella. “We advocated strongly for meaningful wage increases and achieved the best contractual raises in recent memory. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our Negotiation Committee, which represented nearly all working groups, for their dedication, strategic thinking, and unwavering advocacy throughout this process.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios Production Workers Ratify Contract: In a vote taken last week, production workers represented by The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, officially ratified their first union contract with Walt Disney Animation Studios. The unit covers production coordinators, production supervisors and production managers who first started organizing in 2022—the next year, a supermajority of production workers voted to join TAG. The newly minted contract includes victories like a pension, health care benefits and double-digit increases to minimum wage rates for all job roles. “In Hollywood, we love an underdog story. Our ratification was just that — the underrepresented and underpaid coming together and demanding better pay and equity with our artistic counterparts,” said production supervisor Nicholas Ellingsworth. “In the end, we were heard and seen, and we have a pathway to further improving the conditions in which production management works.”

UAW Members at Ultium Cells Approve Collective Bargaining Agreement: Nearly 1,000 UAW Local 1853 members who work at Ultium Cells in Tennessee voted on Wednesday to ratify their first contract with the electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer. A joint venture of General Motors and South Korea's LG Energy Solution, Ultium Cells produces battery cells for EVs at a neighboring assembly plant. The agreement’s highlights include a one-time $3,000 lump sum payment and wages that align with what Ultium Cells workers make at a plant in northeast Ohio, which was the first to unionize. The wages currently start at $26.91 and include increases every year to reach $35 per hour by September 2027. “Ultium workers are setting the bar for Southern workers and charting a brighter future,” said UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “From Georgia to Kentucky to Texas, folks in these new EV plants know they deserve fair pay and benefits, just like union workers before them. And you can bet the UAW is going to stand with them to make sure they get their fair share and a collective voice on the job."

Court Rules Trump’s Firing of NLRB Member Illegal: A federal District Court in Washington, D.C., ruled on Thursday that President Trump acted illegally when he suddenly terminated National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox. Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered her to be reinstated to the independent agency tasked with protecting the rights of working people to organize unions. “The court also sent an important message that a president cannot undermine an independent agency by simply removing a member of the board because he disagrees with her decisions,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Working people around the country count on equal justice and fair decision-making from an independent NLRB—and today, because of Wilcox’s commitment to the mission of the NLRB and her refusal to stand by as Trump illegally removed her from the board, the NLRB can get back to work.” Read AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler’s full statement here.

Barnes & Noble Workers Win Historic Union Contracts: On Thursday, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) members announced that they have successfully ratified historic, first-in-the-nation collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) at three New York City Barnes & Noble stores. These new contracts collectively cover more than 200 workers, including staff at the Flagship Union Square store located below the Barnes & Noble corporate headquarters. A central focus for members of the Barnes & Noble Union during negotiations was workplace safety—the union was also active in lobbying for the passage of the Retail Worker Safety Act. Highlights of the CBAs include wages increases, RWDSU-UFCW union health care coverage, language requiring de-escalation training and late night transportation, layoff protections, and more. “Workers at Barnes & Noble should be incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished together in these historic first union contracts,” said RWDSU-UFCW President Stuart Appelbaum. “United in their fight for increased safety in their stores, it was their voices among others across our union that won increased protections for everyone in the industry through the Retail Worker Safety Act. Today, we can finally say those safety protections are codified in their union contracts, which also include industry standard setting wage increases, union healthcare, and more. A union is the only way to ensure workplace protections are secure—especially now, while laws protecting workers are under attack.”

Gannett Journalists Win Tentative Two-Year Contract Deals: After three years of bargaining and a walkout pledge, journalists represented by The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, at six of the largest Gannett-owned papers in New Jersey and New York have reached tentative agreements. The APP-MCJ Guild and the Hudson Valley News Guild bargained separately but have been coordinating closely to secure victories for all the covered newsrooms. Wins include life-changing wage increases, strong salary floors, artificial intelligence guardrails, just cause provisions and more. “This agreement is a testament to their strength, tenacity and solidarity and should serve as proof-positive for other Gannett newsrooms, who should stop asking nicely and start using their collective power to demand what they deserve,” said Asbury Park Press reporter Mike Davis, acting unit chair of the APP-MCJ Guild. “We fought for Gannett to invest in our communities, and in us,” said Journal News reporter Nancy Cutler, acting unit chair of the Hudson Valley News Guild. “And we won.”

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.

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and Cincinnati Opera announced a new three-year contract. The contract was ratified by the AGMA Board of Governors on March 3, after being approved by the members. The contract secures wage increases, better financial support for non-local artists, stronger workplace protections, new policies addressing artificial intelligence, data security, and bereavement leave, expands rights for chorus members, corps dancers, and principal artists, enhances conditions for staging staff, and ensures fairer policies across all working groups.

“These negotiations were a testament to the strength and solidarity of the artists of Cincinnati Opera,” said AGMA Counsel Martha Kinsella. “We advocated strongly for meaningful wage increases and achieved the best contractual raises in recent memory. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our negotiation committee, which represented nearly all working groups, for their dedication, strategic thinking, and unwavering advocacy throughout this process. I also want to thank Cincinnati Opera’s management team, who bargained in good faith from start to finish, demonstrating their commitment to the artists who bring these productions to life.”

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.

In a vote taken last week, production workers represented by The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, officially ratified their first union contract with Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The unit covers production coordinators, production supervisors and production managers who first started organizing in 2022—the next year, a supermajority of production workers voted to join TAG. The newly minted contract includes victories like a pension, health care benefits and double-digit increases to minimum wage rates for all job roles.

“In Hollywood, we love an underdog story. Our ratification was just that—the underrepresented and underpaid coming together and demanding better pay and equity with our artistic counterparts,” said production supervisor Nicholas Ellingsworth. “In the end, we were heard and seen, and we have a pathway to further improving the conditions in which production management works.”

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 Helene Brown of the Bricklayers (BAC).

“I began my journey as a tuck pointer in 1999,” said Helene Brown, a member of BAC Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois. “After 26 years of hard work and dedication, I now have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience as an instructor. Tuck pointing has allowed me to create a life and legacy that myself and my children can be proud of. I am proof that women can excel in a male dominated trade!”

Tags: Women's History Month

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:

BREAKING NEWS: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security just revoked the right of 47,000 TSA workers to have a union. 

An attack on TSA workers is an attack on workers everywhere. The time for sitting on the sidelines is over. 

https://t.co/cgTsEfBSxX

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 7, 2025

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

The California Federation of Labor Unions stands in strong solidarity with @APWUnational in opposition to President Trump's plan to privatize the U.S. Postal Service.

The Postal Service belongs to the people, not the billionaires. U.S. mail is NOT for sale! pic.twitter.com/cnSMU9zJRC

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) March 6, 2025

Colorado AFL-CIO:

Thank you to US Congressional Reps @RepDianaDeGette & @pettersen4co for your vocal support for the #WorkerProtectionAct!

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 Jessica Timo of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).

Jessica Timo has been a union member for 30 years. As purchasing manager at the United Federation of Teachers, and in her role as president of OPEIU Local 153, she works each and every day to strengthen the New York labor movement. “Women’s History Month is important because it recognizes and amplifies our contributions, many of which have been overlooked or undervalued,” Timo said. “This month provides an opportunity to educate, reflect and inspire future generations to continue advocating for equality in the workplace and beyond.” 

Tags: Women's History Month

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 Rina Saltzman of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

As an officer in her local, Rina Saltzman’s job is to run the day-to-day operations and act as a lead negotiator for agreements with employers across the U.S. She is also a mentor to a student through the NYU Tisch Drama Women’s Mentorship Program. “ATPAM has had many women leaders over the years who have put their imprint on the union. Along with those that came before us, the current women in leadership positions throughout ATPAM and the IATSE inspire me every day.”

Tags: Women's History Month

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 Kanika Jones of AFSCME.

Kanika Jones, a case worker for Head Start, has dedicated her career to helping children thrive. As a single mother of three, she knows firsthand that access to education and proper nutrition is critical for a child’s long-term success. She lets her personal experiences guide her work every day, and as an active member of AFSCME Local 2960, she uses her seat at the table to advocate for more resources for parents and children across Phoenix.

Tags: Women's History Month

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler issued the following statement on the reintroduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act:

Americans believe in the power of unions, and tens of millions of working people would become union members tomorrow if they could. But American labor law is broken, weighted on the side of the bosses and against the workers. In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda and engage in illegal union-busting every day. Now they have an unelected, unaccountable union-buster trying to illegally fire tens of thousands of our fellow workers in federal jobs and an administration rolling back the workplace protections.

Shuler continued:

The PRO Act is long overdue, and the American people agree. We urge the elected leaders of both parties to move this critical legislation forward so that all workers have the chance to stand together and build better lives for themselves and their families. 

We know it won’t be easy, but the labor movement never backs down from a righteous fight. And in today’s economy, where our workers’ hard-earned paychecks are covering less of what they need while still facing unsafe conditions and a lack of respect on the job, there’s no fight more righteous than ensuring that every single worker who wants a union has a fair shot to join or form one.

Other pro-worker organizations weighed in on the legislation. Here are those who issued statements so far.

Actors’ Equity Association Executive Director Al Vincent Jr.:

Now, when workers’ rights in this country are under imminent threat, it is crucial that we finally pass the PRO Act. The National Labor Relations Act has shaped this country for the better for 90 years, and we have to shore it up. Passing the PRO Act will also send a message from Congress that they care about the wellbeing of American workers. That includes the right to organize, to receive a living wage and to combat misclassification.”

The PRO Act includes several measures that fight back against union-busting tactics by employers and strengthens the National Labor Relations Act. For example, it prohibits the practice of some employers holding mandatory anti-organizing meetings for their staff and allows workers to file civil complaints against employers for violating their NLRB rights. The bill strengthens protections for workers who go on strike, and overrides so-called right-to-work laws.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders:

Working people want to be paid fairly. They want benefits like health care, a fair retirement, to know their jobs are secure and that their workplaces are safe and free from discrimination. They know the best way to secure these freedoms is through a union contract. That is why poll after poll shows unions are more popular than ever. But joining or forming a union is exceedingly difficult for far too many. As billionaires and wealthy companies rake in record profits, they are seeking even more control over our lives, using any means necessary to silence workers. Their anti-union extremism is deepening economic inequality, halting progress on health and safety, and harming millions. 

The PRO Act will loosen billionaires’ grip on our economic future and make clear that their days of using illegal union busting tactics without consequence are over. This legislation will level the playing field, giving workers the legal protections they need to organize without fear of retaliation or obstruction. It’s about time Congress prioritized workers over billionaires and gave them a fair shot at improving their workplaces.

Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l President Capt. Jason Ambrosi:

The right to organize has been fundamental in advancing safety and quality-of-life improvements for workers across the country. ALPA pilots know first-hand the benefits of union membership and advocacy, and we stand in solidarity with those fighting for the right to collectively bargain.

We urge Congress to pass the PRO Act, which will help promote an economy that works for all working families. All workers deserve fair opportunities to negotiate for better working conditions, wages, and a more secure retirement. The collective bargaining rights within the PRO Act are foundational for strong and vibrant communities and are vital for our nation's continued success.

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) ATU International President John Costa:

As a Union that represents over 200,000 transit workers, we know firsthand the power of collective bargaining and the protection of workers’ rights to organize. The Pro Act would strengthen those rights, ensuring workers have the ability to stand together and demand fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice in their workplace. Thank you to Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Hakeem Jeffries, Brian Fitzpatrick and Senator Bernie Sanders for reintroducing this bill.

This legislation is a fitting tribute to the late Richard Trumka, a fierce advocate for working people, whose leadership and vision continue to inspire us. The ATU stands united with the labor movement in supporting the PRO Act and calls on Congress to pass this crucial legislation without delay. It is time to restore balance to the workforce and ensure that every worker has the right to organize and bargain collectively. We urge lawmakers to act swiftly to pass the PRO Act, honor the legacy of Richard Trumka, and secure a fairer, more just future for workers across this nation.

American Federation of Musicians International President Tino Gagliardi:

The PRO Act gives workers essential safeguards against anti-union attacks.  The American Federation of Musicians of the US and Canada thank Reps. Scott and Fitzpatrick and Sen. Sanders for their leadership and recognition that all people have the right to join a union and negotiate for a fair contract.

American Federation of Teachers:

The PRO Act is about ensuring every worker has rights on the job and can form a union. It:
✊Protects workers’ basic rights to form & join a union