02/28/2025 - 12:00pm
Hands off Medicaid: 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:
AFGE:
AFSCME:
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Amalgamated Transit Union:
American Federation of Musicians:
American Federation of Teachers:
Boilermakers:
Bricklayers:
Communications Workers of America:
Department for Professional Employees:
Electrical Workers:
Fire Fighters:
02/28/2025 - 12:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at St. Anselm Secure Election Victory Despite Aggressive Union-Busting
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 the midst of intense anti-union pressure from management, workers at popular Washington, D.C., restaurant St. Anselm successfully voted to form a union with UNITE HERE Local 25.
The lucrative dining spot is operated by STARR Restaurant Group—which refused to voluntarily recognize the union earlier this month—and the new bargaining unit covers both the front- and back-of-house workers. This victory was the first of three STARR-operated restaurants in the city to hold elections to join Local 25 as part of a larger DC Restaurant Workers Rising organizing effort. Staff are celebrating this powerful victory, and are eager to sit down at the bargaining table and secure a contract with improvements to working conditions and wages.
“I’m so proud of what we won today because I know it means real change is coming—in our paychecks, our benefits, and how workers at STARR restaurants are treated,” said Bridget Killburn, a baker at St. Anselm. “I’m excited for my colleagues at Pastis and Le Diplomate to join us in winning their union in the coming weeks.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:02
Tags:
Organizing
02/27/2025 - 5:30pm
Black History Month Profiles: Elizabeth Ward-Robertson
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Elizabeth Ward-Robertson of the Seattle Education Association.
Since joining the Seattle Education Association (SEA), an affiliate of the Washington State Labor Council and the Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Council, Elizabeth Ward-Robertson has played a pivotal role in advancing educational support and equity. She began her union advocacy work serving as the treasurer of the Seattle Association of Educational Office Professionals before being elected as president. She now serves as the elected director of the SEA Center for Racial and Social Justice, emphasizing equity and inclusion within the education system, fighting for equity for SEA members and the students they serve. Ward-Robinson centers equity in her work, striving to uplift SEA members and support marginalized communities.Â
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 10:01
Tags:
Black History Month
02/27/2025 - 5:30pm
Black History Month Profiles: Willie Douglas
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Willie Douglas of the Bricklayers.
Willie Douglas on what it meant to him to work on the Emmett Till house restoration project: “This project was an honor and a privilege to be a part of! It is a great feeling to know that, moving forward, my work and the work of our BAC apprentices will be mentioned in the same sentence as this historical landmark that is the home of one of the people that helped start the civil rights movement. The murder of Emmett Till was one the most horrendous things that has taken place in American history, but the result of what it sparked is truly amazing. I know that I would not have gotten this opportunity had it not been for the union and people like Hector Arellano trusting and believing in me. I am grateful and appreciative for his confidence in me to get this job done as well as every one of my union brothers and sisters that had a hand in this project.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 10:01
Tags:
Black History Month
02/27/2025 - 5:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Reconsidered Goods Thrift Store Workers Unanimously Vote to Form Union
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.
On Monday, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) announced that workers at Reconsidered Goods in Greensboro, North Carolina, voted unanimously to form a union.
Staff at the thrift store have become the second retail location in the city to join RWDSU-UFCW this year after their union brothers, sisters and siblings at REI Greensboro won their election last month. But the path to get here wasn’t easy: management attempted to exclude two people from the proposed bargaining unit, forcing workers to go on strike until all eligible staff could vote. Members cited concerns like safety issues, working conditions, wages and scheduling as core focuses for when they enter bargaining.
“There has been no doubt in my mind that we would win this election,” said fabric specialist Yvonne Rabel. “We’ve been working hard for over a year to build a sense of community and camaraderie with each other….Our community has been nothing but supportive of our goals to ensure a safer work environment, and we’re going to continue to work toward these goals during negotiations. I can’t say whether I expect our directors to be collaborative or not, but I’m hopeful we can work on a solution that includes the workers having a say in the decisions that affect them.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 09:59
02/26/2025 - 11:00pm
Worker Wins: Collectively Standing Together
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Federal Court Orders DOE and OPM to Stop Sharing Private Data with DOGE Affiliates: On Monday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Department of Education (DOE) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from disclosing sensitive personal information to employees affiliated with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—which is the lead plaintiff in the case—argued that the DOE and OPM violated the Privacy Act by granting DOGE affiliates unauthorized access to systems containing sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, bank account information, health records and other private data. In a post shared to social media, AFT President Randi Weingarten said: “The Department of Education is prevented from sharing personal information of AFT members and members of the other plaintiffs with Elon Musk and DOGE. This is huge news in the fight against Elon Musk stealing our private information.” In addition to AFT, the lawsuit's plaintiffs include the Machinists (IAM), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association and the National Federation of Federal Employees.
Oregon Nurses Vote to Approve Tentative Agreement After 46 Days on Strike: Members of the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)—an affiliate of the AFT—approved a tentative agreement with Providence Health & Services on Monday night after over a month on the picket line. The agreement covers nurses at all eight striking facilities across the state who walked off the job earlier this year to secure a contract that ensures fair treatment and working conditions. Highlights include wage increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the life of the contract, guaranteed penalty pay for missed breaks and meals, improvements to nurse workloads, and more. “This milestone represents a significant achievement for ONA nurses, marking a powerful step forward in their ongoing commitment to fair wages, safe staffing, and high-quality patient care,” ONA said in a press statement. “These hard-won agreements reflect the dedication and determination of ONA nurses who stood strong in their fight for fair treatment, safe working conditions and better healthcare for their communities.”
Children’s Theatre Company Staff Ratify First Union Contract: Front-of-house workers at the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC), who are represented by Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 13, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. This bargaining unit at the country’s largest theater for young audiences includes ushers, ticket takers, performance supervisors, concessions leads and other critical staff who work directly with customers. Organizing began in February 2023, and by April 80% of eligible staff had signed union authorization cards. IATSE then requested voluntary recognition in December, which Children’s Theatre Company acknowledged a month later. “While bargaining began slowly, we have appreciated the consistent attention to these negotiations from CTC throughout and since the company underwent a change in both the artistic and managing director roles last summer,” said a representative from the union. “We are pleased that our work together has produced meaningful gains for member employees and strengthened CTC’s workforce.”
UFCW Strike Secures Return-to-Work Agreement; Union Will Continue Bargaining with King Soopers: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7, which represents over 10,000 striking King Soopers workers in Colorado, announced Monday that the union secured a return-to-work settlement and will be back at the negotiating table with management. The strike-ending settlement includes provisions that ensure no workers will lose their health care during bargaining and prevent the Kroger-owned grocery chain from locking out staff so the union can resume talks over the new contract. UFCW members initially walked off the job earlier this month after management’s repeated bad-faith tactics—including intimidation, gutting retiree health benefits and illegal disciplinary threats—forced them into an unfair labor practice strike. “We have taken a big step forward and ensured that Kroger knows that staffing is a key concern to workers and customers alike,” said UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova in a press release. “We will go back to the bargaining table and continue our fight for a fair union contract for us, our customers and the communities we serve. This strike was about thousands of everyday grocery store workers, collectively standing together and facing one of the largest corporations in America and saying ENOUGH. Our strike was just the beginning of this effort and elevated staffing in grocery stores to a national level with more workers and allies joining together.”
Ski Patrol Union Reaches Tentative Agreement with Keystone Ski Resort: Members of the United Professional Ski Patrols of America (UPSPA), Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7781, who work at Keystone Resort have reached a tentative agreement (TA) on their first contract with Vail Resorts. Organized under the name Keystone Ski Patrol (KSP) Union, workers have been in negotiations with the largest resort operator in North America since September 2024. Over the course of bargaining, patrollers have staged a protest and filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board. “Keystone Resort and the Keystone Ski Patrol Union are pleased to announce that they have reached a new tentative agreement through May 31, 2027,” the union and management said in a joint statement. “Together, the resort and union are looking forward to a great rest of the season.”
Labor Defeats Right to Work Legislation in New Hampshire: In a win for working people, the latest version of “right to work” legislation introduced in the New Hampshire Legislature last week has been indefinitely postponed, effectively killing the bill. Different iterations of House Bill 238-FN have been introduced dozens of times since the 1980s, all seeking to undermine union negotiating power and make New Hampshire the region’s only right to work state. “For the fortieth consecutive time, so-called ‘Right-to-Work’ is dead,” said New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett in a joint statement with other labor leaders. “Once again, today, a bipartisan coalition of legislators did their job, listened to their constituents, and voted to kill House Bill 238-FN, this year’s version of the fraudulently titled ‘Right-to-Work.’ Every new legislature for the last 40 years has seen this attack on workers’ rights and every legislature, regardless of which party is in the majority, has rejected it.”
IAM Becomes First Labor Union Recognized as VSO: Last month, the IAM became the first union to be recognized as a national Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for its work advocating for veteran members across the country through IAM’s Veterans Services Program. This designation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) means IAM will get access to more vital resources, support securing benefits for members and the formal backing of the VA. It also signifies that the union is now able to increase its support of veteran members through assisting with claims, advocating for benefits, pushing for legislative changes and more. “We will now be able to grow our organization and set a new standard of care for all IAM Veterans,” said IAM Veterans Services Coordinator Richard Evans. “For the IAM itself, this recognition is a testament to our hard work, dedication, and tireless advocacy on behalf of those who have served in our military. It shows that this organization is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources to effectively help Veterans navigate the challenges they face after service. Whether it’s securing healthcare, disability benefits, or educational opportunities, this recognition strengthens our ability to fight for veterans’ rights and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 14:11
Tags:
Organizing
02/26/2025 - 4:30pm
Black History Month Profiles: Bryant Preston
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Bryant Preston of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Bryant Preston currently serves as president of the Colorado AFL-CIO, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his longstanding involvement with IATSE. Since joining the union in 2004, he has held numerous leadership roles, including his election as business representative in 2017—a position he held until 2023. That year, he transitioned to president of IATSE Local 7 and also took on a position within IATSE International’s trade show department. In addition to these responsibilities, Preston serves as secretary for IATSE’s district that encompasses Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/26/2025 - 10:10
02/26/2025 - 4:30pm
Black History Month Profiles: Kirby Boyce
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black 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 Kirby Boyce of the Machinists (IAM).
Kirby Boyce began his journey as a machinist in 1999 at Pratt & Whitney’s engine facility in Cheshire. In 2004, he was elected as an IAM union steward and later served as recording secretary. The Cheshire facility closed in 2011, and Boyce moved to the East Hartford branch of Pratt & Whitney, where he joined IAM Lodge 1746. His commitment to safety led to his role as health and safety representative. In 2017, Kirby was elected president of Lodge 1746 and became vice president of the Greater Hartford Central Labor Coalition. He also served as treasurer of the Connecticut State Council of Machinists for five years. Currently, Boyce is the president of the Eastern Connecticut Area Labor Federation.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/26/2025 - 09:56
02/26/2025 - 4:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NALC Rallies to Save the Postal Service from Attacks
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.
On Monday, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) held a rally in Washington, D.C., to protest potential incoming efforts by the Trump administration to privatize the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
NALC members, labor leaders and community allies gathered to defend this essential government agency after reports of a planned executive order that would fire the Postal Service Board of Governors and place the agency under the control of the Department of Commerce.
“The U.S. Post Office is a cornerstone of every community, in our largest cities and our smallest towns. It is cherished. It is trusted,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. “Letter carriers are the heart and soul of the U.S. Postal Service….We’re going to fight like hell for the Postal Service. We’re going to fight like hell for our unions.”
NALC President Brian Renfroe told the crowd: “Let’s be very clear about what this is: a dedicated attack on the 640,000 dedicated people who work at the Postal Service, on the service we provide and on the hundreds of millions of Americans who rely on the service we provide every single day.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/26/2025 - 09:56
02/26/2025 - 4:30pm
Workers Deserve Better: 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.
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
