07/09/2024 - 2:30pm
Slow Down and Move Over: 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 (formerly Twitter).
Arizona AFL-CIO:
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Florida AFL-CIO:
07/03/2024 - 5:00pm
Happy Fourth of July: 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 (formerly Twitter).
Alaska AFL-CIO:
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Florida AFL-CIO:
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
07/03/2024 - 11:00am
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Michigan Kroger Workers Ratify New Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped 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.
Last week, members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 in Michigan voted to ratify a new Kroger contract that secures major improvements to wages and benefits.
The three-year contract went into effect on Sunday, triggering immediate wage increases of up to $1.50 per hour. The agreement also includes provisions that ensure more paid time off for workers with 18 years of service, prevent increases in the weekly cost of health and welfare benefits for the life of the agreement and that establish improvements to workplace safety protocols. In total, the Local 951 bargaining committee secured a commitment from Kroger of more than $8 million in associate health care investments and more than $500,000 in investments for retirement benefits.
“We fought hard for significant wage increases and an overall improved contract for the Kroger members,” said Courtney Phillips, secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 951. “I am proud of the members who served on the bargaining committee and worked together to achieve contract gains that improve the lives of their fellow members.”
Jackie Davis, who works at a Kroger in Saginaw, Michigan, added in a news release: “I have been on the bargaining committee in the past and this is the most money I have ever seen from the company. I am very proud. The committee was able to come together and made decisions for what was best for all the employees.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 09:59
07/02/2024 - 4:30pm
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event: 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.
Kroger Union Members Ratify New Contract, Increasing Hourly Wages: “Kroger's unionized employees in Michigan and members of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 951 ratified a new labor contract earlier this week, which increases hourly wages and invests in benefits for employees.”
Machinist Union Strikes for 5 Days at NASA’s Stennis Space Center Over Wages, Benefits: “Around 200 union members working at NASA’s Stennis Space Center went on a strike for five days before the union voted to settle on Monday evening, accepting a compromise deal. The strike lasted for five workdays, said John Piatt, a business representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union.”
The ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Event That Will Reset the WNBA: “When the time comes to negotiate a new CBA, Women’s National Basketball Players Association executive director Terri Jackson said, WNBA players are ‘laser focused’ on specific salaries instead of a compensation model that currently gives players the opportunity to earn more through other means such as bonuses and marketing agreements. ‘All eyes on that deal and what it could set us up for next,’ Jackson said. ‘Many [players] crafted their contracts to give them greater opportunity to renegotiate something that is more appropriate and closer to their value, particularly in this new system that we have.’”
Hollywood Crew Members Reach Tentative Deal with Major Studios: “Film and TV crew members have reached a tentative contract deal with the major Hollywood studios after months of bargaining, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers announced Tuesday night. The resolution arrived before the current contract’s expiration date, finally permitting the entertainment industry to breathe a sigh of relief in the wake of two marathon strikes waged by actors and screenwriters. IATSE’s Hollywood Basic Agreement spans three years and covers some 50,000 craftspeople primarily based in Los Angeles.”
Ending Two-Tier Wage System Key Postal Workers Goal in Talks: “Eliminating yet another two-tier wage system and lifting the lowest ranks of its members out of the ranks of poverty-wage workers are among the key goals of the Postal Workers as they opened talks on June 25 on a new contract with the U.S. Postal Service. Any agreement, whether it’s achieved through collective bargaining, as APWU hopes, or by a pact which arbitrators impose, would be the largest single contract unions and bosses would achieve this year. The current contract, covering 190,000 workers, expires in September. The two sides in the talks appeared to have a very different focus. APWU President Mark Dimondstein emphasized raising wages, eliminating two tiers, and expanding the USPS into new lines of business to increase its revenues. He also pushed achieving safety, stability and better working conditions for union members, including an end to a management culture of toleration or worse of bullying and harassment on the job.”
Food 4 Less Workers’ Union Reaches Tentative Labor Deal with Grocer to Avert Potential Strike: “The union representing thousands of Food 4 Less workers reached a tentative contract agreement today with the grocery company, averting a potential strike. Workers had previously authorized a work stoppage if labor talks failed. But on Tuesday, representatives of United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 announced that they had reached a tentative deal that includes 'substantial wage increases for all workers, more guaranteed hours and other contract improvements.’”
Joe Biden’s Climate Law Has Created More Than 300,000 Clean Energy Jobs: “U.S. companies have created more than 300,000 clean energy jobs since President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law in August 2022, according to a detailed new analysis from an environmental advocacy group. Climate Power, a left-leaning organization focused on combating climate change, has been meticulously tracking public announcements of clean energy jobs from the private sector since the law’s passage. As of May 31, it found that U.S. companies have announced or moved forward with projects accounting for more than 312,900 new clean energy jobs for electricians, mechanics, construction workers, technicians, support staff and others.”
AFL-CIO Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month: “This June, we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equity, dignity, and inclusion both in life and in the workplace. Collective bargaining remains the best tool against discrimination of any kind, which is why the AFL-CIO fights so that working people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions can enjoy the protections of a union contract. We honor the legacy of queer organizers, whose contributions have too often gone underappreciated and unknown. From Bayard Rustin’s central role in the March on Washington to the ongoing advocacy of Pride at Work, queer leaders have always been at the cutting edge of worker advancements. Still, queer people face ongoing discrimination due to the lack of adequate federal protections in the workplace. Meanwhile, state legislatures continue to pass extreme, discriminatory laws that restrict both LGBTQIA+ rights, especially trans rights, and the freedom to join a union. This movement will never tolerate hate and will continue to be a force for progress whether it’s in the courts, on the streets or at the ballot box this fall. The AFL-CIO proudly stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community everywhere, this month and always.”
iHeartMedia Workers Vote to Ratify First Union Contract: “More than two years after negotiations began, iHeartMedia workers represented by the Writers Guild of America East have ratified their first labor contract. Ninety-nine percent of the 100-member group voted to ratify the contract in a recent vote, while one percent voted against. The WGA East represents writers, producers, editors and other people who work in storytelling at the audio company.”
Apple TV Visual Effects Workers File to Unionize with IATSE: “As it continues to press forward with its campaign to organize visual effects workers, IATSE has made a bid to represent a small group of these professionals who work on Apple television series. On Friday the union announced that it had submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board to represent 17 workers at six Apple Studios LLC shows including Bubbi, Jiminy, Foxtrot, Government Cheese, Surface and Blackbird. The union is seeking to represent roles such as VFX production supervisor/manager, VFX coordinator, VFX production assistant, VFX witness camera operator and VFX on-set supervisor, among other classifications. According to IATSE, a 'supermajority’ of the proposed bargaining unit has signed union authorization cards.”
Laborers Union Looking for Apprentices, Has Jobs to Fill: “They’re called ‘Construction Craft Laborers,’ but perhaps you know them through the work they do—residential, commercial and public project construction jobs. In Southern Illinois, these laborers are all part of Local 773 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. The Marion-based branch has more than 4,000 professional members.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 07/02/2024 - 13:50
07/02/2024 - 4:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: After A Year of Negotiations, Louisville Fire Fighters Approve Contract with City
Working people across the United States have stepped 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.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 54 members approved a new contract that boosts firefighter pay by 24% over five years. The contract passed with 60% of the vote. After a 7% increase on back pay, salaries will go up another 5% this year, with a 5% increase following in 2025, 3% in 2026 and 4% in 2027.
"The dollars speak for themselves," Local 54 President Jeff Taylor said. "It makes us one of the highest, if not the highest paid fire department in the state of Kentucky."
After securing a new contract, Taylor's focus is on securing money for repairing the department's buildings, some of which are more than 100 years old.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 07/02/2024 - 10:18
07/02/2024 - 10:30am
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: ATU Local 757 Reaches Tentative Agreement with TriMet
Working people across the United States have stepped 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 Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757’s bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement Tuesday with transit agency TriMet on a proposed new working and wage agreement.
Operators, maintenance staff and other workers at TriMet are responsible for the daily functioning of bus, light rail and commuter rail service that connects the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Highlights of this new contract include a 13.64% wage increase over the lifetime of the agreement, two additional floating holidays, a new monthly child care subsidy, the first annual increase in hourly “longevity” pay in 25 years, an increase to the employer-sponsored retirement and more.
“This truly is a landmark agreement proposal that will greatly benefit ATU 757 members in a variety of ways, including personally and financially,” said Local 757 President Shirley Block. “As my tenure with TriMet and leading the ATU Local 757 comes to a close, I know this contract leaves my union brethren in a much better situation and sets them up for a prosperous future.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 10:22
07/02/2024 - 10:30am
Worker Wins: When Workers Stand Together, We Win
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Potential Strike Averted as Food 4 Less/Foods Co. Workers Reach TA: The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals representing thousands of Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers reached a tentative agreement (TA) on Tuesday with the grocery company, averting a potential strike. For the past three months, members of UFCW locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 have been fighting for a fair contract at the bargaining table and in their communities with rallies, petitions, conversations with customers and more. This TA comes after workers overwhelmingly voted to approve a strike authorization after their previous contract expired without a new agreement in place. Members will soon vote on the deal, which includes substantial wage increases, greater guaranteed hours and other contractual improvements. “We are proud to announce a tentative agreement with Food 4 Less/Foods Co. that we unanimously recommend to our co-workers,” said the bargaining committee in a press release. “We are grateful for the solidarity and strength our co-workers have shown throughout negotiations as well as the overwhelming support we have received from our customers and community members. We could not have achieved this deal without them. Today proves that when workers stand together, we win. We look forward to discussing the details of this agreement with our co-workers before we make our voices heard during the voting process.”
A Pension Is a Promise: Biden Administration and Sen. Casey Announce Pension Protections for BCTGM Members and Retirees: Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) International President Anthony Shelton visited Hershey, Pennsylvania, last week—along with members and retirees of BCTGM Local 6—for a historic update on pension reform from White House Senior Advisor and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Implementation Coordinator Gene Sperling and Sen. Bob Casey. President Biden highlighted on Friday that 1 million pensions have now been saved under the ARP, protecting the promise of dignified retirement for people across the country. Assistance through the 2021 Biden administration stimulus bill will prevent benefit cuts for roughly 103,000 manufacturing, production, maintenance and sanitation workers, and retirees who are represented by BCTGM. These members already have earned their pension benefits over their years of service but were facing benefit reductions of approximately 45% by the end of the decade. Instead, thanks to ARP, the plan will now be projected to pay full benefits to workers and retirees through at least 2051. This is the second largest award to date through the ARP’s Butch Lewis Act. Over 52,000 Pennsylvanians, 71,000 Illinoisans, 71,000 New Yorkers, 62,000 Ohioans, 61,000 Michiganders, 39,000 Missourians, 33,000 Wisconsinites and many more Americans have had their pensions preserved by the Biden administration.
iHeart Podcast Network Workers Vote to Ratify First Union Contract: Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members at the iHeart Podcast Network announced Monday that they have successfully ratified their first-ever collective bargaining agreement. The 100-member unit started negotiations with management after the union was voluntarily recognized in 2022. Members include writers, producers, editors and other staff who work in storytelling at the audio company. The path to this massive victory wasn’t an easy one—the union dealt with multiple insulting proposals from management over more than two years of bargaining. But ultimately, iHeart Podcast Union members’ solidarity paid off in their new contract, which provides nearly half a million dollars in immediate pay increases, new minimum starting salaries, severance of up to 16 weeks, the right to bargain over any implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and so much more. In addition to the iHeart Podcast Network, the WGAE represents workers at other popular podcast production companies, including Crooked Media, The Ringer, Spotify Studios (formerly Gimlet and Parcast) and more. “With more than 30 million monthly listeners, podcasts have become an essential part of iHeartMedia’s business and their employees deserve to be fairly compensated and provided with workplace protections,” said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen in a press release. “The contract won by Guild members at the iHeart Podcast Network sets a new bar for people who work in the podcast industry. The WGAE will continue to fight to raise industry standards in podcasting.”
NYC Utility Workers Secure Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike: Utility Workers (UWUA) Local 1-2 reached a tentative agreement (TA) Sunday with energy company Con Edison, averting a potential strike during a record-breaking heat wave. Con Edison is New York City’s primary power provider, servicing 10 million residents across the metropolitan area and Westchester County. Local 1-2 represents about 8,000 workers at the company, including electrical technicians, engineers, designers and administrators. Members were poised to walk off the job on Sunday—with picket captains ready at various locations—in order to secure a fair contract that reflects the critical role they play at Con Edison. The four-year tentative contract includes an improved general wage increase, an enhanced medical plan with minimal increases, an upgraded wage acceleration plan and increased various operational agreements. “This agreement reflects the hard work and dedication of both parties to reach an agreement that benefits all,” said Local 1-2 in an online statement. “Moreover, this agreement would not be possible without the unwavering support of the rank and file.”
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Win ‘Record’ Tentative Agreement: After a week of bargaining at the National Mediation Board (NMB), the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) and Alaska Airlines bargaining committee announced on Friday that it had reached a “record” tentative deal with the carrier. The union credits the tireless efforts of activist-members throughout the negotiation process as a critical reason why it was able to strike a deal with the airline. Flight attendants have staged actions large and small over the course of bargaining, including wearing color-coordinated pins and lanyards on flights, participating in informational pickets, taking an overwhelmingly supportive strike authorization vote, pushing Congress to tell the NMB to end protracted negotiations, demonstrations at airports across the country and more. The next step in the process is for the negotiating committee to present the TA to the Master Executive Council, a body of member-elected local Executive Council presidents who are responsible for coordinating the activities of AFA-CWA across an entire airline, which will vote on whether it will be released for a full membership ratification. “[Member] actions over the last two years of bargaining, including gaining support from lawmakers for our right to strike, ensured we had the leverage to extract every last dollar from Alaska Airlines management,” read a mediation update statement from AFA Alaska. “The AFA Alaska Negotiating Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the support and efforts of Members and our Mobilization Volunteers over the past two years. With the solidarity and unity of our workgroup and the real, credible threat of a release, management felt the pressure needed to get this Tentative Agreement.”
IBEW Local 46 Strike at Limited Energy Ends: Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 46 members voted Wednesday to ratify a tentative agreement with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) after bravely spending more than 10 weeks on the picket line. The contract was approved by a margin of 85% and included a total of $12.50 per hour in raises as well as a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to continue discussing paid time off provisions. Limited Energy electricians—who perform critical work to install and maintain systems like fire and security alarms, HVAC controls, emergency radios and more—went on strike in April. This work stoppage marked the first time since just after World War II that a Local 46 electrician unit had been on strike. Throughout the strike, members held the line in the face of multiple insulting proposals from NECA and displayed the true spirit of solidarity by cooking meals together, fixing each other’s cars and helping fellow electricians get to doctors’ appointments. “It has been a long journey,” said Local 46 Business Representative Megan Kirby in a statement posted to social media. “I cannot express how proud I am of this unit with their commitment and solidarity.”
Guthrie Theater Front-Facing Crew Votes to Join IATSE: Front-of-house workers at Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater voted to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 13 earlier this month, with more than 70% of the ballots cast in favor of joining the union. These newly minted union members were supported by their organized colleagues throughout the campaign—Guthrie stagehands are also represented by Local 13 and the staff who handle set design voted overwhelmingly to join United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE in 2022. The venue produces a mix of classic and contemporary plays on three stages, and front-facing staff work across multiple departments, including Audience Services, Box Office, Environmental Services, Guest Services and the Kitchak Lounge. Despite management’s pushback at various points in the organizing process and refusal to voluntarily recognize the union, members of the Guthrie Front-Facing Staff Union refused to back down and the election results show a powerful unity among workers.
After One Year and One Day, IAPE and Dow Jones Reach TA on New Contract: The Independent Association of Publishers’ Employees (IAPE), Local 1096 of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), reached a tentative agreement (TA) Monday with Dow Jones on a new four-year contract. IAPE is composed of 1,400 journalists, technology staff, sales professionals, and administrative, production, and support staffers across the United States and Canada who make possible outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones Newswires, MarketWatch, Barron’s, Factiva, and others. Highlights of the TA include a 16.25% wage increase over the duration of the contract, a lump sum payment of 4.25% of pay or $4,250 (whichever is larger), a ratification bonus, a freeze of health insurance premiums, enhanced parental leave benefits, an additional paid company holiday, and increase to the minimum pay scales and more. After a year and a day of negotiations, the workers who provide Dow Jones with award-winning reporting, record subscriptions and unprecedented profits have secured a hard-fought win after coming to the brink of a walkout for the first time in the 80-plus year history of the union.
D.C. Hospitality Workers Secure New Contract with Salary Increase, Benefits: Thousands of Washington, D.C., hospitality workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 25, ratified a new four-year contract last week, delivering historic wins to members on core issues. The bargaining committee spent several months solidifying this agreement with more than 20 D.C. hotels and restaurants. Roughly 4,000 workers will see an approximately 25% wage increase over four years; medical, vision and dental coverage for staff and their families; an expanded pension package; and more. This contract victory comes just weeks after Destination D.C., the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, reported that 25.95 million total visitors came to the District in 2023, a 17% uptick from 2022 and a higher total than the pre-pandemic record set in 2019. “Everything in this new contract means so much to me,” Sarayia Johnson, a housekeeper at Marriott Marquis, said in a statement. “I love coming to work, I love the people, I love taking care of guests. But I have bills I need to take care of and food I need to put on the table. We needed more money, and I’m so proud we were able to win these raises.”
Residents and Fellows at UMMC Vote to Join Union by Overwhelming Margin: Residents and fellow physicians at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) voted in a landslide victory on Thursday to join AFT-Maryland, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Members of University of Maryland Resident & Fellow Alliance (UMRFA) work across multiple locations in more than 60 specialties and programs, and their final vote margin was a stunning 628 to 19. As the election got closer, workers won support from high-profile public officials, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Zeke Cohen, a City Council member who’s a candidate for council president. This union is the first of its kind in Maryland, and physicians are aiming to secure a contract that ensures higher wages, improved health care benefits and better retirement plan matching so they can better serve patients. “Our state federation is excited to work with these brilliant medical minds to deliver great outcomes for workers that will only result in a better UMMC,” Kenya Campbell, president at AFT-Maryland said. “Most importantly, better quality of care for the surrounding community that relies on residents and fellows to keep us healthy and safe.” “We have rewritten this chapter of our collective story and reclaimed some of the agency often denied to trainees and workers,” UMRFA announced in a press release. “We look forward to being a stronger voice and partner at UMMC advocating for the needs of residents and fellows so that they can ensure the people of Baltimore receive the best possible care.”
New Contract for Miami Solid Waste Workers Highlights the Union Difference: Despite Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ramming extreme union-busting legislation through the state Legislature last year, AFSCME Florida members working at Miami’s solid waste department recently ratified a new three-year contract with the city that proves the power of collective action. The bill, S.B. 256, requires most public sector unions to maintain 60% dues payment rates, requires anti-union language to be added to membership cards, outlaws their right to receive dues via paycheck deductions, requires them to undertake costly auditing procedures, and more provisions aimed at undermining the rights of union members. But AFSCME Local 871 members refused to back down and resolved to retain their union through these attacks. They signed and re-signed every new card and were one of the first locals to pass the law’s 60% membership threshold. As of last week, nearly 85% of the workers in Local 871’s bargaining unit are AFSCME members. And that dedication has paid off: Their new contract is retroactive to October 2023 and maintains pension and health care costs, strengthens their voice on the job, and delivers an 18% wage increase over the life of the agreement. Other financial wins include a provision that almost doubles shift differential pay and language that establishes a new top pay grade that’s 5% higher above the previous highest level. “The past few years have seen public service workers come under attack, but this contract shows that when you stand up and fight for what is right, you are going to win more times than not,” said Joe Simmons Jr., a waste equipment operator and president of Local 871. “Our governor and his yes men in the legislature thought that when they passed the most anti-union, anti-worker legislation in Florida history…that we would just sit down and shut up. But they don’t have the sense God gave Adam because every time they say they support workers, stand up for families and want to give people a shot at the American dream, they are lying through their teeth.”
Workers at National Sawdust Successfully Vote to Join Union: Ushers at Brooklyn’s nonprofit music venue National Sawdust in New York voted overwhelmingly last week to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 306. Founded in 2015, National Sawdust is a Williamsburg-based cultural institution that commissions, produces and presents programming from multidisciplinary artists. With this successful vote, ushers will join the ranks of their front-of-house peers at iconic venues like New York City Radio City Music Hall, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Madison Square Garden and more. Staff started organizing in October of 2023 when they first reached out to IATSE with goals of securing a contract with quality health care benefits, robust safety provisions, mental health resources and avenues for professional growth. “I love working at National Sawdust; With the knowledge and support of a Union, I feel optimistic that we can work towards implementing positive changes that will enhance our roles and in turn quality of life,” said usher Marika Wolf. “Not only for the benefit of the longstanding Front-of-house workers who have contributed to National Sawdust’s success as it has grown but also for any future members who will join the team.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 13:01
Tags:
Organizing
06/30/2024 - 10:00am
Pride Month Profiles: Andres Morales
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Andres Morales of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
Andres Morales is a proud flight attendant for United Airlines based out of Houston, Texas. He is also a strong activist in his union, the AFA-CWA, serving as the human rights and equity chair for his airline. Morales says he got involved with the AFA-CWA because the flight attendants at United lost a flying partner and the political climate was and continues to be hostile toward people of color. When he found a space to use his concerns and passion to uplift his colleagues, he leapt at it. As an activist and advocate, Morales works to ensure that his flying partners, and especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, are seen, heard and respected as their authentic selves.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:34
Tags:
Pride
06/30/2024 - 10:00am
Pride Month Profiles: Scott Matos-Elliott
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Scott Matos-Elliott of UNITE HERE.
Scott Matos-Elliott started his union journey as a barista working for HMSHost Starbucks at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He joined the committee and led the first Arizona airport strike in UNITE HERE Local 11’s history, resulting in massive contract wins for hundreds of workers. He fought for and won historic raises for airport food service workers just three years after joining the committee. In 2023, Matos-Elliott was elected to UNITE HERE Local 11’s executive board.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:34
Tags:
Pride
06/29/2024 - 4:00pm
Pride Month Profiles: Bianca Polovina
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Bianca Polovina of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Workers’ rights and excellent public services are Bianca Polovina’s passions. As a compliance officer in the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, they have recovered more than $15 million in restitution for San Francisco workers. They are the first nonbinary president of IFPTE Local 21, which represents over 12,000 municipal workers in the San Francisco Bay Area. As president, Polovina led Local 21’s largest chapter in its first strike school. They are also an active member of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance chapter in San Francisco.
Kenneth Quinnell
Sat, 06/29/2024 - 10:34
Tags:
Pride
