09/02/2025 - 3:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: BlueOval SK Workers Vote Union Yes!
![BOSK workers pose for a group picture with UAW President Shawn Fain [center, red long-sleeved shirt].](https://aflcio.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/bosk.png)
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.
Late Wednesday night, the UAW announced workers at the BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky won their election to join the union. The UAW released the following statement after the victory:
“BlueOval SK workers won a majority of votes in an NLRB election to unionize their plant in Glendale, Kentucky, securing a hard-fought victory. This is a major step forward for workers who stood up against intense company opposition and chose to join the UAW.
“There are 41 challenge ballots still outstanding. We believe they are illegitimate and represent nothing more than an employer tactic to flood the unit and undermine the outcome. We will fight these challenges to defend the democratic choices of these workers, as we always do when corporations try to interfere with workers’ democratic choice. The challenged ballots are not part of the group of workers who built their union from the bottom up. They deserve to have their own union, in an appropriate bargaining unit with a representative of their own choosing.
“The UAW is calling on Ford to acknowledge the democratic decision of its workforce. They should immediately drop their anti-democratic effort to undermine the outcome of the election and recognize a majority of BlueOval SK’s production and maintenance employees have chosen to join the UAW and ensure battery jobs in Kentucky are good, safe, union jobs.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 09/02/2025 - 10:25
Tags:
Organizing
08/29/2025 - 12:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Yosemite Workers Vote to Join NFFE-IAM
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 response to the Trump administration’s attacks on federal workers across agencies, park rangers, educators, researchers, first responders, and other staff in Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks have voted overwhelmingly to join the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).
Across the parks, more than 97% of ballots cast were in favor of joining NFFE-IAM. The votes were certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority on Monday. This powerful display of unity comes in the wake of steep staffing cuts and broader efforts from the White House to undermine the collective bargaining agreements of federal workers.
“We just want to be protected from this administration,” said an anonymous Yosemite worker who helped with the organizing effort.
“It comes as no surprise workers in the National Park Service are overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing, as federal employees across the country have been faced with reductions in force, threats to workplace protections, and slashed agency budgets under this administration,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “NFFE will be taking every step possible to increase both staffing and resources, and to defend employees from actions that threaten their rights and the incredible work they do stewarding our public lands. I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women who carry out the important mission of maintaining Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 08/29/2025 - 09:47
08/28/2025 - 5:00pm
AFL-CIO Bus Tour Rolls Through Maine for Training Event and Rally to Fight Back on Public Sector Worker Attacks
The Maine AFL-CIO, the Eastern Maine Labor Council and the Western Maine Central Labor Council kicked off Labor Day early with the AFL-CIO “It’s Better In a Union” bus tour as it made its way to the cities of Brewer and Jay this week.
In Jay, workers and union leaders gathered at Local 14 Solidarity Center for a rally and attended a training entitled Power with Purpose: Safety, Security & De-escalation for Picket Lines and Collective Actions. Over in Brewer, the members spoke out against attacks on public sector workers and rallied to uplift the University of Maine (UMaine) graduate students fighting for a first union contract, Maine State Nurses Association members bargaining for their next union contract, and workers organizing at Northern Light Health and the city of Bangor.
“Authoritarian regimes always attack labor unions because union workers joined together in common cause, have great power,” said Cynthia Phinney, president of Maine AFL-CIO. “And it's not power that will be wielded to help concentrate the wealth of a country or the world at the top. It's power that will be wielded to share prosperity widely and fairly.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/28/2025 - 13:50
Tags:
Better in a Union Bus Tour
08/28/2025 - 5:00pm
Find a Workers’ Labor Day Event Near You
At marches and rallies, picnics and parades, Labor Day is workers’ day.
It’s a peaceful celebration of the power we hold when we stand together in a union—and the power that all of us have to take back our country for working people, not corporate CEOs or billionaires.
The labor movement and our allies are hosting nearly 1,000 Workers’ Labor Day events across the country to join together, speak out and fight back for what #WorkersDeserve.
Will you join us at a Labor Day event near you, or host your own?
There are big Workers’ Labor Day rallies and marches happening in some of the biggest cities around the country—but there are also hundreds more events taking place in towns and communities nationwide.
Together, we’re all showing that working people are ready to fight for a better future. Whether in the streets or on the shop floor, in union halls or the halls of Congress, workers are standing up for the economy and the country we all deserve.
We hope you’ll grab your signs and T-shirts—especially your union gear, if you have it—and join us at a Workers’ Labor Day week of action event near you.
See you soon!
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/28/2025 - 14:05
Tags:
Labor Day
08/28/2025 - 5:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Mission Local Staff Secure Voluntary Union Recognition
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.
Staff at Mission Local—the largest nonprofit newsroom covering news in San Francisco—won voluntary recognition last week for their union with the Pacific Media Workers Guild, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 39521.
Members of Mission Local Guild said their organizing efforts aim to establish frameworks for professional development, as the award-winning newsroom continues to grow.
“The union is a step forward for us and for Mission Local. We look forward to starting conversations with the leadership to create a contract that is fair to both the organization and the workers,” said Oscar, a reporter.
“Forming a union is a natural next step as we grow from a small, scrappy team into a highly professionalized outlet,” added Vicky, Mission Local’s donor engagement lead. “On the business side, we have big plans to expand our operations and having a union will ensure we are centering the well-being of our budding team in our goals for the future.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/28/2025 - 09:56
08/28/2025 - 5:00pm
Worker Wins: Hard Work and Dedication
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Philadelphia Teachers Union and School District Reach Tentative Agreement: The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), AFT Local 3, reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the city’s school district on Sunday, averting a potential strike. Members are celebrating the historic deal, which was finalized just hours before the start of a new school year. The old contract covering education professionals was set to expire on Aug. 31, and workers had been preparing to walk out after Labor Day if they didn’t receive a fair offer. “The PFT is thrilled that we have been able to reach a tentative agreement with the School District of Philadelphia on a three-year pact ensuring that school will open on time, as well as three years of labor peace,” PFT President Arthur Steinberg said. “This contract recognizes the hard work and dedication our members bring to the district and allows them to have peace of mind that they will be able to provide for their families while continuing to educate the children of the School District of Philadelphia.”
Mission Local Staff Secure Voluntary Union Recognition: Staff at Mission Local—the largest nonprofit newsroom covering news in San Francisco—won voluntary recognition last week for their union with the Pacific Media Workers Guild, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 39521. Members of Mission Local Guild said their organizing efforts aim to establish frameworks for professional development, as the award-winning newsroom continues to grow. “The union is a step forward for us and for Mission Local. We look forward to starting conversations with the leadership to create a contract that is fair to both the organization and the workers,” said Oscar, a reporter. “Forming a union is a natural next step as we grow from a small, scrappy team into a highly professionalized outlet,” added Vicky, Mission Local’s donor engagement lead. “On the business side, we have big plans to expand our operations and having a union will ensure we are centering the well-being of our budding team in our goals for the future.”
Wyoming Cement Plant Workers Vote to Form Union: Workers at the Mountain Cement Company plant in Laramie, Wyoming, have voted to join the Boilermakers (IBB), and the local labor movement is celebrating this victory in a “right to work” state. While the facility has been considered a cornerstone of the town’s economy for almost a century, workers have remarked that over the past decade management’s attitude toward their essential contributions has gotten worse. The newly minted IBB members cite high rates of turnover, safety concerns, unscheduled overtime and alleged intimidation from management as core motivations for organizing their workplace. “Just to talk about [the successful vote to organize] makes me teary eyed,” said Alex Hicks, who works in maintenance as a mechanic and welder. “I was threatened with my job, so now that this is here, I feel like it’s a big weight off my shoulders. Now I don’t have to worry about looking over my shoulder everyday wondering, ‘Is this going to be my day or not?’” “This means so much to Wyoming workers who feel voiceless, like there’s nowhere to turn,” added Marcie Kindred, executive director of the Wyoming State AFL-CIO. “We’re the reddest right-to-work state in the nation, and they just proved that, even in Wyoming, you can fight and freaking win.”
GoJet Flight Attendants Ratify New Contract: GoJet Airlines flight attendants, who are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), successfully ratified a new contract last week, with 90% of voting members approving the agreement. The regional airline is operated under the United Express brand of United Airlines. AFA-CWA members won major victories, such as double-digit pay raises, increased per diem, minimum pay protections, greater schedule flexibility and more. “While GoJet Flight Attendants continue to work flights branded as United Airlines, we deserve to solidify significant pay increases, boarding pay, and benefits that our mainline counterparts across the industry are seeing,” said Melissa Higgins, AFA GoJet president. “This new tentative agreement ensures aviation’s first responders at GoJet are receiving the benefits we deserve and lifting up standards for regional Flight Attendants.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 08/28/2025 - 11:54
Tags:
Organizing
08/27/2025 - 4:30pm
Fighting for Our Future: 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:
Yesterday was the first day of bargaining between Equity and the Broadway League. Shout out to our negotiating team who will be making sure that your voices are heard every time they sit at the table. Thank you to our friends from @local802.bsky.social who were there to stand in solidarity.
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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) August 26, 2025 at 5:26 PM
AFSCME:
Alliance for Retired Americans:
08/27/2025 - 4:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Philadelphia Teachers Union and School District Reach Tentative Agreement
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 Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), AFT Local 3, reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the city’s school district on Sunday, averting a potential strike.
Members are celebrating the historic deal, which was finalized just hours before the start of a new school year. The old contract covering education professionals was set to expire on Aug. 31, and workers had been preparing to walk out after Labor Day if they didn’t receive a fair offer.
“The PFT is thrilled that we have been able to reach a tentative agreement with the School District of Philadelphia on a three-year pact ensuring that school will open on time, as well as three years of labor peace,” PFT President Arthur Steinberg said. “This contract recognizes the hard work and dedication our members bring to the district and allows them to have peace of mind that they will be able to provide for their families while continuing to educate the children of the School District of Philadelphia.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 08/27/2025 - 09:49
08/27/2025 - 4:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wyoming Cement Plant Workers 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.
Workers at the Mountain Cement Company plant in Laramie, Wyoming, have voted to join the Boilermakers (IBB), and the local labor movement is celebrating this victory in a “right to work” state.
While the facility has been considered a cornerstone of the town’s economy for almost a century, workers have remarked that over the past decade management’s attitude toward their essential contributions has gotten worse. The newly minted IBB members cite high rates of turnover, safety concerns, unscheduled overtime and alleged intimidation from management as core motivations for organizing their workplace.
“Just to talk about [the successful vote to organize] makes me teary eyed,” said Alex Hicks, who works in maintenance as a mechanic and welder. “I was threatened with my job, so now that this is here, I feel like it’s a big weight off my shoulders. Now I don’t have to worry about looking over my shoulder everyday wondering, ‘Is this going to be my day or not?’”
“This means so much to Wyoming workers who feel voiceless, like there’s nowhere to turn,” added Marcie Kindred, executive director of the Wyoming State AFL-CIO. “We’re the reddest right-to-work state in the nation, and they just proved that, even in Wyoming, you can fight and freaking win.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 08/25/2025 - 09:36
08/26/2025 - 3:00pm
Find a Labor Day Event Near You: 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:
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Maine AFL-CIO:
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
New York State AFL-CIO:
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Texas AFL-CIO:
Virginia AFL-CIO:
