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 All Fired Up, a Washington, D.C., paint-your-own pottery store, won their National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election to form a union with Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU’s) Workers United.

Workers, under the name All Fired Up Workers United, voted unanimously to organize on Monday. Staff cited low wages and a lack of benefits as core motivations for their effort. Despite a lack of support from the business owner, sudden layoffs after the public announcement of the union drive and concerning comments made by the owner’s family during the election, workers stood strong and refused to back down.

“All Fired Up Workers United is proud to announce that our workers unanimously voted “Yes!” for the union at today’s [NLRB] facilitated election,” the union said in a social media post. “Big thanks to all of our workers who voted, [Workers United, Mid-Atlantic Regional Joint Board] for their support and expertise, and [Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America] for cheering us on. We’re excited to prepare for contract negotiations! The real work is about to begin.”

Tags: Organizing

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Chai Douanglee of the United Steelworkers (USW).

Chai Douanglee, a welder at Newport News Shipbuilding, joined USW Local 8888 after the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to pivot careers, having never worked in welding or been a union member before. Now the proud immigrant from Laos who arrived in the United States at age 7 serves on six committees for a local with over 10,000 members. He’s come to see that understanding politics and having a voice at the table are essential for real change.

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Grant Tom of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).

Grant Tom is secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 135, where he has spent 25 years representing members in health care, retail, cannabis, entertainment and manufacturing. “During our tenure we fought and took back our union. Giving it back to the frontline members of this union, UFCW Local 135,” Tom said. “The most important element of unionism is the members; we educate and support them to develop and evolve the labor movement to the next level for the future generations.”

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Mary Entoma of UNITE HERE.

Mary Entoma is from Cebu, Philippines, and grew up in San Mateo, California. She is a community organizer with UNITE HERE Local 11 in Los Angeles and has worked on numerous campaigns and organizing efforts of migrants and immigrant workers. From community to boycott to worker organizing, Entoma is committed to fighting for working families and their communities. She is president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) and APALA’s national secretary. 

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

AFSCME Corrections Officers in Connecticut Recognized for Making Workplaces Safer: Corrections officers from three AFSCME locals were honored for making their workplaces safer by the Connecticut AFL-CIO. Annually, as part of Workers Memorial Day, the Connecticut AFL-CIO holds an event in Hartford to honor workers who have died, been injured on the job or gotten sick due to work. The state federation’s Health and Safety Committee also honors those who are working to prevent workplace deaths and injuries. This year, AFSCME Locals 387, 391 and 1565—all part of Council 4—were recognized for their advocacy at the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) to boost workplace safety. “Due to the coordinated advocacy of all three AFSCME DOC locals, the Department of Correction finally chose to begin the implementation of mail scanners and body scanners in select correctional institutions—critical technology that, when it is utilized in every facility within the [Connecticut DOC], will make correctional officers and staff, as well as inmates, exponentially safer,” said Jeremie St. Pierre, a correctional officer at the Cheshire Correctional Complex and president of Local 387.

United Flight Attendants Ratify New Contract with 31% Average Wage Increase: United Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), voted to ratify a new contract. The contract was ratified, with 82% voting for the agreement and 88.85% votes cast of all eligible. “The contract will immediately change the lives of United Flight Attendants, especially our thousands of new hires who have been hired since the pandemic,” said Ken Diaz, United Master Executive Council president. “Our solidarity delivered the goods.” The five-year contract includes a 31% base pay rate increase this summer; boarding pay (which averages an 7% to 8% increase to compensation); $741 million in retroactive pay; expanded job security; restrictions on red-eye flying; sit pay for scheduled and rescheduled sits over 2.5 hours; per diem and 401(k) contribution increases; 10 weeks’ paid maternity and two weeks’ paid parental and adoption leaves; elimination of 24 hour on-call reserve and more. “The United…Flight Attendants’ contract now leads the industry in total value for flight attendants, and it should,” said Sara Nelson, international president of AFA-CWA. “We will continue to press forward with all of our contracts and build power with our organizing to ensure flight attendants are respected with meaningful return for our work as aviation’s first responders.”

IATSE Members Announce Contract with ‘Beast Games’ Ahead of Season 3, Secure Back Pay and Benefits: Members of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) who work on “Beast Games” reached an agreement with the producers ahead of the series’ third season. The contract covers more than 500 crew members working on the production, which is based in Greenville, North Carolina. The workers will receive back pay and benefits for preproduction work that has already been completed and will remain covered by this agreement for this season and subsequent seasons. “Organizing Season 3 of ‘Beast Games’ boiled down to IATSE solidarity in this difficult production environment,” said Michael F. Miller Jr., international vice president and department director of IATSE’s Motion Picture & Television Production Department. “As employment in our industry continues to face challenges from predatory employers looking to take advantage of the industry contraction, our members and their local leaders are showing that they have the strength to stand together to maintain standards in the face of repeated attacks on their livelihoods by greedy employers.”

University of Missouri Librarians Vote to Join LIUNA 955: Librarians at the University of Missouri voted to join LIUNA Local 955. The unit includes librarians, archivists and library information specialists. The workers launched their union drive in December. “Some of our staff barely make above minimum wage and that harms our ability to deliver effective service to our users—the researchers, students, staff and faculty that keep this University running,” said Taira Meadowcroft, a health science librarian.

Workers at PCA Paper Products in Minnesota Ratify Strong Contract with Major Wage Gains, Protected Health Insurance: Members of IAM Union locals W33 and 760, Electrical Workers (IBEW), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Operating Engineers (IUOE), and the Teamsters working at Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in International Falls, Minnesota, ratified a strong four-year contract. The contract includes 12.5% in general wage increases, a guarantee that current health benefits will not change, improvements to scheduling language, a better grievance procedure, better paid personal time language, and other improvements. The Joint Union Committee, representing members of each of the unions, was led by IAM District 5 Directing Business Representative Jeff Hoopman. “I’m very proud of the work and commitment put in by this committee,” Hoopman said. “Such a large committee representing so many unions can be a challenge, but this group really acted throughout with one purpose: to get a great contract for their members and they accomplished that.”

San Diego Musical Theatre Crew Join IATSE: Production workers at the San Diego Musical Theatre (SDMT) voted overwhelmingly to organize with the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122. The unit includes wardrobe department staff, stitchers, dressers, audio technicians, spotlight operators, deck crew, stage managers and assistant stage managers. “Building the theatre community has always been a priority for our Local,” said Robert Morales, business representative for IATSE Local 122. “By organizing SDMT, we continue to build union density which in return helps us negotiate better contracts for everyone and uplift the industry.” The newly organized crew will now negotiate their first collective bargaining agreement with San Diego Musical Theatre. The company conducted an anti-union campaign, including unsuccessful attempts to hold a captive audience meeting and personal appeals from management to reject the union.

UAW Members at CNH Racine Reach Tentative Agreement; Secure Raises, Other Benefits: UAW members at CNH Industrial’s Racine facility reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract. The Racine plant manufactures Case IH Magnum high-horsepower tractors. The contract includes stronger job security language, 22% general wage increases for production employees, 29% general wage increases for skilled trades employees, significant health and safety language improvements, health care enhancements, and improvements to retirement benefits. “This tentative agreement reflects the strength and solidarity of our members in Racine,” said UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson. “Workers stood together to win meaningful wage increases, improvements in health and safety protections, stronger retirement benefits, and commitments that help secure the future of this plant and the jobs it supports.” The tentative agreement must still be ratified by the membership.

IAM Local 778 Members Ratify New Contract at Olin Winchester, Winning Raises, Mandatory Overtime Relief: IAM Union Local 778 members voted to ratify a new four-year contract with Olin Corp.’s Winchester division, ending their strike. The victory for more than 1,300 skilled workers at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant was approved by the membership on May 6. “This ratified agreement met the needs of our membership and they are ready to get back to work under these new terms,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “Our members fought for a contract that includes improvements to pay and relief to mandatory overtime scheduling.” “I am proud of these members for their courage and sacrifice,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The members of IAM Local 778 took the necessary action to make their workplace better and make each other’s lives better. ”

NewsGuild of New York Journalists at Sports Illustrated Win New Contract, Guaranteed Pay Increases: Journalists at Sports Illustrated (SI)—who are members of The NewsGuild of New York, Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 31003—won a new three-year contract that raises salaries, saves on health care costs, protects remote work as well as workers regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The SI Union represents 64 journalists at the sports media organization. The deal wraps up nearly a year and a half of bargaining with publisher Minute Media. Highlights of the new contract include a new $70,000 salary floor; an average raise of 5.22% upon ratification, with 3% guaranteed increases over the next two years; preservation of just-cause protections; AI guardrails and more. “This contract upholds the principles and protections we fought so hard for four years ago,” says Dan Falkenheim, a fact checker and the SI Union’s unit chair. “After our members have experienced more than their fair share of instability because of ownership changes beyond our control, we are thrilled to have a contract that values our work and provides a strong foundation for Sports Illustrated’s future at Minute Media.”

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.

Journalists at Sports Illustrated (SI)—who are members of The NewsGuild of New York, Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 31003—won a new three-year contract that raises salaries, saves on health care costs, protects remote work as well as workers regarding artificial intelligence (AI).

The SI Union represents 64 journalists at the sports media organization. The deal wraps up nearly a year and a half of bargaining with publisher Minute Media. Highlights of the new contract include a new $70,000 salary floor; an average raise of 5.22% upon ratification, with 3% guaranteed increases over the next two years; preservation of just-cause protections; AI guardrails and more.

“This contract upholds the principles and protections we fought so hard for four years ago,” said Dan Falkenheim, a fact checker and the SI Union’s unit chair. “After our members have experienced more than their fair share of instability because of ownership changes beyond our control, we are thrilled to have a contract that values our work and provides a strong foundation for Sports Illustrated’s future at Minute Media.”

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.

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Scabby the Rat made an appearance at Monday's solidarity action outside Marathon Refinery in Concord with United Steelworkers Local 5, who are demanding safer working conditions. 

Join us here for solidarity actions every Monday until the strike is settled! Picket line is set up… pic.twitter.com/kRkGroR9td

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 12, 2026

Colorado AFL-CIO:

From online shopping to apartment applications to health care, AI systems play a role in decisions that shape our lives. 

We need transparency from Big Tech on how these systems work, and real accountability when those systems are used to discriminate or harm people. #coleg #1u pic.twitter.com/bHRjzj1EPS

— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) May 5, 2026

Maine AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to SPACE workers in Portland on forming their union with @UAW2110! https://t.co/QfRBO3jz6U

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 5, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Today is about appreciating the care, sacrifices and support mothers provide their families every day. 

We thank you and we’ll keep fighting for all working mothers so they have paid leave, equitable care and good union jobs.

Happy Mother’s Day! pic.twitter.com/XDbmZ57qsO

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 10, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Sign our petition to keep our bosses out of the damn bathroom: https://t.co/iKk9Wc4dkh pic.twitter.com/mYJbZndpgI

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 14, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

More than 9 out of 10 workers expressed support for policies on AI that labor unions may fight for, including 95% supporting a requirement that a human be the final decision maker on issues affecting individual workers & their employment. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/Ckcw5vX4IL

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 12, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Without accountability, telecom corporations will not prioritize community interests. That’s why the CWA is leading the charge to ensure reliable service for all and protect good, union jobs.

Sign this petition to call on the FCC to update its oversight: https://t.co/lYGtxPTjQp

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 11, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to the @culinaryacademylv on their new expansion! 

Over 65,000 students have graduated from CAL - cheers to the many more that will have the opportunity to advance their careers with this new expansion. pic.twitter.com/mar1vofpgc

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 13, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

NYS AFL-CIO announces endorsement of Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and endorsements in Congressional, State Senate, and Assembly races with primary elections: https://t.co/e7Trimh8UY

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 12, 2026

Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:

International workers’ day is more than a single day, and we’re calling on you to join us in committing to fight EVERY DAY for our rights. Showing up for international solidarity goes beyond rallies and festivals — it’s a lifelong commitment.

Sign on to PCUN’s Day Without An… pic.twitter.com/GNarQplugf

— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 13, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Paid family leave for ALL workers is long overdue. @SEIUPA nurses are leading the charge — and we stand with them. ✊https://t.co/1DhyFuh7JI

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 13, 2026

Texas AFL-CIO:

Our pro-worker endorsements in state races for the primary runoff: pic.twitter.com/Ury92EzlJF

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 9, 2026

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Congrats to all the paratransit workers now with @teamsters117! Solidarity! https://t.co/jUUBvVsHVr

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 8, 2026

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Thank you, Letter Carriers! https://t.co/uozyLmRNrx

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 11, 2026

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Rachele Smith of UNITE HERE.

Rachele Smith began as a front desk agent organizing the union at her hotel with her co-workers. She has been bringing the message of working people to the public and building power in Arizona through her work in communications over the last eight years. Her profound dedication and leadership to Worker Power continues to inspire new leaders and helps build the 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.

United Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), voted to ratify a new contract. The contract was ratified, with 82% voting for the agreement and 88.85% votes cast of all eligible.

“The contract will immediately change the lives of United Flight Attendants, especially our thousands of new hires who have been hired since the pandemic,” said Ken Diaz, United Master Executive Council president. “Our solidarity delivered the goods.”

The five-year contract includes a 31% base pay rate increase this summer; boarding pay (which averages an 7% to 8% increase to compensation); $741 million in retroactive pay; expanded job security; restrictions on red-eye flying; sit pay for scheduled and rescheduled sits over 2.5 hours; per diem and 401(k) contribution increases; 10 weeks’ paid maternity and two weeks’ paid parental and adoption leaves; elimination of 24 hour on-call reserve and more.

“The United…Flight Attendants’ contract now leads the industry in total value for flight attendants, and it should,” said Sara Nelson, international president of AFA-CWA. “We will continue to press forward with all of our contracts and build power with our organizing to ensure flight attendants are respected with meaningful return for our work as aviation’s first responders.”

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Michael Fong of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Michael Fong worked as a co-costume designer on two seasons of “Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.” for Disney+. In the future, Fong hopes to create a program that helps connect LGBTQ+ youth and educate them about what a career in Hawaii’s film and television industry is like. “I have learned a lot from my fellow union members about working in the entertainment industry,” he said. “Being in the union is like being a part of a family.”