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 Joelle Naeole-Corona of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).

Joelle Naeole-Corona is an OPEIU Local 30 trustee and steward at Kaiser Permanente, where she works as a hospital aide. Hailing from a union family, Naeole said the best way to empower Asian American and Pacific Islander workers is to ensure “members are valued, recognized for their hard work, and empowered in the workplace.”

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.

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC) has reached a new tentative agreement with the Hotel Association of New York City that secures the biggest wage increases in the union’s history.

The new contract would be active for eight years, and by the end of its lifetime, room attendants and other nontipped workers would be earning six figures. Other highlights of the deal include fully paid parental leave, artificial intelligence guardrails, additional protections for immigrant members and more.

“Our union’s team carried out sophisticated and effective legal and political strategies, engaged in thousands of conversations with employers, and executed numerous bargaining strategies to create the leverage we needed,” said HTC President Rich Maroko in an open letter to the union’s members. “But in the end, we would not have won this agreement without the dedication of our members and the very real threat that we would strike. The threat of a strike or a picket line is our union’s most powerful weapon. In every contract fight, we need management to understand that if they won’t agree to a fair contract at the bargaining table, we will take our fight to the streets.”

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 Charmaine S. Morales, RN, of AFSCME.

Charmaine S. Morales, RN, is president of United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), which represents over 40,000 registered nurses and health care professionals across California and Hawaii. She led UNAC/UHCP’s expansion into Hawaii in 2018, and during 2021 Kaiser Permanente negotiations, she secured recognition of mental health as equal to physical health. She is the first woman of color—and the first Mexican American and Filipina—to lead UNAC/UHCP. Morales’ leadership embodies solidarity, equity and transformation.

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.

Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2336 members who work at MissionWired in Washington, D.C., have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Staff at the digital marketing and fundraising agency have been engaged in negotiations for more than two years. This is the latest campaign win for CWA’s Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA). Highlights of the agreement include guaranteed annual wage increases, higher salary bands, guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI) usage in the workplace, remote work arrangements and more.

“When we started organizing, we wanted a real voice in the decisions that shape our work and our lives. This contract gives us that voice to make sure the tools that we work with every day enhance our jobs rather than replace them,” said data engineer Kelsey Evans. “We’re super proud of what we were able to build into the workplace with a first contract.”

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

MissionWired Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify First Union Contract: Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 2336 members who work at MissionWired in Washington, D.C., have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Staff at the digital marketing and fundraising agency have been engaged in negotiations for more than two years. This is the latest campaign win for CWA’s Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA). Highlights of the agreement include guaranteed annual wage increases, higher salary bands, guardrails for artificial intelligence (AI) usage in the workplace, remote work arrangements and more. “When we started organizing, we wanted a real voice in the decisions that shape our work and our lives. This contract gives us that voice to make sure the tools that we work with every day enhance our jobs rather than replace them,” said data engineer Kelsey Evans. “We’re super proud of what we were able to build into the workplace with a first contract.”

Chicago Nurses Win Historic Union Vote: On Monday, registered nurses (RNs) at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center celebrated winning their National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election to form a union with National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). Nurses at the 671-bed facility initially went public with their organizing effort in April. They cited concerns around staffing levels and working conditions, which directly impact the quality of patient care, as core motivators for the effort. “We are proud to join a strong union for RNs in [the] National Nurses Organizing Committee that will give us the tools and resources to be powerful advocates for our patients,” said Jennifer Pearl, RN in the medical-surgical unit’s float pool, in a press release. “We call on all nurses in Chicago to join us in our union and organize for safe staffing, nurse retention, and improved patient care.” “We are excited to bargain for a strong contract that protects patients and nurses so we can provide the best care possible,” said Regina Piper, RN in the antepartum/postpartum unit. “We want safe staffing. We want Rush to put patients before profits.” 

Atlanta Firefighters Sign First Union Contract: In a milestone for the Southern labor movement, the Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters—Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 134—have signed their first-ever collective bargaining agreement. The deal contains important provisions governing wages, working conditions and equipment. Local 134 members won a new, more frequent pay system and an increase in their uniform allowance. “This shows you what can happen if you stay persistent, keep advocating, and never lose sight of your goal,” said Local 134 President Alvin Rashad. “We appreciate everything the IAFF, the 12th District, Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia President Nate Bailey, and our members have done to get us to this moment.” “This agreement gives Atlanta fire fighters a stronger voice on the job and helps improve safety for the communities they serve across the city,” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said. “Collective bargaining makes everyone stronger, and Local 134’s achievement is important not just for them, but for fire fighters across Georgia.”

USW Reaches Tentative Agreement with Arconic: The United Steelworkers (USW) announced on Saturday that the union has reached a tentative agreement with industrial manufacturer Arconic on a new master contract covering members at four facilities. The deal is still subject to membership ratification and was settled the day that the previous agreement was initially set to expire. “From the beginning of these negotiations, our members stood together and made clear that they were determined to secure a fair agreement that recognizes their hard work and dedication,” said Emil Ramirez, USW international vice president and chair of the negotiating committee. “The solidarity shown by our membership across all four Arconic locations gave this committee the strength and unity needed to reach a tentative agreement that we are proud to bring back to the members.” 

Minnesota Hospital Workers Win Deal to Protect Patient Care: AFSCME-represented workers at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis joined together and successfully pushed state leaders to allocate funding to stabilize Minnesota’s largest public hospital. The bill would allocate $205 million in direct stabilization funding for HCMC, create a reserve account of up to $500 million and institute a new oversight structure after the corporate board was dissolved last year—a victory that also was accomplished in part through the advocacy work of union members. “For months, our union members who work at HCMC sounded the alarm about what was at stake if HCMC was allowed to shutter, and that was always an unacceptable reality,” Bart Andersen, executive director of AFSCME Council 5, said. “Workers shared their stories, organized relentlessly, advocated at the Capitol, held rallies and press conferences, spoke directly with lawmakers, all while also continuing to show up every single day at HCMC to provide lifesaving care for every patient who walks through the doors. Workers' activism, courage and unwavering commitment to our communities made this bipartisan agreement possible.” 

Penn State Faculty Vote to Join SEIU: More than 5,000 faculty across Penn State campuses won their vote to form the Penn State Faculty Alliance (PSFA)—an affiliate of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 668. This was the largest union election in Pennsylvania’s public sector in nearly five decades. The new bargaining unit will include faculty members across all ranks and departments, tenured and contingent, full-time and part-time. “As faculty, we all came together to achieve a collective voice in Penn State’s decision-making,” said Marissa Baez, adjunct lecturer in arts and architecture and a PSFA organizing committee member. “Now, we can move forward as educators to create a better work environment for all faculty and support the best learning environment for our students.” “This is a win for all Penn State faculty and an incredible opportunity to advocate for higher education in Pennsylvania,” said Beth Seymour, professor of anthropology and a PSFA organizing committee member. “We encourage all faculty to join PSFA and get involved, as we look forward to working with the University and quickly negotiating a strong contract for the faculty. Together we will build a strong future for our entire University community.” 

Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join the UAW: Workers at the Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the UAW. Guest relations workers and educators at the Smithsonian-affiliated science museum in Detroit cited bullying and harassment by management, scheduling issues, and lack of a voice at work as core motivators for organizing. “The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”

D.C. Pottery Studio Workers Vote to Form Union: 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 Eva Kuo of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

As IATSE Local 828’s vice president, Eva Kuo takes care of health and wellness matters for the local and has served on its intersectional and young workers committees. She also works part time at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Performance School as a props mentor. “I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love and still make a decent living,” she said. “I surely wouldn’t be able to do that without IATSE.”

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:

Happy Jewish American Heritage Month! From 18th Century garment workers to the unions of today, Jewish American workers have played an integral role in shaping the history of the American Labor Movement. Learn more about their impact at the link: https://bit.ly/4wBbPA5 

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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) May 18, 2026 at 10:40 AM

AFSCME:

Discover how Team AFSCME made the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh a success. https://t.co/WI04L6RdNP

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 19, 2026

Air Line Pilots Association:

Proud ALPA members since 2023, @AirCanadapilots are working to build on recent contract gains, strengthen unity, and advance long-term career stability and competitiveness across the profession. Learn more: https://t.co/wvXYbBaItI pic.twitter.com/dgps8c6XS6

— Air Line Pilots Association (@ALPAPilots) May 18, 2026

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Why was Monday's Supreme Court decision to uphold the Medicare drug price negotiation law so important?

Learn more from @Public_Citizen: https://t.co/HLlPhOD94z

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) May 20, 2026

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Our Local 1091-Austin, TX, members are sending a loud and clear message to CapMetro they will do what is necessary to get a fair and just contract. #OurVoiceOurPowerhttps://t.co/yuRfjwR79t

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) May 19, 2026

American Federation of Teachers:

May is #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth! Check out a new @sharemylesson.bsky.social blog on free, classroom-ready resources from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History that highlight Jewish Americans’ contributions to democracy, culture and civic life. sharemylesson.com/blog/jewish-...

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— AFT (@aft.org) May 20, 2026 at 10:22 AM

American Postal Workers Union:

Clerk Craft Director Lamont Brooks discusses two recent national-level arbitration awards regarding Dispatch Coordinator position and an MOU regarding Clerk Craft jobs, as well as safety tips specific to workers in the Clerk craft. https://t.co/ReAP5oIvRj

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) May 20, 2026

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

ICYMI: @SenDuckworth & @SenatorBaldwin are demanding answers from the FAA about the agency’s decision to allow a Flight Attendant to cover two emergency exit doors on some widebody aircraft. 

We’ve been sounding the alarm on cabin configurations and staffing minimums for years. pic.twitter.com/QqYWBxVMuV

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) May 19, 2026

Boilermakers:

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 milestone for the Southern labor movement, the Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters—Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 134—have signed their first-ever collective bargaining agreement.

The deal contains important provisions governing wages, working conditions and equipment. Local 134 members won a new, more frequent pay system and an increase in their uniform allowance.

“This shows you what can happen if you stay persistent, keep advocating, and never lose sight of your goal,” said Local 134 President Alvin Rashad. “We appreciate everything the IAFF, the 12th District, Professional Fire Fighters of Georgia President Nate Bailey, and our members have done to get us to this moment.”

“This agreement gives Atlanta fire fighters a stronger voice on the job and helps improve safety for the communities they serve across the city,” IAFF General President Edward Kelly said. “Collective bargaining makes everyone stronger, and Local 134’s achievement is important not just for them, but for fire fighters across Georgia.”

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 Federation of Labor Unions:

BREAKING: @CaliforniaLabor's sponsored No Robot Bosses Act just PASSED the Senate Floor with overwhelming support! An algorithm should not be allowed to make decisions about firing or disciplining workers, we must demand HUMAN oversight of AI in the workplace. @SenMcNerney…

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 19, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

This weekend support Letter Carriers as they march on Postal HQ in Boston. @NALC_National 

What: Letter Carrier Union Workers march to save the Post Office from mismanagement
When: Sunday, May 17th, 10:30am
Where: Meet at Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, Boston pic.twitter.com/YUUV4EJwSW

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 14, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

It's the weekend. Thank a union. pic.twitter.com/QFstEs8pz3

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 15, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

“From more than a billion dollars in job-creating infrastructure, to stabilizing Hennepin County Medical Center, and securing significant benefit increases for disabled workers, the 2026 session was a net positive for working Minnesotans." #mnleg https://t.co/1vAnbrHM7z

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 18, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Union members across the state helped collect signatures because we believe congressional maps should be decided by the People, Not Politicians. It’s time for the Secretary of State to certify the signatures & provide clarity to county clerks across Missouri. https://t.co/oD986A2LuL

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 19, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to the 2026 IBEW Local 357 apprenticeship graduates!

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 Malia Aperto of the Laborers (LIUNA).

“After a few minimum wage jobs, working with the Laborers was a dream come true. I didn’t know all the work my father had me doing would land me here,” Malia Aperto said. “This is fulfilling work. I started as a general laborer, moved to abatement, and now work in traffic control. I’ve been granted opportunities I probably wouldn’t have anywhere else. I’m enjoying the security and loving the benefits of being a Laborer.”