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.”

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.

We Have the Power to Turn Manufacturing Investments Into Good Jobs in the South: “During the Biden administration, new manufacturing investments—particularly in clean energy sectors—began to pour into the South. Although money has slowed under President Trump, new projects continue to be announced. In January, Meta and Corning announced a $6 billion agreement to expand manufacturing across North Carolina to support the rapid buildout of data centers. In March, Create Energy, which is focused on renewable energy infrastructure, announced an expansion in Middle Tennessee.”

St. Louis ‘Post-Harvest’ Cannabis Workers Win Right to Unionize, NLRB Rules: “The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ruled that St. Louis ‘post-harvest’ cannabis workers at BeLeaf Medical’s Sinse cultivation facility here have the right to unionize, setting a national precedent. Workers at the facility tried to organize with UFCW Local 655 two years ago, and the owners have been fighting it ever since, arguing that the employees who process the marijuana don’t have the right to unionize because they’re considered agricultural workers.”

Philz Coffee United Joins UFCW 5: “Philz Coffee United, the union representing some workers at Philz, announced Tuesday that they’re now affiliating with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5, the region’s largest private sector union. In a post on Instagram, Philz Coffee United cited improved wages, scheduling, benefits, and working conditions as focuses of their negotiations with Philz management. UFCW Local 5 also represents workers at Highwire, Verve, Peerless, and Cat and Cloud, as well as employees of large grocers, including Safeway and Vons.”

Chico's Firefighters to Host 3rd Annual Golf Tournament for Charity: “Golf enthusiasts in Chico will have a chance to support future firefighters this summer as Chico Firefighters IAFF Local 2734 hosts its third annual golf tournament. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 1, at Canyon Oaks Country Club. The event is a four-person scramble and costs around $700 per team, including green fees, lunch, dinner and prizes. All proceeds will benefit the Captain Andrews Scholarship Endowment Fund, established in 2021 to continue his legacy. The scholarship supports newly graduated cadets of the Butte College Fire Academy.”

U.S. Workers Overwhelmingly Support Union-Backed Policies on AI, Poll Says: “‘These results make it clear: our Workers First Initiative on AI is not just a set of principles, but a mandate to deliver,’ said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, in a statement on the poll results. ‘The vast majority of America’s workers agree on how to move forward on AI and who they trust to do it, and it’s not Democrats, Republicans, Big Tech, or their employers—it’s the labor movement.’”

AFL-CIO to FIFA: ‘Keep ICE Out of World Cup Host Cities’ to Protect Workers: “AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler on Monday urged leaders of world soccer’s governing body to protect workers by keeping federal immigration enforcement agents away from cities and venues hosting the upcoming International Federation of Association Football Men’s World Cup tournament. ‘As we approach the final preparations for the World Cup and workers begin readying stadiums and communities for an influx of visitors, several of our affiliate unions have raised grave concerns over FIFA’s engagement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),’ Shuler wrote in a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and 2026 World Cup chief strategy and planning officer Amy Hopfinger.”

Graduate Student Union at University of Rochester Joins Forces with Other Workers: “Unions and workers are teaming up at the region’s biggest employer. Workers, including members of the University of Rochester’s graduate student labor union, announced the formation of the ‘UR Labor Coalition’ Monday. The coalition is made up of multiple unions representing UR workers. They’ll support each other as they work toward collective bargaining contracts with the university. The Graduate Labor Union in particular says it needs support to achieve recognition from the university. ‘Graduate workers are an essential part of what the university does. They’re here as students to get master’s and doctoral degrees but they’re also essential to our research and our teaching and they deserve a voice in their working conditions,’ said Michael Scott, a professor at URochester.”

OPB, KMHD Content Staff Union Reaches First Contract with Management: “The unit comprises more than 90 members represented by the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, making OPB the largest public media organization on the West Coast with SAG-AFTRA representation. It includes hosts, reporters, on-air staff and audio, digital and video producers, eight of whom are KMHD employees. The contract was adopted following ratification by the unit of unionized staff, the local SAG-AFTRA chapter and the National Labor Relations Board.”

Mayor Dickens Signs Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement with Atlanta Firefighters: “It was a historic moment for Atlanta firefighters Monday as Mayor Andre Dickens signed the union’s first Collective Bargaining Agreement. The union agreement focuses on firefighter pay, overall safety, equipment and gear. Mayor Andre Dickens sent Atlanta Fire and Rescue employees a letter last week stating he would sign the contract this week and that the city will continue to invest in their safety and long-term success. Atlanta News First previously reported there was a delay in this signing because of questions from some firefighters surrounding the union’s then-leadership. In March, under that leadership, the union filed a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta because the contract hadn’t been signed.”

WGAE, SAG-AFTRA, DGA and NewsGuild Rally Albany to Pass the NY FAIR News Act: “Journalists and leadership from the Writers Guild of America East, SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America and the NewsGuild of New York joined Senator Patricia Fahy (D-Albany) and Assemblymember Nily Rozic (D-NYC) on Wednesday, May 6, for a press conference to urge the State Legislature to pass the New York Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Requirements in News Act (The NY FAIR News Act), bipartisan legislation that establishes critical protections for journalists, media professionals and the broader public to ensure that the integrity of the news and its workforce are safeguarded against artificial intelligence.”

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 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.”

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 Afroja Khatun of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU).

Afroja Khatun is a shop steward, trustee, health plan representative and vocal champion of her union, the New York Metro Area Postal Union (APWU Local 10). A natural leader, she was recruited to observe and then lead her local’s new hire orientation classes. She received the local’s 2025 Committee on Political Action award for her commitment to promoting rank-and-file political engagement.

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.