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

Nonprofit Youth Action Fund Organizes with CWA: Staff at the Generation Z-led organizing nonprofit Youth Action Fund organized with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). “Since 2023, Florida Youth Action Fund (FYAF) has emerged as a critical player in the Florida youth organizing landscape,” the workers said. “With the dedication and drive of our staff, FYAF has mobilized thousands of students across the country and trained hundreds to become skilled youth advocates.” Youth Action Fund staff filed a petition for a union election to join CWA Local 3108 on May 1. They asked Youth Action Fund management to voluntarily recognize their union. “We’re excited to, you know, to hopefully get workers’ protections,” said Giancarlo Rodriguez, a Central Florida campaign adviser for Youth Action Fund. “And to let young people know too—and people all across Florida, regardless of age—that you can form a union, and it’s possible. No matter what kind of worker you are, no matter what industry, you know, you deserve worker protections. We want to have better wages, better working conditions, job security—all these really critical things that unions can bring.”

AFSCME Local 1110 Workers Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract with Illinois State University: Approximately 350 workers at Illinois State University, members of AFSCME Local 1110, reached a tentative agreement on a new contract following a nearly monthlong strike. Building services, dining services and grounds workers walked off the job on April 8. After six meetings with a federal mediator, AFSCME and the university reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. Workers voted to ratify the contract on Tuesday. The new five-year contract includes a $1,500 signing bonus, an immediate pay raise of 3.5%, and 3% pay increases in 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029. In 2028 and 2029, if the university provides more than a 3% pay hike to nonunion employees, AFSCME members will get the same raise. “This struggle was about fair pay, and we won that,” said Chuck Carver, a building service worker and president of AFSCME Local 1110. “Even more importantly, it was about respect, and we earned it.”

University of Chicago Press Workers Form Union with Chicago News Guild: Workers at The University of Chicago Press are forming a union with the Chicago News Guild (TNG-CWA Local 34071) and have requested that management agree to voluntary recognition of the union. The University of Chicago Press is a leader in academic publishing, responsible for a program of trade and specialist titles, a portfolio of highly regarded scholarly journals, and the Chicago Distribution Center, which includes the digital scholarly book repository BiblioVault. The UCP Workers Guild represents staff across the press’s divisions and marks the first union in the press’s 130-year history. In their mission statement, the UCP Workers Guild outlined the organizing principles of pay equity, sustainability and transparency. “I dreamed for years of getting a job in academic publishing, and I’m thrilled to be working not only in my chosen industry but at one of the most prestigious presses in the country,” said Griffin Reed, a UCP Workers Guild member. “However, that excitement is too often exploited by employers, and particularly by our employers at the University of Chicago. My coworkers and I face low, stagnant wages; a lack of standardization across the press regarding our ability to work from home; and potential precarity in the form of layoffs, outsourcing, or the introduction of AI into our workflow. I want a union to ensure that our jobs are protected and that we are paid fairly for our profit-generating labor.”

Penn Live Arts Crew Members Vote Unanimously to Join IATSE: Production workers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Live Arts Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts voted unanimously late last month to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 8. The new bargaining unit includes full-time and part-time audio engineers, digital production supervisors, house electricians, production coordinators and theater technicians. “When production workers come together and choose union representation, it benefits more than one workplace,” said Daniel Little, international representative for IATSE. “It strengthens the arts community and helps ensure professional standards across nonprofit and university venues.” “There are a lot of great aspects of working here at Penn Live Arts,” said Tait Adams, a theater technician. “There is also a lot of room for improvement. As the organization continues to grow, the workers deserve to have a say in our conditions. Being represented by IATSE Local 8 means that we have the necessary support and resources to make sure our voices are heard and recognized.”

AT&T Orange Mobility Workers Secure Tentative Agreement: Communications Workers of America (CWA) members have reached a tentative agreement on a new AT&T Mobility Orange contract. The bargaining unit includes thousands of AT&T technicians, customer service representatives and retail workers across 36 states and Washington, D.C., who have been organizing for months to secure a fair deal. “This strong tentative agreement is a reflection of our members' dedication to holding AT&T accountable for their corporate greed,” said CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor. “Whether handing out flyers at AT&T-sponsored March Madness basketball games or holding informational picket signs at busy intersections, CWA members mobilized for higher wages, stronger benefits, job security, and more. This is a tentative agreement that reflects their fight and delivers for both AT&T workers and the customers they serve.”

Westchester County Airport Unifi Workers Join IAM Union: Unifi customer service workers at the Westchester County Airport (HPN) have voted to join IAM Union (IAM) to secure a voice on the job. New York-based staff at the country’s largest aviation service provider are essential to daily HPN operations, including at Delta Air Lines and Breeze Airways. With the support of IAM Air Transport Territory and IAM Union District 142, these newly minted members overcame an aggressive union-busting campaign and are now looking forward to bargaining a fair contract that reflects their contributions. “Unifi workers fought hard for this, and we did it together,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Associate Rachel Arnold. “This is about having respect on the job and a real voice in our workplace. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with Unifi workers and excited for what comes next.” “Unifi workers at HPN stood strong in the face of anti-union propaganda and intimidation, and they never backed down,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Their courage sends a powerful message to workers everywhere—when you stand together, you can win.”

USL Players Association Reaches Tentative Agreement: The United Soccer League (USL) and the USL Players Association (USLPA), a Communications Workers of America (CWA) affiliate, announced on Wednesday that they had reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). “The United Soccer League and the USL Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on key terms of a new collective bargaining agreement for the USL Championship and USL Premier, pending final ratification,” the union and league said in a joint statement. “This milestone represents a significant step forward for the league and its players, reflecting a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game and the advancement of professional standards. Both sides will now work through the remaining steps required to finalize the CBA, and additional updates will be shared at a later time.”

Concessions Workers at Houston’s Bush Airport Secure Powerful New Contract: On Tuesday, concessions workers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) ratified a new contract with their employer, OTG, securing a $20 per hour minimum wage. OTG is one of the largest employers at IAH, with 700 cooks, servers, bartenders, baristas, cashiers and dishwashers under the contractor’s management. In addition to raises, UNITE HERE members also won reductions to family health care costs, Juneteenth as a paid holiday and more protections for workplace rights. “I am excited and proud of what we have accomplished in this contract,” said Kia Howard, a cashier at the airport. “I will go from $14.50 an hour to $20 an hour now….That is life-changing.” “I am very happy to learn that the contract between UNITE HERE Local 23 members and OTG at IAH airport has been settled,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “The food service and retail workers at IAH are ambassadors of our city. I thank them for their hard work welcoming and serving millions of visitors every year. Congratulations to all!”

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 Cindy Datangel of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU).

Born in Myanmar, Cindy Hwang Datangel immigrated to the United States in 1980. In 1998, she became a member of APWU. Today she is the general president of APWU Local 2 in San Francisco, the first woman to hold this position. Her primary goal is to maintain a strong and united APWU and ensure the long-term sustainability of the San Francisco local for future postal workers.

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.

Unifi customer service workers at the Westchester County Airport (HPN) have voted to join IAM Union (IAM) to secure a voice on the job.

New York-based staff at the country’s largest aviation service provider are essential to daily HPN operations, including at Delta Air Lines and Breeze Airways. With the support of IAM Air Transport Territory and IAM Union District 142, these newly minted members overcame an aggressive union-busting campaign and are now looking forward to bargaining a fair contract that reflects their contributions.

“Unifi workers fought hard for this, and we did it together,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Associate Rachel Arnold. “This is about having respect on the job and a real voice in our workplace. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with Unifi workers and excited for what comes next.”

“Unifi workers at HPN stood strong in the face of anti-union propaganda and intimidation, and they never backed down,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Their courage sends a powerful message to workers everywhere — when you stand together, you can win.”

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 Tihda Vongkoth of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).

Tihda Vongkoth is president of AFM Local 427-721, representing musicians across Florida. They are also an organizer with the West Central Florida Labor Council’s Coalition of Manasota Unions, having organized annual Labor Day celebrations to show labor solidarity in Sarasota. They are a founder of Modern Marimba, a nonprofit that presents concerts, lectures and exhibitions with the explicit goal of combating racism and other forms of discrimination. 

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) members have reached a tentative agreement on a new AT&T Mobility Orange contract.
 
The bargaining unit includes thousands of AT&T technicians, customer service representatives and retail workers across 36 states and Washington, D.C., who have been organizing for months to secure a fair deal.

“This strong tentative agreement is a reflection of our members' dedication to holding AT&T accountable for their corporate greed,” said CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor. “Whether handing out flyers at AT&T-sponsored March Madness basketball games or holding informational picket signs at busy intersections, CWA members mobilized for higher wages, stronger benefits, job security, and more. This is a tentative agreement that reflects their fight and delivers for both AT&T workers and the customers they serve.”

Tags: Organizing

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:

San Francisco @sflabor union members know that when we fight, we win! And on #MayDay2026, we fight for #WorkersOverBillionaires! pic.twitter.com/LRSIARP2QY

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 2, 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

Florida AFL-CIO:

Today, on a day meant for appreciation of the countless hard working Floridians that make this state great, our Governor took the opportunity to pass blatantly anti-worker legislation and side with wealthy special interests instead. We stand with our workers this #MayDay ✊ pic.twitter.com/S24jGtQomr

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) May 1, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

This May Day, the Illinois Labor movement is standing with AFSCME Local 1110 on strike at ISU. Today is day 24 of their struggle, but the members remain united and determined. Please consider making a donation to their strike fund in solidarity: https://t.co/iZVaIBFUpv... pic.twitter.com/eWgjhSQoE8

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) May 1, 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:

Thursday, AI: Protecting our Families and our Democracy

AI threats aren’t limited to the workplace or online scams 

Join this webinar, jointly hosted by the @AFLCIO and the ARA, to equip you with important skillshttps://t.co/k13JbILriZ

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 4, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

From the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago to today, we’re coming together to fight for workers rights, fair wages and safe working conditions on May Day. Solidarity forever. #1u pic.twitter.com/v3y7wKBTBE

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 1, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Another Union Member Candidate Training is in the books! Thank you to our attendees and trainers for putting in the time this weekend. One of the best things working people can do is elect more of us to public office! #BetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/HDpbosn8f6

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 4, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Missouri’s Labor Unions were proud to be on hand today to help turn in signatures for @RespectVoters, a ballot initiative to protect Missourians’ rights & abilities to change our government! #solidarity pic.twitter.com/Dx2NcxqMJv

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 3, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Today, the delegates of the Nevada State AFL-CIO convened at IBEW Local 357 union hall during the 2026 Committee on Political Education and voted to endorse the following full slate of the 2026 primary election endorsements. 

View the list on our site:https://t.co/qzeVFkABN2 pic.twitter.com/9HZ9axPGy9

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 1, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

We were honored to have the legendary voice of the New York Yankees read our ad during a few games. RIP John Sterling. pic.twitter.com/hEqPwXRn1g

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 4, 2026

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Now is the time to build coalitions for mass actions to disrupt the well-organized, joint efforts of corporations and the White House to exploit American workers. #MayDay #1u 1/3 pic.twitter.com/YjoLMPQDar

— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 1, 2026

Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:

A few things we’re thankful for right now

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.

Here's who we've featured so far:

• Saia ‘Ahau of AFGE
• Angie Nguyen of AFSCME

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 Angie Nguyen of AFSCME.

Angie Nguyen grew up in Vietnam, moving to California in 1993 when her family started a new life with help from the Humanitarian Operation Program. Nguyen has been a member of the United Domestic Workers (AFSCME Local 3930) since 2008, a member of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance since 2021, and a delegate of the Orange County Labor Federation. Through the union’s activities, Nguyen believes that a stronger union and strong community can fight and bargain for home care providers, ensuring they have the same rights as other workers.

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 United Soccer League (USL) and the USL Players Association (USLPA), a Communications Workers of America (CWA) affiliate, announced on Wednesday that they had reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

“The United Soccer League and the USL Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on key terms of a new collective bargaining agreement for the USL Championship and USL Premier, pending final ratification,” the union and league said in a joint statement. “This milestone represents a significant step forward for the league and its players, reflecting a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game and the advancement of professional standards. Both sides will now work through the remaining steps required to finalize the CBA, and additional updates will be shared at a later time.”

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.

U.S. Working Class Mobilizes Ahead of Nationwide ‘May Day Strong’ Rallies: “Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO—which represents nearly 15 million workers and 65 affiliated unions—said Wednesday that ‘for the labor movement, Workers Memorial Day and May Day aren’t just days of reflection—they are days of demand.’ ‘Amid attacks on our health and safety, our civil rights, and our very freedom to organize, we are standing up for a worker-centered vision of America,’ Shuler continued. ‘From now through November, the AFL-CIO, our state and local labor movements, and allies across the country will be in the streets and at worksites to peacefully engage our co-workers and neighbors on the issues at stake in the next election so we can ensure that everyone can vote and every vote is counted and unify working people around our economic demands.’ ‘This week and for the months to come, we will continue to fight for our vision of a worker-centered America,’ she added.”

SAG-AFTRA Launches ‘I Am An Actor’ Podcast; First Guests Include Quinta Brunson, Kate Hudson, Mariska Hargitay, Kerry Washington: “At the beginning of every Actor Awards (the kudocast formerly known as the SAG Awards), actors give a speech from their chairs in the room, sharing their origin stories. It’s usually about their big break, or how they first got their SAG-AFTRA card. The anecdotes can be amusing, serious or emotional, but they always end the same way: With the performer sharing their name, then proudly declaring, ‘I am an actor.’ That’s the inspiration behind ‘I Am An Actor,’ a new podcast from SAG-AFTRA that launches on May 7. The show, available on all podcast platforms, will be hosted by Actor Awards showrunner Jon Brockett and actor Jamie Chung (‘Dexter: New Blood,’ ‘Lovecraft Country’).”

Philadelphia’s Union Movement Gains Momentum with New Organizing Drives Across the City: “Philadelphia’s reputation as a union stronghold is being reinforced by a wave of new organizing efforts spanning from the University of Pennsylvania to local coffee shops. Labor activity has intensified across the city over the past five years, with six new unions forming at the University of Pennsylvania. Workers at businesses like Starbucks, World Cafe Live and Whole Foods have also launched their own unionization campaigns.”

Six Local Schools Compete in Annual Welding Contest at Wheeling Ironworkers Local 549: “Sparks flew at the Wheeling Ironworkers 549 as students from six local schools put their welding skills to the test in the second annual welding competition. The welders were judged on their skills and how their techniques would translate in a real-world environment. ‘It’s not just welding that we do, but this gives them an eyeopener of al the different aspects of ironworking,’ said Stephen Sipos, an apprenticeship coordinator. ‘It allows them to see our shop, see what they can do with their hands, the kind of pay and benefits we offer because we’re also upstairs explaining different things to them.’”

‘Death on the Job’ Report Details Workplace Safety Decline Under Trump: “‘Every worker should be able to go home safe and healthy at the end of their shift—but 55 years after the founding of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, that fundamental right is in danger,’ warned AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler.”

AFL-CIO President Calls AI 'Single Biggest Threat to Working People of Our Lifetime': “The head of the AFL-CIO said Tuesday that artificial intelligence threatens worker safety, privacy and job security if left unregulated, and called for immediate legislative guardrails. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the national federation of 65 unions representing nearly 15 million workers, said that employers are deploying AI across industries without sufficient oversight.”

Alabama Labor Groups Host Workers’ Week of Action Kickoff: “During a kickoff event for the Alabama Workers’ Week of Action, labor and community organization advocates discussed labor campaigns and events planned across the state. The livestream, hosted by the Valley Labor Report, highlighted events and labor campaigns put together by organizations participating in the week of action, scheduled around Workers Memorial Day on April 28 and May Day, or International Workers Day, on May 1. The event’s panel was hosted by Jacob Morrison, president of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, a regional council of labor unions and body of the AFL-CIO, and featured representatives of the United Campus Workers of Jacksonville, Jobs to Move America, Alabama Arise, the Southern Workers Assembly, United Auto Workers and Communication Workers of America.”

Screenwriters Overwhelmingly Approve a 4-Year Contract with Hollywood Studios: “Members of the screenwriters union overwhelmingly ratified a four-year agreement with Hollywood studios and streamers on Friday, bringing an end to a surprisingly smooth and quick process that brought a prolonged strike the last time around. Union leaders said 90% voted to approve the deal struck between the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Studios will now shift to negotiations with actors and directors.”