08/01/2025 - 3:30pm
Fight for All Workers: 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.
AFGE:
AFSCME:
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Amalgamated Transit Union:
American Federation of Musicians:
American Federation of Teachers:
American Postal Workers Union:
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Boilermakers:
Bricklayers:
Communications Workers of America:
Department for Professional Employees:
Electrical Workers:
Fire Fighters:
07/31/2025 - 2:30pm
Bus Tour Picks Up Checkered Flag Racing to Indianapolis in Support of UFCW Grocery and Retail Workers
On Wednesday, the AFL-CIO “It’s Better In a Union” tour bus raced to the Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 481 union hall in Indianapolis where union members gathered for a rally and press conference in support of workers at Kroger and REI stores who are in the midst of intense collective bargaining negotiations.
Both sets of workers are members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 700. The members employed at Kroger are working their way toward a contract vote soon, while the members at REI are still in pursuit of their first contract since voting to form and join their union in February 2024. Federal employees were also represented at the rally and called for attendees to join the fight against the ongoing attacks on collective bargaining rights from the Trump administration.
"We're all here because we all agree to the same thing in our hearts, that belonging in a union is better," UFCW Local 700 President Tracy Bartak said.
"That contract is very important for the Kroger workers. We're going to get a little bit more appreciation if they go through and give us a good contract, with good wages and good benefits," added Local 700 member Vern Sowers.
On its way out of town, the tour bus victoriously raced past the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Indiana State AFL-CIO President Brett Voorhies saluted its departure with a wave of the checkered flag, encouraging union members everywhere to “start your engines!”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 07/31/2025 - 14:06
Tags:
Better in a Union Bus Tour
07/31/2025 - 2:30pm
Protecting Our Future: 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.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Maine AFL-CIO:
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
07/31/2025 - 2:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Anne Arundel County Public Library Workers Ratify First Contract
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.
Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) system workers unanimously ratified their first union contract last week as AFSCME Maryland Council 3 members.
The more than 400-person Anne Arundel Library Workers United bargaining unit includes librarians, library associates, circulation staff, building care technicians and others. Workers began organizing in early 2023 and worked with AFSCME to push for the passage of the Library Workers Empowerment Act during last year’s legislative session. The bill established collective bargaining rights for all library workers in Maryland. Their contract contained multiple major wins, including more than 12% in raises, stronger protections against discrimination, a more equitable disciplinary process and more.
"The ratification process is the culmination of almost a year of work designing a contract that all parties agreed to,” said Lisa Shore, a part-time hourly information worker at the Odenton branch. “It is very exciting and a chance to build a library system that supports our amazing staff so we can support the communities we serve.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 07/31/2025 - 09:54
07/31/2025 - 2:30pm
Worker Wins: Members Standing Strong Together
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Anne Arundel County Public Library Workers Ratify First Contract: Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) system workers unanimously ratified their first union contract last week as AFSCME Maryland Council 3 members. The more than 400-person Anne Arundel Library Workers United bargaining unit includes librarians, library associates, circulation staff, building care technicians and others. Workers began organizing in early 2023 and worked with AFSCME to push for the passage of the Library Workers Empowerment Act during last year’s legislative session. The bill established collective bargaining rights for all library workers in Maryland. Their contract contained multiple major wins, including more than 12% in raises, stronger protections against discrimination, a more equitable disciplinary process and more. "The ratification process is the culmination of almost a year of work designing a contract that all parties agreed to,” said Lisa Shore, a part-time hourly information worker at the Odenton branch. “It is very exciting and a chance to build a library system that supports our amazing staff so we can support the communities we serve.”
Grocery Workers in Bay Area Win Tentative Agreement, Avert Historic Strike: Over the weekend, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals 8-Golden State, 5 and 648 announced that they had reached a new tentative agreement (TA) covering members who work at Albertsons, Safeway, and Vons in the Bay Area. The deal comes after a powerful, coordinated walkout threat that would have involved more than 25,000 grocery workers and been the first regional strike against the company in nearly 30 years. Highlights of the TA include wage increases, a fortified pension plan, improvements to scheduling, increases to health care benefits and more. “This agreement is the result of our members standing strong together,” said UFCW Local 8-Golden State President Jacques Loveall. “Because of their unity and determination, this new agreement will bring them the respect and dignity they deserve. These workers are more than the backbone of these companies—they are part of the fabric of our communities, and their efforts drive our shared success.” “This is a hard-earned and inspiring victory,” said Local 5 President John Frahm and Local 648 President Dan Larson in a joint statement. “Because our members stood together—strong and unshakable—they secured a contract that reflects their value and delivers real improvements for their families and futures.”
SAG-AFTRA National Board Overwhelmingly Approves Network Television Code Deal: On Saturday, the SAG-AFTRA National Board overwhelmingly voted to approve the 2025 Network Television Code tentative agreement. The contract covers members who work in live and recorded programs like soap operas, talk shows, variety shows, award shows and sports programming. In addition to securing annual wage increases throughout the duration of the contract, the agreement also includes wins around expansion of streaming coverage for sports broadcasters, improved terms for dancers and singers, protections for ensuring hair and makeup equity, and more. “This is a meaningful and future-facing contract that raises the bar across the board,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a press release. “This contract reflects the union’s deep commitment to dignity, fairness, and progress in the face of increasingly adverse times. I’m incredibly proud of the work that went into this deal, and wholeheartedly approve of what it represents for our members working under the Network Television Code.”
Legal Aid Society Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Keeping 1,100 Attorneys on the Job: Workers at the Legal Aid Society have reached a tentative agreement with management, avoiding a strike authorized by 1,100 public interest attorneys who are members of the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys-UAW Local 2325 (ALAA). ALAA authorized a strike at the end of June as its contract with management expired. Attorneys demanded higher pay, lighter workloads and greater retirement benefits. After a stalled bargaining process, the union terminated its collective bargaining agreement and set a strike deadline for last Friday, promising to walk off the job without a contract. The tentative agreement will head to union membership for a vote. “While we are proud of these historic gains on workload protection to increase retention, a first-of-its-kind student loan fund, 20 weeks parental leave, retiree health benefits, and more, we were fundamentally left behind by Mayor Adams and our employers on salaries and pensions,” said Local 2325 chapter Chair Jane Fox. “Our members will vote on this contract next week, but regardless if they vote it up or down, we won a reopener guaranteeing no matter what, we will be back to win the salaries and pensions we deserve next year.”
Norfolk Botanical Garden Workers Vote to Form a Union with IAM: Workers in Norfolk, Virginia, who work at Norfolk Botanical Garden, become the second botanical garden in the state to organize in as many years, with nearly two-thirds of them supporting the formation of the union with IAM Union (IAM). Workers had a powerful outpouring of community support during their effort—hundreds of people signed a petition backing their union drive and lawmakers like state Sen. Angelia Williams Graves and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott also stood alongside them in their fight. Members are looking to have more input on the garden’s direction and to improve workplace safety, notably raising concerns about opaque or lacking inclement weather policies. Better pay was also a driver for the unionization push. “We need to be a voice for everyone,” said Bridget Fitzgerald, the union organizer working with Norfolk garden employees. “If you can’t include everyone’s voice, then you’re still excluding those same 23 people who are essentially a third of the bargaining unit, and you don’t want to do that. You want everybody to come together in unity.”
Westchester Medical Center Residents Ratify New Contract After Months of Negotiations: After months of rallies, petitions and high-pressure negotiations, nearly 500 doctors at Westchester Medical Center ratified a new contract. The residents, represented by the Committee of Interns and Residents of the Service Employees International Union (CIR/SEIU), said the contract marks a turning point in the hospital’s treatment of its staff. “This new contract is a huge victory,” said Dr. Daniel Bassily, a CIR member. “We were struggling just to pay our rent and for things like childcare, with some of us even taking on second jobs to pay the bills.” The contract includes a 22% wage increase over five years, paid parking reimbursement for off-site rotations, Juneteenth recognized as a paid holiday and a hospital-funded Uber service to get physicians home safely after long shifts.
Walters Art Museum Workers Unanimously Ratify First Union Contract : Workers at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, who are members of Walters Workers United (WWU), an affiliate of AFSCME Maryland Council 3, unanimously voted to ratify their first union contract. “I’m thrilled that nearly two years of dedication from everyone in our bargaining unit have secured health and safety provisions, wage increases for our members, and benefits that enhance retention and keep the museum competitive,” said Karena Ingram, a digital marketing associate. “It’s an honor to support our colleagues in their essential work of bringing art to our community.” WWU reached a tentative agreement in late June and ratified the contract on Wednesday. Highlights of the contract include more than 13% in raises over the life of the contract, improved health benefits, increased leave, and the creation of two oversight committees to address workplace concerns. The contract covers more than 80 museum workers, including gallery officers, facility workers, museum educators, visitor experience staff, and others whose work forms the backbone of the museum.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 07/31/2025 - 10:32
Tags:
Organizing
07/29/2025 - 1:30pm
AFL-CIO Tour Bus Stop in St. Louis Fights to Hold Lawmakers Accountable
St. Louis-area union members held a rally and press conference Friday to hold Rep. Ann Wagner accountable for betraying working people by voting for the disastrous federal budget bill and delaying its cuts until after the 2026 midterms, when she’s up for re-election.
A part of the AFL-CIO’s “It’s Better In a Union” bus tour, the event featured remarks from a variety of local unions, including the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council, American Postal Workers Union (APWU), AFGE, and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). After the speeches, a group of union members delivered an oversized letter to Wagner, outlining workers’ grievances with the harmful legislation she supported.
“We are here to advocate for safe workplaces, comprehensive benefits and job security for the working people,” said St. Louis Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Robbie Robertson. “The goal is to provide working people with the stability and peace of mind they need to support themselves and their families. The unions are here to build a stronger economy by fighting for freedom, fairness, and security for the working people.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 07/29/2025 - 09:27
Tags:
Better in a Union Bus Tour
07/29/2025 - 1:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Norfolk Botanical Garden Workers Vote to Form a Union with 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.
Workers in Norfolk, Virginia, who work at Norfolk Botanical Garden, become the second botanical garden in the state to organize in as many years, with nearly two-thirds of them supporting the formation of the union with IAM Union (IAM).
Workers had a powerful outpouring of community support during their effort—hundreds of people signed a petition backing their union drive and lawmakers like state Sen. Angelia Williams Graves and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott also stood alongside them in their fight. Members are looking to have more input on the garden’s direction and to improve workplace safety, notably raising concerns about opaque or lacking inclement weather policies. Better pay was also a driver for the unionization push.
“We need to be a voice for everyone,” said Bridget Fitzgerald, the union organizer working with Norfolk garden employees. “If you can’t include everyone’s voice, then you’re still excluding those same 23 people who are essentially a third of the bargaining unit, and you don’t want to do that. You want everybody to come together in unity.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 07/29/2025 - 09:22
07/28/2025 - 7:00pm
AFL-CIO Bus Tour Rolls into Steel City with Big Union Energy
Pittsburgh was the latest stop of the “It's Better in a Union” bus tour, and union members in the Steel City showed out in full force. The event, which was held downtown and hosted by the United Steelworkers (USW), showcased union solidarity and power in fighting back against attacks by billionaire CEOs and politicians.
The crowd heard from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, USW President Dave McCall and USW Vice President Roxanne Brown.
“So if you’re a worker out there—whether you’re in a union yet or not, if you want freedom, fairness and security, come join us on this tour,” Shuler said. “Come be part of this movement. Come find out why it’s better in a union! We’re going to keep the momentum going all summer long and build a country that works for working people!”
A number of local workers spoke about how they’re fighting back against union-busting in order to exercise their union rights. A member of The NewsGuild (TNG-CWA) spoke about how he and his union siblings have had to endure more than 1,000 days of being on strike as the anti-union ownership of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has refused to bargain in good faith. Other union members decried cuts to funding for higher education and research, and the elimination of health insurance for millions of Americans. Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Angela Ferritto and Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council President Darrin Kelly also fired up the crowd and called on all in attendance to join the fight.
“We’re going to hold those accountable who stood with the billionaires instead of the middle class and those wanting to join the middle class,” McCall said. “If we put people in good-paying union jobs, it would increase our tax base all across this country. That’s how you pay down the national debt—give people good jobs with good wages. You don’t gut our needed services.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 07/22/2025 - 14:22
Tags:
Better in a Union Bus Tour
07/28/2025 - 7:00pm
AFL-CIO Tour Bus Races Through Derby City with BOSK Workers Ahead of Their Landmark Election
On Saturday, labor leaders, union members and elected lawmakers gathered in Louisville after the Kentucky State AFL-CIO’s first Women’s Union Summit concluded to rally with workers at EV battery manufacturer BlueOval SK (BOSK) as they prepare for their election to join the UAW.
In a fitting end to a groundbreaking inaugural gathering for union women across industries, the AFL-CIO “It’s Better in a Union” tour bus pulled into the city to uplift the voices of women workers at BOSK who are fighting for a fair collective bargaining agreement. Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Dustin Reinstedler and state federation Communications Director Belle Townsend delivered words of solidarity alongside Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1447 President Lillian Brents—who is also the president of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Derby City Chapter—and United Steelworkers (USW) District 8 Director Larry Ray. The rally also included speeches from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Rep. Morgan McGarvey and state Rep. Nima Kulkarni.
“We want a voice…we want to get negotiating going and get a contract negotiation for a better workplace, better health insurance and better pay,” said Amanda East, an equality operator at the battery plant.
Her fellow worker Amber Levay added, “Next time you see me, we will be in negotiations.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 07/28/2025 - 13:55
Tags:
Better in a Union Bus Tour
07/28/2025 - 7:00pm
Bus Tour Hits Atlanta on the Road to Labor Day
Labor leaders and union members in Atlanta gathered at the Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 613’s Union Hall for a Workers Over Billionaires rally as part of the AFL-CIO’s nationwide bus tour. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler also showed support for the airport workers organizing in Atlanta to fight for a union on the job.
Attendees heard from President Shuler, Georgia State AFL-CIO President Yvonne Brooks, Georgia State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer James Williams, Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council President Sandra Lee Williams, and Teamsters Local 728 Solid Waste and Recycling Division Director Chuck Stiles.
A National Nurses United (NNU) member who works at an Atlanta Veterans Affairs hospital; a member of the Union of Southern Service Workers, a project of the Service Employees International Union (USSW-SEIU), who has worked at Waffle House for 16 years; and a local AFGE president who represents Centers for Disease Control and Prevention workers all delivered powerful testimony.
“We will not stay silent, and we will not back down,” said President Brooks. “It’s about time Georgia workers and all the workers in the southern region got the freedom, fairness and security that we are owed, and we refuse to back down.”
Today, President Shuler met with Delta Air Lines ramp workers and flight attendants organizing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with IAM union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), UNITE HERE and SEIU to deliver a message that the entire labor movement is behind them. Airline workers know it’s better in a union!
Read more about the rally here.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 07/23/2025 - 14:01
Tags:
Better in a Union Bus Tour
