This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the United Steelworkers (USW).

Name of Union: United Steelworkers

Mission: Helping all workers achieve better wages, greater job security, more reasonable hours and safer working conditions.

Current Leadership of Union: Roxanne Brown serves as international president. Myles Sullivan serves as international secretary-treasurer. Emil Ramirez serves as international vice president (administration). Kevin Mapp serves as international vice president (human affairs). Marty Warren serves as the Canadian national director. Amber Miller serves as international vice president at large. Luis Mendoza serves as international vice president.

Current Number of Active and Retired Members: 850,000

Members Work as: Atomic energy workers; chemical workers; creative, service and technical workers; educators; energy and utilities workers; glassworkers; health care workers; manufacturing workers; metalworkers; mine workers; oil workers; paper and forestry workers; public sector workers; rubber and tire workers; transportation workers and more.

Industries Represented: Nearly every industry

History: The USW’s foundation dates back generations, born of a shared commitment to fighting for better conditions for workers everywhere. In times of war and peace and through economic recession and boom times, USW has remained driven by its core guiding principles: helping all workers achieve better wages, greater job security, more reasonable hours and safer working conditions. USW activism helped end child labor, institute workplace safety laws, champion civil and human rights, and so much more. 

In 1936, workers formed the Steel Workers Organizing Committee, the precursor to the United Steelworkers union. In 1937, workers launched the “Little Steel” strike to organize workers at Bethlehem, Jones & Laughlin, National and other companies. The strike resulted in police riots, attacks and other hardships for workers, yet led to the successful organization of those companies. Delegates met in Cleveland in 1942 and created the United Steel Workers of America (USWA), electing Philip Murray as their first president. 

Over the past eight decades, the USW has grown through both organizing and mergers, including the 2005 merger between the USWA and the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers (PACE). The union has established international alliances and other strategic partnerships, and founded the BlueGreen Alliance alongside the Sierra Club in 2006. The union has long been the leading voice calling for fair trade and manufacturing growth, including infrastructure investments. It has a growing contingent of members who work in nonprofit, technical and higher education fields. 

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The USW maintains a number of alliances and strategic partnerships, including the BlueGreen Alliance and the Alliance for American Manufacturing. 

The union publishes Roxanne Brown’s Stronger Together blog, a quarterly magazine called USW@Work and the monthly Solidarity Works podcast.

The USW maintains a growing number of activist opportunities for members to make a difference in their locals, workplaces and communities, including its Civil and Human Rights Department; Emergency Response Team; Rapid Response network; and Veterans of Steel, Next Generation, Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) and Women of Steel programs.

The union also has ongoing efforts in organizing and union voter outreach, as well as education and membership development, and health, safety and environmental resources. 

The USW maintains a directory of products by members.

Learn More: Website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Bluesky

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.

Flight nurses and flight paramedics in northern Nevada and California voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU).

Employed by REMSA Health, these air ambulance crews regularly perform intense, high-risk rescues in remote areas. The newly minted TWU members cited inadequate compensation and exclusion from important decision-making processes as core motivators for organizing. Despite an aggressive anti-union campaign by management, medical workers are energized and ready to bargain for the fair wages, quality benefits and respect they deserve.

“These critical first responders no longer have to fight their callous and dismissive bean-counting bosses alone,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen.

“REMSA’s union-busting actions failed miserably during this campaign,” TWU International Organizing Director Angelo Cucuzza said. “I hope, for their sake, the consultants they hired were on a contingency basis. The rehashed garbage they put out brought more workers to the TWU’s side, proving once again the boss is usually the best union organizer.”

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 six nurses at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant withstood a vigorous anti-union campaign and voted to join UAW Local 551. The vote was 5-1.

The workers want more say in how their workplace operates, citing concerns about chronic understaffing and the company’s lack of training opportunities.

“We felt like management didn’t want to make any type of financial investment in us that would allow us to increase our skills and our knowledge,” said Mary Quasney, an associate nurse at the plant. “We felt like we were understaffed, and that can have negative effects on the work we do. We truly care about the workers in this plant, and we want to provide the best care possible for them when they come to us. The support from the workers was amazing. They truly had our backs the entire time. I think it made us want to be a part of the union even more.”

“I’ve been a member of this local for over 30 years, and during that entire time, the nurses here have never been unionized,” said Local 551 President Chris Pena. “So, to see them finally win a seat at the table, everyone at the local is incredibly proud of them for demanding a voice.”

Tags: Organizing

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:

On Monday, Equity honored Afra Hines with the Legacy Robe at the Broadway opening of SCHMIGADOON! This season marks the 75th anniversary of this historic tradition. Check out our profile for interviews with past recipients

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.

Just days ahead of a strike deadline, 34,000 SEIU Local 32BJ members who work as doormen, porters and maintenance workers across New York City reached a tentative agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB).

These members perform essential work at approximately 3,500 apartment buildings, condos and co-ops—their previous deal was set to expire today. Highlights of the new contract include raises of $4.50 an hour over the life of the contract, a 15% increase to pension benefits, protections for employer-covered health care and more.

“Today we found a common path forward with the RAB that rewards workers appropriately,” 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said. “This agreement honors the indispensable contributions 32BJ members make to our city.”

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

Maryland Public University Nontenure-Track Faculty Win Collective Bargaining Rights: The Maryland General Assembly has passed legislation extending collective bargaining rights to the majority of nontenure track faculty at Maryland's four-year public universities. This victory was a direct result of the tireless organizing done by unions like AFT-Maryland, United Academics of Maryland—an affiliate of American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and AFT—Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500 and the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO. The bill now heads to Gov. Wes Moore’s desk for his signature. “For years, I have heard from faculty who have been showing up for their students while barely keeping their heads above water and without a seat at the table,” said AFT-Maryland President Kenya Campbell. “Today, we celebrate, and tomorrow we keep fighting – fighting to organize our non-tenure track faculty so they have a voice and fighting to extend collective bargaining rights to all faculty.” “Our universities are under attack,” said Karin Rosemblatt, president of the University of Maryland–College Park chapter of the United Academics of Maryland. “Our academic freedom is being radically curtailed by the illegal moves of the Trump administration, and our administrations feel their hands are tied. Funding for higher education has been stagnant for almost two decades. Students are forced to learn under the pressure of debt and overcrowded classrooms. Our shared governance structures are routinely circumvented or sidelined. But collective bargaining will help faculty fight back. With a union, they will win the job security and resources that will make for better work, better teaching, and better research.”

Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment Workers Ratify Contracts: Nonfiction television staff represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) at Lucky 8 and Sharp Entertainment ratified new collective bargaining agreements. These members are responsible for producing popular shows like “The Food That Built America,” “To Catch a Smuggler,” “90 Day Fiancé” and more. Both bargaining units secured major wins around minimum rate increases and other working condition improvements. “Nonfiction production workers are the backbone of some of the most-watched television,” said Michael Rauch, vice president of Film/TV/Streaming at WGAE, in a press release. “These newly-ratified contracts reflect what workers across the industry deserve — fair pay, real protections, and stability in an unpredictable work environment. Lucky 8’s first contract, and Sharp’s third, show that organizing works, and the energy we saw at this weekend’s summit makes clear that workers are ready to keep building. Nonfiction workers know their value, and the WGAE is here to help them fight for it.”

Rochester, New York, Nursing Home Staff Unanimously Ratify New Contract: Members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East have unanimously voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Rochester Regional Health’s Unity Living Center in Rochester, New York. Staff at the skilled nursing facility work as licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, activity aides, unit secretaries and physical therapy aides. Their previous agreement expired earlier this year. Throughout seven months of bargaining, the issues of staffing, recruitment and retention, and compensation remained core sticking points. The new contract was reached one month after a powerful informational picket. Highlights of the deal include an 8.75% wage increase over the lifetime of the agreement, an additional floating holiday, an attendance bonus and other provisions that will help support overworked and underpaid staff. “I feel happy about our new union contract. It was a fight that we won and my next goal is to make sure everyone belongs to the union and benefits from the contract,” LPN Kiara Grey-Bradley said in a press release.

NYC Residential Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike: Just days ahead of a strike deadline, 34,000 SEIU Local 32BJ members who work as doormen, porters and maintenance workers across New York City reached a tentative agreement with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB). These members perform essential work at approximately 3,500 apartment buildings, condos and co-ops—their previous deal was set to expire today. Highlights of the new contract include raises of $4.50 an hour over the life of the contract, a 15% increase to pension benefits, protections for employer-covered health care and more. “Today we found a common path forward with the RAB that rewards workers appropriately,” 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said. “This agreement honors the indispensable contributions 32BJ members make to our city.”

New Jersey Cannabis Workers Celebrate Union Election Victory Ahead of 4/20: Workers at cannabis products producer Sun Extractions have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 360, marking another win for the union’s ongoing campaign to ensure fair labor protections in the emergent industry. Medical and recreational cannabis sales in the state are on track to exceed $2 billion, and the workers who make those profits possible are organizing to ensure that they can secure wages and benefits that reflect that success. “New Jersey’s cannabis industry is stronger today, thanks to this vote by Sun Extractions workers,” said Hugh Giordano, director of organizing at UFCW Local 360. “Sustainable success for businesses, employees, and communities starts with fair treatment, strong standards and shared commitments. That’s how jobs in the cannabis industry become long-term careers, and it’s the future these employees are working towards.” "We have more reasons than ever to celebrate 4/20 this year. We’re welcoming the workers of Sun Extractions into the Local 360 family, seeing the hard work of our members move an entire industry forward, and talking to other states as they look to New Jersey as a model of how to do it right,” UFCW Local 360 President Sam Ferraino Jr. said. “It’s another proof-point for what we always say: stronger unions mean stronger industries and stronger communities. And that’s worth celebrating.”

Lush Cosmetics Workers in Maryland Vote Unanimously to Join UFCW: Staff at a Lush Cosmetics storefront in Baltimore last month voted unanimously to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27. These workers join the ranks of their colleagues in St. Louis; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and Friendswood, Texas, who are part of the growing number of staff organizing to improve conditions at the British retailer. “It has been a joy working at Lush since I joined as floor leader in the 2024 holiday season,” said Hazel Schalow, a worker at the Baltimore store. “I value all my co-workers so much, which is why unionization feels like the right thing to do so that our store can continue succeeding. I want to make sure everyone who’s a part of Lush Harbor East can have the proper pay and scheduling to build a life for themself here in the city we love, and I’m so proud of us all for taking this big step forward together! We support all our fellow co-workers in raising issues to be improved, and we have each other’s back because caring is what we do best as a workforce.” “This is what happens when workers stand together and refuse to be pushed around,” said Jason Chorpenning, president of UFCW Local 27. “These workers faced union-busting head-on and still won unanimously. That sends a message to this company and every employer in retail: workers are done accepting low pay, unpredictable schedules, and disrespect on the job.”

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.

Staff at a Lush Cosmetics storefront in Baltimore last month voted unanimously to form a union with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27.

These workers join the ranks of their colleagues in St. Louis; Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky; and Friendswood, Texas, who are part of the growing number of staff organizing to improve conditions at the British retailer.

“It has been a joy working at Lush since I joined as floor leader in the 2024 holiday season,” said Hazel Schalow, a worker at the Baltimore store. “I value all my co-workers so much, which is why unionization feels like the right thing to do so that our store can continue succeeding. I want to make sure everyone who’s a part of Lush Harbor East can have the proper pay and scheduling to build a life for themself here in the city we love, and I’m so proud of us all for taking this big step forward together! We support all our fellow co-workers in raising issues to be improved, and we have each other’s back because caring is what we do best as a workforce.”

“This is what happens when workers stand together and refuse to be pushed around,” said Jason Chorpenning, president of UFCW Local 27. “These workers faced union-busting head-on and still won unanimously. That sends a message to this company and every employer in retail: workers are done accepting low pay, unpredictable schedules, and disrespect on the job.”

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.

Workers at cannabis products producer Sun Extractions have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 360, marking another win for the union’s ongoing campaign to ensure fair labor protections in the emergent industry.

Medical and recreational cannabis sales in the state are on track to exceed $2 billion, and the workers who make those profits possible are organizing to ensure that they can secure wages and benefits that reflect that success.

“New Jersey’s cannabis industry is stronger today, thanks to this vote by Sun Extractions workers,” said Hugh Giordano, director of organizing at UFCW Local 360. “Sustainable success for businesses, employees, and communities starts with fair treatment, strong standards and shared commitments. That’s how jobs in the cannabis industry become long-term careers, and it’s the future these employees are working towards.”

"We have more reasons than ever to celebrate 4/20 this year. We’re welcoming the workers of Sun Extractions into the Local 360 family, seeing the hard work of our members move an entire industry forward, and talking to other states as they look to New Jersey as a model of how to do it right,” UFCW Local 360 President Sam Ferraino Jr. said. “It’s another proof-point for what we always say: stronger unions mean stronger industries and stronger communities. And that’s worth celebrating.”

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:

Yesterday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta released evidence in a case he is bringing against Amazon for price-fixing.

Emails show us that this giant retailer is unlawfully pressuring and forcing other retailers to not allow their prices to dip below what Amazon charges.… pic.twitter.com/LSt8036SI4

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) April 21, 2026

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

BREAKING: Hair and Make-Up Artists employed by Distinct Artistry at ESPN have voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing with IATSE Local 798! @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/omJwPsSA4a

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 13, 2026

Florida AFL-CIO:

ICYMI: Check out the coverage of the great work being done by our siblings in @SoFloAFLCIO who are advocating for better working conditions for World Cup Workers! https://t.co/aD44SZhxWl

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 15, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Wrapping up NABTU's Legislative Conference in D.C. when IL AFL-CIO President Tim Drea and Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney ran into U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. #UnionStrong #NABTU2026 pic.twitter.com/4YwXCZ3uES

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 21, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Congrats to all the runners today, we hope all the fans out there had a blast on a beautiful Marathon Monday! Thank you to the countless workers who make today possible. We hope everyone across MA is enjoying a restful and reflective Patriots Day https://t.co/KIsK2tGw5E

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) April 20, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Are you ready to March on May Day? pic.twitter.com/sL92wyFRBd

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 20, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Any union member will tell you it's #BetterInAUnion . Minnesota’s Labor Movement fights better pay, safer workplaces, healthcare & retirement security, more union jobs, and respect at the workplace. Get involved to help build a stronger Labor Movement. https://t.co/QfiywfwJqU pic.twitter.com/5eftRmlmDg

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 20, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Call your state representative and tell them to VOTE "NO" on H.J.R. 173 & 174. pic.twitter.com/wBCxAn4mAx

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 21, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Showing up for a headline is not the same as showing up with a real solution. pic.twitter.com/vYQZXXzJ7M

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 17, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

For 17 years, the journalists and media workers of the Albany Newspaper Guild have been working without a contract at the Times Union. On the latest #UnionStrong podcast, we’re diving into their story. Listen wherever you get podcasts or watch on YouTube. https://t.co/gOFigZ0oDF

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 17, 2026

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Join us April 28th in Raleigh to toll a bell 196 times - once for each person in NC who died while working for a better life in 2024. RSVP at https://t.co/WZaKnjtfir #WMD2026 #1u pic.twitter.com/zu5fGpp6mS

— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 17, 2026

Oregon Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:

Working people ❤️ vote by mail. 

Voting by mail makes democracy more accessible and is a free, safe way to participate in elections. pic.twitter.com/AGVZlMEC8R

— Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 20, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Union voices matter—and together, we’re making them heard.

This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA).

Name of Union: National Women’s Soccer League Players Association

Mission: The players of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) vow to build on the opportunity that has been afforded to them, as well as work to achieve those goals that have not yet been attained. They honor the vision and progress of those who came before them. They commit themselves to doing all in their power for the betterment of their members so that they may best contribute to the common goal: to play world-class soccer on the field and to inspire the next generation off the field.

Current Leadership of the Union: The executive committee consists of Haley Hopkins (president), Dani Weatherholt and Madison Hammond (vice presidents), Maggie Graham (secretary), and Emily Menges (treasurer).

Day-to-day operations are handled by Executive Director Meghann Burke and Deputy Executive Director Tori Huster.

Current Number of Members: More than 400

Members Work As: Professional soccer players.

Industries Represented: Professional women’s soccer.

History: The NWSLPA was first organized in 2017, as players conducted a card-check drive to unionize all NWSL players under a standard player agreement. The NWSLPA adopted its constitution and bylaws, and Yael Averbuch was elected as the union’s first president.

In 2018, the NWSL voluntarily recognized the NWSLPA as the exclusive bargaining representative of all NWSL players.

In April 2019, Brooke Elby was elected as the union’s second president. That same month, the NWSLPA engaged in its first-ever work stoppage, as players on the Chicago Red Stars and Reign FC refused to play in unsafe field conditions. By December, Elby was named co-executive director, sharing responsibilities with Averbuch.

In 2020, Tori Huster was elected the third president in NWSLPA history. In July 2020, the NWSLPA notified the league of its intent to negotiate its first collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

In March 2021, the NWSLPA named Meghann Burke as its first full-time executive director, formalizing the union’s leadership at a critical moment. By August 2021, players brought forward reports of misconduct by coaches and others in positions of power, prompting a broader reckoning across the league. After successfully canceling a full weekend of games, players returned to the field on Oct. 6, 2021. In the sixth minute of play, matches across the league paused as the players gathered at the center circle, standing arm-in-arm in silence to call for change. The NWSLPA issued eight demands outlining a path toward accountability and structural reform.

In January 2022, the NWSLPA ratified its first CBA. The agreement established free agency rights for the first time in U.S. domestic women’s professional soccer under a CBA, significantly increased minimum salaries, returned group licensing rights to players, introduced revenue-sharing mechanisms, and secured critical health and safety protections—including mental health leave, pregnancy and parental leave, second medical opinions, and the right to choose a surgeon.

In October 2022, the joint investigative team—formed by the NWSLPA and NWSL in response to the players’ demands—released its findings, marking a critical step toward accountability and reform. On Dec. 14, 2022, the NWSL announced unprecedented disciplinary sanctions in response to the report, signaling a turning point for the league.

In 2024, the NWSLPA and NWSL reached and ratified a second CBA after months of voluntary bargaining, securing further historic gains for players and continuing to reshape standards across women’s professional sports in the United States.

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The NWSLPA partners with various organizations. The Support the Players National Emergency Trust was created to provide charitable assistance to current and former professional women’s soccer players with unexpected financial hardships, and to remove cost as a barrier to accessing mental health services. The NWSLPA works with various partners to feature officially licensed products. 

Learn More: Website, Bluesky, Instagram