02/12/2026 - 7:00pm
Worker Wins: ‘We Now Have a Voice, Community and Collective Power’
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Indianapolis Baristas Win Union and Powerful Contract: Nearly eight months after Quills Coffee baristas in Louisville, Kentucky, unanimously ratified their first contract, their counterparts at the chain’s location in Indianapolis have followed suit, joining Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ and securing exciting new workplace benefits. Quills’ workers in the Louisville area first joined SEIU during the summer of 2024, securing voluntary recognition from the company’s CEO who stated he was “grateful for the baristas and their positive approach to organizing.” Now that Indiana-based staff also have formed a union, they have access to a powerful contract that guarantees an $11.50 minimum hourly wage ($13.50 per hour for lead baristas), four weeks of paid family leave, fair scheduling, neutrality for any future union organizing at other Quills locations and more. “My coworkers are the most important reason I wanted to unionize,” said lead barista Fern Thompson. “As much as we enjoy making coffee, it’s about the connection and bond we have with each other, and I believe that all of my coworkers deserve a union. We’re proud and excited to set an example for other baristas in the city.”
IRC Workers Ratify First Contract Covering Hundreds of Staff Nationwide: Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) members at 13 International Rescue Committee (IRC) offices around the country ratified their first collective bargaining agreement this week. This is a powerful win for the nearly 700 member-strong IRC Workers Unite (IRCWU) bargaining unit who have dedicated their careers to helping vulnerable people across the globe access health care, education and economic opportunities. "Winning our contract was an incredibly emotional experience,” said Jodi Camino, a school success caseworker in Atlanta. “Experiencing that win in community really reminded me that in addition to the contract articles that will make a really concrete difference in my financial security, working conditions and quality of life, our biggest win is we now have a voice, community and collective power.” “Through these contract wins, IRC workers are now on the path to earning what they deserve for their invaluable service to refugees, those living through war and all who believe in universal human dignity. This win is a testament to the organizing prowess and bargaining chops of the OPEIU members at IRC, and the wide-ranging gains unions can secure for nonprofit workers,” said Tyler Turner, OPEIU president.
USW Secures New Agreement with Libbey Glass, Ending Strike: United Steelworkers (USW) Locals 59M and 700T members have ratified their new collective bargaining agreements with Libbey Glass in Toledo, Ohio. This victory officially ends the monthslong unfair labor practice strike against the company. Members of USW Locals 59M, 700T and 65T, along with IAM Union Local 1297, first walked off the job in August 2025 when management continued to demand concessions even after the bargaining units made major sacrifices in previous contracts to save Libbey Glass from bankruptcy. Workers stood strong and walked the picket line throughout a difficult winter, securing powerful wage increases and successfully fighting back against concession demands. “We took care of each other. We had donations from other locals. We had support from the international union. All of that got us through,” said Dave Nelson, president of Local 59M. “Our motto from day one was ‘one day longer, one day stronger.’” “We stuck together,” Local 700T President Joyce Marland said. “The members showed that they believe in each other.”
Education Week Union Ratifies First Contract: Staff at Education Week—who are represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild (WBNG), The NewsGuild-CWA Local 32035—have overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first union contract. Newsroom workers at the nonprofit media organization first went public with their organizing effort in August 2024. Under the name Education Week Union, the wall-to-wall bargaining unit secured several critical wins in this agreement, including a brand-new minimum salary, yearly wage increases, more paid time off and more. “This agreement is the result of our members’ voices being heard and respected,” said Kelli Jaszcar, EdWeek’s front office administrator who now serves as unit secretary. “Through solidarity, transparency, and persistence, our members secured an agreement that honors our labor and proudly lays the groundwork for our future at EdWeek.”
UAW Reaches Tentative Agreement with Volkswagen in Chattanooga: UAW members who work at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have officially reached a tentative agreement (TA) on their first union contract. These members first made history in 2024 when they became the first Southern autoworkers outside the Big Three to join the UAW. And now, after a credible strike threat, they’ve proven what’s possible when workers band together. Highlights of the TA include 20% across-the-board wage increases, grievance rights, improved health care, better job security protections and more. “For years, Chattanooga workers were told to settle for less while Volkswagen made record profits. So, the workers stood together and won their union—and now they’ve secured a life-changing first agreement,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “This deal proves what happens when autoworkers stand up and demand their fair share. People said Southern autoworkers could never form a union or win a union contract. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga said, ‘Watch this.’” “This contract is proof that if you stand up and stick together, you can win a better life,” said Kelcey Smith, a worker in the paint department. “No matter where you live, or where you work, autoworkers deserve a union contract, whether at the Big Three or Volkswagen, from Detroit to Chattanooga. Volkswagen workers are showing the whole country what’s possible.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 11:30
Tags:
Organizing
02/12/2026 - 1:00pm
Black History Month Profiles: Da’Laine Simpson
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Da’Laine Simpson of AFGE.
Da’Laine Simpson embodies leadership and community spirit as president of AFGE Local 2004, president of AFGE Council 169 and vice president of the Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council. As the founder and CEO of Bro2Go Inc., a nonprofit in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he is dedicated to uplifting ex-offenders and at-risk youth. Committed to service and advocacy, Simpson stands up for those who cannot, believing that the time for action is now.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 10:22
Tags:
Black History Month
02/12/2026 - 1:00pm
Our Voice, Our Power: 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.
Actors' Equity:
Immigration resources are available in the member portal. Equity members can now access a comprehensive guide on immigration rights, including a printable rights card and bystander intervention tips. Log in for more - https://members.actorsequity.org/resources/know-your-immigration-rights&...
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— Actors' Equity Association (@actorsequity.bsky.social) February 10, 2026 at 5:25 PM
AFGE:
AFSCME:
Alliance for Retired Americans:
02/12/2026 - 1:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IRC Workers Ratify First Contract Covering Hundreds of Staff Nationwide
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.
Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) members at 13 International Rescue Committee (IRC) offices around the country ratified their first collective bargaining agreement this week.
This is a powerful win for the nearly 700 member-strong IRC Workers Unite (IRCWU) bargaining unit who have dedicated their careers to helping vulnerable people across the globe access health care, education and economic opportunities.
"Winning our contract was an incredibly emotional experience,” said Jodi Camino, a school success caseworker in Atlanta. “Experiencing that win in community really reminded me that in addition to the contract articles that will make a really concrete difference in my financial security, working conditions and quality of life, our biggest win is we now have a voice, community and collective power.”
“Through these contract wins, IRC workers are now on the path to earning what they deserve for their invaluable service to refugees, those living through war and all who believe in universal human dignity. This win is a testament to the organizing prowess and bargaining chops of the OPEIU members at IRC, and the wide-ranging gains unions can secure for nonprofit workers,” said Tyler Turner, OPEIU president.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 10:15
02/11/2026 - 6:30pm
Take Action: Are You Better Off Than One Year Ago?
In his pre–Super Bowl interview, President Trump was asked when prices are going to come down for struggling families.
His response? “They’ve already come down.”
Are you kidding? What country is President Trump living in?!
Most Americans say they’re still struggling just to make ends meet. President Trump promised to “make America affordable again,” but instead this administration and its allies in Congress spent the past year driving up costs, holding down wages and letting jobs disappear.
President Trump may think he’s already fixed the cost of living, but every member of Congress needs to hear just how badly working families are being squeezed.
Tell Congress it needs to do its job and address this affordability crisis now.
Let’s take a look at what President Trump and his allies were busy doing instead of addressing the outrageous cost of living:
- Dismantling government agencies and pushing out workers who provide essential services that working families depend on.
- Ripping health care from millions and making it more unaffordable for everyone.
Committing the single biggest act of union-busting in history, launching a brutal assault on immigrant workers and communities across the country, and attacking our most fundamental rights, including the freedom of speech. - Jeopardizing infrastructure and clean energy projects that support thousands of good union jobs and would help keep energy bills from skyrocketing.
- Making billionaires richer and corporations more powerful and unleashing untested artificial intelligence (AI) technology without guardrails—threatening jobs, safety, and workers’ and civil rights.
And that’s just a partial list.
One year into President Trump’s second term, working people’s lives are more expensive and less free. It’s clear this administration only cares about putting even more money in the pockets of billionaire CEOs and Big Tech companies while the rest of us struggle to get by.
Trump broke his promise to make life more affordable for working families. And it couldn’t be more apparent: He and his allies aren’t going to prioritize helping working people.
This is why Congress must do something to help the millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet as a result of those actions.
And we will hold them accountable. As the 2026 campaign kicks into gear, working people will remember each and every broken promise—and they will work to elect leaders who will help us build an economy for workers, not billionaire bosses.
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/11/2026 - 12:09
02/11/2026 - 12:00pm
Black History Month Profiles: Kurleigh Tudor
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Kurleigh Tudor of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).
Kurleigh Tudor is a National Airspace System area specialist in New York. “The importance of being a union member to me is being able to advocate for policies and legislation that benefit the members I’m representing while giving us a voice on important matters. Also, the union provides for professional development and networking opportunities that benefits our career.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/11/2026 - 10:05
Tags:
Black History Month
02/11/2026 - 12:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: USW Approves New Agreement with Libbey Glass; Secures Powerful Wage Increases
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.
United Steelworkers (USW) Locals 59M and 700T members have ratified their new collective bargaining agreements with Libbey Glass in Toledo, Ohio. This victory officially ends the monthslong unfair labor practice strike against the company.
Members of USW Locals 59M, 700T and 65T, along with IAM Union Local 1297, first walked off the job in August 2025 when management continued to demand concessions even after the bargaining units made major sacrifices in previous contracts to save Libbey Glass from bankruptcy. Workers stood strong and walked the picket line throughout a difficult winter, securing powerful wage increases and successfully fighting back against concession demands.
“We took care of each other. We had donations from other locals. We had support from the international union. All of that got us through,” said Dave Nelson, president of Local 59M. “Our motto from day one was ‘one day longer, one day stronger.’”
“We stuck together,” Local 700T President Joyce Marland said. “The members showed that they believe in each other.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 02/11/2026 - 09:59
02/10/2026 - 5:00pm
Black History Month Profiles: Chris Puckett
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Chris Puckett of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Chris Puckett has been an X11 fitter and a USW member for 23 years. He has served on the Local 8888 grievance and bargaining committees, and helped to organize the first Hampton Roads chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, where he is sergeant-at-arms and sits on the Region 2 board. He’s also the labor and industry chair of the NAACP of Newport News, Virginia.
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 02/10/2026 - 10:25
Tags:
Black History Month
02/10/2026 - 5:00pm
We'll Get Through This Together: 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:
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Maine AFL-CIO:
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
New York State AFL-CIO:
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Texas AFL-CIO:
Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
02/09/2026 - 10:30pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: The Columbus Dispatch Newsroom Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Organize
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.
Newsroom workers at The Columbus Dispatch and Newark Advocate overwhelmingly voted to organize with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), with a vote of 33-5 in favor.
The journalists are fighting for equitable pay, protections from layoffs and for the future of journalism in central Ohio.
“For too long, Ohio’s greatest home newspaper has hemorrhaged great journalists due to short-sighted cuts by our corporate owner,” said Jordan Laird, a Dispatch news reporter. “Now, we’re taking some power back.”
“The employees of The Dispatch are seizing this moment to fight for a work culture and the job benefits that we deserve,” said Adam Cairns, a Dispatch photojournalist. “We can no longer afford to sit back and wait for these changes to happen on their own.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 02/09/2026 - 09:49
Tags:
Organizing
