The AFL-CIO launched today the “Workers First Initiative on AI,” the first comprehensive labor movement agenda establishing principles on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The Initiative provides a blueprint for how employers and legislators should advance AI implementation in the workplace to the benefit of America’s working people and economy.

Developed with input from workers and unions across industries and public services, the Workers First Initiative on AI is designed to ensure that working people reap the benefits of AI technology and its use in the workforce. The Initiative includes first-of-its-kind guiding principles and resources for the responsible development of AI and its use in the workplace, and a nationwide education and mobilization program. It also will be integrated with the AI task force the AFL-CIO launched this summer to fight for commonsense, strong AI safety policy at the state and local level.

“No one understands how to build the future of work better than America’s labor movement,” said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. “We reject the false choice between American competitiveness on the world stage and respecting workers’ rights and dignity. We know that for AI—or any other technology—to truly boost our economy, it needs to benefit everyone, not just a select few at the top. That’s why I’m thrilled to launch the Workers First Initiative on AI, which will advance the labor movement’s vision for this technology and a path forward for equitable, human-centered innovation in our workplaces and communities.”

Read the full press release here.

Read more at the Verge: “Major federation of unions calls for ‘worker-centered AI’ future.”

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.

After bravely holding the line for 40 days in what was the first hotel strike in Texas history, members of UNITE HERE Local 23 who work at Hilton Americas-Houston successfully secured a new collective bargaining agreement on Friday. Hospitality workers won a number of major victories including a $20/hour minimum wage—with increases that will bring workers to $22/hour by the end of the contract—job security protections, improved housekeeping workloads and improved safety standards.

“This victory is an attestation of our members’ strength, their will, and determination. They held the line for over a month in the heat and rain, as they fought to secure better standards after being left behind for so long. It was an incredibly hard fight, and the outcome reflects just that. Now we expect all the players in Houston’s hospitality industry to follow suit and pay workers a living wage,” said Franchesca Caraballo, Texas Chapter President of Local 23.

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.

Rail Union Asks FAA to Ban Drone Flights Over Rail Infrastructure: “A rail union has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to ban the use of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, above rail yards and main lines. The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division, or SMART-TD, submitted comments earlier this week on a proposed FAA rule that would allow expanded drone use of beyond visual line of sight. Such a proposal was a condition of the FAA Authorization Act of 2024.”

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, St. Louis Labor Movement Rally Around Striking Machinists Members at Boeing: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler urged striking Machinists District 837 members at Boeing to continue standing in solidarity and hold the line last week during a rally here at the union’s hall. Hundreds attended the Oct. 1 event, which featured several speakers from the international Machinists union as well as state and local Labor leaders, including Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel and St. Louis Labor Council President Patrick Kellett.”

Federal Workers’ Unions Call for Compromise on a Shutdown Deal: “‘Do your damn job, and pass a budget that’s going to require a little compromise,' Randy Erwin, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees-IAM, said. His union represents more than 110,000 federal employees across the country who work at agencies including the National Park Service, the Defense Department and Health and Human Services.”

‘Dangerous Game’: Unions Warn Shutdown Risks Aviation Safety: “‘This is a dangerous game,’ Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), said during a news briefing Wednesday outside the headquarters of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) in Washington, D.C. Nelson joined representatives from AFGE, the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and other public and private unions to urge Congress to reopen the federal government, warning that a prolonged shutdown could endanger aviation safety. Nelson said air traffic controllers (ATCs)—nearly 11,000 of whom are directing traffic without pay, per the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)—are working under ‘increasingly unsafe’ conditions.”

AFL-CIO Opposes Major Crypto Legislation: “The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor federation, addressed a letter to members of the Senate Banking Committee Monday night opposing the Senate's draft legislation to create a regulatory framework for the trading of digital assets. The big picture: Citing the ‘volatility of the assets class,’ the labor giant says it worries about the retirement funds of its millions of members if cryptocurrency were to become more common in portfolios. What they're saying: The group argues that the bill, the Responsible Financial Innovation Act, ‘provides the facade of regulation’ that could cause cryptocurrency to become more mainstream in investment funds. ‘Passing this legislation will allow the proliferation of assets that investors will wrongly perceive as safe,’ Jody Calemine, AFL-CIO's director of government affairs, writes in the organization's legislative alert.”

AAUP, Other Unions Sue Trump Admin Over H-1B Fee: “A slew of unions, including three that represent university faculty and staff, are suing the Trump administration over its proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, The New York Times reported. The plaintiffs, which include the American Association of University Professors, UAW International and UAW Local 481, allege in the lawsuit that numerous researchers and academics will lose their jobs as a result of their institutions not being able to afford the new fee. (An H-1B visa previously cost $2,000 to $5,000.) Universities, along with national labs and nonprofit research institutions, were also exempt from the annual cap on the number of new visas, and it’s unclear whether the new fee will apply to higher ed.”

Rhode Island AFL-CIO Sues Trump’s EPA Over Termination of $7 Billion Solar for All Program: “The Rhode Island AFL-CIO and the Rhode Island Center for Justice on Monday sued the US Environmental Protection Agency, challenging the Trump administration’s decision to kill the $7 billion Solar for All program. The lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Rhode Island, aims to reverse the termination of a program launched during President Joe Biden’s administration to help pay for residential solar projects for more than 900,000 lower-income US households. Massachusetts had been one of the biggest intended recipients of the program: More than $156 million had been obligated to the state, and Rhode Island expected to receive $49 million. ‘Solar energy is key to Rhode Island’s march towards a carbon-free economy,’ Rhode Island AFL-CIO President Patrick Crowley said in a statement. ‘The Solar for All program is critical to meeting the mandates of the Act on Climate and could lead to hundreds of good paying union jobs, that is why the Rhode Island AFL-CIO is happy to join this court action.’”

Federal Unions Sue White House, Demand Immediate End to Shutdown: “Federal unions say the current government shutdown is like no other. The National Treasury Employees Union said poor communication around agencies’ shutdown contingency plans caused ‘upheaval’ for federal employees. And after the new threat of reductions in force, the American Federation of Government Employees is now suing the Trump administration, calling the White House’s directive illegal, and raising concerns that it will ‘inflict further pain’ on government workers. Both federal unions are demanding an immediate end to the shutdown.”

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.

Last year, union members partnered with the Des Moines chapter of Homeless Veterans Stand Down to fill backpacks with winter clothing and other essentials to distribute to those in need. District 6 expanded their commitment to this cause in 2025 by holding another event with the national organization where members donated $1,150 that went to feeding and getting critical resources to former service members in the area who are experiencing homelessness.

“Our veterans deserve more than gratitude, they deserve action,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “I’m proud of the IAM members in District 6 who stepped up to honor their service by ensuring they and their families receive the support they need.”

As part of the IAM Union Midwest Territory Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing (HELPS) initiative, members of IAM District 6 gathered donations and distributed resources to homeless veterans in Des Moines, Iowa.

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.

On Thursday, 32,000 home care workers voted to form a union with SEIU Healthcare Michigan, 13 years after former Gov. Rick Snyder ripped away their collective bargaining rights by reclassifying them.

The current governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, reversed her predecessor’s attack on these workers last year, paving the way for them to fight for the wages and benefits they deserve.

“This is a proud day for Michigan. If anyone needs a union, it’s home care workers. When the union was stolen from us, I was devastated. But I didn’t lose hope. I knew we would reclaim our union one day—and that day has finally come.” said Phyllis Pride, a home care worker from Ecorse. “This all happened because we took a stand: home care workers and the people we care for deserve better. We deserve respect and dignity. That starts with a union. Together, in SEIU Healthcare Michigan, we can now build the long-term care system Michigan deserves.”

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:

Big win for working families in the Golden Heart City!

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 63 of our affiliates. Next up is the Seafarers International Union (SIU).

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 63 of our affiliates. Next up is the Seafarers International Union (SIU).

Name of Union: Seafarers International Union 

Mission: To represent the best-trained, most efficient crews in the world as a dynamic, politically active organization dedicated to protecting the membership’s job security in the face of the ever-changing needs of the industry.

Current Leadership of Union: David W. Heindel has served as the president of the Seafarers International Union since February 2023. Prior to that, he had served as the secretary-treasurer of the SIU, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters starting in February 1997. Augustin “Augie” Tellez has been the executive vice president of SIU since 2005. Tom Orzechowski is the secretary-treasurer of the SIU.

SIU also has eight vice presidents: George Tricker (Contracts), Dean Corgey (Gulf Coast), Joseph T. Soresi (Atlantic Coast), Bryan Powell (Lakes and Inland Waters), Joe Vincenzo (West Coast), Sam Spain (Government Services), Hazel Galbiso and Pat Vandegrift.

Number of Members: 80,000

Members Work As: Professional merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades.

Industries Represented: Members work on a wide variety of vessels, including commercial container ships and tankers, military support ships, tugboats and barges, passenger ships, gaming vessels and many more.

History: Before the Seafarers International Union was formed in 1938, there were several other unions that organized maritime workers, including the International Seamen's Union (ISU), which formed in 1892 and was chartered by the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Pressures from the Great Depression and internal division led to the downfall of the ISU, despite some successes, including securing the passage of the Jones Act in 1920.

The SIU was formally given a charter in 1938 with nearly 7,000 members. World War II had a major impact on the maritime trades. SIU members were a huge part of the war effort, providing military support to the Allies and serving as the underpinning of the Allied supply lines. The casualty rate for merchant seamen was higher than any other branch of the armed services. The union managed to secure increases in hazard pay for those sailing into war zones. After the war, the SIU made tremendous gains with organizing drives, a general maritime strike and the creation of the AFL's Maritime Trades Department. 

Paul Hall was a charter member of the SIU and, by the late 1940s, he was in charge of daily operations of the union, and he took the union in a more militant direction. Hall stressed civic engagement and negotiation and took SIU to the streets in solidarity with other AFL unions. Reform and expansion were key among Hall’s achievements, including securing the first hospital and death benefits for members, creating the Seafarers Vacation Plan and strengthening seniority provisions in hiring.

In the 1950s, the SIU continued to expand by merging with other smaller maritime unions. The union also opened up several training facilities to help Seafarers hone their professional skills. The union was successful in the 1960s in calls to modernize the U.S.-flag-bearing fleet. The 1970s would see the union successfully fight for the passage of the Merchant Marine Act, which lifted up the maritime industry, including boosting jobs.

The rapid changes in technology, trade and world politics in the 1980s and 1990s provided both opportunities and challenges for the SIU. The expansion of global trade and the growth in military conflict around the world directly affected SIU’s membership. SIU members were among the first responders after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, transporting evacuees from affected areas and serving as crew on the USNS Comfort, a ship that was the center for medical care for first responders and survivors. SIU members also would be key in stories in more recent years, such as the “Miracle on the Hudson” aircraft incident in 2009 and when the Maersk Alabama ship was hijacked by Somali pirates.

Whether it be in times of war, times of peace or in reaction to a tragedy, Seafarers are part of the solution; and they continue to do what they always do: "turning to and delivering the goods."

Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The Seafarers provide training and apprenticeships through the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. The Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund helps members and retirees who are hurt by hurricanes and other disasters. The Seafarers also assist members with pensions. SIU shares news and information through the Seafarer’s Log, CIVMAR News and the Mobile News Network.

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

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:

BREAKING: AFGE is suing the Trump administration over illegally forcing Department of Education workers to engage in partisan political rhetoric during the government federal shutdown. https://t.co/rppExL3zRN

— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 3, 2025

AFSCME:

Discover why library workers at the Boulder Public Library in Colorado have stood up and announced their plans to join AFSCME. https://t.co/2mBceuDlLI

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 8, 2025

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Trump's cruel budget law won't take full effect until after the 2026 elections, but some states are already cutting Medicaid. Patients are paying the price.

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:

Statement from the Alaska AFL-CIO about the current government shutdown: pic.twitter.com/4Pzyn4M99k

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 1, 2025

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

THIS IS HUGE! @CAgovernor just signed #AB288 into law, guaranteeing California workers A REAL RIGHT TO A UNION! This is the most significant labor law reform in nearly a century! #AB288 returns power to the workers joining together to unionize!

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.

Members of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) Local 21 participated in the Healing Appalachia music festival to connect attendees with information about the union and organizing resources.

The annual event brings community members together to enjoy music and provides those affected by opioid addiction with much-needed resources. The union partnered with the festival because it recognizes that the stability of a good union job with quality benefits can be especially life-changing for workers in addiction recovery. Local 21 even hosts regular Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at its union hall, embodying the true spirit of solidarity.

Alex Ware, president of RWDSU-UFCW Local 21, said, “Addiction has touched so many families in our communities, including our union family. At Local 21, we believe in new beginnings and in the power of good union jobs to change lives. Many of our members have overcome struggles with addiction and found stability, community, and dignity through union work and in the connections made through our union. That’s why we’re proud to support Healing Appalachia and to be here helping people see that recovery can lead to real opportunity.”