03/19/2024 - 2:30pm
Women's History Month Profiles: Grace Adams-Cunningham
This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's 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 Grace Adams-Cunningham of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).
Grace Adams-Cunningham serves as the chief shop steward at EmblemHealth, where she works as an account service representative. She also serves on the executive board of OPEIU Local 153, where she’s been a member for more than 20 years. On the connection between women’s history and labor history, she said: “If not for unions, there would not be a lot of women being paid what they are due.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 10:11
Tags:
Women's History Month
03/19/2024 - 2:30pm
Workers Have Something To Say: 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 (formerly Twitter).
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Alaska AFL-CIO:
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Florida AFL-CIO:
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Maine AFL-CIO:
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Montana State AFL-CIO:
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
New York State AFL-CIO:
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Texas AFL-CIO:
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Kenneth Quinnell
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 10:30
03/18/2024 - 8:00pm
A New Way to File Taxes
The average taxpayer spends a whopping $200-plus a year on tax prep services. I bet we can all think of better things we could do with that money instead.
That’s why the Biden administration is launching a new tax filing service called Direct File in 2024 that will allow eligible taxpayers to file their taxes online directly with the IRS—for free.
There are 12 states eligible for the pilot program this year: Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.
The Direct File service will be available in English and Spanish, works on mobile devices as easily as it does tablets, laptops and desktop computers, and includes direct and dedicated customer support from the IRS.
During the 2024 pilot, Direct File will support most simple returns for certain kinds of income (such as reporting a W-2 wage income or Social Security and railroad retirement income) and key credits (such as the earned income tax credit [EITC] and the child tax credit [CTC]). If your taxes are more complicated—like self-employment income, business expenses or itemized deductions—then Direct File isn’t supporting that yet and you can keep using the existing filing option that is best for you.
The Direct File service will include a screener tool that will help you quickly confirm whether your tax situation is supported before you start filing. It also can connect you to alternative filing options if you’re not able to use Direct File this year. No one is required to use Direct File.
Since Direct File is a new pilot, it will be rolled out in phases—and it’s expected to open to the public by early- to mid-March. For more information and to check your eligibility, visit directfile.irs.gov. You also can click here to subscribe to the IRS’ Direct File pilot newsletter.
We think this is a pretty great way that the Biden administration is delivering for working families and for workers like you and your family to access free, safe and easy tax filing services.
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:43
03/18/2024 - 8:00pm
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Oregon Public Broadcasting Workers to Join SAG-AFTRA
Working people across the United States have stepped 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.
Oregon Public Broadcasting workers informed management of their intention to form a union with SAG-AFTRA. More than 80% of workers at the Portland-based Oregon Public Broadcasting and KMHD Jazz Radio signed a petition to management. The unit will consist of on-air hosts, reporters and video producers.
“We request a systemic change that we strongly believe will provide the structure to ensure we are not just consulted but are represented in vital decisions,” read the union petition, “including but not limited to wages, salaries, working conditions and major systems changes.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:24
03/18/2024 - 2:00pm
Flexing Union Muscle: The Working People Weekly List
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.
Lee Saunders: Flexing Union Muscle: “U.S. workers today have enormous momentum and leverage. 2023 was a year of walkouts, with the number of U.S. workers on strike more than doubling. Lee Saunders is president of AFSCME, one of the country's largest unions, and he says with workers engaged as never before, this is the moment to make progress for American labor. A look at the power of workers in 2024, and how one union leader wants to wield it.”
Passage of Voting Rights Urged: “The AFL-CIO, America’s largest federation of labor unions, has voiced its support for the reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in the Senate. Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond emphasized the significance of this legislation, especially as the nation commemorates the anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’ and the historic Selma to Montgomery marches. Redmond underscored the Act’s homage to the late Rep. John Lewis, a stalwart champion of civil rights, and its pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive democracy. He highlighted the labor movement’s enduring commitment to social and economic justice, recognizing the inseparable link between voting rights and these foundational principles.”
Michigan Seniors Blast Former President Donald Trump on Social Security and Medicare Comments: “Some Michigan senior citizens are criticizing former President Donald Trump for suggesting this week he would find ways to cut spending on Social Security and Medicare if elected in November. Monday, during an appearance on CNBC, Trump was asked about long-term solvency issues for Social Security and Medicare. Trump responded, ‘First of all, there is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements, tremendous bad management of entitlements.’ President Joe Biden pounced on the statement, posting on X (previously known as Twitter) with ‘Not on my watch.’ Tuesday, a group of senior citizens holding Biden-Harris signs gathered at the AFL-CIO office in Lansing. ‘Donald Trump made it clear he would try to cut Social Security and Medicare if he returns to the White House,’ said Jim Pedersen, the president of the Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans. ‘And we should take him at his word.’”
USW Files Section 301 Trade Petition to Level Playing Field for Ship Building: “On Tuesday, the United Steelworkers filed a Section 301 trade petition, calling on the United States Trade Representative to start an investigation of Chinese commercial shipbuilding. They also hosted a press conference about this topic on Tuesday. USW International President Dave McCall said the petition is 4,000 pages. ‘If we do not act soon, we will be dependent on China, not only for the products on the vessels. But also for the ships themselves. The filing is a broad indictment. It also identifies steps taken to restore capabilities and capacity for jobs. It’s time to fight back.’”
Off-Broadway Stagehands’ Union Organizing Gains Steam: “After Sarala Pool worked a design internship in college, she dreamed of working Off-Broadway. She wanted to harness her skills to make magic happen onstage at places like the Public Theater. Her dream came true as assistant prop manager on Suffs in 2022, but the job, like all Off-Broadway gigs, was short-lived. She left it scrambling for another job with health insurance as the coverage from her parents expired. ‘The Public Theater is my favorite place I’ve ever had the privilege to work at,’ Pool said at a Feb. 29 press conference at the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)’s Local 1 hall. ‘If I could have afforded to stay, I would have.’”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler On Equal Pay Day: “From AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: As we observe Equal Pay Day today, we are reminded of the persistent injustice faced by working women across our nation. It is unacceptable that for the past 20 years the gender wage gap has remained largely unchanged as big corporations and the wealthy—along with many Republicans—resisted change.”
Letter Carrier Robberies Continue as the U.S. Postal Service, Union and Lawmakers Seek Solutions: “When the U.S. Postal Service launched Project Safe Delivery last year, officials pledged they would be ‘doubling down’ on their efforts to combat growing rates of letter carrier robberies. The crackdown has led to hundreds of arrests, and robberies slowed toward the end of the year. But, overall, the number of postal carriers who were robbed in 2023 rose again and the number who were injured nearly doubled as criminals continue to target carriers for their antiquated ‘arrow keys’ that allow access to mailboxes. This week, legislation is being introduced in Congress to accelerate the replacement of tens of thousands of mailbox keys, boost prosecutions and review sentencing guidelines. All of it can’t come soon enough for letter carriers.”
Union Group Opposes Ancora’s Attempts at Norfolk Southern Takeover: “The Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of trade union centre AFL-CIO has said it is ‘gravely concerned’ by the attempts from Ancora Holdings to oust Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw in a letter sent to shareholders ahead of a vote on Ancora’s proposed replacement. A letter sent by TTD President Greg Regan, on behalf of TTD’s 37 member unions, said that the replacement of Shaw with Jim Barber, a former executive at UPS, would have ‘lasting deleterious effects on the safety and service’ of the railroad company and the wider rail industry.”
Dartmouth Basketball's Union Vote is Just a Small Part of the Campus Organizing Wave: “The Dartmouth College men’s basketball team achieved a significant milestone last week when they became the first college athletes to vote to join a union. But they are only a small part of a much larger trend—that of college and graduate students voting in big numbers to join unions in their on-campus jobs. Organizing vote wins in higher education have added more new union members than in any other sector of the economy in recent years, said Christian Sweeney, deputy organizing director at the AFL-CIO. ‘It’s been happening for a while,’ he said. ‘It’s young people saying we’ve got to protect our interests here. It’s really very much grassroots driven.’”
Patagonia in Reno Becomes First in the U.S. to Unionize: “The Patagonia Store in Reno has voted to become the first such store in the nation to form a union. The store, located at 130 S Center Street, will be joining the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 711. ‘My fellow co-workers and I are now standing together with the protections of union representation and about to negotiate a contract, all thanks to our union siblings over at REI whose progress inspired us to continue the hard work of unionizing this industry. We are ready to fight for a contract that protects our rights and provides the wages and benefits we’ve earned making Patagonia the success that it is in Reno,’ said Nick Helmreich, a retail team lead at the Reno Patagonia store.”
‘An Invigorating Reminder’ of Why We Support President Biden: “Last night, I had the experience of a lifetime—and my head is still spinning from it. I had the honor of attending the State of the Union address of the first president to ever walk a picket line: President Joe Biden. I was the guest of Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, who represents the fighting 10th District where I live in Tacoma.”
‘Born a Badger’: Secretary of Labor Julie Su’s Madison Roots Inspire Federal Worker Advocacy: “Some of U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su’s earliest memories took place while she lived in Madison. She remembers feeding ducks on Lake Mendota, and describes herself as being ‘born a Badger.’ Her family later moved to California, but Su returned to Madison Wednesday—this time a member of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet. She accompanied Vice President Kamala Harris in a visit that celebrated initiatives in Madison to build infrastructure and combat the climate crisis.”
AFSCME Union President Says Biden's Success on Jobs is Unparalleled: “Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, joins MSNBC's the Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss President Joe Biden's economic policy.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 13:11
03/18/2024 - 2:00pm
Women's History Month Profiles
This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's 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.
Here are the members we've profiled so far:
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 15:37
Tags:
Women's History Month
03/18/2024 - 2:00pm
Women's History Month Profiles: Mariela Duran
This year, for Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's 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 Mariela Duran of the Bricklayers (BAC).
“Being a member of BAC has been one of the best things that could have happened to me,” Mariela Duran said. “Being a woman, an immigrant and Latina, it has been quite a challenge—however, the union has given me financial stability and, most of all, an incredible career path. I started and stayed for five years as a concrete mason and now I had the opportunity to cross over and became an organizer for my local.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:36
Tags:
Women's History Month
03/18/2024 - 1:00am
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFSCME Members Reach Deal with City of Virginia; End Strike
Working people across the United States have stepped 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.
AFSCME members and the city of Virginia, Minnesota, reached a deal on a new contract that will end their strike. The contract was approved by the members of AFSCME Local 454. “We’re glad to be getting back to work for the citizens of Virginia,” said Scott DaRonco, president of Local 454. “This was a fair deal when they bait-and-switched us last week. It’s still a fair deal today, but it’s unfortunate that the City Council decided to screw around with 62 working families and the citizens of Virginia just to get back to that fair deal.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 09:41
03/18/2024 - 1:00am
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Atlantic Aviation Workers in Aspen Vote to Join IAM
Working people across the United States have stepped 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.
Atlantic Aviation workers at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport voted overwhelmingly to join the Machinists (IAM). Approximately 33 workers who handle ground operations voted in the election. The workers are focused on scheduling and hours worked issues.
“This decision reflects the dedication and determination of these experienced aviation workers to secure better working conditions and fair treatment,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “By joining the IAM, these workers have taken a bold step towards safeguarding their rights and ensuring a brighter future for themselves and their families. I want to thank District 141 for their leadership in this organizing victory.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 09:04
03/18/2024 - 1:00am
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Jefferson County Public Library Workers Are First to Form Union Under New Colorado Law
Working people across the United States have stepped 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.
Jefferson County Public Library workers made Colorado history last week by becoming the first group to organize a union under the state’s new collective bargaining law for county employees. The workers voted to form a union with AFSCME Council 18. The 350 library workers won their union election on March 7 with 81% voting yes. Workers are seeking to address low wages and workplace safety.
“Library workers care so deeply about our communities. Now, with a union, we have a seat at the table to advocate for improvements so our libraries can meet the needs of our patrons and so that library jobs provide a living wage and reflect the dedication and importance of the work we do,” said Christopher Lovejoy, an adult services librarian at the Arvada branch.
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 10:05
