Worker Wins: Real Progress for Working People
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
WGAE Members Ratify First Contract Under New Gizmodo Management: Nine months after the online tech news outlet was acquired by a European media company, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members at Gizmodo have ratified their first contract with new management. The 14-person bargaining unit unanimously approved the new deal with Keleops Media that builds on victories secured in previous agreements. Highlights of the three-year contract include artificial intelligence safeguards, raises, a higher 401(k) match rate, maintenance of successorship language and more. “The Gizmodo USA Union is excited to have a new contract with Keleops,” said the bargaining unit in a press release. “We are looking forward to continuing to cover the tech industry with integrity. We’re excited to collaborate with management and grow in ways we were stifled before.”
Judge Orders Post-Gazette to Restore Striking Workers’ Health Care and Resume Bargaining: A U.S. Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that Pittsburgh Post-Gazette management must restore health care benefits to its striking journalists and resume bargaining with the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, The NewsGuild-CWA Local 38061. Members have been on strike since October of 2022 after management at the news outlet refused to bargain in good faith and illegally made unilateral changes to the workers’ health care plan. This ruling is a major win and massive development because it directly addresses the core demands of this work stoppage—which is now the longest ongoing strike in the United States. “Members of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh have stood and fought against the Post-Gazette’s illegal union busting since October 2022, and today we have been given the victory that we’ve held the picket line waiting for so long,” said Zack Tanner, president of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, in a press release. “Our win today is a major victory not just for us striking workers, but for all workers in Pittsburgh who want to stand up and fight.” “NewsGuild-CWA members have a saying: whatever it takes,” NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss added. “Guild members have struck for 29 months knowing we were right and the company broke federal law. Today the 3rd [U.S.] Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with us. We’re thrilled and will continue doing our job holding power to account, especially when it’s the boss.”
Oregon Senate Passes Bill Extending Unemployment to Striking Workers: Oregon state senators voted on Thursday to pass legislation that would level the playing field in contract negotiations by making striking workers eligible for unemployment benefits. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it will be considered by the Labor and Workplace Standards Committee. If passed, Senate Bill 916 would make Oregon the first state in the country to extend unemployment benefits to striking workers in both the public and private sectors. Payments would kick in after two weeks on the picket line under this legislation—a reasonable timeline, given that 86% of strikes last less than 14 days. “The Oregon AFL-CIO applauds the Senate’s passage of SB 916, a critical step toward ensuring that every worker in Oregon has a fair shot at economic security,” said Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor in a press release. “This bill represents real progress for working people, those who’ve too often been left behind by policies that favor the wealthy and powerful. We’re proud to stand with the workers and community advocates who fought tirelessly to get us here, and we urge the House to move swiftly to send SB 916 to Governor [Tina] Kotek’s desk.”
CLC Support Was Key to Bloomington Workers’ Contract Victory: Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) members at the Bloomington, Illinois, Barnes & Noble ratified their first-ever contract earlier this month. Workers at the storefront credit their huge victory in part to the outpouring of support from their union brothers, sisters and siblings at Bloomington-Normal Trades and Labor Assembly (BNTLA). BNTLA has 30 affiliated locals over a four-county, central Illinois area, with about 4,000 members. Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 197—which opened its union hall to Barnes & Noble Union members to use for bargaining—and other unions from around the area mobilized to support the bookstore staff at various actions and walkouts over the course of negotiations to show that the labor movement had their backs in this fight. “The support from other unions was absolutely crucial for our success,” said Zane Crockett, the lead bookseller at the Bloomington store. “Having support on the picket lines, and encouragement within the store raised our group’s morale. The company definitely took notice, and this assisted us in finalizing our contract. We are very grateful for the Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly and all the work they do.” BNTLA President Jason Pascal, a Laborers (LIUNA) Local 362 member, added: “The Bloomington & Normal Trades & Labor Assembly is not a huge central labor council, but we strive to practice our union solidarity. Anytime there’s an organizing drive, we want to be there one hundred percent. Many of our affiliated locals are less than 100 members, so we know those unions depend upon solidarity to survive and build spirit.”
Skidmore Faculty Ratifies First Union Contract: Faculty represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200United at Skidmore College unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) last week. The new agreement between Skidmore Faculty Forward and the private liberal arts school covers full- and part-time faculty who are not on the tenure track. The core bargaining goal for members was longer renewable appointments—before the CBA, they worked on short contracts that lasted one to three years and then were terminated with no guarantee of being rehired. Fixing this serial job insecurity was a major highlight of the deal, in addition to increased salary minimums, full parental leave and more. “We are elated that our first collective bargaining agreement has been ratified,” the union said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and thankful for the contributions, big and small, from so many of our colleagues and fellow union members. This contract would not be the life-changing and uplifting document that it is without their support. Thank you to the entire campus community for your support over the years. Together, we won huge gains and improvements in our working conditions and ultimately in our students’ learning conditions.”
Courier Staff Secures Voluntary Recognition: The Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) and digital media company Courier announced Thursday that management has agreed to voluntarily recognize Courier’s staff union. The bargaining unit includes reporters, editors, designers and social media managers. Members of Courier United report productive conversations with the publication and are looking forward to negotiating a contract that ensures the company’s mission. “We are pleased that COURIER has opted to voluntarily recognize our union at this crucial time when media workers everywhere are fighting for stronger protections against layoffs and better pay,” the Courier United Organizing Committee said in a press release. Sara David, WGAE vice president of online media, added, “I’m so happy to welcome the COURIER staff to the Writers Guild of America East. We appreciate that management at COURIER upheld its progressive values by working quickly to recognize the union. Every newsroom benefits from a strong union contract.”
Federal Court Blocks DOGE Access to Social Security Data: On Thursday, a federal judge issued a temporary order preventing Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing the sensitive Social Security data of millions of Americans. The ruling comes from a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of AFSCME, the Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). “The court saw that Elon Musk and his unqualified lackeys present a grave danger to Social Security and have illegally accessed the data of millions of Americans,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders in a press release. “This decision will not only force them to delete any data they have currently saved, but it will also block them from further sharing, accessing or disclosing our Social Security information.” “We are grateful that the court took strong action to protect every American’s personal data,” said Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, in a press release. “Seniors must be able to trust the Social Security Administration will protect their personal information and keep it from falling into the wrong hands.”
Tags: Organizing
Take Action: No Cuts to Social Security Phone Bank
Social Security is a lifeline for America’s taxpayers, providing income and dignity after a lifetime of hard work.
Which is why it’s so mind-boggling that Elon Musk and DOGE would attack such a successful, cost-effective and popular program.
As of last week, Musk’s pseudo-government agency listed 47 Social Security offices across the country that it intends to close—at the same time that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been sending mixed messages about whether or not it will shut down Social Security’s toll-free phone support service. The website has crashed four times in 10 days this month. And according to reports over the past month, the SSA could be planning to fire 50% of its workforce, jeopardizing the timely delivery of checks that people depend on to pay their bills. That’s why we’re sharing this important virtual phone bank from our friends at the Alliance for Retired Americans. Founded by the AFL-CIO in 2001, the alliance now has 40 state alliances and members in every state.
The alliance is holding a virtual phone bank on Thursday to call America’s seniors to let them know about the DOGE threats to Social Security and urge them to call their members of Congress. Can you join the Alliance for Retired Americans? Here are the details:
WHAT: Save Social Security Virtual Phone Bank
WHEN: Thursday, March 27, at 2 p.m. ET
REGISTER HERE
Can’t make it on Thursday afternoon? Call your own representative and senators here and urge them to protect Social Security.
Thank you for taking action to say, “Hands off our Social Security!”
Stand Together As A Union: 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:
Today is Equal Pay Day – the day of a new year at which women’s average earnings make up the difference from men’s pay from the preceding year. Workers of all demographics and identities deserve equal pay for equal labor. Learn more and get activated at https://t.co/UApJyhUGvr pic.twitter.com/dzbdV5V5Rt— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) March 25, 2025
Today is Equal Pay Day – the day of a new year at which women’s average earnings make up the difference from men’s pay from the preceding year. Workers of all demographics and identities deserve equal pay for equal labor. Learn more and get activated at https://t.co/UApJyhUGvr pic.twitter.com/dzbdV5V5Rt
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) March 25, 2025
AFGE:
AFGE has fought alongside TSA Officers for decades and we're not stopping now.The only way to fight back is to stand together as a union.https://t.co/hzd7D05wz8— AFGE (@AFGENational) March 26, 2025
AFGE has fought alongside TSA Officers for decades and we're not stopping now.The only way to fight back is to stand together as a union.https://t.co/hzd7D05wz8
— AFGE (@AFGENational) March 26, 2025
AFSCME:
🚨UNION BUSTING ALERT🚨 Extremists in the House are taking up bills aimed at eliminating your voice on the job. Here's a sample of their anti-worker agenda: pic.twitter.com/qrx4cl85bK— AFSCME (@AFSCME) March 25, 2025
🚨UNION BUSTING ALERT🚨 Extremists in the House are taking up bills aimed at eliminating your voice on the job. Here's a sample of their anti-worker agenda: pic.twitter.com/qrx4cl85bK
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) March 25, 2025
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Wow. Not a good look to say you "love" the SSA field office closures, staff reductions, and general chaos caused by DOGE.pic.twitter.com/kMajHSzSDJ— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) March 25, 2025
Wow. Not a good look to say you "love" the SSA field office closures, staff reductions, and general chaos caused by DOGE.pic.twitter.com/kMajHSzSDJ
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) March 25, 2025
Amalgamated Transit Union:
#UnionSolidarity #bvgberlin pic.twitter.com/eLdaYvVFI5— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 26, 2025
#UnionSolidarity #bvgberlin pic.twitter.com/eLdaYvVFI5
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 26, 2025
American Postal Workers Union:
"[...]any attack on the Postal Service is part of the ongoing oligarchs’ coup against the vital public services our members and other public servants provide the country. We know that privatized postal services will lead to higher postage prices, and lower service quality to the… pic.twitter.com/iIauHwuPVk— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) March 26, 2025
"[...]any attack on the Postal Service is part of the ongoing oligarchs’ coup against the vital public services our members and other public servants provide the country. We know that privatized postal services will lead to higher postage prices, and lower service quality to the… pic.twitter.com/iIauHwuPVk
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) March 26, 2025
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
“We are just starting to see United get serious at the table,” Ken Diaz, president of United AFA, said Wednesday. “This management team has delayed, delayed, delayed. They are starting to take some of their concessions off the table.” @tedreednc https://t.co/87IGeyhSx7— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) March 20, 2025
“We are just starting to see United get serious at the table,” Ken Diaz, president of United AFA, said Wednesday. “This management team has delayed, delayed, delayed. They are starting to take some of their concessions off the table.” @tedreednc https://t.co/87IGeyhSx7
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) March 20, 2025
Boilermakers:
National Rosie the Riveter Day was extra special for Local 549 #Boilermakers as they celebrated with the original Rosies from the Kaiser Shipyards pic.twitter.com/gq1caXCOYT— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) March 24, 2025
National Rosie the Riveter Day was extra special for Local 549 #Boilermakers as they celebrated with the original Rosies from the Kaiser Shipyards pic.twitter.com/gq1caXCOYT
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) March 24, 2025
Bricklayers:
Happy #WorkSiteWednesday!This week’s worksite has a beautiful terrazzo pour from our brothers at BAC Local 7 Tile, Marble & Terrazzo NY & NJ!Thanks Zonca Terrazzo and Mosaic, LLC for highlighting our members!#BestHandsInTheBusiness #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/G3ElmUbEeB— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 26, 2025
Happy #WorkSiteWednesday!This week’s worksite has a beautiful terrazzo pour from our brothers at BAC Local 7 Tile, Marble & Terrazzo NY & NJ!Thanks Zonca Terrazzo and Mosaic, LLC for highlighting our members!#BestHandsInTheBusiness #ItsBetterInAUnion pic.twitter.com/G3ElmUbEeB
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 26, 2025
Communications Workers of America:
Many CWA members work at locally-owned PBS & NPR stations and play a crucial role in keeping our communities informed. Without public television and radio stations, we will lose access to critical local news and programming https://t.co/31ZGnZd8dF— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 26, 2025
Many CWA members work at locally-owned PBS & NPR stations and play a crucial role in keeping our communities informed. Without public television and radio stations, we will lose access to critical local news and programming https://t.co/31ZGnZd8dF
— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 26, 2025
Department for Professional Employees:
DPE commends @SenThomTillis and @MarkWarner for reintroducing PATPA, which will restore tax fairness for middle class entertainment workers. Here's our full statement: https://t.co/PUl29YfJ3V pic.twitter.com/lqx6O3QHb9— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) March 25, 2025
DPE commends @SenThomTillis and @MarkWarner for reintroducing PATPA, which will restore tax fairness for middle class entertainment workers. Here's our full statement: https://t.co/PUl29YfJ3V pic.twitter.com/lqx6O3QHb9
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) March 25, 2025
Electrical Workers:
The country needs more electricity – and more electricians. https://t.co/RKctPgnfi9— IBEW (@IBEW) March 26, 2025
The country needs more electricity – and more electricians. https://t.co/RKctPgnfi9
— IBEW (@IBEW) March 26, 2025
Fire Fighters:
🔥 #OnThisDay in 1911, New York City fire fighters responded to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which resulted in the deaths of 146 garment workers. The tragedy led to new laws protecting workers and to the development of @osha_dol. pic.twitter.com/CHyMBi4tet— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) March 25, 2025
🔥 #OnThisDay in 1911, New York City fire fighters responded to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which resulted in the deaths of 146 garment workers. The tragedy led to new laws protecting workers and to the development of @osha_dol. pic.twitter.com/CHyMBi4tet
— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) March 25, 2025
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Did you know the journal is now available on our website & in the app?📲As leaders of sustainable practices, we believe how we produce our quarterly journal should reflect our commitment to a greener tomorrow.Want to go paperless? Update your settings in your membership… pic.twitter.com/5z63O4NZz8— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) March 19, 2025
Did you know the journal is now available on our website & in the app?📲As leaders of sustainable practices, we believe how we produce our quarterly journal should reflect our commitment to a greener tomorrow.Want to go paperless? Update your settings in your membership… pic.twitter.com/5z63O4NZz8
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) March 19, 2025
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
🚨 New Episode Alert! 🎙️☕In this episode of El Cafecito del Día, we sit down with Dora Cervantes, Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM, LCLAA Vice President, and a trailblazing Latina leader in the labor movement. 💪🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/6n3tUvRGPV— LCLAA (@LCLAA) March 25, 2025
🚨 New Episode Alert! 🎙️☕In this episode of El Cafecito del Día, we sit down with Dora Cervantes, Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM, LCLAA Vice President, and a trailblazing Latina leader in the labor movement. 💪🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/6n3tUvRGPV
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) March 25, 2025
Labor Heritage Foundation:
🎭 Register now for the 2025 LHF Arts Exchange, June 20-22 in Silver Spring! Celebrate labor arts, unity & resilience. Space is limited! Info & sign-up: https://t.co/m0ZMk7Ykx9 pic.twitter.com/e0a4t68LQk— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) March 25, 2025
🎭 Register now for the 2025 LHF Arts Exchange, June 20-22 in Silver Spring! Celebrate labor arts, unity & resilience. Space is limited! Info & sign-up: https://t.co/m0ZMk7Ykx9 pic.twitter.com/e0a4t68LQk
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) March 25, 2025
Laborers:
Safety isn’t optional. It’s #UNIONMADE. Laborers build North America’s future—working smart in the heat, staying protected with PPE, and backed by the unstoppable POWER of a union that fights for us. Join the movement 👉 https://t.co/N1htJdvA4k#FeelThePower #UnionStrong… pic.twitter.com/T95lLLbgoo— LIUNA (@LIUNA) March 26, 2025
Safety isn’t optional. It’s #UNIONMADE. Laborers build North America’s future—working smart in the heat, staying protected with PPE, and backed by the unstoppable POWER of a union that fights for us. Join the movement 👉 https://t.co/N1htJdvA4k#FeelThePower #UnionStrong… pic.twitter.com/T95lLLbgoo
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) March 26, 2025
Metal Trades Department:
AFGE Continues to Represent TSA Officers, Protect Their Workplace Rights https://t.co/ZX6ATSbDh1— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) March 25, 2025
AFGE Continues to Represent TSA Officers, Protect Their Workplace Rights https://t.co/ZX6ATSbDh1
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) March 25, 2025
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
NATCAvists are building relationships on Capitol Hill to strengthen the NAS and our profession. Share your photos! Email publicaffairs@natca.org, post with #NATCAinWashington, and tag @NATCA (FB/X) & @NATCAnational (IG). https://t.co/55rz01tlAt pic.twitter.com/602JECPsiC— NATCA (@NATCA) March 25, 2025
NATCAvists are building relationships on Capitol Hill to strengthen the NAS and our profession. Share your photos! Email publicaffairs@natca.org, post with #NATCAinWashington, and tag @NATCA (FB/X) & @NATCAnational (IG). https://t.co/55rz01tlAt pic.twitter.com/602JECPsiC
— NATCA (@NATCA) March 25, 2025
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Letter carriers deliver more than just mail — we provide a vital service that connects all Americans. But none of it happens without a strong, public Postal Service and the dedication of 640,000 USPS employees. Privatization poses a direct threat to that service. We say #HellNo! pic.twitter.com/LhcDWUXATP— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) March 26, 2025
Letter carriers deliver more than just mail — we provide a vital service that connects all Americans. But none of it happens without a strong, public Postal Service and the dedication of 640,000 USPS employees. Privatization poses a direct threat to that service. We say #HellNo! pic.twitter.com/LhcDWUXATP
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) March 26, 2025
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
WATCH: Jess, a Medicaid recipient in Utah, describes how Medicaid program cuts would affect her life."I currently use Medicaid for my prescriptions, most prominently, and those aren't something I would be able to afford on my own."#HandsOffMedicaid pic.twitter.com/X2Zuxj02BT— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) March 21, 2025
WATCH: Jess, a Medicaid recipient in Utah, describes how Medicaid program cuts would affect her life."I currently use Medicaid for my prescriptions, most prominently, and those aren't something I would be able to afford on my own."#HandsOffMedicaid pic.twitter.com/X2Zuxj02BT
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) March 21, 2025
National Nurses United:
The VA consistently outperforms the private sector when it comes to care, but critics are trying to dismantle the system and privatize it. Who will feel the worst impacts of these attacks? Our veteran patients.Southern nurses send a message to our VA siblings: Stand strong! pic.twitter.com/IvKDf5EXLm— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) March 25, 2025
The VA consistently outperforms the private sector when it comes to care, but critics are trying to dismantle the system and privatize it. Who will feel the worst impacts of these attacks? Our veteran patients.Southern nurses send a message to our VA siblings: Stand strong! pic.twitter.com/IvKDf5EXLm
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) March 25, 2025
NFL Players Association:
A successful first day out on the links for the #NFLPAClassic 🏌️♂️📸Tune into the @golfchannel tomorrow from 6-8pm ET to see who’s taking home this year’s championship title. 📺 pic.twitter.com/ekpNGCotX7— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 26, 2025
A successful first day out on the links for the #NFLPAClassic 🏌️♂️📸Tune into the @golfchannel tomorrow from 6-8pm ET to see who’s taking home this year’s championship title. 📺 pic.twitter.com/ekpNGCotX7
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 26, 2025
North America's Building Trades Unions:
In: skilled tradesOut: college loanshttps://t.co/8OwIaQ3cDy— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 24, 2025
In: skilled tradesOut: college loanshttps://t.co/8OwIaQ3cDy
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 24, 2025
Office and Professional Employees:
This week’s #WomensHistoryMonth spotlight is Wendy Pope of OPEIU Local 29! As chief shop steward at Elevance, she is the first line of defense for co-workers experiencing issues at work. pic.twitter.com/v5UxT4wLk0— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) March 24, 2025
This week’s #WomensHistoryMonth spotlight is Wendy Pope of OPEIU Local 29! As chief shop steward at Elevance, she is the first line of defense for co-workers experiencing issues at work. pic.twitter.com/v5UxT4wLk0
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) March 24, 2025
Painters and Allied Trades:
Unionized construction workers earn 42% more on average than our non-union counterparts.That's the difference unions like ours make. pic.twitter.com/ipafqedNPe— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) March 25, 2025
Unionized construction workers earn 42% more on average than our non-union counterparts.That's the difference unions like ours make. pic.twitter.com/ipafqedNPe
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) March 25, 2025
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
March 25, 1911: fire tore through NY Triangle Shirtwaist Factory killing 146 workers—mostly women & girls. Out of tragedy came stronger workplace protections through labor unions. Attempts to roll back provisions endangers lives, sets our country back. #NeverForget #trianglefire pic.twitter.com/dqK8XiB0qO— PASS (@PASSNational) March 25, 2025
March 25, 1911: fire tore through NY Triangle Shirtwaist Factory killing 146 workers—mostly women & girls. Out of tragedy came stronger workplace protections through labor unions. Attempts to roll back provisions endangers lives, sets our country back. #NeverForget #trianglefire pic.twitter.com/dqK8XiB0qO
— PASS (@PASSNational) March 25, 2025
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
The @RWDSU is proud to announce our endorsement of @EryckaMontoya for NYC Council in District 21! As a native New Yorker who was raised in a union family in Queens, we know that Erycka will fight for working people! pic.twitter.com/jdovRApIr4— RWDSU (@RWDSU) March 26, 2025
The @RWDSU is proud to announce our endorsement of @EryckaMontoya for NYC Council in District 21! As a native New Yorker who was raised in a union family in Queens, we know that Erycka will fight for working people! pic.twitter.com/jdovRApIr4
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) March 26, 2025
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Choose the right anchorage for your personal fall arrest system – engineered anchor point systems typicallyexceed regulations and are the safest option. Learn more: https://t.co/KeV5KO6x7y #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/aQcVml0xqY— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) March 26, 2025
Choose the right anchorage for your personal fall arrest system – engineered anchor point systems typicallyexceed regulations and are the safest option. Learn more: https://t.co/KeV5KO6x7y #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/aQcVml0xqY
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) March 26, 2025
SAG-AFTRA:
Did you hear @linsayrousseau? 2 YEARS of negotiations. We are fighting for proper A.I. protections: transparency, consent & compensation. It's time for the video game employers to #LevelUpTheContract! Show your support & learn more at https://t.co/ob855yNcHq. #VideoGameStrike pic.twitter.com/GzQVGUPlxT— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 22, 2025
Did you hear @linsayrousseau? 2 YEARS of negotiations. We are fighting for proper A.I. protections: transparency, consent & compensation. It's time for the video game employers to #LevelUpTheContract! Show your support & learn more at https://t.co/ob855yNcHq. #VideoGameStrike pic.twitter.com/GzQVGUPlxT
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 22, 2025
Service Employees International Union (SEIU):
Medicaid is healthcare for nearly 80 million Americans. We’re here in DC reminding Congress that people matter, not billionaire tax breaks. ✊🏽 #ProtectMedicaid pic.twitter.com/eiZvJWpanK— SEIU (@SEIU) March 26, 2025
Medicaid is healthcare for nearly 80 million Americans. We’re here in DC reminding Congress that people matter, not billionaire tax breaks. ✊🏽 #ProtectMedicaid pic.twitter.com/eiZvJWpanK
— SEIU (@SEIU) March 26, 2025
Solidarity Center:
In 2021, state-organized forced labor - including child labor - in Uzbekistan’s cotton sector ended. Workers have been organizing for fair wages, safe conditions & a voice on the job - creating a path for cotton products that benefit working people, brands & the global market. pic.twitter.com/lP7c9zn7q2— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 20, 2025
In 2021, state-organized forced labor - including child labor - in Uzbekistan’s cotton sector ended. Workers have been organizing for fair wages, safe conditions & a voice on the job - creating a path for cotton products that benefit working people, brands & the global market. pic.twitter.com/lP7c9zn7q2
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 20, 2025
The NewsGuild-CWA:
NEW: Today, we joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for Global Media and others for their efforts to shutter the agency and close several international newsrooms – forcing our members at Radio Free Asia off the job. pic.twitter.com/gEvTTNgc0i— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) March 21, 2025
NEW: Today, we joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Agency for Global Media and others for their efforts to shutter the agency and close several international newsrooms – forcing our members at Radio Free Asia off the job. pic.twitter.com/gEvTTNgc0i
— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) March 21, 2025
Theatrical Stage Employees:
BREAKING: Atlantic Theater Company Production Workers Ratify First Union Contract, End StrikeProduction crewmembers at Atlantic Theater Company have voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached on March 10th and are set to become among the first not-for-profit theater company… pic.twitter.com/eFvHbNXhal— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) March 25, 2025
BREAKING: Atlantic Theater Company Production Workers Ratify First Union Contract, End StrikeProduction crewmembers at Atlantic Theater Company have voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached on March 10th and are set to become among the first not-for-profit theater company… pic.twitter.com/eFvHbNXhal
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) March 25, 2025
Transport Workers Union:
The TWU successfully fought in Albany & NYC for a bigger in-house workforce to carry out the MTA Capital Plan. Our allies @NYSenDems and @NYSA_Majority stood with @twulocal100. A safer, more reliable transit system is coming if NYS funds the plan. @TwuSamuelsen https://t.co/TgYcCH0g5z— TWU (@transportworker) March 25, 2025
The TWU successfully fought in Albany & NYC for a bigger in-house workforce to carry out the MTA Capital Plan. Our allies @NYSenDems and @NYSA_Majority stood with @twulocal100. A safer, more reliable transit system is coming if NYS funds the plan. @TwuSamuelsen https://t.co/TgYcCH0g5z
— TWU (@transportworker) March 25, 2025
Transportation Trades Department:
It’s better in a union! 💪It was great to meet with @SenLBR to discuss her transportation priorities for Delaware and her committee assignments this Congress. #TransportationTuesday pic.twitter.com/aVUhNwFltx— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
It’s better in a union! 💪It was great to meet with @SenLBR to discuss her transportation priorities for Delaware and her committee assignments this Congress. #TransportationTuesday pic.twitter.com/aVUhNwFltx
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
UAW:
"Cummins should stop stalling, stop using bully tactics (private security bullies), and scare tactics (scabs), and come back to the table ready to negotiate in good faith." -- Paul Youngblood, UAW Local 291, UAW Region 4 | #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/GElOahKP4d— UAW (@UAW) March 26, 2025
"Cummins should stop stalling, stop using bully tactics (private security bullies), and scare tactics (scabs), and come back to the table ready to negotiate in good faith." -- Paul Youngblood, UAW Local 291, UAW Region 4 | #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/GElOahKP4d
— UAW (@UAW) March 26, 2025
UNITE HERE:
Alongside Working Families United and other allies, UNITE HERE Local 2 demonstrated our commitment Monday to protect TPS. We made our voices heard outside the courthouse on Monday before a judge heard a motion to postpone Homeland Security’s termination of TPS for Venezuelans. pic.twitter.com/b7wRsKBPqy— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 26, 2025
Alongside Working Families United and other allies, UNITE HERE Local 2 demonstrated our commitment Monday to protect TPS. We made our voices heard outside the courthouse on Monday before a judge heard a motion to postpone Homeland Security’s termination of TPS for Venezuelans. pic.twitter.com/b7wRsKBPqy
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 26, 2025
United Food and Commercial Workers:
It is not too late to sign up for the 2025 Free Foreign Language Program Spring quarter! Whether it’s for travel, for work, or just for fun, this program offers members the ability to learn over 70 languages for free online.🌐: https://t.co/61IC0Gx1LG pic.twitter.com/3uM1c6xC7r— UFCW (@UFCW) March 25, 2025
It is not too late to sign up for the 2025 Free Foreign Language Program Spring quarter! Whether it’s for travel, for work, or just for fun, this program offers members the ability to learn over 70 languages for free online.🌐: https://t.co/61IC0Gx1LG pic.twitter.com/3uM1c6xC7r
— UFCW (@UFCW) March 25, 2025
United Steelworkers:
The @SolidarityCntr, part of the @AFLCIO family, stands with workers across the🌎 facing some of the toughest working conditions. Their work is driven by labor's shared vision: all workers have the right to organize, earn fair wages & work w/ dignity. https://t.co/92OF4UlA3e pic.twitter.com/k2eCqDqd95— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) March 26, 2025
The @SolidarityCntr, part of the @AFLCIO family, stands with workers across the🌎 facing some of the toughest working conditions. Their work is driven by labor's shared vision: all workers have the right to organize, earn fair wages & work w/ dignity. https://t.co/92OF4UlA3e pic.twitter.com/k2eCqDqd95
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) March 26, 2025
Utility Workers:
Active members like Dana Pew of UWUA Local G-555 make #WomensHistory and #LaborHistory at the same time. https://t.co/GXKatzpfmJ— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) March 26, 2025
Active members like Dana Pew of UWUA Local G-555 make #WomensHistory and #LaborHistory at the same time. https://t.co/GXKatzpfmJ
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) March 26, 2025
Writers Guild of America East:
Management loves to say we’re all family - it’s time to start treating workers like it. Fill out the interest form if you’re a nonfiction production worker looking for better conditions! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/NybzKZEGsk— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) March 25, 2025
Management loves to say we’re all family - it’s time to start treating workers like it. Fill out the interest form if you’re a nonfiction production worker looking for better conditions! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/NybzKZEGsk
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) March 25, 2025
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists and NFFE-IAM Hold Event Celebrating Federal Workers
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.
Early Monday morning, the Machinists (IAM) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) gathered to show support for federal workers alongside AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (pictured above) and community allies. Rally attendees spoke with commuters and held signs thanking federal employees for their critical work keeping our essential services running.
“We often take federal employees for granted, yet they dedicate their lives to serving the American people, often under challenging circumstances,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “It's crucial that we take time to recognize their hard work and commitment, not just on special occasions, but every day. They are going through a difficult time, and we are proud to support them with a simple thank you.”
Randy Erwin, national president of the NFFE-IAM, added: “They deserve our respect, our support, and fair treatment. This event is a small way to show our appreciation for their dedication and service.”
Let Us Work: 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:
Yesterday, @NALC_National Local 4319 here in Alaska said "HELL NO" to any attempt from Trump to privatize the USPS. Hundreds of letter carriers and union siblings showed up to protect the government institution that has been around longer than our Constitution. #FightLikeHell pic.twitter.com/sV0kzHmjfV— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
Yesterday, @NALC_National Local 4319 here in Alaska said "HELL NO" to any attempt from Trump to privatize the USPS. Hundreds of letter carriers and union siblings showed up to protect the government institution that has been around longer than our Constitution. #FightLikeHell pic.twitter.com/sV0kzHmjfV
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
Arizona AFL-CIO:
Over 1,000 garment workers are demanding @Nike give them the recognition and pay they deserve. We stand with them. #SeeUsNike. @johnwrogers @peterblairhenry @michelleapeluso https://t.co/xdZZsJUiCT— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) March 21, 2025
Over 1,000 garment workers are demanding @Nike give them the recognition and pay they deserve. We stand with them. #SeeUsNike. @johnwrogers @peterblairhenry @michelleapeluso https://t.co/xdZZsJUiCT
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) March 21, 2025
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Workers have the right to organize. Period. This right – of free assembly, to organize, to form a union and to collectively bargain – is enshrined in law under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), as well as in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and California… pic.twitter.com/bFOKDkGpqQ— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) March 24, 2025
Workers have the right to organize. Period. This right – of free assembly, to organize, to form a union and to collectively bargain – is enshrined in law under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), as well as in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and California… pic.twitter.com/bFOKDkGpqQ
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) March 24, 2025
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with our AFGE workers! Please join AFGE Local 3607 tomorrow, Wednesday, March 26th, 12-1pm at 1550 Wewatta Street, Denver to rally against the Trump administration’s extensive and brutal attacks on federal workers’ job security and livelihoods ✊ pic.twitter.com/koDZ9Ke6W8— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) March 25, 2025
Solidarity with our AFGE workers! Please join AFGE Local 3607 tomorrow, Wednesday, March 26th, 12-1pm at 1550 Wewatta Street, Denver to rally against the Trump administration’s extensive and brutal attacks on federal workers’ job security and livelihoods ✊ pic.twitter.com/koDZ9Ke6W8
— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) March 25, 2025
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3 testifying today on the need to make our tax structure more equitable:"We all know there's two Connecticuts – one for the rich, one for the poor." pic.twitter.com/rVAx5ciqXn— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
CT AFL-CIO President @EHawthorne3 testifying today on the need to make our tax structure more equitable:"We all know there's two Connecticuts – one for the rich, one for the poor." pic.twitter.com/rVAx5ciqXn
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Marisa Richards, Director of Outreach and Engagement for the @GoIUPAT DC 30, joined the @AWFUnionPodcast to discuss her efforts in diversifying union membership and introducing the next generation to the trades at an early age.Listen here:https://t.co/40mSrW79ig pic.twitter.com/mWSEhv57o3— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
Marisa Richards, Director of Outreach and Engagement for the @GoIUPAT DC 30, joined the @AWFUnionPodcast to discuss her efforts in diversifying union membership and introducing the next generation to the trades at an early age.Listen here:https://t.co/40mSrW79ig pic.twitter.com/mWSEhv57o3
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Senator @ChuckGrassley and his staff tried to keep his “town hall” in Hampton today quiet by not publishing it, but word got out. This is the overflow of people who couldn’t get into the event. People are sick and tired of the Trump/Musk agenda! @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/47QMVskUea— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) March 21, 2025
Senator @ChuckGrassley and his staff tried to keep his “town hall” in Hampton today quiet by not publishing it, but word got out. This is the overflow of people who couldn’t get into the event. People are sick and tired of the Trump/Musk agenda! @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/47QMVskUea
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) March 21, 2025
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
Stand up. Fight back. Walk-in!This morning, union members and community allies stood alongside educators and students during walk-ins across Kentucky, showing up to defend public schools and the people who make them strong. Watch out for more walk-ins through March 21 ✊ pic.twitter.com/QObp1tVUGR— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 19, 2025
Stand up. Fight back. Walk-in!This morning, union members and community allies stood alongside educators and students during walk-ins across Kentucky, showing up to defend public schools and the people who make them strong. Watch out for more walk-ins through March 21 ✊ pic.twitter.com/QObp1tVUGR
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 19, 2025
Maine AFL-CIO:
Nurses and allies today marched into @SenatorCollins office to deliver a message loud & clear: Stand up for Maine People. Hands Off Medicaid! @NationalNurses pic.twitter.com/FMWj6CGFyq— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) March 20, 2025
Nurses and allies today marched into @SenatorCollins office to deliver a message loud & clear: Stand up for Maine People. Hands Off Medicaid! @NationalNurses pic.twitter.com/FMWj6CGFyq
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) March 20, 2025
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Proud to stand with @RaiseUpMA in calling for billionaire global corporations to pay their fair share. #mapoliGroup behind 'millionaire's tax' calls for tax on 'billionaire' corporations https://t.co/oXPolgbwNg— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 25, 2025
Proud to stand with @RaiseUpMA in calling for billionaire global corporations to pay their fair share. #mapoliGroup behind 'millionaire's tax' calls for tax on 'billionaire' corporations https://t.co/oXPolgbwNg
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 25, 2025
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
How can you be patriotic when putting veterans’ benefits on the chopping block?You can't.Join us on Sat., March 29th in Ann Arbor to tell the draft-dodger in chief and Musk to put VA workers over billionaires. 🇺🇸✊RSVP here: https://t.co/lAS8DyeJQC pic.twitter.com/Xh3GsK9kHW— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
How can you be patriotic when putting veterans’ benefits on the chopping block?You can't.Join us on Sat., March 29th in Ann Arbor to tell the draft-dodger in chief and Musk to put VA workers over billionaires. 🇺🇸✊RSVP here: https://t.co/lAS8DyeJQC pic.twitter.com/Xh3GsK9kHW
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
“We went into medicine because we want to take care of people, but at the heart of it, we just don’t think that great patient care should have to come at the expense of our well-being,” said Dr. Sofia Haile, a family medicine resident. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/dCAw32KEOr— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
“We went into medicine because we want to take care of people, but at the heart of it, we just don’t think that great patient care should have to come at the expense of our well-being,” said Dr. Sofia Haile, a family medicine resident. #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/dCAw32KEOr
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Join us this Saturday, March 29th, for a Solidarity Rally in support of federal #Workers who have been impacted by recent federal cuts and power grabs! #Solidarity #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/ayVDklQxM9— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
Join us this Saturday, March 29th, for a Solidarity Rally in support of federal #Workers who have been impacted by recent federal cuts and power grabs! #Solidarity #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/ayVDklQxM9
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) March 24, 2025
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
NALC branches hosted a rally yesterday to say: "Hell NO!" to dismantling the Postal Service.President Trump & Elon Musk need to keep their Hands off USPS! pic.twitter.com/4V7TYqbWZo— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
NALC branches hosted a rally yesterday to say: "Hell NO!" to dismantling the Postal Service.President Trump & Elon Musk need to keep their Hands off USPS! pic.twitter.com/4V7TYqbWZo
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
New York State AFL-CIO:
In 2023, women in NY earned 87 cents on the dollar compared to men according to a recent report by @NYSComptroller. The gender pay gap is unjust, and New York's union movement will never stop fighting to close it. #EqualPayDay pic.twitter.com/v1v1DKi9Rb— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
In 2023, women in NY earned 87 cents on the dollar compared to men according to a recent report by @NYSComptroller. The gender pay gap is unjust, and New York's union movement will never stop fighting to close it. #EqualPayDay pic.twitter.com/v1v1DKi9Rb
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
But seriously, @SenThomTillis, if it's money you need to show up, we've got five on it. 😜 Protestors gather outside NC Sen. Thom Tillis 2026 campaign fundraiser in Raleigh https://t.co/qXXUKLkyEL via @WNCN #1u— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) March 21, 2025
But seriously, @SenThomTillis, if it's money you need to show up, we've got five on it. 😜 Protestors gather outside NC Sen. Thom Tillis 2026 campaign fundraiser in Raleigh https://t.co/qXXUKLkyEL via @WNCN #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) March 21, 2025
Ohio AFL-CIO:
A few months ago, the #dropkickmurphys recorded a video in #Solidarity with the @ohiou faculty who were forming their #union with @AAUP @OFTunion. Today, those workers voted #UnionYes and joined the @AFLCIO labor movment. When workers across all professions unite, we win. pic.twitter.com/iCNO6T8szc— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) March 24, 2025
A few months ago, the #dropkickmurphys recorded a video in #Solidarity with the @ohiou faculty who were forming their #union with @AAUP @OFTunion. Today, those workers voted #UnionYes and joined the @AFLCIO labor movment. When workers across all professions unite, we win. pic.twitter.com/iCNO6T8szc
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) March 24, 2025
Oregon AFL-CIO:
On March 25, 1911, a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in Greenwich, NY, killed 146 workers after their employers locked the fire escape doors to prevent workers from leaving, leading 15,000 workers to walk off the job in NY’s garment district.https://t.co/07LZyeNzOe pic.twitter.com/uu8QxTFxuD— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
On March 25, 1911, a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in Greenwich, NY, killed 146 workers after their employers locked the fire escape doors to prevent workers from leaving, leading 15,000 workers to walk off the job in NY’s garment district.https://t.co/07LZyeNzOe pic.twitter.com/uu8QxTFxuD
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
Texas AFL-CIO:
🚨 The Texas Senate may vote on this bad bill as soon as TODAY. Help stand with Texas construction workers and tell your Senator to vote NO here: https://t.co/1RWzqWMYl8 #txlege #SB925 pic.twitter.com/1NEzi3uB3x— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
🚨 The Texas Senate may vote on this bad bill as soon as TODAY. Help stand with Texas construction workers and tell your Senator to vote NO here: https://t.co/1RWzqWMYl8 #txlege #SB925 pic.twitter.com/1NEzi3uB3x
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) March 25, 2025
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
US Mail is Not for Sale. https://t.co/Voz8PsWo66— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) March 24, 2025
US Mail is Not for Sale. https://t.co/Voz8PsWo66
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) March 24, 2025
Women's History Month Profiles
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 featured so far:
Tags: Women's History Month
Women's History Month Profiles: Deborah Toussant
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 Deborah Toussant of AFGE.
Deborah Toussant is the secretary-treasurer of AFGE Local 2094, the national women’s advisory coordinator of AFGE District 2 and the vice chair of AFGE’s National Human Rights Committee. She worked for the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in New York City for more than 34 years until she retired in 2019. She has continued her service and activism with AFGE and in her Harlem community. Toussant is a proud union woman who is willing to speak up for the voiceless and fight for civil, human, women’s and workers’ rights.
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Skidmore Faculty Ratifies First Union Contract
Faculty represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200United at Skidmore College unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) last week.
The new agreement between Skidmore Faculty Forward and the private liberal arts school covers full- and part-time faculty who are not on the tenure track. The core bargaining goal for members was longer renewable appointments—before the CBA, they worked on short contracts that lasted one to three years and then were terminated with no guarantee of being rehired. Fixing this serial job insecurity was a major highlight of the deal, in addition to increased salary minimums, full parental leave and more.
“We are elated that our first collective bargaining agreement has been ratified,” the union said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and thankful for the contributions, big and small, from so many of our colleagues and fellow union members. This contract would not be the life-changing and uplifting document that it is without their support. Thank you to the entire campus community for your support over the years. Together, we won huge gains and improvements in our working conditions and ultimately in our students’ learning conditions.”
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: AFGE
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 AFGE.
Name of Union: American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Mission: For the purpose of promoting unity of action in all matters affecting the mutual interests of government civilian employees in general, all other persons providing their personal service indirectly to the U.S. government and for the improvement of government service.
Current Leadership of Union: Everett Kelley is currently serving his third term as AFGE’s national president. He began his first term of service as national president in February 2020, was elected to another term during the 42nd National Convention in June 2022, and was re-elected during the 43rd National Convention in August 2024. He has been a member of AFGE since 1981. He worked at Anniston Army Depot and retired from there after 30 years of service. Eric Bunn Sr. serves as national secretary-treasurer and Kendrick Roberson serves as national vice president for women and fair practices.
Current Number of Members: More than 820,000.
Members Work as: Nurses, correctional officers, doctors, Social Security professionals, TSA agents, law enforcement officers, park rangers and much more. AFGE represents almost every type of federal employee, and the agencies with the highest memberships are the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Industries Represented: Members work for the federal government or the government of the District of Columbia.
History: AFGE formed in 1932, during the depths of the Great Depression. Federal employees were refused most of the rights they have today. Politicians had crippled the civil service, and AFGE’s founding members came together in opposition to these attacks. In the decades leading up to World War II, new chapters of the union began to form across the country. In the 1940s and ’50s, AFGE fought for and won a pay raise of nearly 16%, the largest increase for the federal government workforce in the country’s history. The union also won within-grade pay increases, transportation allowances, and payment for accrued annual leave, overtime, and night and holiday work. Finally, in 1962, federal workers secured the right to collectively bargain when President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 10988. Since then, AFGE has continued to fight for government workers and has won real bargaining rights and extended the dignity of a union contract to hundreds of thousands of Americans. Check out AFGE’s Labor History Timeline to learn more.
Current Campaigns: AFGE Strong works hard to keep members informed about the actions of the new presidential administration and to ensure our leaders have the resources to act. In related efforts, AFGE is working to Stop Project 2025. AFGE is fighting to protect the rights of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers; protect correctional officers; and protect official time for federal employees. AFGE offers members training and educational resources. It seeks to promote Health and Safety among members.
Community Efforts: The Women’s and Fair Practices Department, through education and training, member organizing and mobilization, legislative and political action, and representation through litigation, works with the union’s National Human Rights Committee to advance issues that impact AFGE members, their families, and their communities, including: federal and D.C. government workers’ rights, women’s rights and gender equity, racial justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, disability rights, voting rights, mental health and wellness, supporting working parents and families, domestic violence, conflict resolution and sexual harassment. AFGE is part of AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council whose mission is to inform, organize and mobilize union veterans. AFGE Y.O.U.N.G. seeks to mobilize young union members to become leaders for social change. HISCO supports professional advancement, leadership development and educational opportunities for AFGE members of Latino and Hispanic origin. The AFGE Retirees program advocates for a productive, healthy and secure retirement. AFGE Stewards are working people who have volunteered to connect members with their union. AFGE Pride is a national program designed to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and others within the pride spectrum (LGBTQIA+) membership. AFGE B.L.A.C.K., or Black Leaders Advancing Change and Knowledge, exists to increase solidarity in AFGE by highlighting the issues specifically impacting our Black members. AFGE A.P.O.W.E.R., or Asian Pacific Organized Workers Empowering Representation, is here to advance the mission of diversity, equity and inclusion of all AFGE members, providing assistance and direct service to all AFGE members who identify as Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian, and their allies. AFGE publishes The Government Standard, The WFP Quarterly and AFGE News. AFGE sells merchandise in its online store.
Learn More: Website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube
One Job Should Be Enough: 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.
‘See You in Court’: Teachers Union Vows to Fight Trump's Education Department Order: “Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers, vowed to sue the administration if it moved forward with a mandate to obliterate the agency's limited federal role in the nation's schools.”
Protests Demanding No Privatization of Post Office Sweep the Nation: “‘Privatization shifts workers’ dollars from the public good to the corporate sector investor class,’ APWU President Mark Dimondstein said on March 10, announcing the upcoming events. ‘It’s not just us, but there’s a fast and furious effort’ by Trump and his handler, Musk, ‘to hollow out the government for enriching billionaires and launching a coup.’”
We Need to Protect Workers from Dangerous ‘Bossware’ Technology: “In an era where the lines between work and personal life are increasingly blurred, the rise of new worker surveillance and control technologies is creating a dystopian reality that demands urgent attention from policymakers. Legislation filed on Beacon Hill, An Act Fostering Artificial Intelligence Responsibility, known as the FAIR Act, would provide Massachusetts workers with much-needed protection against reckless and harmful uses of ‘bossware’ technologies. Employers use these electronic and algorithmic decision systems to automate managerial functions, including determining whether workers get a job, tracking workers’ locations and communications throughout—and sometimes even after—the workday, and deciding how much workers get paid and whether they get promoted, demoted, or fired.”
Hollywood Actors Take the Fight Against AI to Sacramento: “The bill is sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and co-sponsored by the Creative Artists Agency and the National Association of Voice Actors. Joely Fisher, SAG-AFTRA secretary-treasurer and chair of its government affairs and public policy committee, said the fight over AI was at the heart of the union’s strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers that ran 118 days in 2023. The language about AI in the contract wasn’t approved until the 11th hour, she said, ‘always knowing that we needed legislation to enforce some of the things that we talked about and our studio partners agreed to.’”
Everett Kelley: ‘As a Poor-Performing Probationary Employee, Elon Musk Must Go’: “Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been on the job for less than two months, but the early results are nothing short of disastrous. These include a series of airplane safety incidents, cancelled appointments at the VA, long lines outside national parks, and abandoned medical research. Through it all, there is an overriding sense that the world's richest man is using his power over President Donald Trump to steal from the public coffers and enrich himself.”
Nevada’s Grad Student Workforce Pushes for Collective Bargaining Rights: “Graduate students employed within the Nevada System of Higher Education say they have little recourse when dealing with hostile work environments, low pay, demanding workloads, and financial instability. Riley Jones, a PhD student studying life sciences at UNLV, said the current system leaves graduate workers at the whims of ‘our advisers, departments, and graduate colleges to support us when one demand, one responsibility, one job conflicts with another.’”
Washington Bill Aims to Extend Unemployment Benefits to Workers on Strike: “Sandee Flores had never been on strike before. But in October 2024, she and her co-workers at the DoubleTree Seattle Airport walked off the job, demanding better wages. Her father had been a union member too, and now she was the one holding the picket line. The strike lasted a week—short enough that Flores didn’t face serious financial hardship. But she saw the strain it put on many of her co-workers. Even a few days without pay meant tough choices: stretching every dollar, leaning on family, or turning to strike funds.”
‘One Job Should Be Enough’: How 9,000 Grocery Workers Are Banding Together in Minnesota: “Monica Duque never knows how many hours she is going to get in a given week. She works at the Jerry’s Cub Foods on East Lake Street at the front of the store, helping customers, overseeing cashiering, and running online shopping. She finds out her hours, she explains, “when the schedule is posted on Friday, for the week after next.’ ‘There is no consistency,’ says the 24-year-old, which makes it hard to save money, or plan much for the future. She makes a little over $20 an hour, and even being cut 10 hours in a week can have a big impact on her finances. ‘I can do morning one day then night shift the next day. I go from eight-hour days to barely getting seven-hour days. I can never really rely on how much money I’m going to make.’”
Colorado Would Become Second State to Limit When Workers Can Be Fired Under Union-Backed Ballot Measure: “Colorado would become the second ‘just-cause employment’ state in the U.S. should a measure proposed by state union leaders make the 2026 ballot and pass. Initiative 43 would prohibit companies with more than eight employees from firing or suspending a worker without just cause, which is defined in the measure as substandard performance, material neglect, repeated policy violation and gross insubordination. Conviction of a crime of ‘moral turpitude’—like murder, kidnapping and sexual assault—and an employer’s financial instability would also constitute just cause under the initiative. The proposal was filed by Dennis Dougherty, who leads the AFL-CIO in Colorado, and True Apodaca, political director at SEIU Local 105.”
Hawaiian Airlines Reaches Tentative Agreement with Flight Attendants on Contract Extension: “Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants reached a major milestone recently. The carrier, which was just recently acquired by Seattle-based Alaska Airlines, reached a tentative agreement with its flight attendant union for a contract extension. This new agreement, which will last for several years, comes with a variety of improved benefits for Hawaiian cabin crew. While the airline's flight attendants have not yet voted on the contract, each side seems optimistic regarding the agreement.”