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.

Biden Cancels $4.5 Billion in Student Debt for Over 60,000 Public Service Workers: “President Joe Biden on Thursday said an additional $4.5 billion in student debt is being canceled for about 60,000 teachers, nurses, firefighters and others, bringing the number of public service workers to get relief during his administration to more than 1 million. More than $73 billion in loans have been forgiven under a 2007 initiative, according to an Education Department news release. Borrowers eligible for the latest round of relief should learn of their debt being cleared in coming weeks.”

Boston Teachers Push for Better Wages and Working Conditions with More ‘Walk-Ins': “Boston teachers held ‘walk-ins’ outside five schools across the district Thursday morning as they continue rallying support amid ongoing contract negotiations. The Boston Teachers Union is fighting for better pay for teachers and paraprofessionals. They’re also asking for what they’re calling ‘inclusion done right’—they say the district needs to properly staff the inclusion model used in classrooms for students with special needs and English Language Learners. The union, whose contract expired on Aug. 31 right before the start of the new school year, has been in negotiations with Boston Public Schools since February. Right now, 8,000 educators are without a contract in the district.”

Harris, Culinary Local 226 Are Mobilizing Their Efforts for Election Day Push in Nevada: “Before her nationally televised town hall in Las Vegas last week, Vice President Kamala Harris took part in a more private meeting. The Democratic presidential nominee made a visit to the headquarters of Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, taking photos with members and speaking about her proposals, including to tackle housing costs and price gouging. It was also an opportunity for her to remind the powerful union of their shared interests in continuing their work this fall to elect her to the White House.”

Grad Students Are Unionizing in Droves. Can Postdocs Lead the Next Wave?: “When Marjorie Levinstein, 35, began working as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2021, she knew from the outset that she wanted to advocate for her fellow postdocs. At the University of Washington, where she had received her PhD in neuroscience, she saw firsthand ‘how the union really fought to improve our lives.’ But the unionization movement at her new employer, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), didn’t have that infrastructure. In July 2021, it amounted to ‘five people on a Zoom call,’ Levinstein told The Nation. Now, she’s fighting for her union’s first contract in an over-5,000-strong collective bargaining unit, which won its vote by a nearly 98% margin last year.”

Petitions for Union Representation Doubled Under Biden’s Presidency, First Increase Since 1970s: “There has been a doubling of petitions by workers to have union representation during President Joe Biden’s administration, according to figures released Tuesday by the National Labor Relations Board. There were 3,286 petitions filed with the government in fiscal 2024, up from 1,638 in 2021. This marks the first increase in unionization petitions during a presidential term since Gerald Ford’s administration, which ended 48 years ago. During Trump’s presidency, union petitions declined 22%. President Joe Biden said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press that the increase showed that his administration has done more for workers than his predecessor, Donald Trump, the current Republican nominee who is vying to return to the White House in November’s election.”

More Black and Latina Women Are Leading Unions—and Transforming How They Work: “‘Momentum for Black and Latina women rising into labor union leadership has picked up in the last five years. But the work began long before that by ‘our foremothers who laid this foundation and have been pushing and kicking those doors open for decades,’ according to Liz Shuler, who in June 2022 became the first woman to lead the AFL-CIO, a federation of 60 national and international labor unions. ‘The #MeToo movement, I think, has really emboldened women across the board, including in labor, to say, “You know what? I’m not going to be sitting on the sidelines,’” Shuler said. The pandemic also put a spotlight on essential workers such as nurses, service workers, and care workers, who are predominantly women and minorities.”

Hotel Workers Campaign Among Latino Voters in Arizona: “‘Hello, housekeeping!’ she called, breaking into a laugh upon realizing her mistake. The 57-year-old is a member of UNITE HERE, the hospitality union, and had taken a leave of absence from her job at a nearby Hilton to go door-to-door to keep Arizona blue. ‘I like to step back and wait, so they think I’ve left,’ she said. ‘Then they open the door and here I am.’”

'A True Hero': Pay Equity Crusader Lilly Ledbetter Dies at 86: “Labor unions and women's advocacy groups on Monday paid tribute to Lilly Ledbetter, the former Goodyear employee whose fight for equal pay made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress, after her death at the age of 86—with economic justice advocates hailing Ledbetter as ‘an icon.’ ‘Lilly Ledbetter simply wanted to be paid the same as her male Goodyear co-workers,’ said the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) on social media. But to workers who have benefited from the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, added the union, ‘she was a true hero.’”

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.

Cannabis workers at two Honey Sour dispensaries in uptown and downtown Butte, Montana, late last month voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1889.

This election victory marks the first time Montana cannabis workers have successfully organized since the legalization of cannabis in the state three years ago. Staff initially reached out to the union with concerns about workplace safety issues—including mold and lack of running water—job security, customer well-being and more. Now members are looking forward to bargaining with Honey Sour to secure the fair working conditions that reflect their dedication and expertise.

“I am incredibly proud to announce this historic achievement for us cannabis workers in Montana,” said Milo Vukovich, a Honey Sour dispensary worker. “Through today’s victory, we hope that we can pave the way for all cannabis workers in the state to receive the representation and benefits they deserve. This milestone shows just how powerful we are when we stand together, regardless of the industry.”

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.

Nearly 200 employees from the technical bargaining unit at St. Charles Bend ratified a union contract with 100% of workers voting in favor of the deal. These health care workers are members of the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals (AFT Local 5017). The contract includes raises, cost of living adjustments, a predictable pay scale that determines raises according to years of tenure and experience, improved language governing time off, reformed disciplinary procedures, and language to protect workers if St. Charles is ever sold to a new hospital system.

“The ratification of our new contract is a positive step forward, one that will serve our community through better recruitment and retention of highly skilled health providers,” said Tyler Ecklund, a nuclear medicine technologist and member of the union’s bargaining team.

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 we honor Indigenous People’s Day.

Formerly Columbus Day, this important holiday is shifting the national conversation towards centering the stories and histories of Native Peoples. 
Learn more: https://t.co/OaDE6CotWq pic.twitter.com/lVjRIoK6Xa

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) October 14, 2024

AFGE:

We're 3 weeks away from Election Day!

And, early voting has already started in some states. 

Find the early voting schedule in your state: https://t.co/XNIShiH8kk pic.twitter.com/QU2oEjumnN

— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 15, 2024

AFSCME:

During a rally in Columbus, Ohio, AFSCME stood proudly behind Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. https://t.co/HImXZOnXKJ

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) October 15, 2024

Alliance for Retired Americans:

The work that legislators do to strengthen retirement security matters for seniors. Thank you for being a 2024 #RetireeHero, @BennieGThompson! pic.twitter.com/KshY50YpKy

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) October 16, 2024

Amalgamated Transit Union:

We stand with our Local 1189-Guelph, ON, members in their fight for a fair contract. #ATUStrongerTogether #canlab #UnionStrong @OFLabour pic.twitter.com/9sNCZPqarP

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) October 16, 2024

American Federation of Teachers:

“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for us. Their North Star is making life better for working people.” Hear from @rweingarten about @KamalaHarris & @Tim_Walz's plans to expand healthcare access & more.

🩺https://t.co/lt2GKr4tO9

— AFT (@AFTunion) October 16, 2024

American Postal Workers Union:

This past weekend in Orlando, FL, APWU Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth "Liz" Powell was awarded CBTU Region III's 2024 Labor Legend Award for her outstanding achievements in labor. pic.twitter.com/kfr3sFjMpe

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) October 8, 2024

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

“Stock buybacks are a sickness...the industry was rid of them, but a greedhead hedge fund broke the seal in its efforts to gain control of @SouthwestAir & now @united mgmt is following their lead to manipulate the stock, & cheat workers & passengers." 1/4 https://t.co/mriWAN2iQG

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) October 15, 2024

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) stopped by a BCTGM Local 19 (Cleveland) Retirees event this week to reflect on the outcome of the Butch Louis Act.

We MUST remember who our friends are in this election! 🗳️ https://t.co/ohqBdOLpWF

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) October 12, 2024

Boilermakers:

This Local 1, Chicago, #Boilermaker bounced his way to gold. 🥇 See what sets Earl Pote leaps, bounds and technical tricks ahead of the competition. https://t.co/IVxVaGt0zj pic.twitter.com/4k4let5FEa

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) October 16, 2024

Bricklayers:

Happy #WorksiteWednesday!

In 2019, a $300 million restoration project on the Brooklyn Bridge commenced, giving BAC Local 1, NY members a once-in-a-lifetime chance to build the next chapter in the history of “America’s Eiffel Tower.”

Read more: https://t.co/JQ4zaxQJZS pic.twitter.com/bFXa7ETgN3

— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 16, 2024

Communications Workers of America:

Shout out to all the CWA members and retirees who have been working hard to get out the vote! ❤️✊https://t.co/3zPioj5pxz

— CWA (@CWAUnion) October 12, 2024

Department for Professional Employees:

Professionals can formalize remote work by forming unions. For example, @AFGENational members at the Defense Health Agency, @OPEIU members at TruStage & @IFPTE members at The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis have already done so. Learn more: https://t.co/JoD99wNCzj pic.twitter.com/z4J1xMAITa

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) October 15, 2024

Electrical Workers:

#IBEW members are getting out the vote for @KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz in Georgia https://t.co/STvjUVLuI1

— IBEW (@IBEW) October 16, 2024

Heat and Frost Insulators:

To our Brothers & Sisters recently impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton — know that there is help. 

If you are a member in need of assistance, please contact our International Office for support. 

We're looking to help! Let us know your community's status & any… pic.twitter.com/yAFmtTtmSq

— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) October 10, 2024

Jobs With Justice:

Communities across the Southeast are facing tremendous challenges in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and now Milton. From providing immediate relief to advocating for fair recovery, grassroots organizers are on the frontlines. pic.twitter.com/3bNmFPfulD

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) October 9, 2024

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

Honoring Sylvia Rivera, a leader of the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising, and a fierce advocate for transgender rights. Her fight against the exclusion of transgender people of color from the gay rights movement continues to inspire. #SylviaRivera #LGBTQ+History @PrideatWork pic.twitter.com/chaOze81YI

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) October 16, 2024

Labor Heritage Foundation:

UNION is coming to DC October 23rd! Directed by Steve Maing @mainmaing and Brett Story @brettpstory, UNION @unionthefilm follows the Amazon Labor Union's historic journey to victory @amazonlabor. 

To purchase tickets visit: https://t.co/DIIQhPQXEc pic.twitter.com/VWme3ivlwQ

— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) October 15, 2024

Laborers:

Check out #LIUNA brother Michael, calling out Trump’s disrespect for Indigenous people: "They look down on us like we're nothing. #Project2025 will hit LIUNA hard, slashing Workforce Development and job incentives." Be like Michael—a warrior, making a difference! #LIUNAVotes pic.twitter.com/LF4eItrGsU

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 16, 2024

Machinists:

Solidarity in Seattle! ✊@IAM751 and W24 members joined with allies for a massive rally to support our 33,000 members at Boeing. 

The message was clear -- "One day longer, one day stronger!" pic.twitter.com/Xc0WyVIGdp

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) October 16, 2024

Maritime Trades Department:

Fantastic piece by @hamiltonnolan. It features @MineWorkers President Cecil Roberts' full remarks commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Union Miners Cemetery, where the one and only Mother Jones is buriedhttps://t.co/Cg7KH7Qh7S

— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 15, 2024

Metal Trades Department:

https://t.co/iDXu4HHReD WASHINGTON — The new chief executive of the US unit of South Korean industrial conglomerate Hanwha Group wants to restore naval shipbuilding at Philly Shipyard, once the acquisition of that business is finalized this fall.

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) October 11, 2024

Mine Workers:

“Don’t tell me the blood of Mother Jones, and John L. Lewis, and all those great leaders don’t flow through your veins. I know it does." - Cecil E. Robertshttps://t.co/P5A8c4xESn

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) October 15, 2024

Musical Artists:

@KlydeWarrenPark security tried and ✨️failed✨️ to kick us out. We aren't breaking any laws. We're still here leafletting @dallasblkdance's festival and marketplace. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/Dm8VUr0hr9

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) October 12, 2024

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

NATCA was proud to attend this month’s @AeroClubDC luncheon, where other aviation labor leaders from @PASSNational, @TTDAFLCIO, & @transportworker discussed the future of aviation & workers’ rights. https://t.co/ctcQLrSIf3 pic.twitter.com/Fg3IrzOkJn

— NATCA (@NATCA) October 14, 2024

National Association of Letter Carriers:

NALC President @BrianRenfroe19 and the members of Region 6 are proud to join @NRLCA in Indianapolis, IN this afternoon for a rally to pass the Protect our Letter Carriers Act. The rise in robberies and violent attacks on the men and women who work hard to deliver essential goods… pic.twitter.com/rIrHj0XDU5

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) October 14, 2024

National Day Laborer Organizing Network:

💥Happening Now! Dozen of workers are conveying in Solidaridad DuPage as part of the 50 popular assemblies throughout the country to protect migrants against anti immigrant rhetoric and attacks. pic.twitter.com/jGNwZ6yCZH

— NDLON (@NDLON) October 12, 2024

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

🚨🗳️GEORGIA: Early voting has begun and will continue until November 1st! 

Check your early voting location and make a plan to vote early: https://t.co/w1FovcP05t

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) October 15, 2024

National Federation of Federal Employees:

Supporting Guide Dogs of America, FWS-GS Pay Parity Rule, VP Debate Recap, and more - https://t.co/FiiJahELPK pic.twitter.com/lyOnPwOTPZ

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) October 11, 2024

National Nurses United:

In coordination with @IMC_Worldwide, RN Response Network volunteers have come from across the country to Asheville, NC. 

Volunteer nurses will help meet the ongoing medical needs for the community in the wake of Hurricane Helene. pic.twitter.com/mZzauToHTt

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) October 15, 2024

NFL Players Association:

.@WigginNathaniel sends his congratulations to @ernestjones53 for his #CommunityMVP nod 🤝. pic.twitter.com/HvyWGWRygY

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) October 13, 2024

North America's Building Trades Unions:

To defeat Trump’s anti-worker policies, we need everyone on board. Check your registration status and #VoteUnionhttps://t.co/S9xkXpfmcT pic.twitter.com/Nyl3Hn6WO7

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) October 16, 2024

Office and Professional Employees:

In observing #IndigenousPeoplesDay, OPEIU honors and celebrates the rich histories, cultures, struggles and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the globe. pic.twitter.com/VJMmvMG8Mx

— 🎃PEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) October 14, 2024

Painters and Allied Trades:

It is our responsibility to expand the benefits and opportunities of our union to as many people as possible. 

We’d like to welcome DC9 Local 1486’s newly organized members to the IUPAT! pic.twitter.com/sZ6JD4xTrU

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) October 16, 2024

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

Project 2025 would bring back the disastrous IRAPs proposal that would undermine OPCMIA’s world-class apprenticeship programs and send worker training on a dangerous race to the bottom. This is a must-read from @amprog: https://t.co/auc7qchTss

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) October 12, 2024

Pride At Work:

On Indigenous Peoples' Day, we pay tribute to the remarkable strength, bravery, & perseverance of Indigenous peoples. We are grateful to the Indigenous communities for their stewardship of these lands, & we stand in solidarity with them. pic.twitter.com/Io5HxvEzcC

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) October 14, 2024

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

.@RWDSU Local 110 stands in solidarity with @238Teamsters on strike at the Cargill corn milling plant! RWDSU members from Quaker Oats and General Mills came out to rally with our striking union family, and make it clear that Cedar Rapids is a union town! #1u pic.twitter.com/EjDtTEa8a7

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) October 16, 2024

Roofers and Waterproofers:

Planning to prevent falls includes having a rescue plan in place in the event a worker falls, and it should include more than calling 911: https://t.co/AmSwxW9Qih. Check out CPWR's fall prevention planning templates to get started: https://t.co/3iotfGwuTC #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/sSO7tqgKZs

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) October 15, 2024

SAG-AFTRA:

Intimacy Coordinator Katherine O'Keefe explains how ICs unionizing with SAG-AFTRA will help actors, producers and directors! Actors always deserve to feel safe on set. #UnionizeICs 

Show your support for ICs in the comments and learn more: https://t.co/3xraLwab6c pic.twitter.com/gLB8GikCNO

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) October 16, 2024

Solidarity Center:

The workers of the world are in good hands with this amazing group of lawyers & activists on their side!#ILAWConf2024 #Solidarity#WorkersRights https://t.co/mVdHkqvOgH

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) October 11, 2024

The NewsGuild-CWA:

Yesterday, the @NLRB announced union petitions are surging & have doubled since 2021!

At @PressClubDC, NewsGuild Pres. Jon Schleuss spoke with NLRB leadership about how underfunding/understaffing denies workers justice in the workplace and called for doubling the NLRB's funding! pic.twitter.com/DlNX6u8oqb

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) October 16, 2024

Theatrical Stage Employees:

Reminder: Join us tomorrow at 2pm ET, to learn the history of voting rights in the U.S., current voter suppression efforts, and what you can do to protect this essential right. 

Register here: https://t.co/HYxykt7uJe pic.twitter.com/eJh5RNflMG

— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) October 15, 2024

UAW:

"There has been a doubling of petitions by workers to have union representation during @JoeBiden's administration, according to figures released Tuesday by the @NLRB. During Trump’s presidency, union petitions declined 22%."https://t.co/O6o4AFjcSU

— UAW (@UAW) October 16, 2024

Union Veterans Council:

1/ 🧵 The attacks on military voting rights by Republican-led lawsuits are a direct assault on the very freedoms our service members fight to protect.

"Republicans face backlash for lawsuits targeting overseas and military voting."https://t.co/mWjbFgHqxm

— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) October 16, 2024

UNITE HERE:

Let's get out the vote! If you have co-workers, friends, family or activists who want to knock on doors but can’t do it full time, volunteer with @seed_the_vote!https://t.co/GCbNNEN0bD pic.twitter.com/0rprzXVhcQ

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) October 16, 2024

United Food and Commercial Workers:

This #PharmacistTechnicianDay, we stand in solidarity w/ CA CVS workers as they FIGHT for the contact they DESERVE!

It's time for CVS to get serious & deliver our members a contract w/ benefits as essential as the labor provided by their workers.

➡️ https://t.co/Y3teHeWW88 pic.twitter.com/zar1EZTDLU

— UFCW (@UFCW) October 15, 2024

United Steelworkers:

🎙️ The latest episode of the Solidarity Works podcast just dropped and we’re diving into the fight for fair trade: why it matters and how we do it. 

🎧 Listen now: //solidarityworks.libsyn.com/fighting-for-fair-trade-why-it-matters-and-how-we-do-it pic.twitter.com/TvWFrEQ860

— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) October 16, 2024

Utility Workers:

What does #solidarity really mean? DeAnna Hill of UWUA Local 191 and the UWUA Women's Caucus provides a powerful reflection in the latest issue of The Utility Worker magazine.

🧵 pic.twitter.com/rmKlT7QGyv

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) October 16, 2024

Working America:

Happy 21st birthday Working America! What began as a small door-knocking campaign in Cleveland, OH, has since become a powerful organizing force for working people with 5 million members. Read our blog to learn more about how far we’ve come. https://t.co/HmrsptBZ7x

— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) October 10, 2024

Writers Guild of America East:

Writers across Nonfiction and Fiction TV/film stand together in demanding strong union protections and voluntary recognition, without delay or division, for the A+E Nonfiction Union. @aenetworks, it’s time to respect your workers’ choices. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/cSyO0v8krW

— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) October 16, 2024

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 the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) affiliate, United Health Professionals of New Mexico (UHPNM), ratified a contract Sunday with the University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (UNM SRMC).

The union includes nurses and other health professionals who work at UNM SRMC and have been fighting for better working conditions and improved patient safety. Highlights of the agreement include wins like wage increases, job protections, the establishment of a labor-management committee that will look into safe staffing ratios and other ways to improve patient healing conditions, and more.

“This contract represents basic respect for hospital professionals who work tirelessly for their patients,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “It shouldn’t have been so hard to get to this place, and the workers’ tenacity and the public’s support for their current or future caregivers moved the needle and resulted in this contract. We need hospitals to work collaboratively with their front-line workers and respect their input. When that happens, workers and patients are better off.”

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).

Arizona AFL-CIO:

This morning we joined our fellow #UnionSiblings for a Labor Rally and canvass launch at Arizona Education Assiciation in support of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz!

— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 12, 2024

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Check the @aFairHotel website to see all properties that are on strike or in risk of being out on strike! https://t.co/vy6YIK599B https://t.co/vGtnviiCAI

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) October 14, 2024

Colorado AFL-CIO:

Sign up link in our bio! 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/fpwvdoVylv

— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 9, 2024

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

Union members are out knocking doors for pro-worker candidates in South Windsor this morning! Thanks to @AFSCME Local 391 for hosting! #LaborVotes #1u pic.twitter.com/BTXWpsIOKu

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 13, 2024

Florida AFL-CIO:

We love to see it!

Organize, organize, organize. 💪 https://t.co/35PPGXV33w

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) October 15, 2024

Georgia State AFL-CIO:

Need a ride to the polls? Union members and workers' rights supporters, get your voice heard. Rides provided by Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda from early voting to November 5, 2024. Schedule at https://t.co/a3DqfGznS0. 💪 #YourVoteMatters #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/xg7BggVpEb

— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 15, 2024

Illinois AFL-CIO:

IL AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney was standing with @NALC_National today to tell Postmaster DeJoy that letter carriers deserve better. It is time to prioritize safety and give them the contract they need to provide first class service. #1u pic.twitter.com/eFMa7kC0ai

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) October 14, 2024

Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:

Thank you @AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride for kicking off a great day of canvassing for #UnionEndorsed candidates in Des Moines! @afscme_c61 pic.twitter.com/QyJiO9GleN

— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) October 12, 2024

Maine AFL-CIO:

For this week's labor history, we look back at how passage of the National Labor Relations Act jumpstarted union organizing in Maine's textile mills!https://t.co/Gva2oJowPq

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) October 8, 2024

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

The MA AFL and @GBLCBoston have their A Team on the doors this morning in Concord for @KamalaHarris, @Tim_Walz, @JoyceCraigNH, and @MaggieG603! @NHAFLCIO @AFLCIO #BetterInAUnion #UnionsForHarrisWalz pic.twitter.com/KpnQ9wUuKp

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) October 12, 2024

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

What would a second Trump administration look like for workers' rights? It's not pretty... https://t.co/T2bPd2oH8x #BetterInAUnion #UnionsForHarris

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 11, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

G'mar chatima tova. #YomKippur pic.twitter.com/BDLPdqCFAi

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 11, 2024

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Yesterday morning alongside Congresswoman Dina Titus, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen the Nevada State AFL-CIO sent out over 150 canvassers to knock on doors for our member-to-member program. We won’t stop until it’s over!

Courtesy: NEWS3 pic.twitter.com/V9ROh6mfcG

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) October 14, 2024

New Hampshire AFL-CIO:

We are proud to endorse @MaggieG603 to represent NH’s 2nd District. Maggie will fight for workers, here in NH, + across the country. 

We will work together to create good paying union jobs, expand workers’ rights, + build an economy that works for everyone!#NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/juILmia4cu

— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) October 7, 2024

New Jersey State AFL-CIO:

Register to vote by Tuesday, October 15. The 2024 general election is the most consequential of our lifetime. Make your voice heard! Register to vote online, in person, or by mail. Visit https://t.co/2b65aZzG0q to register and more. pic.twitter.com/9bZeyx2TGh

— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) October 11, 2024

New York State AFL-CIO:

BINGHAMTON: Join the labor walk in support of Josh Riley and Lea Webb this weekend! https://t.co/207aEl1jmE

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 11, 2024

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

How will #Project2025 impact the retirement security of North Carolinians? Let’s break it down. #ncpol #1u pic.twitter.com/lkv9RA7HYf

— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 11, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

At a #labor rally in Columbus, @SherrodBrown knows that our diversity is the strength of our @AFLCIO #union movement. pic.twitter.com/XCHm34VjHa

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) October 14, 2024

Oregon AFL-CIO:

📣Action Alert! 📣

OSU Graduate Employees rep’ed by @CGE6069 are holding a practice picket on 10/16 10am-2pm at Memorial Union Quad at the OSU campus in Corvallis. Show up and show solidarity ✊

More info and ways to support graduate workers: https://t.co/8YkTjkQqhi

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 15, 2024

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

🚨🚨🚨Back by popular demand, we will be hosting our Women’s Wednesday Virtual Phone Banks again!

Sign up today!https://t.co/lX9gZKr0Y5 pic.twitter.com/b9OW5jiYpx

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 14, 2024

Texas AFL-CIO:

We even ran into the future state rep herself! @kristianfortx 🔥 https://t.co/wYwzOquUfe pic.twitter.com/hpnFcFEhJj

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 12, 2024

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Indigenous Peoples Day is a call to recognize and uplift Indigenous histories and present-day communities, to honor indigenous struggles for sovereignty and independence, and to energize our movement to stand in solidarity with Indigenous working people. pic.twitter.com/RIacZsl20o

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 14, 2024

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Help us get out the vote with the @steelworkers! Join a rally on Thursday, October 24 at 3:00 pm at the Iron Workers Local Union 8 Hall.

RSVP at https://t.co/2BBZRqMhue pic.twitter.com/OGkHfSG9Bu

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 14, 2024

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.

UNITE HERE's Culinary Union announced a tentative agreement with Eataly Las Vegas at Park MGM on a four-year contract. It is the first union contract for Eataly, which opened in December 2018. The contract, which covers 130 workers, will bring raises averaging $10 an hour for cooks and $3 for fountain workers. The contract also includes access to the Culinary Health Fund, protections for owners and successorship, and strengthened protections against sexual harassment and other issues.

“Eataly Las Vegas workers are the first workers to win union recognition, but they won’t be the last,” said Culinary Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge. “Currently, we have strong organizing campaigns continuing at Alexxa’s at Paris Las Vegas and Citizens at Mandalay Bay, and Culinary Union will launch more non-union restaurant organizing drives over the next coming months. We won’t stop organizing until we win higher standards for non-union restaurant workers across the Las Vegas Strip.”

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.

Dancers at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) organized and unanimously voted for a union with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) back in May. Then, DBDT did the unthinkable: It fired the entire troupe and hired nonunion replacements. Join us on the picket lines to support the DBDT-fired dancers as we demand fairness. AGMA, the dancers, our affiliated unions and community allies will be on the line, sending a clear message to DBDT: Union-busting is disgusting, and it will not stand.

When: Oct. 11–12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. CT
Where: One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh St., Dallas, TX 75201

Register here.

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

Airport Concession Workers Win $25 Minimum Wage: UNITE HERE Local 23-represented concessions workers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas announced last week that they have secured a $25 minimum wage during bargaining. This landmark victory comes after 100% of voting members elected to grant the union strike authorization power in August. Workers are employed by one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, Delaware North, which is owned by billionaire Jeremy Jacobs and reported $4 billion in revenues last year. “Local 23 members are often overlooked as cooks, servers, bartenders and retail workers, but without them, the airport and Delaware North would not be as successful as they are,” said UNITE HERE Local 23 Secretary-Treasurer Willy Gonzalez at a press conference Monday. “We work in the back of the house, and sometimes the back of the house doesn’t get seen...but collectively our voice is powerful.”

Toledo Symphony Ratifies New Five-Year Contract: The Toledo Federation of Musicians (TFM)/American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 15-286 and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) ratified a new five-year contract last month that will run until the end of the 2028–2029 season. Throughout the lifetime of the agreement, TFM members will see major victories like a pay increase of 39% and higher matching contributions to their 403(b) retirement plans. The deal also includes the establishment of two new core string positions and conversion of several previously part-time roles into full-time positions. Musicians additionally won more paid parental leave, standardization of the tenure evaluation process and more that will allow them to continue giving world-class performances. “We are proud of the collaborative spirit that defined these negotiations,” said Casey Gsell, TSO principal bassoon and chair of the Orchestra Committee. “This agreement not only provides significant financial improvements for our members but also enhances our role in the community, supports education, and ensures equitable treatment of our musicians. It is a true testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”

PASS Ratifies New Contract with Federal Aviation Administration: Late last month, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) National President Dave Spero signed a new contract covering more than 4,000 workers in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Aviation Safety Directorate. This victory comes after two years and eight months spent at the negotiating table with the federal government agency. The new agreement was ratified by an overwhelming 85% of members and is effective as of Oct. 6. PASS is still in negotiations for a new contract for the more than 7,000 FAA employees the union represents in the Air Traffic Organization. “I’m proud of the work our team did at the bargaining table,” Spero said. “It was challenging at times, but in the end, we achieved a strong collective bargaining agreement that stressed recruitment and retention, as well as fair work rules, for employees who are critical to carrying out the FAA’s mission. I want to thank our members for their support and patience during the process.”

Indiana PetSmart Workers Win First Union for Chain in the U.S.: In a landslide 12–2 victory, PetSmart workers in Mishawaka, Indiana, have successfully won the first union election at a U.S. location of the pet superstore chain. With organizing help from the United Commercial and Food Workers (UFCW), PetSmart associates, trainers, groomers and other staff are coming together and forming unions across the country. Workers are fighting for higher pay, improved hours and better working conditions with the protections of a powerful union contract. With a collective bargaining agreement, PetSmart Union said they will be able to better serve the animals of all shapes and sizes that they care for. “With this victory, we’ve shown the company that we’re serious about coming together and unionizing for real change in our stores,” PetSmart Union wrote on their website. “Now, we’re focused on putting our collective voice into action and building strength throughout the country! We can’t wait to see which PetSmart store joins us next in our fight to make PetSmart the company we know it can be.”

Kapiʻolani Nurses Weather Hospital Lockout and Win New Contract: On Wednesday, members of the Hawaiʻi Nurses’ Association (HNA)—an affiliate of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU)—who work at the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children ratified a hard-fought new three-year contract. After a historic 18-day lockout, two strikes, three informational pickets, and one year and 18 days of contract negotiations, HNA members secured a monumental agreement that includes the first contractually enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios in Hawaii history. The contract also contains wage increases, double time for extra hours prior to a shift, increases to longevity differentials, improved protections against workplace violence and more. “This contract sets a new standard for what quality patient care will look like for our community,” said HNA in a social media post. “Hawaiʻi deserves the best health care, and Kapiʻolani nurses were willing to fight to make that a reality. Joined by our patients, families, union siblings and community supporters, we fought for what was right and refused to give in. Aloha and mahalo, Hawaiʻi. This one was for you.”

Washington Teachers’ Union Reaches Tentative Agreement: The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU), a local of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), reached a tentative agreement (TA) Monday with the District of Columbia Public Schools for a new five-year contract. This TA comes a year after the expiration of WTU’s previous contract with the Washington, D.C., school district—the union credits the dedication and commitment of bargaining committee members for securing this win. The deal includes fair and competitive pay raises, more structured breaks to prevent burnout for both educators and their students, increased time for lesson planning and preparation, and provisions that ensure fair workloads for educators. “The bargaining team heard from members about the need for improved working conditions. We took that to heart and were able to secure many provisions that show respect to educators, such as breaks to prevent teacher and student burnout, time to prepare and plan lessons, and fair workloads,” said WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons. “The team also pushed hard and obtained decent and fair pay raises over the course of the five-year contract, despite the district’s contention that it was working in a tight financial environment.”

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.

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.

Union Leaders Talking with Workers at the Gordie Howe Bridge, Letting Them Know What’s at Stake in the Election: “The president of the AFL-CIO is here in Detroit, on a side street, really, Cavalry Street, off of Ford Street, right at the foot of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Liz Shuler—she’s talking to Teamsters, operating engineers, 13 different trades unions that are represented here working on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and like the rest of us, she’s heard the reports that, you know, leadership obviously supports Harris. Some membership doesn’t. She’s not surprised: ‘Just like the country, the labor movement has people with very diverse political beliefs. But what we do is look at the issues. So if a candidate is supporting things like prevailing wage requirements and project labor agreements on a construction site, we want to make sure that those workers know which candidate is actually defending their rights.’”

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler from Union Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Talking Up Vice President Harris to Trades Workers: “Michigan remains a battleground state in the 2024 presidential election. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler from union headquarters in Washington, D.C., talking up Vice President Harris to trades workers before their shifts on the Gordie Howe bridge this morning: ‘We want to make sure that those workers know which candidate is actually defending their rights. Who will protect their contract, who will make it easier to join a union, not harder? And since these are unionized workers, we know their union contract means a lot to them, and so we want to make sure they’re aware of where these candidates stand when it comes to union issues.’ Shuler telling us that Harris’ record has earned union members’ support. It’s the first time in recent memory the president of the AFL-CIO has been here personally in Michigan to push for or against a presidential candidate.”

In Support of the Harris–Walz Campaign, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler Meeting with Detroit-Area Union Members in Construction Trades: “Happening now in support of the Harris–Walz campaign: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler meeting with Detroit-area union members in construction trades. This is happening at the Gordie Howe International Bridge. They’re talking about what’s at stake for workers this election. About 1 in 5 voters in Michigan will be union voters during this election, which is a key topic.”

Project 2025 Would Erode Labor Rights and Roll Back Child Labor Laws: “On this edition of Your Call, we’re continuing our series on Project 2025 by discussing what the rightwing roadmap means for workers, labor rights, and the right to unionize. Donald Trump says he’s pro-worker, but during his first four years as president, he was anti-worker and anti-union. The National Labor [Relations Board] members he appointed ‘made it more difficult for unions to win representation at nonunion workplaces’ and the Trump Supreme Court ‘issued a devastating ruling against public sector unions’ that made it ‘easier for government employees nationwide to not pay union dues even if their workplace is unionized,’ according to CNN. A second Trump administration stands to be even worse. Project 2025 includes provisions to cut overtime pay for millions of workers and suggests that Congress should consider getting rid of public sector unions altogether. It would also roll back workplace safety laws, including those that protect children.”

Hotel Workers Knock on a Million Doors, Targeting Latinos, to Keep Arizona Blue for Kamala Harris: “Maria Romero became a U.S. citizen in 2016 to vote against Donald Trump, offended by his characterization of Mexicans as criminals and rapists. Adversity motivates her, she said. Now, the hotel housekeeper is pounding the scorching Phoenix pavement, pushing back against growing support among Latinos for Trump, who now leads polling in the key swing state Biden won in the last presidential election.”

U.S. Unions Step Up Efforts to Make Case That Trump Is No Friend of Workers: “‘Trump has found ways to break through with working people,’ Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the nation’s main labor federation, told the Guardian. ‘He has the rhetoric down, but he doesn’t have the results to back it up. That’s why it’s important that we, as messengers, combat that with facts.’ The AFL-CIO is urging the nation’s 14.4 million union members to look at its ‘candidate comparison’ website, which makes the case that Trump is anti-union. He crossed a union picket line, praised the idea of firing workers who are on strike, and often used non-union workers at his construction sites.”

AFL-CIO Leads Union Women in Massive Mobilization for the Election: “Quoting Trump’s saying ‘I have the concepts for a plan’ to replace the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, Shuler deadpanned ‘That’s the equivalent of saying “The dog ate my homework.”’ Junking the ACA and turning health back over to rapacious insurers who reap workers’ dollars through high premiums and co-pays while denying care has been a longtime Republican goal.”

Harris Vote Is a ‘No Brainer’ for Transport Workers: Transport Workers Union’s John Samuelsen: “John Samuelsen, international president of the Transport Workers Union, joins CNBC’s ‘The Exchange’ to discuss why the union is backing Kamala Harris in the election, the threat of automation in the transportation sector, and more.”

Biden Announces 10-Year Deadline to Replace All Lead Pipes Throughout the U.S.: “President Biden on Tuesday announced $2.6 billion in funding to replace all lead pipes in the United States as part of a new EPA rule that will require lead pipes to be identified and replaced within 10 years using the new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. The EPA estimates that nine million homes in the U.S. have lead pipes. The city of Milwaukee, where Mr. Biden is making the announcement, has 65,000 lead pipes, which the city says will cost an estimated $700 million to remove.”

More Black and Latina Women Are Leading Unions—And Transforming How They Work: “Momentum for Black and Latina women rising into labor union leadership has picked up in the last five years. But the work began long before that by ‘our foremothers who laid this foundation and have been pushing and kicking those doors open for decades,’ according to Liz Shuler, who in June 2022 became the first woman in history to lead the AFL-CIO, a federation of 60 national and international labor unions.”

Jobs Report Blows Past Expectations, Showing Hiring Surge: “U.S. hiring surged in September, blowing past economist expectations and rebuking concern about weakness in the labor market. The fresh report marks one of the last major pieces of economic data before the presidential election. Employers hired 254,000 workers last month, far exceeding economist expectations of 150,000 jobs added, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.1%.”