AFL-CIO Blog

  • Hard Work Pays Off In Missouri: In the States Roundup
    Hard Work Pays Off In Missouri: In the States Roundup AFL-CIO 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 Twitter. Alabama AFL-CIO:
    The Alabama AFL-CIO held its endorsement convention on August 2-3, 2018 at the Embassy Suites, in Montgomery, Alabama.https://t.co/YJHKRJ3h7r— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 6, 2018
    Arizona AFL-CIO:
    Some are calling this the "Missouri Miracle." Nonsense. This victory was no miracle; it was hard work by dedicated Missouri union members with the help of our brothers and sisters from all over the U.S. including Arizona. https://t.co/CvZySyNTZH— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    Arkansas AFL-CIO:
    "The November election has been tailored to delight the business lobby, with the exception of one proposal that would upset its legislative apple cart. Working men and women beware." -Ark Times https://t.co/upuxIzj9KI ^JH #arklabor #NoOn1 #protectarfamilies @ARlaborradio— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    California Labor Federation:
    "Don’t let the billionaires privatize and destroy public education in our state. Keep our public schools free, funded and public."@Dartaft on why we MUST vote @TonyThurmond for Supt. of Public Instruction📝👏🏼 https://t.co/I2Aa8XNGf7#1u #ourvoteourvoice #unionstrong— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) August 8, 2018
    Florida AFL-CIO:
    Creating a living wage across Florida takes center stage at the #fldemdebate, a centerpiece of https://t.co/D9SwGWAXlV.— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 2, 2018
    Idaho State AFL-CIO:
    Read the fine print. #organize https://t.co/vGcPUKAtcJ— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) August 2, 2018
    Illinois AFL-CIO:
    Another photo from today's rally. #EOhellNO #RedForFeds pic.twitter.com/F1H8AjvGcN— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) July 25, 2018
    Indiana State AFL-CIO:
    RT @WorkingAmerica: "Federal appellate judge Brett Kavanaugh, anti-worker President Donald Trump’s nominee for a vacant U.S. Supreme Court seat, would 'skew the court even more towards corporations and the elite,'" #StopKavanaugh https://t.co/0Mucvp4MUe pic.twitter.com/DwjlgPbWoU— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Iowa Federation of Labor:
    Why pastors should preach about labor unions https://t.co/beTX5rly9v— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
    Missourians went to the polls yesterday and defeated Right to Work. This Friday, oral arguments before the Kentucky Supreme Court will be held in our case against KY’s so-called “Right-to-Work” law.2018 is the year of the worker.And we’re just... https://t.co/Gj1ERkxmgq— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) August 8, 2018
    Maine AFL-CIO:
    LIVE from Orono, members of the powerful German union @IGMetall share with local Maine union members what their labor movement is like. https://t.co/DOavc42nEg #1u #solidarity #mepolitics— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
    Brian Doherty from @metrobtc speaking on @RadioBoston about what construction unions do to combat the opioid crisis: Construction Industry Has Highest Opioid OD Death Rates In Mass. https://t.co/rLvRdfn3I9 #1u— Massachusetts AFLCIO (@massaflcio) August 9, 2018
    Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
    As Missouri goes, so goes the nation? https://t.co/IJbQZVkvsB— MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) August 9, 2018
    Michigan AFL-CIO:
    Whether it’s expanding the labor movement, bargaining life-changing contracts, rewriting the rules of the economy, or filling the halls of power with our allies, unions are on the rise. https://t.co/AkLsawft5B— Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Minnesota AFL-CIO:
    MN @AFLCIO congratulates working Missourians for defeating “Right to Work” https://t.co/TlW1EVBa9f #VoteNoOnPropA #1u @MOAFLCIO #Labor18 Today’s vote should serve as a clear message to MN policymakers that working people are sick of attacks on our freedom to prosper. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/xjUYSxFbvD— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    Missouri AFL-CIO:
    It was wrong in 1978 and it was wrong 2018! Missouri workers win! Thank you! We have repealed “right-to-work”! pic.twitter.com/RfZ89JsC2Y— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    Montana AFL-CIO:
    Day 4 of the @Imerys lockout. Let @Imerys know what you think of it’s union-busting and worker intimidation. #StandWithThreeForks— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 5, 2018
    Nevada State AFL-CIO:
    "Collective bargaining affects pay standards across entire industries, meaning even nonunion workers benefit. Unions also reduce gender and racial wage gaps across industries, which contributes to broader equality in society."https://t.co/ZdYylfuZcU— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
    Proud to stand with @GovMurphy who signed an EO combating worker misclassification in order to promote a level playing field for workers across the state. https://t.co/Y185jWwn4l pic.twitter.com/8PQfmLkQvA— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) May 3, 2018
    New Mexico Federation of Labor:
    An attack on one is an attack on ALL! Labor Unions in New Mexico stand united in #RedForFeds!! 💪🔴 @AFLCIO @AFGENational pic.twitter.com/FvzgtK8XvQ— NMFL (@LaborFed4NM) July 25, 2018
    New York State AFL-CIO:
    14,000 #UnionStrong working people at @ATT may strike soon if necessary for good jobs, affordable healthcare, and a secure retirement. #NoJobsNoDeal #1uStand with them in their fight. Sign the petition: https://t.co/1e1b7Ggwf5— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) August 3, 2018
    North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
    Missouri is just the beginning. When working people come together, NO ONE can stop us! https://t.co/q6FfF2I9mJ— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 8, 2018
    North Dakota AFL-CIO:
    Kavanaugh has a bad record when it comes to workers! 1-844-899-9913 Call now! #1u pic.twitter.com/N9DJchUagp— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) July 26, 2018
    Ohio AFL-CIO:
    Kicking a$$ for the working (and artistic) class. #Solidarity from #Ohio! #UnrigTheSystem https://t.co/1mJLtFzrhq— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 9, 2018
    Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
    Nichols Park Restoration Receives USA 2017 Conservation Project of the Year Awardhttps://t.co/oppN79dT5T— Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) August 9, 2018
    Oregon AFL-CIO:
    Oregon is leading the charge in bringing behavioral health workers together to make positive changes in their important work:https://t.co/51wD3BEjK5 #UnionStrong @oregonafscme— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
    Philly leads the country in wage growth. Proud of this Union City! @PhillyAFLCIOhttps://t.co/N4PFflUJUA— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 9, 2018
    Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
    #Eastland @UFCWLocal328 #1U #UnionStrong #UnionYes #Solidarity #Jobs #WorkersRights https://t.co/YNhUqTlMqv— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) August 2, 2018
    South Carolina AFL-CIO:
    Kavanaugh Sided With Trump Casino in 2012 to Thwart Union Drive https://t.co/Wiy19wRSGH— SC AFL-CIO (@SCAFLCIO) August 7, 2018
    Texas AFL-CIO:
    TEA staff testifies that charter schools often “counsel” students with special needs to go elsewhere and claim they can’t serve them the way real public schools do. #charterschools #txed #txlege #AllmeansAll @DisRightsTx @pastors4txkids pic.twitter.com/R7f7cv1ylx— Texas AFT (@TexasAFT) August 8, 2018
    Virginia AFL-CIO:
    Delegate @ChrisHurstVA presenting a workshop full of helpful tips and guidance on “Working with the Media” to union members who are interested in addressing media outlets in order to cover their interests and events. pic.twitter.com/BgafYQfYnU— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) August 9, 2018
    Washington State Labor Council:
    We marched for the dignity of farm workers (by WSLC President Jeff Johnson) https://t.co/G8OcphjZTH "Farm workers shouldn’t have to go to work to suffer, but rather to earn family-supporting wages and to be treated with dignity." pic.twitter.com/xGnQRHhDh6— WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 7, 2018
    Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
    Union helps laid-off Harley employees retrain for new KC-area jobs, https://t.co/dsDnMvq3lx— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 9, 2018
    Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/09/2018 - 13:37     — Aug 9
  • Support Locked-Out Boilermakers in Montana
    Support Locked-Out Boilermakers in Montana Boilermakers On Aug. 2, Imerys locked out members of the Boilermakers (IBB) and brought in replacements at its talc plant in Three Forks, Montana. The lockout comes after Imerys consistently has refused to back down from its anti-worker contract proposal. The proposed contract would eliminate retiree health insurance, seniority, overtime over eight hours, double-time pay for overtime and the current defined contribution 401(k) plan, and would freeze the defined pension plan. The Three Forks plant is French-owned Imerys’ most profitable site, generating more than $1 million profit monthly. Despite this, the company wants to gut the workers’ contract. These working people fought back, and Imerys locked them out. Here are six ways you can help the locked-out workers: 1. Join the picket line: Our union brothers and sisters and their friends and neighbors will be picketing every day at the Imerys talc plant at 2150 Bench Road in Three Forks. 2. Call and tell Imerys to end the lockout: The phone number is (406) 404-0422. 3. Give Imerys a one-star review on Facebook for its anti-worker attitude: Let Imerys know you support IBB by giving the company a low rating on the social media site for its poor labor practices. 4. Write a letter to the editor: Let the community know you support the workers by submitting a letter to the editor of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. 5. Spread the word: Talk about the story on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #StandWithThreeForks. 6. Support IBB: A GoFundMe account has been set up to support the locked-out workers. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/08/2018 - 12:49 — Aug 8
  • Missouri's Working People Overwhelmingly Reject Right to Work
    Missouri's Working People Overwhelmingly Reject Right to Work Missouri AFL-CIO Last night was historic for working people in Missouri. Wealthy corporate interests tried to use their money to rig the system in favor of the 1%. But Missourians rejected the cynical power grab by an overwhelming 2-1 majority. Something big is happening with America’s working people—something that will bring change—and last night was just the latest evidence of this groundswell. Missouri AFL-CIO President Mike Louis said:
    Working people made our voices heard at the ballot box today and overturned “right to work.” It’s a truly historic moment. Thousands of hardworking men and women in Missouri talked to their neighbors, friends and co-workers. We owe them this victory. Together, we knocked on more than 800,000 doors, made more than 1 million phone calls and talked to working people on more than 1,000 different job sites across the state. Tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow we’re getting back to work. We’re going to take this energy and momentum and build more power for working people in Missouri.
    AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said:
    Missouri is the latest sign of a true groundswell, and working people are just getting started. The defeat of this poisonous anti-worker legislation is a victory for all workers across the country. The message sent by every single person who worked to defeat Prop. A is clear: When we see an opportunity to use our political voice to give workers a more level playing field, we will seize it with overwhelming passion and determination. Tonight is the latest act of working people changing a rigged system that for decades has been favoring corporations, the mega-wealthy and the privileged few. The victory in Missouri follows a national wave of inspiring activism that is leading to life-changing collective bargaining agreements and electoral triumphs that remind America the path to power runs through the labor movement. From statehouses and city councils to the halls of Congress, working people are fighting back, and this November, we will elect our allies and retire our enemies. Working people across Missouri made this transformational moment possible, and we are following their lead to changing the world.
    Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/08/2018 - 12:14     — Aug 8
  • What You Need to Know About the Vote on Missouri's Prop. A Today
    What You Need to Know About the Vote on Missouri's Prop. A Today Missouri AFL-CIO While Missourians are headed to the polls today, working people are mobilizing across the Show-Me State in a massive final push to defeat Prop. A. Both major newspapers in Missouri have come out in opposition to Prop. A. From The Kansas City Star's editorial:
    A no vote on Tuesday would repeal the "right to work" law. A yes vote would make Missouri a "right to work" state, which would be a costly mistake.... Workplace policies that protect employees and boost middle-class incomes are what Missouri needs most.
    From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
    Missouri voters should vote no and reject this blatant attempt to weaken labor bargaining rights. Support for Prop A can only weaken workers’ bargaining rights for higher pay. Prop A asks workers to give up too many collective bargaining rights in a Hail Mary attempt to improve Missouri’s business climate. Don’t buy proponents’ assertions. Vote no.
    Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger explained further:
    It suggests that Proposition A, which Missourians will vote on Aug. 7, will protect workers from out-of-control union bosses. The mailer is an attempt to confuse voters, and when it comes to Proposition A, it’s easy to get confused, because the initiative’s route to the ballot was circuitous. It started in 2017 when the Missouri Legislature passed a law that would make Missouri a “right-to-work” state like most southern states and some Republican-leaning states in the Midwest—like Indiana and Oklahoma. Such laws make it illegal for companies to collect fair-share fees from nonunion members in companies in which a union has negotiated a contract through collective bargaining. In other words, the law, if passed, would make it easier for Missourians to be free riders. Accept all the benefits of working for a union shop—such as higher pay and rules protecting seniority—without any of the cost.
    These prominent newspapers join other voices speaking out against Prop. A. From SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and Missouri native John Goodman to union members from every community and sector, the labor movement is flexing its full organizing power. We have previously covered Prop. A and all the problems with pursuing this particular law. Most notably, Prop. A. is not what it seems, it will drive down wages for Missouri families, it won't create jobs and it will weaken unions. You also can learn more about "right to work" in general. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/07/2018 - 08:48     — Aug 7
  • Vote 'No' on Prop. A: The Working People Weekly List
    Vote 'No' on Prop. A: The Working People Weekly List AFL-CIO Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s this week’s Working People Weekly List. He Will Vote No on Proposition A: "In our next election we will be able to vote no or yes to Proposition A, 'Right to Work.' I sure hope voters will give it a lot of thought in which way they are going to vote. In right-to-work states you don’t have to belong to the union where you work. But I’m sure that when the union negotiates a new contract, those nonunion members will get the same raise, the same new benefits as union members." Messenger: Dishonest Campaign Tries to Pit Union Workers Against the Middle Class: "It suggests that Proposition A, which Missourians will vote on Aug. 7, will protect workers from out-of-control union bosses. The mailer is an attempt to confuse voters, and when it comes to Proposition A, it’s easy to get confused, because the initiative’s route to the ballot was circuitous." We Are Stronger with Our Allies: 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." Best Candidates for Working People, 2018: Tina Smith: "This November's elections are shaping up to be among the most consequential in recent U.S. history. Throughout the summer and fall, we are going to take a look at the best candidates for working people. Today, we feature Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota." One Week Left in Missouri: “In just one week, working people in Missouri will have the opportunity to reject 'right to work' at the ballot box." Historic Victory at Telemundo: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with a breakthrough contract for Spanish-speaking performers at Telemundo and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life." Guaranteeing Our Fundamental Dignity: "Signing Medicare and Medicaid into law 53 years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson cited an innate human tradition calling on us to build a more just society: 'It calls upon us never to be indifferent toward despair. It commands us never to turn away from helplessness. It directs us never to ignore or to spurn those who suffer untended in a land that is bursting with abundance.'" Best Candidates for Working People, 2018: Mahlon Mitchell: "This November's elections are shaping up to be among the most consequential in recent U.S. history. Throughout the summer and fall, we are going to take a look at the best candidates for working people. Today, we feature Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Mahlon Mitchell." Trumka Says that Trump's Tariffs Have Gone Too Far: "AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who has previously praised tariff measures implemented by President Trump, told CBS News that he believes protectionist actions 'should be taken with a rifle and not a shotgun.' 'There were far too many countries, and so it lessens the effectiveness of tariffs as a way to enforce trade agreements,' Trumka said about Mr. Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum.'" AFL-CIO Leader Richard Trumka Offers Qualified Support for Trump's Trade Policies: "The head of the country’s largest federation of labor unions offered qualified praise Wednesday for President Donald Trump’s trade policies but questioned the administration’s approach to levying tariffs. 'I think he’s going in the right direction on trade,' said Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO." With Eye on Midterms, Unions Push to Win Back Trump's Blue-Collar Voters: "'It’s not true that in rural districts you have to be conservative, or in the middle of the road,' Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, told news reporters Wednesday at a breakfast hosted by The Christian Science Monitor. He said that in Pennsylvania’s suburban/rural 18th District, 'Conor Lamb spoke of our issues. He spoke of collective bargaining, he spoke of joining a union, he spoke of protecting Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid. And he got elected in a district that was computer-designed so that no Democrat could ever win. A computer said no Democrat could ever win this district, and he did.'" Nan Aron, Walt Auvil: Brett Kavanaugh Is a Company Man: "West Virginia has a tragic history of big business putting profit above worker rights and safety. West Virginians depend on our legal system to protect them against corporate negligence, incompetence and cutting corners. That is why President Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court is such a threat. West Virginia’s senators owe it to their constituents to reject Kavanaugh’s nomination." Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/03/2018 - 12:11 — Aug 3