AFL-CIO Blog

  • AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee's Response to Israel's Denial of Entry to Reps. Omar and Tlaib
    AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee's Response to Israel's Denial of Entry to Reps. Omar and Tlaib The AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee issued the following response to the government of Israel’s decision to deny entry to Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib:
    As longtime supporters of Israel, and its General Federation of Labor, the Histadrut, we urge the government of Israel to reverse its decision to bar Reps. Ilhan Omar (Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (Mich.) from entering Israel. We say this as close friends of our brothers and sisters in the Histadrut and the Israeli people. While we strongly disagree with Reps. Omar’s and Tlaib’s positions on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and maintain our longstanding commitment to meaningful, direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians toward a viable two-state solution, we also feel that all members of the U.S. Congress should be able to visit Israel. Regardless of Omar’s and Tlaib’s political positions, they should not be forbidden from visiting Israel.
    The AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee: Christopher Shelton, CWA, Co-Chair Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU/UFCW, Co-Chair Robert Martinez, IAM, Vice Chair James Boland, BAC Harold Daggett, ILA Jennifer Dorning, DPE Leo Gerard, USW Lorretta Johnson, AFT Gary Jones, UAW Sara Nelson, AFA/CWA Fred Redmond, USW Paul Rinaldi, NATCA Michael Sacco, SIU Baldemar Velasquez, FLOC Dennis Loney Fri, 08/16/2019 - 14:38     — Aug 16
  • Save Veteran Construction Training Programs
    Save Veteran Construction Training Programs Union Veterans Council After coming home from the Army, Union Veteran Council Executive Director Will Attig struggled to find his place. “I came home without a job, a degree or a future,” Attig said. That changed when he found a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and became a journeyman pipe fitter with the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA). This is not only Attig’s story but countless other veterans who have found the registered apprenticeship programs as a way to achieve the American dream after returning home from service. At the same time, we have seen private organizations and for-profit schools create phony programs that prey on veterans leaving them with sub-par training and no true education. Right now, the future of America's veteran construction workers, the integrity of their industry and programs that support tens of thousands of veterans' transitions are at risk.  “The Registered Apprenticeship model gives us the same level and quality of training we received in the military,” Attig added. “This is one of the reasons why veterans choose to attend NABTU Registered Apprenticeship Programs and are joining construction unions at a rate almost double then non-veterans.” A new proposal by the U.S. Department of Labor could drive down training and labor standards in construction registered apprenticeship programs and set off a race to the bottom throughout this industry. We have less than a month to stop it from becoming a reality. Here is how you can add your voice to the fight. While we applaud the government’s interest in expanding apprenticeship opportunities in new industries, [Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs] have no place in construction. How Can You Help? First, if you are a union veteran and a member of a building trades union, we need you to click the link below to submit a comment. It takes less than five minutes and could mean the difference in defending the way of life for your fellow construction workers, your family and yourself.  Building Trade Veterans: Click here to take a stand! Second, if you are not a member of the building trades but support your fellow union veteran brothers and sisters, please follow the link below to send in a comment voicing your support and solidarity for your fellow union veterans in the trades and the programs that are helping thousands of veterans find a way to truly return home. Veterans and Supporters: Click here to take a stand! The proposed IRAPs differ significantly from registered apprenticeship programs. Construction registered programs help recruit, train and retain workers through progressive wage increases; apprentice-to-journey worker ratios that promote safety; quality assurance assessments by the government; uniform standards; mandatory safety training; instructor eligibility requirements; and transparency requirements. The proposed IRAP regulations abandon the important protections of the registered model and give employers the license to implement whatever low-road standards they see fit. IRAPs in construction would jeopardize both the quality of construction and the safety and security of veterans in the construction workforce, thereby weakening every community across the country where our fellow veterans and workers reside and are needed. As veterans and supporters of veterans, the time is now to stand together and oppose second-rate IRAP certifications that would undermine the gold-standard that the registered apprenticeship programs have attained.  This post originally appeared at the Union Veterans Council. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/14/2019 - 11:56 Tags: Union Veterans Council — Aug 14
  • Shatter the Silence: In the States Roundup
    Shatter the Silence: 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. Alaska AFL-CIO:
    This is just wrong. It's unnecessary, immoral, disrespectful and frankly, inhumane. These attacks on our elders and seniors must stop. #akleg #akgov https://t.co/X9zEElpKPD — Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 2, 2019
    Arkansas AFL-CIO:
    NYC's $15 minimum wage hasn't brought the restaurant apocalypse — it's helped them thrive https://t.co/lcbJIx9SjV via @businessinsider — Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) August 12, 2019
    California Labor Federation:
    In CA, we can #ShattertheSilence & protect workers from sexual harassment & discrimination w/ #AB51. Nothing in this bill runs afoul of federal law but it does give workers in CA an important tool to fight #ForcedArbitration @LorenaSGonzalez #YesonAB51 https://t.co/gE45XMCDFi — California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) August 8, 2019
    Connecticut AFL-CIO:
    "Now we’ll not only be heard on our concerns about running short-staffed, we’ll have a seat at the table with management to do something about it." #UnionYES @AFTCT @AFLCIO https://t.co/NthduDDzur — Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 5, 2019
    Idaho State AFL-CIO:
    I just wrote a @theactionnet letter: Federal Workers Under Attack. Write one here: https://t.co/08d8ON7NmW — Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) August 6, 2019
    Indiana State AFL-CIO:
    Trump campaigned in 2016 as a voice for forgotten workers, but he consistently sides with large corporations against workers, and his nomination of Scalia would amplify the sad and damaging war on unions. #1u https://t.co/Q8oVUP2yDb — Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 12, 2019
    Iowa Federation of Labor:
    Hundreds of Portillo's workers organize https://t.co/UNejihZECl #1u — Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) August 7, 2019
    Maine AFL-CIO:
    Graduation time at the 2019 Labor Summer Institute! #1U #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/TXLcyPcaEQ — Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 8, 2019
    Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
    We stand in #solidarity with the @UNITEHERE26 Battery Wharf Hotel workers after their unanimous strike vote! #1job #1u https://t.co/rbUjusgjLF — Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 6, 2019
    Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
    Striking VA OmniRide drivers reach agreement - Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO with photos! https://t.co/JaQjNFifEg — MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) August 6, 2019
    Michigan AFL-CIO:
    #RejectScalia https://t.co/J7aBQ5SxE8 — Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) August 8, 2019
    Minnesota AFL-CIO:
    U.S. Bank Stadium becomes first to achieve LEED Platinum status. https://t.co/DQfFa7jRfd And it’s #UnionBuilt by members of @MNBldgTrades unions. pic.twitter.com/DJAiUYmVyE — Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 10, 2019
    Missouri AFL-CIO:
    Unions provide workers with an opportunity to get their voices heard in policy debates that shape their lives. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/zYrFv9UbVM — Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 9, 2019
    Montana AFL-CIO:
    Montana's best interests lie with representatives who put workers first! #1u #UnionStronghttps://t.co/3peu0npXkz — Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 9, 2019
    Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
    The Nebraska State AFL-CIO stands in unity with the people of El Paso and Dayton - Hate has no place in America - hateful rhetoric has no place in America. https://t.co/GIjr103pPc — NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) August 5, 2019
    New Mexico Federation of Labor:
    Really! #Solidarity for these #CommonSense proposals from our brothers and sisters. https://t.co/lTX9446LKs — NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) August 7, 2019
    New York State AFL-CIO:
    Podcast Episode 16: Hard Hats. Strong Women. Building the Future. #UnionStrong #CountMeIn @NEWStrongWomen @NYCBldgTrades #1u https://t.co/6yY1JrD5VY — NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) August 7, 2019
    North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
    .@MaryBeMcMillan to speak @UnionSportsmen's Inaugural NC State Conservation Dinner Nov. 6th in #Charlotte https://t.co/fNTgdmn82D #1u — NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 6, 2019
    Ohio AFL-CIO:
    Say it loud and proud! Raising wages actually helps the economy for all working people, passing a @GOP #TaxScam helps the economy only for billionaires and investor class. It’s time to #UnrigTheSystem and have it work for worker! https://t.co/ZAFvXKf6db — Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 12, 2019
    Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
    Check out our August Newsletter with information on Young Workers in the Labor Movement, Union Made Labor Day, our Convention, Saving Construction Apprenticeships, and more! Check it out at https://t.co/N1dYjUN2cS h — Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) August 5, 2019
    Oregon AFL-CIO:
    Cara, a recent graduate of Portland State University, explains why she's not shopping at @FredMeyerStores until they #FixTheGap between pay for male and female employees. Learn more and take action by visiting https://t.co/2ZeqyNv5Lf! pic.twitter.com/hCFROftCHM — Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 7, 2019
    Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
    We’re talking the #PROAct, it’s time to protect the workers’ right to organize, and enforce that right! @SenBobCasey @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/YSrrouVfLi — PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 7, 2019
    Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
    An updated Union Directory listing union goods and services in RI can be found on our website. Here is the direct link -->https://t.co/bmFICV4I4W Please use and share. #1U #AFLCIO #Union #UnionMade #UnionServices #Unions #UnionStrong — Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) August 7, 2019
    Texas AFL-CIO:
    We are ready for Tuesday, Aug. 13th! Are you? The largest labor action in North Texas is prepared to show @americanair that workers deserve respect. #1u #1Job @unitehere @unitehere23 pic.twitter.com/LjQtAOOWcW — Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 10, 2019
    Virginia AFL-CIO:
    Thanks so much to @AFLCIO ‘s Secretary Treasurer @lizshuler for joining us this morning! Thanks for your hard work representing workers everywhere. Check out some of her speech highlights below: pic.twitter.com/MNaoWhkz8n — Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) August 10, 2019
    Washington State Labor Council:
    The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is proud to be part of this coalition and to support Opportunities For All!#ApproveR88 https://t.co/yZtub4TAUH — WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 9, 2019
    Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
    Laborfest information for Madison via @LaborSCFL #WIunion pic.twitter.com/0YmQMqas3Z — WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 12, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/14/2019 - 10:25     — Aug 14
  • Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Bricklayers
    Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Bricklayers AFL-CIO Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Bricklayers. Name of Union: International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Mission: To help workers in the industry deal with unfair treatment, discrimination and other workplace issues in pursuit of balancing the power that an employer has over individual employees. To provide information, training and support for bricklayers and allied craftworkers. Current Leadership of Union: James Boland serves as president of BAC. Boland became a BAC member in 1977 and worked on projects in the San Francisco Bay Area for a decade. In 1988, he became a business agent for BAC Local 3 before being elected president in 1992. A year later, he joined BAC's Executive Council. Boland joined the international union's headquarters staff as assistant to the vice president. Later that year, he became regional director for California and Nevada. He served as secretary-treasurer from 1999 to 2010. He became president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015. Timothy J. Driscoll serves as secretary-treasurer. Gerard Scarano and Carlos Aquin serve as executive vice presidents. The executive council also includes regional vice presidents, regional directors, craft vice presidents and at-large members. Members Work As: Bricklayers, stone and marble masons, cement masons, plasterers, tile setters, terrazzo and mosaic workers, pointers, cleaners and caulkers. Industries Represented: The organized masonry industry. History: Watch this video about the history of the Bricklayers. Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The BAC Craft Awards recognize distinguished service that BAC members provide to our unions and communities. BAC runs an International Pension Fund, a Member Assistance Program and an International Health Fund to improve the quality of life for members. The Disaster Relief Fund helps members who are survivors of natural or other disasters. Through it's online store, BAC sells tools and branded clothing and other merchandise. BAC has several training and education resources. The BAC Journal provides information for working people in the masonry industry. Learn More: Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/12/2019 - 08:07 — Aug 12
  • ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast—Special Episode: The Labor Movement Responds to the El Paso Massacre
    ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast—Special Episode: The Labor Movement Responds to the El Paso Massacre AFL-CIO On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” podcast co-hosts Julie Greene and Tim Schlittner talk with Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay (Education Austin/AFT-NEA) in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in El Paso, Texas. They discuss immigration, organizing and the need for solidarity in times of darkness.  Listen to our previous episodes: “State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/07/2019 - 09:51 Tags: Podcast — Aug 7