Take a Stand for What We Deserve: 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:
In December of 1939, Butterfly McQueen became the first Black lifetime member of Equity. This rare membership is assigned to members for extraordinary volunteerism and involvement in our union. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/eAZcVXhNT6
— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) February 11, 2021
AFGE:
@POTUS promised to be the most ‘pro-union president’, and within his first three weeks in office he has already restored many vital protections for 2.1 million federal workers across the country. #1u pic.twitter.com/yT3EqTbEbP
— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 10, 2021
AFSCME:
“You don’t get things done just by going to management or HR… We as workers need to take a stand for what we deserve.” – Jenny Suarez, a respiratory therapist at University of California, Irvine’s, Medical Center, and a member of @AFSCMELocal3299. https://t.co/cZ6e5ktC6l
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) February 10, 2021
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Only 5.4% of all COVID vaccine doses administered in U.S. went to long-term care facility residents: https://t.co/AUUWdgZQsH
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) February 9, 2021
Amalgamated Transit Union:
An ATU hero at Local 1385-Dayton, OH. https://t.co/wHHSRcwBzg #1u #RTA #PublicTransit #Transit
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) February 11, 2021
American Federation of Musicians:
The #SuperBowl entertainment, featuring @ericchurch and @jsullivanmusic singing the #NationalAnthem and @HERMusicx singing #americathebeautiful, is covered by @afm_union contract. #PepsiHalftime with @theweeknd and backup singers is covered by @sagaftra. TY to all #unionmembers🏈 pic.twitter.com/72kihtvUst
— AFM (@The_AFM) February 7, 2021
American Federation of Teachers:
“We need to meet fear with facts, and we need to get vaccinations into poeple’s arms – teacher’s arms, other educators’s arms – as quickly as possible, to have another layer of protection.”
ICYMI: @rweingarten talked to CNN about what it will take to #ReopenSafely. pic.twitter.com/apKHqLojHg
— AFT (@AFTunion) February 9, 2021
American Postal Workers Union:
There’s one boss who we all love. #brucespringsteen #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/zF11JIavNG
— APWU National (@APWUnational) February 8, 2021
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
#GeneralStrike #Burma This is what labor solidarity looks like! https://t.co/Wd0BNfIyQ6
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) February 9, 2021
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Aviation is critical for vaccine distribution & essential frontline aviation workers need priority vaccination. We will continue to update this page for aviation workers to find your current state vaccine priority & resources to register for the vaccine. https://t.co/rssh23JmBZ
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) February 10, 2021
Boilermakers:
Stronger unions mean:
higher wages ✔️
safer working conditions ✔️
dignity for all people who work ✔️Passing the PRO Act will be the first step in getting there. Find our toolkit w/ graphics, info, sample messages and more at ➡️ https://t.co/qCBTPAOZxm #BoilermakersUnion pic.twitter.com/7hYj2Cgvz4
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) February 11, 2021
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
CBTU is thrilled to congratulate our sister Clayola Brown, on her appointment as the AFL-CIO’s new Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Director. Clay’s stellar career has prepared her for this challenge, and she will be a fierce champion of equity. Congrats sister! @APRI_National pic.twitter.com/8HYLqAuhWJ
— CBTU (@CBTU72) February 3, 2021
Communications Workers of America:
Scabby is an ICON. https://t.co/QrCnliHxSm
— CWA (@CWAUnion) February 11, 2021
Department for Professional Employees:
“The importance of this vote transcends this one facility. Amazon is transforming industry after industry, and, especially given its size, is determining what the future of work will look like.” – @RWDSU President @sappelbaum #1u https://t.co/GEqaIpaCwL
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 11, 2021
Electrical Workers:
Carbon capture, energy storage, wind, solar and advanced nuclear technologies are all winners in a recent Congressional spending bill. And that means energy jobs, now and into the future. https://t.co/iNlCjYnbcb
— IBEW (@IBEW) February 11, 2021
Fire Fighters:
Three Local 1664 members talk about the effects our profession can have on the minds & well-being of fire fighters. From long ago calls that stir emotion to full blown PTSD, it can impact people differently. @IAFFNewsDesk @mcfrsPIO https://t.co/w6QFhWuHHc
— IAFF Local 1664 (@IAFFLocal1664) February 11, 2021
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Thank you Local 34 Sister Hartse for sharing these great pictures! And congratulations on working at your first brewery — you did a great job! 🦎👏💪 pic.twitter.com/dsKsYPG9m3
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) February 11, 2021
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
We stand with, @RWDSU/@BAmazonUnion and @ACLUStaffUnited as they fight for their unions! #SolidarityForGood https://t.co/YQVuL3AEdL
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) February 6, 2021
Ironworkers:
The House of Representatives has approved legislation that seeks to expand apprenticeship programs to train workers in a range of industries, including construction, and authorizes $3 billion over five years to achieve that goal. https://t.co/umIvHSwhKW
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) February 9, 2021
IUE-CWA:
This fight is not just for the 80 jobs already on the chopping block. If our LED product line leaves, it is just a matter of time before the whole plant shuts down.” – Will Evans, IUE-CWA Local 84704 Pres.
Sign the petition to save jobs: https://t.co/mFEzNNgS4t pic.twitter.com/vdr48bsa4i
— IUE-CWA (@IUE_CWAUnion) February 8, 2021
Jobs With Justice:
Tyson refused to increase #COVID19 protections for workers, despite raking-in billions. Now, 39 are dead.@Vanguard_Group, @blackrock & @TRowePrice — will you hold @TysonFoods accountable? Or is your “socially responsible investing” line just PR fluff?https://t.co/Cm5j2v9Oqy
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) February 11, 2021
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Ongoing human rights violations, including slavery, in #Mauritania make safe return impossible. #TPS was created to protect people from deportation to countries where their lives or freedom would be at risk and @DHSgov must designate for 18 months now! #Act4BlackImms
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) February 10, 2021
Laborers:
#RightToWorkIsWrong https://t.co/t2K2ytk3mL
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) February 10, 2021
Machinists:
Protecting aerospace and defense jobs has brought labor and industry together to fully support this critical workforce @AIAspeaks. https://t.co/3fCg9n4Txn
— Machinists Union ✈️🚊🚀 (@MachinistsUnion) February 11, 2021
Metal Trades Department:
On the 11th day of #Blackhistorymonth Elizabeth Powell, Secretary-Treasurer of the APWU. Powell is the first woman in the position. In 2019 she was awarded the Coalition’s Addie Wyatt Award and the Shirley Chisholm Breakthrough Leader Award in 2020. Thank you for your dedication. pic.twitter.com/U8uhHRmUQO
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) February 11, 2021
Mine Workers:
“The United Mine Workers of America is backing the bill, writing: “Without an industry-wide, enforceable standard, miners are left to the whims of coal operators regarding protective measures that are employed at the mine to limit exposure to the virus.”https://t.co/chEQTv2enb
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) February 11, 2021
Musical Artists:
Today AGMA begins negotiations with the Met. Changes at the Met can influence the way opera is produced, rehearsed, and performed throughout the entire industry, across the globe. This is a fight for ALL Artists. Read full statement: https://t.co/ZGWXbqmBJN pic.twitter.com/xi2sXCkCe0
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) February 8, 2021
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
— NATCA (@NATCA) February 10, 2021
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Nalcrest is winter-ready! Residents of Nalcrest created ice sculptures of a swan, llama and snowman for their winter decorations. Nalcrest is a union-made retirement community for our members. #1u #Florida pic.twitter.com/BQ7w8jrW0C
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 11, 2021
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Our statement on the disgraceful Senate votarama: “Yesterday’s vote was a signal that Trumpism did not end on Jan 20th, and it was a reminder to those of us who experience anti-immigrant racism that we cannot be complacent in the days ahead” (cont…) https://t.co/q8tgfKcgwS
— NDLON (@NDLON) February 5, 2021
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
“It’s really sad … in my experience, the business model is based on wage theft—how to cut corners,” says NDWA attorney Rocío Avila. https://t.co/Qdrm3WW1V1
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) February 11, 2021
National Federation of Federal Employees:
The #COVID leave provisions in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), helped to prevent more than 15,000 cases per day nationwide during the pandemic last year. https://t.co/9V6albeK4H
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) February 10, 2021
National Nurses United:
“We see it as much of a civil-rights battle as a labor battle.” – @RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum
Nurses stand in solidarity with the courageous Amazon workers in Alabama organizing — and voting— #UnionYes!#BAmazonUnionhttps://t.co/tGvlfYyhvf
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) February 11, 2021
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Cabbies have taken the Brooklyn Bridge and are sending an SOS to Congress for help with medallion debt relief. pic.twitter.com/he43GUirG9
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) February 10, 2021
NFL Players Association:
Also joining us at the #AthleteAnd Workshop next week is Acho brothers @TheSamAcho + @EmmanuelAcho to talk about how players can leverage their power for good. pic.twitter.com/MV59fighLU
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 11, 2021
North America’s Building Trades Unions:
NABTU is pleased to announce the unanimous decision by our Governing Board of Presidents to provide our over 5,000 union halls and training centers as injection sites for public distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
🔗: https://t.co/00cbwVKObP pic.twitter.com/zxQTttKIsH
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) February 11, 2021
Office and Professional Employees:
✍️✍️✍️https://t.co/REZxvjcjk9
— OPEIU #PassThePROAct ✊ (@OPEIU) February 10, 2021
Painters and Allied Trades:
54% of American workers say they’re threatened with job loss if they vote to unionize.
40% of the time during union elections, employers break the law.
20% of workers who engage in union organizing are fired.This is why we need labor law reform. This is why we need the PRO Act. pic.twitter.com/8kviDEs02i
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) February 11, 2021
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Our proud member Liz “Knuckles” Nichols of Local 555 is on @ToughAsNailsCBS premiering tonight. On behalf of our Steel Edge Women and all your #OPCMIA brothers and sisters, we are cheering for you, Liz! https://t.co/Tq9O5KP6Ji
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) February 10, 2021
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS thanks @TransportDems for hearing today giving voice to frontline transportation workers. PASS also thanks leaders @RepPeterDeFazio & @RepSamGraves for support of these essential workers. Our union brothers & sisters need assistance now. #COVIDTransportationStories #1u https://t.co/Yac1KgB3S6
— PASS (@PASSNational) February 4, 2021
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
“It’s significant that it’s a movement of primarily Black workers & women—the workers that have been most impacted by the pandemic.” The #BlackLivesMatter movement inspired #BAmazonUnion workers to fight for the dignity and respect they deserve. #UnionYeshttps://t.co/wGS6mrJKnZ
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) February 11, 2021
SAG-AFTRA:
Tales of the Windy City! With the production trifecta of Chicago P.D./Med/Fire, #sagaftramembers can get an insider’s view about the many hats performers wear to thrive in a local market. Watch live now! https://t.co/1cb8yxIW4n
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 11, 2021
School Administrators:
We especially know Cardona’s experience as a principal provides him the greatest understanding of what school leaders need to create, implement and enhance the proper school learning environment for all children to learn and grow academically and personally. @CNN @MSNBC @FoxNews
— The School Leader (@AFSAUnion) February 8, 2021
Seafarers:
Biden to Free Up Billions in Delayed Puerto Rico Storm Aid https://t.co/uhJe7qXS9L
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) February 4, 2021
Solidarity Center:
A 14-yr old girl was among 28 garment workers killed in a factory disaster in #Morocco. The factory operated illegally. “Where were the local govt authorities? Where were the investors?” asked Amal El Amri, a rep in Parliament & union member. @cleanclotheshttps://t.co/ChxibFglko
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) February 11, 2021
The NewsGuild-CWA:
We are! https://t.co/uespeFZUml
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) February 10, 2021
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Local 665 President Tuia’ana Scanlan’s shares his journey to IATSE and the call that spearheaded his life and career as a Stagehand. #IATSEDiversity
Read Scanlan’s story here: https://t.co/00XFZrTuiR
— IATSE (@IATSE) February 11, 2021
Transport Workers Union:
TWU members continue to put their lives at risk to serve the public during #Covid19. As our economy struggles to recover, more jobs will be lost if we do not put pressure on Congress to act fast and save OUR jobs. Act fast & send a letter to Congress now!https://t.co/H8icWQJ2hR
— TWU (@transportworker) February 10, 2021
Transportation Trades Department:
Amtrak workers like Katrina Coleman need:
🚆 Job security
🚆 A safe work environment
🚆 Dedicated funding
🚆 Unwavering employment protections #COVIDTransportationStories @TCUnionHQ pic.twitter.com/NklxQzmW6g— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) February 4, 2021
UAW:
Despite claims that the cost wage increases will be passed onto consumers, researchers found that a 10% increase in the minimum wage raised McDonald’s food prices by just 1.4%. https://t.co/Wj8lyb9p4G
— UAW (@UAW) February 10, 2021
Union Veterans Council:
Many unions have successful programs that help connect veterans with federally registered apprenticeship programs. Through greater public investment in these programs, @POTUS is working to connect veterans with good careers for life. #BuildBackBetter #1u https://t.co/Je9D0pu8EH
— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) February 10, 2021
UNITE HERE:
STATEMENT from UNITE HERE President @DTaylorUH on the re-introduction of the ‘Worker Health Coverage Protection Act” by @SenatorDurbin & @SenCortezMasto.
“We need 100% emergency COBRA coverage now. 80% of our workers are out of work, out of health insurance, out of money.” pic.twitter.com/6jEWsrbX1I
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) February 4, 2021
United Food and Commercial Workers:
#EssentialWorkers are still bravely stepping up to keep our communities fed during #COVID19. Now more than ever, we need to have their back!
Stand with customers around the country to support hazard pay for #EssentialWorkers. #1u
⬇️ ⬇️— UFCW (@UFCW) February 11, 2021
United Steelworkers:
Texas Regulators Consider Tougher Rules for Above-Ground Chemical Storage Tanks https://t.co/7fnVzjlXNv #USWUnity
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) February 11, 2021
Utility Workers:
We’re celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth by highlighting the work of our members towards equality and racial justice in the workplace!
Have a union sister or brother who deserves to be highlighted for their work? Email webmaster@uwua.net pic.twitter.com/tnESgeW7q3
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) February 11, 2021
Working America:
✉️ Take Action to save our USPS! ✉️
Join the call for a USPS Board of Governors that wants to continue Benjamin Franklin’s vision for a fair, affordable postal system that ensures every person has the freedom to communicate, regardless of ZIP code! #1u https://t.co/7gmbfaqf9W
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) February 10, 2021
Writers Guild of America, East:
“The 3-year contract includes a $5k increase to the salary floor, converts remote contractors to full-time employees, renews a $15k annual commitment to address equity & inclusion issues, & establishes Juneteenth as a work holiday.” @OnionIncUnion #1u https://t.co/7Tt4xNVgUA
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) February 10, 2021
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/12/2021 – 12:01