Engaging Voters Every Day: 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.

Shuler: Labor’s Historic Political Effort Paid Off, Will Continue: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement Wednesday morning on the 2022 midterm elections: While it may be days or weeks until every vote is counted and we know the full results of this election, it’s clear the tireless organizing efforts of working people to engage voters in one-on-one discussions about the issues that matter made a critical difference this year in many races. No matter the outcome after all the votes are counted, working people know the fight isn’t over; in fact, it’s just getting started. The foundation that unions built through our 365-day-a-year political organizing campaign will engage voters every day through 2024 and beyond to create an economy that works for all of us.”

Facing a Wave, White House Plotted a One-Two Punch: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler credited the White House for recognizing that the economy was broader than simply jobs and gas prices. She said the president’s focus on retirement security and leaning into criticism of oil companies over high gas prices. ‘I think he saw the need to come out swinging because people wanted to see folks fighting for them,’ she said. ‘Companies are making record profits coming out of this pandemic, and not a lot of people are talking about that. And workers are still getting the short end of the stick.’”

Illinois Voters Approve Workers’ Rights Amendment to State Constitution: “Illinois voters decided issues in referendums on Election Day. They voted in favor of amending the Illinois constitution to guarantee workers’ rights to bargain collectively. ‘From day one, the Vote Yes for Workers’ Rights campaign has been based on the simple idea that every Illinois worker deserves better,’ Tim Drea, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO and Vote Yes for Workers’ Rights chair, said. ‘Better pay, stronger benefits and safer workplaces don’t just help workers thrive; they strengthen our state and keep us all safe.’”

Alabama Power Volunteers Celebrate Dedication of Habitat for Humanity House: “Chandler said the project was a team effort, with members of the Electrical Workers (IBEW) and volunteers from Alabama Power’s Plant Miller joining forces with the APSO Magic City Chapter on the project. ‘Alabama Power management in Generation, Distribution and Transmission has been absolutely supportive and willing to allow employees to participate, and we really appreciate that,’ said Keith Gilliland, assistant business manager, IBEW System Council U-19. ‘We’re proud to work for a company that allows its employees to take time to volunteer in the community.’”

U.S. Steel, USW Reach Tentative Agreement on New 4-Year Deal: “U.S. Steel announced Tuesday it has reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW) on a new four-year contract. The deal covers 11,000 USW-represented employees at the company’s domestic flat-rolled facilities, iron ore mining facilities and applicable tubular operations. The tentative agreement remains subject to ratification, which can take several weeks. According to USW, the deal includes wage increases, improvements to health care with no premiums, improved retirement benefits, an additional holiday, improved vacation, new parental leave and a $4,000 bonus.”

New York Firefighters Hand Out Nearly 200 Winter Coats: “Firefighters with the Syracuse Fire Department stopped by McKinley-Brighton Elementary School on Monday morning to make sure kids have the winter gear they need to stay warm. Having a warm winter hat and coat is a necessity many of us don’t think twice about, but for some families, a winter coat and hat are something they can’t afford. ‘Everybody knows in Syracuse there’s a need with cold weather. It’s one thing that will always come,’ Robert Brandt, Syracuse firefighter in the Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 280 told Localsyr.com. Syracuse IAFF Local 280 is working to change that, by partnering with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit whose mission is to help children who are in need. ‘Each kid will get to come down and pick a coat of their liking based on color, size things like that. They also pick a winter hat that may match the coat or another color that they might like,’ Brandt said.”