The Power and Importance of Unions: 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:
An important and heartfelt message from our awesome members in Nashville.
With the help of our community, we can get through this difficult moment in time the same way we always do: Together. https://t.co/FSlE721L3Y
— Actors’ Equity (@ActorsEquity) February 3, 2021
AFGE:
This is a win for federal workers nationwide. FSIP is a critical component in the federal negotiating process, and we look forward to President Biden’s future picks issuing just decisions, unencumbered by political interference. #1u https://t.co/GGghz7GJOw
— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 3, 2021
AFSCME:
A bipartisan call is going from more than 400 mayors to Congress – go big on funding the front lines. The @USMayors are echoing what AFSCME has been saying for months. #FundtheFrontLines https://t.co/cOKZgZysFx
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) February 3, 2021
Alliance for Retired Americans:
A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill to ease a major financial burden on the USPS by eliminating a requirement that it fund retirement benefits decades ahead of time. https://t.co/T5FUN6qF5L #SaveUSPS pic.twitter.com/rnFXCn0Gp3
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) February 3, 2021
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Today, Int. Pres. John Costa kicked off a Shop Steward and Executive Board Member zoom training with more than 25 Local Shop Stewards and Executive Board members from across the ATU. #TogetherWeFightTogetherWeWin pic.twitter.com/VD4RaTqGWQ
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) February 3, 2021
American Federation of Musicians:
Our AFM-EPF pension plan is one of 100s of multiemployer union pensions in critical status because of aging demographics, declining participation, and reduced contributions. Support the Reconciliation Package and ensure our pension remains secure: https://t.co/eXYQ1KYKJQ
— AFM (@The_AFM) February 2, 2021
American Federation of Teachers:
We agree with @teachcardona – American Rescue Act is key to how our schools move forward post-COVID. Our students need mental health services, extended learning over the summer, extended day and wrap around services. Tell your lawmaker to pass the act: https://t.co/pa8eW6WrxR
— AFT (@AFTunion) February 3, 2021
American Postal Workers Union:
Removing the 2006 prefunding mandate is a critical step to Save the Post Office – Let’s get it done in 2021! https://t.co/fUXiocXBVM
— APWU National (@APWUnational) February 3, 2021
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Excited to see AAPI leaders in #Redistricting @kathayccc at @commoncause @snarecha at @allontheline
Vik Malhotra at @FCCPTweetsLeading a panel with @OHorganizing @scsj to train 200+ folks: “We the People have cracked open [barriers to redistricting]”
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) February 3, 2021
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Our economy depends on aviation, and aviation depends on people feeling safe onboard our planes. Tell your governor that Flight Attendants should be prioritized as frontline essential workers and moved to Tier 1b. https://t.co/Fgnh5roL2Z
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) February 3, 2021
Boilermakers:
Tuesday Newsday: In a recent #CCUS 🌎 article, read what scientists believe will play a crucial part in saving us from climate-change induced devastation here: https://t.co/uSQPscKDd4@GlobalCCS pic.twitter.com/gphkY92PGi
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) February 2, 2021
Bricklayers:
Our member Mike Guerriero of Local 1 #NewYork is on @ToughAsNailsCBS. We are cheering for you, Mikey! #1u https://t.co/kW1RVQ4Src
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) February 3, 2021
California School Employees Association:
CSEA encourages @CAgovernor @GavinNewsom to appoint @RobBonta as #CA‘s next AG. He will be a defender of the defenseless, a fighter for fair dealing, a guardian of justice, and a caretaker of the California Dream. pic.twitter.com/WdBF08Fer7
— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) January 19, 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
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
We LOVE this inspiring video! https://t.co/IGab68JG8w (via @WWLIorg) #WomenLeaders #WomenInGovernment
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) January 31, 2021
Communications Workers of America:
Instead of letting workers organize Amazon would rather harass them on the toilet. https://t.co/vswLbXdo28
— CWA (@CWAUnion) February 2, 2021
Department for Professional Employees:
“The essence of trade unionism is social uplift. The labor movement has been the haven for the dispossessed, the despised, the neglected, the downtrodden, the poor.” – Labor leader A. Philip Randolph #1u #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/WDvzUWrWqw
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 3, 2021
Electrical Workers:
“One of the many things we’ve learned from this pandemic is the power and importance of unions in making sure the backbone of our two countries, working families, are rewarded and protected for their valuable contributions.” https://t.co/Po6EvszYun
— IBEW (@IBEW) February 3, 2021
Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
February 5th we are vaccinating more Lucas County residents. If you are 70 years or older, or an employee of K-12 schools, you are eligible to be vaccinated at our Toledo office. Call 419-243-3456 or email flocoh@floc.com to confirm your spot! https://t.co/NKDX8iLjTk
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) February 2, 2021
Fire Fighters:
Bernalillo County Fire Dept. creates #firehouse tour for students https://t.co/htPuqKExU9 @NMPFFA
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) February 3, 2021
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Congratulations Local 37 and all of the Brothers and Sisters who have helped make our Local successful! We celebrate you on your 90 year milestone! pic.twitter.com/62z3PNZ2Qw
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) February 3, 2021
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
#SHAME! I have a question for @StephenEWells, how much donor money have you wasted on these hundreds of hours of meetings? Union busting lawyers are expensive🧐🧐🧐 https://t.co/dwgrznTCVJ
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) February 2, 2021
Ironworkers:
Following a wholly unique year, Mary Van Buren, the president of the Canadian Construction Association, shares with On-Site the organization’s expectations and the top issues it’s tracking heading into 2021.https://t.co/XuVfxePpUw
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) January 29, 2021
Jobs With Justice:
Many cities don’t record racial data on evictions, but we do know this — of all the eviction actions pursued during the pandemic, most were filed in predominately Black neighborhoods 🚫🏠
Housing is a racial justice issue. Period.#BlackHistoryMonth https://t.co/T3IZIZ15ZA
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) February 2, 2021
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
We must #ProtectFamilies pic.twitter.com/rT2IQh81WV
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) February 3, 2021
Laborers:
#LIUNA congrats @PeteButtigieg – who in now confirmed as the Secretary of Transportation by a Senate vote of 86-13. #infrastructureNOW https://t.co/EyPliYYS8k
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) February 3, 2021
Machinists:
The Machinists are leading the fight on Capitol Hill for an extension of the airline Payroll Support Program (PSP) to keep tens of thousands of IAM members employed. https://t.co/8ol0JzsWps
— Machinists Union ✈️🚊🚀 (@MachinistsUnion) February 3, 2021
Metal Trades Department:
Civil rights and workers rights go hand in hand. On the 3rd day of #BlackHistoryMonth we highlight Velma Hopkins who in the 1940s led 10,000 workers in a fight for better pay and racial and gender equality for workers of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. https://t.co/zUsbsptAmW pic.twitter.com/OgWBdwjNuk
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) February 3, 2021
Mine Workers:
“Now Consol needs to live up to its obligation under the law and ensure that these retirees – all of whom worked for Consol – get the health care it promised them and they earned through decades of incredibly hard work.” – President Cecil E. Robertshttps://t.co/35pR72dnjd
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) February 3, 2021
Musical Artists:
Visit https://t.co/c31Mzi8ZQx to read Ray Menard’s open letter to President Biden (@potus) and Vice President Harris (@vp) about the need for Arts funding & an Arts leader in the Cabinet! Also available on AGMA’s website. pic.twitter.com/8HCDeUAV6d
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 21, 2021
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
UPDATE: While the COVID-19 national emergency has stopped most activities everywhere in our country, NATCA’s members know we’re seeing less traffic at many facilities. pic.twitter.com/Q5Jookb7BV
— NATCA (@NATCA) February 3, 2021
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Gerald R. Bielak was recently honored for 3️⃣5️⃣ years of NALC membership! Gerald is a member of Buffalo-Western New York Branch 3. Thank you for more than three decades of membership, and congratulations! #UnionStrong #PostalProud pic.twitter.com/h2xnpuOcm5
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 3, 2021
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
“We filed a complaint, and we fought back bc we weren’t paid what they owe us, but i was threatened, they said they’d call immigration.”
And Biden can act to address this crisis today. #DALE #TrabajoSiMigraNo
con @la_colaborativa #ndlon @ULAnewhaven y mas! pic.twitter.com/KHkMY7Tj4G
— NDLON (@NDLON) January 27, 2021
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Sandra, a cleaner and Nanny in New York, had her hours and pay cut back during the pandemic and worried about paying rent. Then, she came down with COVID-19 and worried about her life. https://t.co/OmjYClrhGw
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) February 3, 2021
National Federation of Federal Employees:
The average American is unaware that the transition for a new presidential administration begins long before the November general election. NFFE members stand to benefit from our early and consistent engagement w/the Biden transition team. https://t.co/RChBgpBo81
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) January 27, 2021
National Nurses United:
To kick off #BlackHistoryMonth— in a year when fascist white supremacy has already reared its ugly head— we lift up
✨Salaria Kea✨
a Black nurse born in 1917 Milledgeville, Georgia, who helped fight against the fascist invasion of Spain.
A thread (1/10) #NurseTwitter pic.twitter.com/2moTd3rxNV
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) February 1, 2021
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Undocumented immigrants pay billions into a tax system from which they will never benefit
Not even during the worst economic crisis in a century. @NYGovCuomo: #FundExcludedWorkers NOW!https://t.co/K6UhjkDu8E
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) February 3, 2021
NFL Players Association:
You don’t want to miss this conversation with some of the most inspiring athletes who are changing the narrative around mental health–@haydenrhurst, @dsleon45, @SollyThomas90, @21DM_ERA & @thatLGUY join us at 2pm ET. https://t.co/SJqiGBZ6fL
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 3, 2021
North America’s Building Trades Unions:
NABTU President Sean McGarvey issued the following statement in recognition of #BlackHistoryMonth
🔗: https://t.co/kVsRl191FK pic.twitter.com/ZOk3yZ3XDj
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) February 2, 2021
Office and Professional Employees:
Today we honor Shirley Chisholm: teacher, activist, congresswoman, presidential candidate and fighter for justice. #BlackHistoryMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/lujEgL9sGH
— OPEIU #PassThePROAct ✊ (@OPEIU) February 2, 2021
Painters and Allied Trades:
What Amazon is able to get away with is what employers nationwide are allowed to get away with and spotlights just how broken our labor laws are today.
Some of these shameful practices by employers should be illegal and would be if the PRO Act was the law of the land.
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) February 2, 2021
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
With this Congress we will finally see some great labor legislation get passed. Help by sending a letter in support of the National Apprenticeship Act! And please share with your friends and family. https://t.co/G1v5ZVD65l
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) February 2, 2021
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS congratulates @USDOT Secretary @PeteButtigieg & applaud secretary for his pro-worker positions; know he will ensure that the FAA employees we represent have resources & staffing necessary to perform their safety critical work on behalf of America. https://t.co/ADp7g2lvgy
— PASS (@PASSNational) February 2, 2021
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
“[The @BAmazonUnion] has always been and will continue to always be the people of Bessemer, the workers at Amazon coming together. This was theirs, and will always be theirs” –@RWDSU organizer Joshua Brewer #BAmazonUnion #UnionBustingIsDisgusting #1uhttps://t.co/Ii8Ez5MtKZ
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) February 3, 2021
SAG-AFTRA:
Production is coming back! Check out our deep dive into the booming Chicago production scene Thurs, Feb 11 at 9:30 am PT/12:30 pm ET. RSVP today https://t.co/ymM1jZTK8b #sagaftramembers
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 3, 2021
School Administrators:
“A seasoned teacher, principal, district administrator and state official, Cardona is a bold and welcome choice by President Biden for US Secretary of Education. Read our full statement.” @EvieBlad @laurameckler @drsuperville @ngaudiano @laurenonthehill @kalynbelsha @emrichards pic.twitter.com/kNwDp66qsp
— The School Leader (@AFSAUnion) February 3, 2021
Seafarers:
Pandemic Doesn’t Stop SIU Philanthropy – Seafarers International Union https://t.co/r8Erjmfcf1
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) February 2, 2021
Solidarity Center:
Labor lawyers & worker rights activists in conversation to share strategies to ensure workers worldwide have access to justice–check it out! @ILAW_Network @CorpAcctLab @ituc https://t.co/e5PGVckqks
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) February 3, 2021
TCU/IAM:
A moving tribute to the dedicated @MTA @MetroNorth @LIRR men and women that tragically lost their lives to COVID. We must dedicate ourselves to protecting those that keep us moving. #WearAMask #1u https://t.co/f8s1KWJhoH
— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) January 27, 2021
The NewsGuild-CWA:
BREAKING: As vulture hedge fund Alden Global Capital moves to take majority control of @TribPub, the NewsGuild is asking the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to conduct an investigation into Alden’s secretive offshore ownership structure. @UStreasuryhttps://t.co/gMibOjqfPS
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) February 3, 2021
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Congratulations to the IA kin behind this year’s Golden Globe nominated productions! https://t.co/9dwyfPVNd3
— IATSE (@IATSE) February 3, 2021
Transport Workers Union:
Public transit is a civil right. But it’s being systematically denied from millions of people in thousands of communities across the country.
Catch the #TransitEquityDay Community Hearing on Transit Equity tomorrow Feb. 3 at 3 PM ET.
Join us: https://t.co/b66P24o4Ea pic.twitter.com/Exo1Tb7R2d
— TWU (@transportworker) February 2, 2021
Transportation Trades Department:
UPDATE: A federal mask mandate is now in effect for all travelers on planes, trains, busses & ferries. Transportation labor initially called for a federal mask mandate in July. It was rejected by the Trump Administration the same day former President Trump came down w/ covid. https://t.co/laHiuhKPgn
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) February 2, 2021
UAW:
The labor movement and civil rights movement have historically shared one core belief: ALL people have the right to earn a fair and dignified living — regardless of race, occupation, or socio-economic status. https://t.co/hVWsFEHpLm
— UAW (@UAW) February 3, 2021
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Teacher: What Americans keep getting wrong about our unions during the pandemic – The Washington Post https://t.co/xumbgM8QI9
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) February 3, 2021
Union Veterans Council:
More than 4,000 veterans have died from Covid in VA care. And thousands more are losing jobs, economic security, and support.
Let’s get this bill passed and get relief for all those who need it #Veterans #CovidReliefhttps://t.co/lrgaPUGru6— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) February 3, 2021
UNITE HERE:
A pandemic that took our loved ones & our jobs.
A Trump presidency fueled by white supremacy.
An anti-worker GOP majority bent on maintaining power, no matter the cost.
2020 challenged all of us. But rather than give up, UNITE HERE fought back—& took back what’s ours. pic.twitter.com/62XWvQD3Mz
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 29, 2021
United Food and Commercial Workers:
.@Kroger is closing grocery stores to retaliate against a new law mandating #HazardPay for brave workers risking #COVID exposure daily to feed our families.
No company is above the law and this ruthless money grab will not go unanswered. @UFCW statement: https://t.co/ZtWPEZ38Lk pic.twitter.com/5BYxFsrln4
— UFCW (@UFCW) February 2, 2021
United Steelworkers:
How Poverty Makes Workers Less Productive https://t.co/yxuoKRnh7r #1u
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) February 3, 2021
Utility Workers:
Did you know that you can access the full #UWUA magazine online? Take a moment to read all of the happenings going on in YOUR Union! https://t.co/T4fi0eG7sx pic.twitter.com/D2Hzijm2jF
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) February 3, 2021
Working America:
Warehouse workers in Bessemer, AL have come together to make Amazon a safer, better place to work! @NYT shares the story of how and why @BAmazonUnion workers began organizing with @RWDSU. #BAmazonUnion #UnionYes #1u https://t.co/p4kjLgnzyO
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) January 25, 2021
Writers Guild of America, East:
And the nominees for the 2021 #WritersGuildAwards in Television, New Media, News, Radio/Audio, and Promotional Writing are…https://t.co/Ew6GdRjMwf
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) February 3, 2021
Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 02/05/2021 – 13:04