AFL-CIO Blog

  • Repression Continues in Kazakhstan as Union Leader Faces Seven Years in Prison
    Repression Continues in Kazakhstan as Union Leader Faces Seven Years in Prison IndustriALL Global Union The AFL-CIO strongly condemns the ongoing persecution of independent trade union leaders in Kazakhstan and the sentencing this week of Erlan Baltabai, leader of the Fuel and Energy Workers’ Union, affiliated with the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KNPRK). Baltabai was sentenced to seven years in prison and banned from exercising his right to engage in public life in what appears to be spurious criminal proceedings in retaliation for his trade union activism and support of other KNPRK leaders targeted by the government. The decision comes one month after the International Labor Organization’s Committee on Application of Standards concluded the government of Kazakhstan was systematically violating the rights to freedom of association and organizing, including the right to form independent unions. In 2017, the government of Kazakhstan dissolved the independent KNPRK and mandated that all unions must join a government-controlled national federation. On Sept. 25, 2018, government authorities raided the Fuel and Energy Workers’ Union offices and opened a case against Baltabai, saying he had no right to continue financial operations of a dissolved union. He was formally charged in March 2019 and his trial began the following month. Even though Baltabai could account for all expenditures, and the state used forensic economic examinations and audits based on regulations no longer in force, he has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term and banned from engaging in trade union activities in the future.  The case against Baltabai is similar to one brought against former KNPRK President Larisa Kharkova. In July 2017, Kharkova was convicted on demonstrably false charges of embezzlement and sentenced to four years of modified house arrest and a ban on holding any position in a trade union or nongovernmental organization. Two other trade union leaders were convicted and imprisoned around the same time. Both have since been released, but they are banned from engaging in any trade union activities. Another leader suffered a brutal physical attack in November 2018, and yet another was set up on false assault charges with help from police in January 2019 after speaking out on Kazakhstan at a gathering of the International Trade Union Confederation. These cases, taken together with other actions against independent unions, leaders and their families, demonstrate a clear pattern of government harassment and criminalization.  The AFL-CIO demands the unconditional acquittal and release of Baltabai and stands with others in the global labor movement to demand the government of Kazakhstan ends its anti-union practices and ensures independent trade union activists can exercise their fundamental rights. Click here to read the AFL-CIO's letter to Kazak President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/18/2019 - 10:51 — Jul 18
  • Sorry to Bother You: Worker Wins
    Sorry to Bother You: Worker Wins Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with big victories for working people in the Minnesota legislature and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. Minnesota Legislative Session Yields Victories for Working People: As the legislature finished up its work for the current session, several bills that will benefit working people were passed. Among the bills pursued as part of Minnesota AFL-CIO's Legislative Agenda of Dignity, Justice & Freedom for Working Minnesotans that passed are making wage theft a criminal felony offense, eliminating the sunset provision on the health care provider tax that funds care for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans and expanding the Working Families Tax Credit for unreimbursed work expenses. About the legislation, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy (UNITE HERE) said: "Despite being one of only two states with divided government, the 2019 legislative session yielded big wins for working Minnesotans, including the strongest law in the nation to combat wage theft. We applaud Governor Walz and the House majority for putting working people at the center of their legislative priorities this year." Inspired by Rapper and Filmmaker Boots Riley, Salt Lake Film Society Staff Unionize: Front-of-house staff at the Salt Lake Film Society were inspired by Boots Riley's film "Sorry to Bother You" to reach out to the Utah AFL-CIO who connected them with an organizer from IATSE. After doing the hard work to organize the new unit, the staffers got more than 80% to sign cards in favor of unionizing. The drive got a boost from Riley himself when he sent the organizers a video message. Riley said: "So much of what you do is getting stories to people. And the thing about what happens when people come together and fight, especially when they do that on the job, is it starts to tell a story to other people…it’s about the story that is being told to millions of other people that will be finding out about what you are doing….What you’re doing is very important, and I’m inspired by you." Vox Media Staffers Secure First Collective Bargaining Agreement: After 14 months of negotiations and a one-day walkout, staffers at Vox Media have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. The bargaining committee tweeted: "We are thrilled to announce we have reached a tentative agreement with Vox Media for our first-ever collective bargaining agreement. Our unit still needs to ratify our contract, but we are proud of what we have won in this agreement and can’t wait to share the details." Nevada Governor Signs Bill Extending Collective Bargaining Rights to 20,000 Working People: Gov. Steve Sisolak recently signed S.B. 135 into law. The legislation expands collective bargaining rights to more than 20,000 Nevada state employees. About the legislation, AFSCME President Lee Saunders said: "This bill is about respect for state employees who make their communities stronger every day. By signing this bill, Governor Sisolak demonstrates his understanding of the importance of giving working people a seat at the table and the voice on the job they deserve. Americans are looking for an answer to a rigged economy that favors the wealthy, and it’s clear that they are turning to unions in growing numbers. It is time to make it easier all across the country for working people to join in strong unions." Fiesto Rancho Casino Workers Vote to Join Culinary Union: After 85% of the nearly 150 workers who voted said they were in favor of unionizing, the Fiesta Rancho Hotel & Casino becomes the sixth Station Casinos property in Las Vegas to unionize since 2016. Geoconda Argüello-Kline, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union, said: "Workers are standing up and fighting! Two Station Casinos’ properties have voted to unionize by a majority this week. We call on Station Casinos to immediately negotiate and settle a fair contract for the workers at Fiesta Rancho, Sunset Station, Palms, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station and Boulder Station." Radio Station Employees at Santa Monica's KCRW Join SAG-AFTRA: More than 90 public media professionals at radio station KCRW voted to be represented by SAG-AFTRA. The workers delivered a petition signed by more than 75% of staffers with a request to form a union. SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said: "On behalf of SAG-AFTRA members, I am thrilled to welcome KCRW to our union family. KCRW is a one-of-a-kind radio station that produces some of Los Angeles’ most dynamic and diverse programming, and we’re excited to make sure everyone’s voice is heard through the collective bargaining process." Stagehands Ratify Collective Bargaining Event with DNC Venue: Stagehands working at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee have ratified a contract with the venue, which will host the Democratic National Convention in 2020. IATSE Vice President Craig Carlson said: "This agreement illustrates that both parties believe in the dignity of hard work, the honor it instills and the respect it commands. Our agreement rewards all workers with safe working conditions, fair wages and meaningful benefits. I commend Fiserv Forum’s Management and [IATSE] Local 18 for putting together an agreement which will lead to the future success of both workers and management. We look forward to a wonderful relationship." Working People at Ikea Distribution Centers in Illinois Vote to Join IAM: Nearly 200 distribution center workers employed at Ikea have voted to be represented by the Machinists (IAM). The organizing campaign is part of a larger IAM campaign to unionize workers at Ikea distribution and fulfillment centers throughout the world. Dennis Mendenhall, who led IAM's campaign in Illinois, said: "These hardworking men and women are proud to work at Ikea and do tremendous work for this company. Yes, joining the IAM gives them the opportunity to negotiate on wages, benefits and work rules. But this campaign was mostly about fairness and a voice on the job, as well as ensuring that the profits they create also benefit their families and communities." AT&T Workers in the Midwest Reach Tentative Agreement on Contract: Technicians and Installers who work for AT&T and are represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), reached two tentative agreements with the telecom giant. Some 8,000 employees are covered by the agreements, which have to be approved by the union's membership. CWA District 4 Vice President Linda L. Hinton said: "I am incredibly proud of our AT&T Midwest bargaining teams and our members. We did not back down and our agreement reflects the priorities we brought to the bargaining table on jobs, health care and employment security." Guggenheim Museum Staffers Join Local 30 of the Operating Engineers: Art handlers and facilities staff at the Guggenheim Museum in New York have voted to join the Operating Engineers (IUOE). The union will represent about 90 workers at the museum. An anonymous art handler, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "It’s incredibly exciting. Workers were able to unite behind a movement despite extensive attempts to exploit divisions by Guggenheim management. It signals a future ability to create a strong contract that benefits all of us equally." Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/18/2019 - 09:55 — Jul 18
  • Missouri Needs Relief: In the States Roundup
    Missouri Needs Relief: 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:
    It's time to abandon the sinking ship that is the #akgov - Don't let him take the state down with him! The #akleg needs to vote to override these vetoes and #SaveOurState from drastic and dangerous budget cuts - they are reckless and nonsensical. pic.twitter.com/vQg74VlXMH — Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 9, 2019
    Arkansas AFL-CIO:
    Learn about NEU: A union that provides a voice for nonprofit employees. #labor #1u #neu #unionstrong https://t.co/OoVv2HBAcW — Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) July 8, 2019
    California Labor Federation:
    Misclassified workers miss out on protections such as health benefits, minimum wage, & safety protections. With #AB5, we have the opportunity to protect workers from exploitation! It's time to #DisruptInequality and say #YesonAB5! pic.twitter.com/qy0hdIGLyA — California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) July 9, 2019
    Connecticut AFL-CIO:
    .@UNITEHERE President @DTaylorUH: "We are in a moment of time where we have the opportunity to organize on a scale we have never seen in our lifetime. This moment will not last. And by the way, it won’t wait on us." https://t.co/x4HGf9EGwX — Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) July 3, 2019
    Indiana State AFL-CIO:
    Sending solidarity to Amazon workers in Minnesota. ✊🏼✊🏾✊🏽✊🏿 Skip #PrimeDay and stand with workers! #1u https://t.co/7XafI2W3tP — Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) July 15, 2019
    Iowa Federation of Labor:
    The latest Iowa Daily Labor News! https://t.co/PmTM5ZBUXX Thanks to @AFGENational @IBEW @USWBlogger #1u #teach19 — Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) July 16, 2019
    Maine AFL-CIO:
    Here's our weekly labor update including a nurses contract rally in Machias, how public sector workers are responding to the Janus decision, the history of IBEW 1837 and more! https://t.co/KWvXbvD88H #mepolitics — Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) July 5, 2019
    Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
    Did you catch it in the @BostonGlobe this morning? Chris Carlozzi of the @nfib_ma is actually arguing that we should weaken public sector unions because they advocate for raising the minimum wage and want "high earners" to pay their fair share in taxes!! #RaiseTheWage #janus #1u pic.twitter.com/GSAFVf9PV0 — Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) July 11, 2019
    Metropolitan Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
    How a transit union triumphed in an anti-union stronghold https://t.co/ejPVJjJw3p — MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) July 12, 2019
    Michigan AFL-CIO:
    It’s no coincidence that these disparities begin to widen when corporate and political attacks set out to weaken unions. The labor movement was born from the need to protect the freedoms of working people. #1u #Solidarityhttps://t.co/0DiAXq8oEy — Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) July 10, 2019
    Minnesota AFL-CIO:
    Minnesota lawmakers, officials hail new wage theft law as nation's strongest https://t.co/pFhorgItxf #mnleg pic.twitter.com/9o85xqvtDg — Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) July 16, 2019
    Missouri AFL-CIO:
    Natural disasters across #Missouri has affected many of our brothers and sisters. We have set up the Missouri Working Families Relief Fund to help union members in their time of need. We are seeking donations to help our brothers and sisters. #1u https://t.co/LEQ6nuhLS4 pic.twitter.com/yekFXeiGNV — Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) July 9, 2019
    Montana AFL-CIO:
    Just in case you didn't know why we should skip Prime Day read this. https://t.co/38UA1tcPKn https://t.co/4KIOpFT12d — Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) July 15, 2019
    New Mexico Federation of Labor:
    “Why Young Workers Are Embracing Labor Unions” https://t.co/kH6wv2RGUj .@AFLCIO — NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) July 12, 2019
    New York State AFL-CIO:
    President Cilento at 31:30 highlighting the work of the @Renew911health and our commitment to fighting for 1st responders and victims of 9/11. #NeverForget #Renew911vcf https://t.co/ldYQFkwvOB — NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) July 15, 2019
    North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
    D Taylor, @unitehere: So you want a #GeneralStrike? Win victories first, and we can build on those wins. Dream big. Get creative. #NN19 #1u pic.twitter.com/JqGSuGgTKK — NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 11, 2019
    North Dakota AFL-CIO:
    On #PrimeDay, @Amazon pays less in taxes than its employees do. It’s one of the largest companies on the planet. But many Amazon workers work full-time and still can’t afford the necessities. pic.twitter.com/Qhn1KI3cpl — North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) July 15, 2019
    Ohio AFL-CIO:
    We don’t always agree with @gop @RepMikeTurner but we appreciate you standing up against hate. Now let’s agree on the #PROAct that will protect everyone at the workplace from same discrimination. https://t.co/NZs8UfIIY2 — Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) July 15, 2019
    Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
    The YELL Conference is coming! Sep 19-20! Send your young/new workers to not only become educated on Union history and issues, but return energized and engaged to recruit other young workers to follow suit. For more info and to register go to https://t.co/8VSySApHDb pic.twitter.com/q5q12isL28 — Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) July 16, 2019
    Oregon AFL-CIO:
    Telling #FredMeyer to fix the pay gap between women and men. #PayEquity now! pic.twitter.com/lLExhE48M1 — Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 16, 2019
    Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
    KEEP! IT! OPEN! We were so proud to join the nurses and medical staff at #hahnemannhospital last week. Sending you #solidarity from across the Commonwealth.#keepitopen @pennanurses @PhillyAFLCIO @afscme DC33 pic.twitter.com/L7Z0A5DrlS — PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) July 15, 2019
    Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
    Grilling Season https://t.co/ANn6BnH0ob #1U #UnionMade #Grilling #BBQ #Unions #UnionStrong #UnionsForAll #Solidarity — Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) July 12, 2019
    South Carolina AFL-CIO:
    Do you fly? https://t.co/HKcvYyQtes — SC AFL-CIO (@SCAFLCIO) July 2, 2019
    Texas AFL-CIO:
    ”My name is Francisco, and I’m a member of Ironworkers Local 263. We proudly construct buildings. I'm here today with my family to better my immigration status and apply for U.S. Citizenship.” #1u #txlaborcitizenship @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/Lh9E6CNnBd — Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) June 29, 2019
    Virginia AFL-CIO:
    VIRGINIA AFL-CIO PRESIDENT, DORIS CROUSE-MAYS RESPONDS TO VIRGINIA’S #1 BUSINESS RANKING BY CNBC Virginia: #1 for Business and Beyond Last for Workers Virginia Ranks #51st for Workers ! Check out why: https://t.co/FyHsR8gtfq #WhatAboutWorkers #WorkersDeserveBetter pic.twitter.com/8TBq6OD7L3 — Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) July 11, 2019
    Washington State Labor Council:
    Make sure you read this important opinion column by Stan Sorscher of SPEEA/IFPTE 2001. https://t.co/oAkh4meJMI — WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) July 8, 2019
    West Virginia AFL-CIO:
    Out early today with our team Union Labor in Solidarity Against Cancer at the CAMC Foundation Run for Your LIfe 5-Mile Run/2.5-Mile Walk in downtown Charleston! 💪👊❤️ pic.twitter.com/Esk3Ue5K0I — West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) June 22, 2019
    Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
    Incoming acting Labor Secretary Patrick Pizzella under scrutiny for work with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, https://t.co/iqkBAgYhAD — WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) July 16, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/16/2019 - 10:52     — Jul 16
  • Never Underestimate the Collective Power of Working People
    Never Underestimate the Collective Power of Working People Working people accepted the challenge of Janus v. AFSCME and used this test to reignite our solidarity and prove that we are stronger than any corporation, politician or high court. It takes more than a court case to tear down a century and a half of grit and gumption.  Together, union members from communities across the country reclaimed our power and redefined this past year with a historic movement of collective action. Teachers captured the country's attention, walking off the job for the fair treatment they deserve in states where collective bargaining is illegal. Workers at Marriott hotels in eight major cities across the country won groundbreaking protections against harassment and assault and a voice in how technology impacts their work. Grocery store employees throughout New England won better wages and respect after a massive strike that garnered support from workers and communities across America. Now, airline catering workers voted to authorize a strike and demand that “One Job Should Be Enough.” But, it’s not just union members calling for a fair return on work. This week, Wayfair employees embraced the power of collective action when they walked out of their workplace to protest the immoral abuse of migrants in detention centers at the border.  Google workers worldwide staged massive protests last fall, demanding an end to workplace harassment.  And, video game developers are joining together to fight for a voice at work.   Working people from every corner of the country are ready to experience the transformational power that comes with a union card. With the labor movement’s popularity at its highest point in more than 15 years, research from MIT shows that half of Americans would join a union today if they could.  For too long, rugged individualism was the false narrative sold to generations of Americans. At the same time, corporate interests chipped away at our most fundamental rights and freedoms. The result we’re seeing today is a concentration of wealth and power for the 1% that shocks the conscience and threatens the democratic system we have come to rely on.  But, the labor movement is refusing to settle for the false promises and comfortable confines of the status quo. We’re being bold. We’re taking risks. We’re helping to rewrite the American story.  We’re standing together and fighting for the change we need. We’re debating and defining the future of work with life-changing contracts and through cutting-edge training and education that helps working people advance to better jobs and fulfilling careers.  After all, we built the middle-class, won retirement security, created safe workplaces and determined what a fair economy could and should look like. That’s why the labor movement continues to be the most powerful force for working families.  Our mission now, and in the years to come, is to convert today’s historic levels of collective action into resurgent collective bargaining, so we can build a fairer, stronger and more upwardly mobile America.  There are signs of progress far and wide, and we are ready to give this moment everything we have.  The Supreme Court didn’t deliver the labor movement’s eulogy. It sparked our triumphant rise, and we’re only getting started. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/15/2019 - 12:57 Tags: Janus — Jul 15
  • Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Boilermakers
    Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Boilermakers Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Boilermakers. Name of Union: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers (IBB) Mission: Uniting members across multiple industries and occupations in the union's common endeavor of improving each other's lives and lifestyles through union representation. Current Leadership of Union: Newton B. Jones serves as international president of the Boilermakers. Jones began his career as a Boilermaker 47 years ago and has worked as a field construction boilermaker, high rigger, tube roller, certified pressure welder and in other jobs in the industry. In 1981, he joined the staff of the international union. Five years later, he was appointed director of organizing and communications. After that, he served as international vice president for the Southeast Section and in 2003 was chosen to complete the unexpired term of International President Charles W. Jones, who retired. Newton Jones was then re-elected as international president in 2006, 2011 and 2016. William T. Creeden serves as international secretary-treasurer, and the Boilermakers have five international vice presidents that serve geographical regions, including Lawrence McManamon (Great Lakes Section), J. Tom Baca (Western Section), Warren Fairley (Southeast Section), John T. Fultz (Northeast Section) and Arnie M. Stadnick (Canada). Current Number of Members: 60,000 Members Work In: Construction and repairing of electric power plants, refineries, pulp and paper and steel mills; building naval ships and commercial tankers; repairing locomotives; making cement; mining coal, gypsum and talc; forging tools for industry; and making consumer goods. Industries Represented: Heavy industry, shipbuilding, manufacturing, railroads, cement, mining and others. History: The Boilermakers are one of the oldest unions in the country, rising out of the Industrial Revolution's demand for steam power in 1880. The Boilermakers have been a part of many major events in American history, helping to build structural sections of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the machinery to make the Panama Canal, the world’s first nuclear submarine, the U.S.S. Nautilus, the U.S.S. New York amphibious transport dock (which includes steel from the Twin Towers), military ships and various submarines, nuclear, gas-fired and advanced coal-fired power plants and the aluminum-based fuel for the space shuttle’s solid rocket boosters. The Boilermakers have been headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, since 1893, and there are now more than 200 Boilermaker local lodges across North America. Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The Boilermaker Reporter provides news and information useful to workers in the industry. The Boilermakers have established national funds for pensions, health and welfare, and an annuity trust. They also provide education and training, one of the best apprentice programs in the country and are partners in an award-winning alliance with construction industry contractors and owners resulting in innovations for improved safety, manpower availability, training and cost savings. Learn More: Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/15/2019 - 10:04 — Jul 15