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Collective Action Continues to Rise: The Working People Weekly List Collective Action Continues to Rise: The Working People Weekly List AFL-CIO 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. Number of Workers Striking Across the U.S. Jumped in 2018: "Almost 500,000 workers participated in work stoppages last year, driven primarily by protests in the education, health-care and social-assistance industries, the Labor Department said. Overall, there were more such disputes than in any year since 2007, and more people on strike or lockout than any year going back to 1987. 'If you think that neither the political system nor the economy is working for you, you turn to each other, knowing it’s the only way you can make change,' said Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million unionized workers." Let’s Not Forget Unions and Collective Action When Discussing Victories on Workers’ Rights: "Too often in our public discourse about workplace issues, the crucial role of labor unions and the legal right of workers to join together in collective action to improve their working conditions is forgotten or ignored." Trump Wrong to Scapegoat Immigrants, AFL-CIO President Says: "AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka discusses the trade war between the U.S. and China and the implications for the U.S. labor force with Bloomberg's Jason Kelly on "Bloomberg Markets: Balance of Power." Was It Worth It? Many Suffered in Trump’s Wall Budget Loss: "Wall or no wall, that wasn’t the question during a silent demonstration in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building. For 35 minutes on Wednesday afternoon, members of the American Federation of Government Employees and others held their fists high to mark the number of days in the longest shutdown that ended three weeks ago. In solemn fashion, they declared not to tolerate such an assault on the government and its workforce. Arms were raised. At the sound of triangle chimes and a small bell rung on each minute, individuals lowered one arm and then raised the other. Each minute was displayed on a paper plate, so the demonstrators would know how much they had to endure." Congress’s Spending Deal Doesn’t Include Back Pay for Federal Contractors: "Democratic lawmakers led by Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith wanted to attach a bill guaranteeing back pay for federal contractors to a final spending package in an effort to provide some financial relief for as many as 580,000 workers who may have missed out on wages during the recent shutdown. Contractors say they struggled with everything from covering medications to buying baby formula. The legislation, which would have been the first law of its kind to grant contractors back pay after a government shutdown, had been caught up in spending negotiations and faced Republican pushback, according to multiple Democratic sources. As Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) told reporters pointedly on Wednesday, 'I’ve been told the president won’t sign that....I guess federal contractors are different in his view than federal employees.'" Working People Rally to Protect Dreamers and Workers with TPS: "More than 1,000 of our union brothers and sisters from across the country marched on Capitol Hill Tuesday to call on Congress to save the temporary protected status (TPS) program and allow the workers who depend on it to continue to pursue their dreams in America." Painters Lend Helping Hand in the Construction Trades: "Work in the construction trades is very physically and mentally demanding. For some workers, those conditions, combined with other factors, can lead to the need for support from the community. The Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) union is stepping up to provide that support for workers who are dealing with depression or substance abuse with IUPAT Helping Hand, a new program designed to raise awareness and provide resources for working people who are struggling." No More Shutdowns: In the States Roundup: "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." U.S. Unions Bring Solidarity to Striking Mexican Workers: "A delegation of union leaders from the national AFL-CIO, the Texas AFL-CIO, the UAW and the United Steelworkers (USW) traveled to Matamoros, Mexico, last week to support tens of thousands of factory workers who have launched a wave of strikes to demand wage increases and democratic control of their unions." Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Amalgamated Transit Union: "Next up in our new series of taking a deeper look at each of our affiliates is Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). The series will run weekly until we've covered all 55 of our affiliates." Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/15/2019 - 10:57 — Feb 15
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Working People Rally to Protect Dreamers and Workers with TPS Working People Rally to Protect Dreamers and Workers with TPS AFL-CIO More than 1,000 of our union brothers and sisters from across the country marched on Capitol Hill Tuesday to call on Congress to save the temporary protected status (TPS) program and allow the workers who depend on it to continue to pursue their dreams in America. Despite the wind and rain, workers from UNITE HERE, the Laborers (LIUNA), the Bricklayers (BAC), the Ironworkers, the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) rallied at the U.S. Capitol, demanding #TPSJustice. TPS provides people from countries experiencing crises such as war, natural disaster or ongoing violence the opportunity to build a life in the United States. TPS holders are major contributors to our workplaces, economy and communities. They deserve a stable future, but the Trump administration has terminated the program for the 400,000 who have 275,000 U.S. citizen children. Tell Congress that working people support immigrants and want to protect TPS and create a pathway to citizenship. Here is what people said on Twitter from the rally:
Our big day is here, join us starting at 9 am, at the White House, as we march for the Justice of the TPS Community 👊🏾✊🏽. #TPSMarch #TPSJustice #ResidencyNow #ProtectTPSFamilies #TpsPeoplesSummit pic.twitter.com/KIrsBiXBHP— Nat’l TPS Alliance (@TPS_Alliance) February 12, 2019
“Everything I do is for them. I can’t imagine what I would do if I lost them.” TPS recipient Doris talks about her 3 US citizen children and the nightmare she faces if Congress doesn’t act quickly to #ProtectTPS. Join us in fighting for #TPSjustice: https://t.co/YLAlU3HeBF pic.twitter.com/fqol6uXF9Q— iAmerica Action (@iAmericaAction) February 12, 2019
CALL IN DAY: Has your Representative committed to preventing the termination of TPS and providing permanent protections for people whose lives are in limbo? Call and find out: 202-335-9949 #TPSJustice #SaveTPS pic.twitter.com/4J18UQzZwA— Working Families United (@wfucoalition) February 12, 2019
It is cold and rainy at the White House today, but that won't stop us from fighting for #TPSJustice - we're out here to fight for our brothers and sisters who are TPS holders because they too deserve a pathway to become permanent residents. pic.twitter.com/cQWlcOdYGR— APALA (@APALAnational) February 12, 2019
RIGHT NOW: A crowd led by @TPS_Alliance and other ntl. orgs has gathered outside the White House to demand #TPSJustice pic.twitter.com/5HD9FXvK41— Juan Escalante (@JuanSaaa) February 12, 2019
“No lluvia, ni viento, detiene el movimiento!”“Rain & wind can stop the movement”#tps #savetps #TPSJustice pic.twitter.com/5X833PehRp— Student Immigrant Movement (SIM) (@Join_SIM) February 12, 2019
“We are not standing in the rain because we like to stand in the rain. We are here for a cause. We are here because we don’t know what is coming next!” - Cristina Wilson #TPSjustice pic.twitter.com/7zGVr0i6Hx— Nat’l TPS Alliance (@TPS_Alliance) February 12, 2019
We're at the #TPSMarch march today in Washington, where thousands have shown up to defend this humanitarian program. Find out more about Trump’s attacks against the TPS community and what’s at stake: https://t.co/jcJ5REuPXY#TPSJustice #ResidencyNow #ProtectTPSFamilies pic.twitter.com/lT7mR8mGBh— WOLA (@WOLA_org) February 12, 2019
Our march to Capitol Hill is about to begin! Nuestra marcha hacia el Capitolio ya empieza! #TPSJustice pic.twitter.com/qo163uAIO4— Nat’l TPS Alliance (@TPS_Alliance) February 12, 2019
For Haiti, for 13 countries. We march for #tpsjustice. pic.twitter.com/XuuucwfuNT— Working Families United (@wfucoalition) February 12, 2019
Lots of signsLots of enthusiasmLots of determinationALL FOR #TPSJUSTICE pic.twitter.com/8SOl3wZqaD— Nat’l TPS Alliance (@TPS_Alliance) February 12, 2019
I had the privilege of sponsoring “The Last Dream: Stories Created & Performed by the Children of TPS” by the #Boston Experimental Theatre to create space for these children, children of #TPS recipients, to tell their stories & demand #TPSJUSTICE. pic.twitter.com/ey4I3cLUOC— Rep Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) February 12, 2019
Lobbying our Texas legislators to #ProtectTPSfamilies #TPSJustice #SaveTPS @GoIUPAT @TexasAFLCIO @unitehere @AFLCIO @wfucoalition @IUBAC pic.twitter.com/l0PgJvgwNE— Montserrat Garibay (@MontseTXAFLCIO) February 12, 2019
Rain or shine, we're proud to stand with our partners who are fighting for TPS recipients — immigrants who have built careers and made their lives here for decades now. #SaveTPS #TPSJustice pic.twitter.com/k8DcQRiXrU— Planned Parenthood Action (@PPact) February 12, 2019
Ana has lived & worked here for nearly two decades with #TPS. Today she is taking her mssg to Congress to advocate for a permanent solution for her & over 300,000 TPS holders who work hard for this country & deserve a pathway to citizenship. #SaveTPS #TPSjustice @WorkersUnitedWS pic.twitter.com/ysPfl4Dj6C— iAmerica Action (@iAmericaAction) February 12, 2019
America’s mothers call on Congress to enact legislation that affirms the dignity of immigrant women & children and of our nation. We stand with TPS holders and their fight to stay with their families and continue building their lives in the U.S. #SaveTPS #TPSJustice pic.twitter.com/YyZAqkm4oI— MomsRising (@MomsRising) February 12, 2019
“I came here in 1985 w/ dreams & am now a US citizen. I’m here to ask my sen @marcorubio to help us pass legislation to provide a permanent solution for #TPS recipients. If they’re forced to leave, there’s gonna be a big hole in this country.” -Javier, @WorkersUnited #tpsjustice pic.twitter.com/6n3XdDW5J6— iAmerica Action (@iAmericaAction) February 12, 2019
Ending TPS would put more than 400,000 TPS holders and their families at risk for deportation. Advocates took to the streets of D.C. today to demand permanent protection for these workers and families. #TPSJustice #SaveTPS #ResidencyNow pic.twitter.com/PeDcrBE7Ut— Advancing Justice | AAJC (@AAAJ_AAJC) February 12, 2019
Thank you Rep. @DonnaShalala staff for hearing our #TPS stories! Our Florida families need your support! #ResidencyNOW #TPSJustice @TPS_Alliance @afsc_org pic.twitter.com/LULYFTZMhC— AFSC South Region (@AFSCSouthRegion) February 12, 2019
In DC fighting for TPS and DACA. Fighting with Working Families United. A group of about 15 international Unions who are fighting for our people. Thank you Congressman Ro Khanna for meetings with us.#SaveTPS #TPSJustice @wfucoalition pic.twitter.com/pHkNzprrdg— IUPAT DC5 ORG (@IUPAT_DC5) February 12, 2019
Threatening #TPS families is just another form of family separation. Govt should lead with compassion, not cruelty and chaos. TY to everyone for sharing your story today. Together, we're going to #SaveTPS. #protectTPS #TPSJustice @fams2gether @MIRACoalition @TPS_Alliance pic.twitter.com/hlldi53DAj— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) February 12, 2019
This is what union solidarity looks like. Workers from 12+ states and eight+ unions pushing Congress to pass permanent protections for #TPSJustice NOW! pic.twitter.com/Rt7MhZ93Po— Working Families United (@wfucoalition) February 13, 2019
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/14/2019 - 12:52 — Feb 14 -
Painters Lend Helping Hand in the Construction Trades Painters Lend Helping Hand in the Construction Trades Work in the construction trades is very physically and mentally demanding. For some workers, those conditions, combined with other factors, can lead to the need for support from the community. The Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) union is stepping up to provide that support for workers who are dealing with depression or substance abuse with IUPAT Helping Hand, a new program designed to raise awareness and provide resources for working people who are struggling. Construction workers have the highest rate of suicide and drug abuse of any job category in the United States. Many of these addictions begin as treatment for work-related pain or injury. Workers often return to the job before they are fully healed in order to start earning a full paycheck again. Others come back to work still using painkillers that may affect job performance and safety. IUPAT Helping Hand is designed to help construction workers and their family and friends get access to resources that can identify warning signs and prevent or alleviate these problems before they get out of hand. Watch the video above and visit the Helping Hand website to learn more. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/13/2019 - 08:34 — Feb 13
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No More Shutdowns: In the States Roundup No More Shutdowns: 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:
After learning OMB Director Donna Arduin and Governor Dunleavy's plan for the budget as well as this newly rolled out supplemental budget, all we can say is someone needs a dictionary. trans·par·ent:(of an organization or its activities) open to public scrutiny. #akleg #akgov pic.twitter.com/JqgYph6Exw — Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 30, 2019
Arizona AFL-CIO:Congratulations to former UFCW member Cardi B on making history at last nights Grammy’s! https://t.co/yIdRhdgr8Q — Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) February 11, 2019
California Labor Federation:"Most gig economy workers are still classified as contract workers, meaning that they aren’t covered by federal minimum wage laws & other labor protections." We need to stop greedy corporations from cheating workers! #CaLeg must vote #YesOnAB5! https://t.co/Y3hoyx5iq8 @LorenaAD80 — California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) February 8, 2019
Connecticut AFL-CIO:Sotonye Otunba-Payne, court reporter & member of @AFSCMECT4: "We believe that outsourcing will lead to the destruction of middle-class jobs that are the backbone of our economy" #ThriveTogetherCT #1u pic.twitter.com/76CwOCoPrz — Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) February 11, 2019
Florida AFL-CIO:“There is a lot of uncertainty, and there is a high stress level in the people. It’s affecting the home life of people. Now they don’t know what their future is.” #NoMoreShutdowns https://t.co/rpipMtFYGI — Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) February 7, 2019
Georgia AFL-CIO:Instead of 4 beautiful words stamped on cars, we need 5: "UNION MADE in the USA". #1u #SOTU — AFL-CIO Georgia (@AFLCIOGeorgia) February 6, 2019
Indiana State AFL-CIO:“The GOP tax cut didn’t help. The free trade agreement hasn’t helped. There’s nothing Trump has done that has helped.” #1uhttps://t.co/OKnFM4jaEg — Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) February 7, 2019
Iowa Federation of Labor:Black Civil Rights Activists https://t.co/RyMY1W3IfC — Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) February 11, 2019
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:“Janus hasn’t had any effect at all on us,” said the Kentucky AFL-CIO president, Bill Londrigan, whose state gained 5,000 new public union members after a series of dramatic teachers’... https://t.co/iFFpkxtN4g — Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) February 8, 2019
Maine AFL-CIO:Federal workers Bill and Rob speak to fellow area union members about the impact of the lockout, aka shutdown, had on their members and families. Never again! @AFGENational #mepolitics #1u pic.twitter.com/R7PYr4e0vr — Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 7, 2019
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Thank you to our union brothers and sisters working extra hard to keep the #MBTA running safely this morning during heavy use for the #PatriotsParade @carmensunion589 @IAM264Boston @IBEW103 @IBEW104 — Massachusetts AFLCIO (@massaflcio) February 5, 2019
Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:DC's JW Marriott engineers join IUOE 99 https://t.co/mTbMguthIY — MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) February 8, 2019
Michigan AFL-CIO:Wherein he passes the torch to all of us. Rest in power, John Dingell. #1u https://t.co/p60l38TK2E — Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) February 9, 2019
Minnesota AFL-CIO:The Fight Against Labor Trafficking Expands https://t.co/Ev2ECr027Y (via @workdaymn) #1u pic.twitter.com/6gM0pvlKVU — Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) February 8, 2019
Missouri AFL-CIO:The enemies of open government in Missouri have made clear they have no regard for either the principle of transparency or the overwhelming will of the people. #moleg https://t.co/eVBiG2cjOM — Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) February 8, 2019
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:Mark your calendars now to help Stamp Out Hunger. pic.twitter.com/YawTXOzhYq — NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) February 6, 2019
Nevada State AFL-CIO:Bright and snowy opening of #nvleg ❄️❄️❄️ Looking forward to warmer days and passing legislation to help NV working families #1u pic.twitter.com/7AtQxaU3IG — Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) February 5, 2019
New Mexico Federation of Labor:#StoptheShutdown ! Give our Brothers and Sisters the dignity they deserve! #Solidarity #1u pic.twitter.com/ukLH9JdheU — NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) February 11, 2019
New York State AFL-CIO:Labor leaders optimistic bill penalizing companies for outsourcing call-center jobs will pass in Dem-controlled Albany https://t.co/AJqcvdG2wE — NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) February 11, 2019
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:We need you in Raleigh Feb. 27th for 2019 Medicaid Expansion Advocacy Day! RSVP at https://t.co/Qwf0ZDcDGA https://t.co/cl4WQ3wju7 — NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 10, 2019
North Dakota AFL-CIO:Rep. Nelson stands with North Dakota Firefighters and Police and their right to join together and negotiate the terms of their employment. Thank him! menelson@nd.gov - 701-550-9731 #HB1463 #NDPOL #1u pic.twitter.com/ealExPZn1T — North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) February 5, 2019
Ohio AFL-CIO:Fear @wrightstate faculty, staff, students & @aaupwsu, Thank you for standing united in #solidarity for a better university. The lessons taught on the picket line will last a lifetime (and beyond). Congratulations and in the best way possible, we say, “Now get o work.” 💪👏✊ https://t.co/w2z6FyymlF — Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) February 11, 2019
Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:Check out IBEW 1141 member Joshua Matthews giving back to his community! https://t.co/NvNHGF7EKX — Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) February 11, 2019
Oregon AFL-CIO:This blocks working peoples' pathway to prosperity. Enough is enough. #YESonSB608 is our chance to fight the housing crisis head on. https://t.co/q5NC433lib — Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) February 5, 2019
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:10s of thousands of Pennsylvanians are shut out of our workforce. If we want to address workforce development we NEED to address our criminal justice system! @GovernorTomWolf #BudgetAddress #CriminalJustice #CleanSlate pic.twitter.com/5lTNrXJlM2 — PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) February 5, 2019
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:RI labor movement suffered a great loss when Teamster Assistant Business Agent Dennis Lavallee passed away unexpectedly. A planned fundraiser has been set for Saturday, February 23 a trust has been established to assist the Lavallee family.@IBT251 #1U #Teamsters #IBT pic.twitter.com/LMNF6xt4YK — Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) February 11, 2019
South Carolina AFL-CIO:Workers, AFL-CIO, Democrats open legislative push for $15 minimum wage https://t.co/h83fE8brTY — SC AFL-CIO (@SCAFLCIO) February 9, 2019
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:Electrolux fired 658 employees, contract workers in Memphis the year before closure announcement https://t.co/V9ZzWtVCZo — Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) February 10, 2019
Texas AFL-CIO:Write your Texas senator now: Vote NO on David Whitley https://t.co/Z4ZqoaPYLt — Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) February 9, 2019
Virginia AFL-CIO:Raising the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2024 would lift pay for nearly 40 million workers | Economic Policy Institute https://t.co/y7yegm4gRw — Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) February 5, 2019
Washington State Labor Council:Our time counts—at work and away from it (WSLC Legislative Update) https://t.co/CGHD5Ve2Bs re: Secure Scheduling, funding community colleges, honoring labor on the 100th anniversary of the Seattle General Strike #waleg #1u pic.twitter.com/gotmegIqN3 — WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) February 8, 2019
West Virginia AFL-CIO:Here’s an explanation for why Corrupt @SenCarmichaelWV is pushing an "omnibus" education bill no one wants. #hatesworkingfamilies https://t.co/ZcDMAiOL3y — West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) February 3, 2019
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Unions Join Together to Challenge Wisconsin’s Lame Duck Laws, https://t.co/77fTdYIdIo — WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) February 9, 2019
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/12/2019 - 09:17 — Feb 12 -
U.S. Unions Bring Solidarity to Striking Mexican Workers U.S. Unions Bring Solidarity to Striking Mexican Workers AFL-CIO A delegation of union leaders from the national AFL-CIO, the Texas AFL-CIO, the UAW and the United Steelworkers (USW) traveled to Matamoros, Mexico, last week to support tens of thousands of factory workers who have launched a wave of strikes to demand wage increases and democratic control of their unions. Since Jan. 25, at least 48 factories that produce auto parts and other goods for export to the United States have signed agreements to increase wages by 20% and pay a bonus of 32,000 pesos (about $1,750). This is a huge victory for the workers, most of whom make around $2 per hour. In the past week, the strike wave has spread beyond the factories to supermarkets and other employers, with all the workers demanding "20/32." The leaders of the Matamoros unions, which historically have been close to the employers, were forced to endorse the workers’ demands. The delegation visited the picket line at Advanced Scientifics, a subsidiary of Massachusetts-based Thermo Fisher Scientifics, which produces medical supplies. Some 70 workers have been camped outside the plant 24 hours a day in near-freezing temperatures. "It’s heartbreaking to see workers who make life-saving equipment treated with so little respect," said USW District 13 Director Ruben Garza. "This is what happens when we sign trade agreements like [the North American Free Trade Ageement] that have no real protections for workers’ rights." While the wage increase and bonus are a huge victory, the employers and the Confederation of Mexican Workers unions are striking back already. In the past week, as many as 2,000 strike leaders have been fired and blacklisted, despite legal prohibitions and non-reprisal agreements signed by the employers. The U.S. delegation met with fired leaders from several factories who are planning a public protest to demand reinstatement. Here are their testimonies:
- "We were told we were fired because we offended the company."
- "The union never helped us, they deceived us. So we had to put our own courage on the line to confront them."
- "We need to be firm. I have a family, too. My greatest wish is that justice is served. I don’t want just a salary, I want justice!"