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Workers' Rights Are on the Ballot: 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.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
Austin Quinn-Davidson, we know that you will fulfill your duties as mayor with integrity. Thank you for taking on this challenge when Anchorage needs you the most.#ancassembly pic.twitter.com/TCx6EglP4t
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 17, 2020
California Labor Federation:
“California voters must vote NO on Proposition 22, and say yes to a future with universal rights and good jobs for Black workers and for every worker in the state.” — Must read from @votingwhileblk @rashadrobinson & @NelpNews @RebeccaDNELP: https://t.co/t3gx09P2hH #NoOnProp22
— NO on Prop 22 (California Labor Federation) (@CaliforniaLabor) October 23, 2020
Florida AFL-CIO:
“If this initiative passes, only well-funded special interests will be able to afford to make changes to our Constitution, thus subverting...
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Alliance for Retired Americans and NFLPA Team Up to Educate Older Pennsylvania Voters about Voting in 2020
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Former Players Services Department and the Alliance for Retired Americans released a public service announcement (PSA) on Tuesday to encourage all Pennsylvania seniors to vote and ensure they are aware of how to cast a ballot by mail. This year’s elections mark the first time that any Pennsylvania voter can get a mail ballot. The PSA features Robin Cole, vice president of the NFLPA Former Players Pittsburgh chapter and retired linebacker who won two Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers football team in 1979 and 1980; his wife, Judith Cole; and Harriet Ellenberger, a member of the Pennsylvania Alliance. “Everyone needs to make a plan to vote this year,” Cole said. “I usually vote at the church, but...
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Black Training Leaders in the Bricklayers Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Kay Whigan (BAC) stands 6 feet, 3 inches tall and carries a deep and booming voice. A welding instructor at the John J. Flynn Bricklayers (BAC)/IMI International Training Center in Maryland, he admits that one of his biggest fears about becoming an instructor was how his students would perceive him. As a Black man who grew up in Alabama, Whigan said he is no stranger to racism. So as an instructor, he worried that his appearance might be intimidating. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to take the job,” said Whigan, who said he was tapped some years ago for a foreman role. “They told me I’d be good at it because of how I carry myself and how I treat people. When I’m working with someone—whether it’s a student in the shop or a worker on the job—I want them to feel nourished...
#ReliefNow: 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:
ICYMI - @TheActorsFund can provide emergency financial assistance to help performing arts and entertainment professionals impacted by the California Wildfires or Hurricane Laura. To apply, visithttps://t.co/J5JH3ZClGu
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) October 20, 2020
AFGE:
In a new op-ed in @TheHill, AFGE National President Everett Kelley, the head of the largest union representing federal and D.C. government employees, says American government must change leadership in November to restore trust, fight pandemic: https://t.co/SlCqkzNRkB
— AFGE (@AFGENational) October 20, 2020
AFSCME:
“This is a clear attempt to harm workers and take away their power at the bargaining table. These kinds of anti-union...
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Seafarers Perform Humanitarian Rescue of Stranded Boaters
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the Seafarers (SIU) recently came to the rescue of stranded boaters in the Pacific Ocean, some 150 miles off the California coast. Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair provided the photo above from the MV Jean Anne (Pasha Hawaii). “The boat was drifting at sea for days….The captain notified the U.S. Coast Guard,” Sinclair explained. “The people in the boat were Mexican citizens trying to gain access to the U.S. Their motor gave out, resulting in the boat drifting aimlessly in the Pacific. The SIU crew professionally performed duties in this humanitarian rescue.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Wed, 10/21/2020 - 09:37
Tags:
Community Service, COVID-19
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Operation Feed Atlantic City Cares for Laid-Off Workers
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
“When hardworking people are laid off,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech (IUOE), “the food we provide helps them feed their children while at the same time lets them know that their union family cares.”
On Thursday, Oct. 15, for the 11th time since the coronavirus pandemic walloped the casinos and related industries, brothers, sisters and friends from Atlantic City’s casino-related unions and other nearby affiliates volunteered their day to help distribute food kits to laid-off workers and the New Jersey Shore resort community at large. Members from the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Operating Engineers (IUOE), Shore Nurses Union/NYSNA and UNITE HERE provided the strong arms and the warm smiles.
“I’m so impressed with everyone who dedicated their time and...
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF Fights Opioid Epidemic
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
While the world remains consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, another public health crisis continues to rage. The opioid epidemic has ravaged our country, and it’s estimated that in the United States alone, nearly 130 people die every day from opioid overdose. The Fire Fighters (IAFF) have launched a new online resource, “Responding to the Opioid Epidemic,” a 10-segment video and podcast series. The series provides an in-depth understanding of opioid addiction and treatment, addiction treatment considerations for firefighters, and responsible approaches to pain management for firefighters.
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger said, “The U.S. and Canada are in the midst of a severe public health crisis caused by a surge in opioid misuse, addiction and overdose. Our members have a front row seat to the devastating impact...
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: CSEA Ramps Up Member-to-Member Election Campaign in California
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
While California may not be a battleground state when it comes to the presidential election, there are still important initiatives and state legislative races on the ballot. The California School Employees Association (CSEA) is not taking anything for granted. Instead, the union is pushing hard with its member-to-member phone call and text message program. “It’s exciting watching so many members volunteer their time to support election efforts,” CSEA President Ben Valdepeña said. He pointed out that thousands of calls and text messages have been sent to CSEA members over the past few weeks, with the get-out-the-vote outreach set to continue leading up to Election Day. CSEA and its member volunteers are fighting hard to pass Proposition 15, which would create fair and reliable funding for the...
National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Linda Chavez-Thompson
Wikimedia Commons
Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our movement. Today's profile features Linda Chavez-Thompson.
A second-generation American of Mexican descent, Chavez-Thompson grew up in Lubbock, Texas. An oft-told anecdote from her childhood told the story of a young Chavez-Thompson convincing her father that her mother should stay home and care for the household rather than working in the fields. She and her siblings threatened to walk off the job in support of her mother. Her father agreed and Chavez-Thompson got her first organizing victory.
In 1967, she started working as a secretary at the Laborers (LIUNA) local in Lubbock. As the only bilingual staff member, she soon became the union representative for Spanish-speaking LIUNA members. Before long, she was drafting grievances for workers and representing them in administrative proceedings.
Later, she moved to San Antonio and began working with AFSCME. In...
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Members Volunteer Labor of Love for Crisis Center in Missouri
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
A crisis center and shelter in Jefferson City, Missouri, now has bright, efficient lighting, thanks to a dozen Electrical Workers (IBEW) volunteers who were proud to lend a hand. The members of Local 257 gave their time and talent to help the community’s Rape and Abuse Crisis Service (RACS) spare funds that are badly needed to aid and shelter survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The workers at the center expressed their gratitude.
“We were glad to answer the call. That’s what we do as IBEW members,” said local President Joel Vanderslice (pictured on the right), who helmed the project. “And we want to thank RACS for everything they do, and for being such a great organization to work with.”
Through energy audits, RACS leaders learned that a lighting upgrade could...
