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Pride Month Profiles: Aimee Stephens, Gerald Lynn Bostock and Donald Zarda

For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Our first profile this year is the three plaintiffs in the 2020 Supreme Court cases that led to the landmark decision protecting the workplace rights of LGBTQ Americans: Aimee Stephens, Gerald Lynn Bostock and Donald Zarda.

Aimee Stephens was a funeral director at R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes in Michigan. When hired, Stephens lived and presented as a man. When she informed the owner and operator of the funeral home that she intended to transition from male to female, Stephens was fired. Stephens filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging unlawful discrimination. The EEOC investigated and filed a lawsuit. The case was originally decided in favor of the funeral home but was overturned on appeal and made its way to the Supreme Court.

Gerald Lynn Bostock, a gay man, worked for the Juvenile Court of Clayton County, Georgia. He began participating in a gay recreational...

Pride Month: 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.

Profiling Labor Leaders and Activists for Pride Month: "For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Seafarers to Reopen Hiring Halls Next Week with New Safeguards: "The Seafarers (SIU) union, under the leadership of President Michael Sacco, has announced that it will reopen its hiring halls on June 15."

Every Election Matters: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states."

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: USW Endorses ‘Workers First’ Plan for Reopening Michigan’s Economy: "The United Steelworkers (USW) union is backing the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus plan for safely reopening the state’s economy as Michigan continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic...

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Seafarers to Reopen Hiring Halls Next Week with New Safeguards

Seafarers

During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out their friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.

The Seafarers (SIU) union, under the leadership of President Michael Sacco, has announced that it will reopen its hiring halls on June 15. The union is implementing strict safeguards to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Modifications have been made at the halls, including extensive cleanings, installation of dividers, shipments of personal protective equipment for members and staff, and the rearranging of seats to promote social distancing, as an initial step in the reopening transition. Members also will be required to wear a face covering and bring a completed COVID-19 screening questionnaire when coming to the halls.

Kenneth Quinnell
Fri, 06/12/2020 - 09:05

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Service + Solidarity Spotlight: USW Endorses ‘Workers First’ Plan for Reopening Michigan’s Economy

USW

During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here's today's story.

The United Steelworkers (USW) union is backing the Michigan Legislative Labor Caucus plan for safely reopening the state’s economy as Michigan continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. The Workers First Reopening Plan, a package of 11 bills, includes measures such as expanded paid sick leave and workers’ compensation, extended hazard pay for front-line workers, strict health and safety standards, scheduling policies, mental health assistance, and safeguards against retaliation against workers.

“This plan ensures that the reopening of our economy prioritizes the safety of workers, families and communities over the profits of corporations,” said Michael Bolton, director of USW District 2, which...