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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...
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...
Missouri Needs Relief: 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:
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
—...
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.
...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.
...
Demanding Better: 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.
‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Demanding Better: "Over three days in June, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka held town halls in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit to talk with workers about the future of NAFTA. Listen to some of the highlights from that conversation on the latest episode of 'State of the Unions.'"
Make History: 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."
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: SMART: "Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers."
Union Member Brings Unemployment...
Working Families Must Be Together, and Free
As working families around the country prepare for likely immigration raids, we reaffirm this statement from the AFL-CIO Executive Council. America’s unions will continue to fight for all working people. The labor movement is taking steps to ensure that members of our communities and our unions know their rights and know that we will all stand together in the face of these attacks. Be safe out there.
From the Executive Council statement:
The escalating attack on immigrant and refugee families in our country is an affront to labor's values and a clear threat to the freedoms we all hold dear.
Family is the reason we go to work every day. America’s unions categorically reject policies that tear families apart. Yet what we see in our country today is a dramatic and deliberate increase in the casualties caused by our broken immigration system.
Instead of ensuring the safety of workers doing dangerous and difficult jobs, we see our workplaces raided and hard-working union members arrested while employers continue with business as usual.
Instead of welcoming refugees and...
Make History: What Working People Are Doing This Week
AFL-CIO
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.
A. Philip Randolph Institute:
Help #APRINEC19 MAKE HISTORY!Join @APRI_National as we make history at our 50th Annual National Education Conference, August 7 - 11, 2019 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America Hotel in Bloomington, MN near Minneapolis). Registration and hotel info https://t.co/mEcM7PLN7b pic.twitter.com/mccz3PbPUE— APRI National (DC) (@APRI_National) July 2, 2019
Actors' Equity Association:
Thank you @AshleyJudd for sharing your story of getting your Equity Card! #HIGMEChttps://t.co/Q6HdrI07XS pic.twitter.com/8CYuzVlr1T— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) July 10, 2019
AFGE:
This hasty move could leave USDA with only 45% of its researchers. https://t.co/Os4hcvNyNf— AFGE (@AFGENational) July...
‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Demanding Better
AFL-CIO
Over three days in June, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka held town halls in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit to talk with workers about the future of NAFTA. Listen to some of the highlights from that conversation on the latest episode of “State of the Unions.”
“State of the Unions” is a tool to help us bring you the issues and stories that matter to working people. It captures the stories of workers across the country and is co-hosted by two young and diverse members of the AFL-CIO team: Mobilization Director Julie Greene and Executive Speechwriter and Editorial Manager Tim Schlittner. A new episode drops every other Wednesday featuring interesting interviews with workers and our allies across the country, as well as compelling insights from the podcast’s hosts.
Listen to our previous episodes:
A conversation with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, who is pushing the labor movement to be bold, take risks and not be afraid of failure.
A discussion on the progress LGBTQ working people have made over the past 25 years with Pride At Work...
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: SMART
AFL-CIO
Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
Name of Union: International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)
Mission: To advocate for fairness in the workplace, excellence at work and opportunity for all working families.
Current Leadership of Union: Joseph Sellers Jr., a second-generation sheet metal worker, serves as the general president of SMART. He began his career as an apprentice in 1980 at Local 19 in Philadelphia. In 1994, he was elected to the local's executive board and was appointed as training coordinator in 1996. He later served as business representative, president and business manager of Local 19.
In 2009, Sellers was elected as SMART's 11th general vice president. He became general secretary-treasurer in 2011 and was re-elected in 2014. He became general president in 2015. During his time in office, Sellers has "developed and led special campaigns to increase outreach and awareness for...
