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Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Reacts to the Chauvin Verdict Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Reacts to the Chauvin Verdict 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. On Tuesday, a jury found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd. While many in the labor movement were quick to commend the verdict, we also know that the work of racial justice must continue. “Derek Chauvin has been held accountable for murdering George Floyd. While we celebrate today’s verdict, we have so much work ahead of us in order to build a more just state and nation for everyone,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy (UNITE HERE). “Black Minnesotans continue to face police violence. George Floyd and Daunte Wright should still be alive today.” AFL-CIO’s director of civil, human and women’s rights, Clayola Brown, said, “Neither a judge nor a jury can restore the lives of so many people of color who have been taken from us. What a jury can and must do is provide justice to all. That verdict was monumental for our country. We pray that George Floyd’s family finds some peace in this decision. The verdict confirms that if we fight, we can win. There is an appreciation that it’s not just us. The killing must stop, the violence must stop and justice must start.” In the wake of Tuesday’s guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, AFGE is reaffirming its commitment to creating safer and more effective policing policies across the country. “It’s gratifying to see today that a central principle of American justice has been upheld. No one is above the law,” AFGE National President Everett Kelley said on Tuesday. “It is my fervent hope that today’s verdict can be a catalyst for positive change, uniting us all in the pursuit of real, systemic criminal justice and policing reforms with broad support that can help us build a future where these killings stop happening.” While no verdict can bring back George Floyd, the jury’s finding in this case is a demonstration of accountability. Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) General President Kenneth Rigmaiden issued a statement on Tuesday: “We know there is so much more work to be done to end systemic racism in this country and the workplace. There can be no justice with rampant economic inequality, a more imprisoned, policed and militarized population than any major country, and one which since its inception has been built on the continued exploitation of Black and Brown workers. Our union stands in solidarity with those who’ve been in the streets demanding true justice and will continue to do so until it’s gotten.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/23/2021 - 09:45 Tags: Community Service, COVID-19 — Apr 23
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Black Lives Matter: What Working People Are Doing This Week Black Lives Matter: 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:
The recent Town Hall offered insight into our safety protocols as vaccines are becoming more widely available and offered members the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts.Members can watch the full event in the member portal - https://t.co/FtS4QVTMm0 pic.twitter.com/Na86oPYoiK— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 22, 2021
AFGE:Our union supports this bill. Education and training are essential tools to get ahead in today's economy. We've got to make sure those tools are accessible and affordable for American workers. https://t.co/vJZcvwL1ZV— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 22, 2021
AFSCME:The majority of DC residents are Black or Brown. And they get no votes in Congress. Something seem wrong? That's because it is. If Congress is fully committed to racial justice, #DCStatehood must be a priority and it must happen soon ⏰— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 22, 2021
Alliance for Retired Americans:The @USPS Board of Governors is currently dominated by corporate executives with no postal experience & no diversity. Call your Senators today and ask them to confirm nominees Anton Hajjar, Amber McReynolds and Ron Stroman at 833-924-0085. #SaveThePostOffice pic.twitter.com/mXeDrnv9yF— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) April 22, 2021
Amalgamated Transit Union:Make Every Day, Earth Day - Ride Public Transit #EarthDayEveryDay #1u #PublicTransit #Labour #Transit pic.twitter.com/9mA27dLsXU— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 22, 2021
American Federation of Teachers:If passed, the THRIVE Act will invest a minimum of $1T per year over 10 years to create 15M jobs, achieve full employment, expand worker rights, protect wages, & more.This Earth Day, call your Representative & tell them: Co-sponsor the THRIVE Act.https://t.co/ylWTZqkKuV pic.twitter.com/W6HvYt0flT— AFT (@AFTunion) April 22, 2021
American Postal Workers Union:Amber McReynolds: "In the midst of a global pandemic, millions of Americans across the country relied on the postal service to cast their ballots. Despite great challenges, the postal service helped deliver democracy during the 2020 election" pic.twitter.com/qVXOUmzLW3— APWU National (@APWUnational) April 22, 2021
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:Justice for George Floyd. And Daunte Wright.And Rayshard Brooks.And Breonna Taylor.And too many more. pic.twitter.com/le6MI46Gay— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 19, 2021
Boilermakers:According to a recent New York Times article, "America needs a union revival if we’re to have any hope of reversing spiraling inequality." It's that simple. Read more here: https://t.co/iavNQhZwN5#UnionStrong #1U— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 21, 2021
Bricklayers:Hall of Fame Effort: How BAC helped renovate one of Canton, Ohio’s other iconic facilities: https://t.co/TwOJ7cyrc8 pic.twitter.com/iYvZnP7lIZ— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) April 21, 2021
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:Labor’s friend and a believer in decency, Walter Mondale has passed away. Condolences to the Mondale family. #Walter Mondale pic.twitter.com/BSLeTYHZ5K— CBTU (@CBTU72) April 20, 2021
Communications Workers of America:Solidarity with @USLPlayers! It's time for @USLChampionship to bargain a fair agreement https://t.co/DKhxPOO8Hg— CWA (@CWAUnion) April 21, 2021
Department for Professional Employees:Black Lives Matter.— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) April 20, 2021
Electrical Workers:#IBEW Pres.: "The @POTUS' announcement is consistent with his focus on creating millions of good-paying union jobs building a 21st century modern infrastructure and a clean-energy future." https://t.co/0o6f9EiT5Y— IBEW (@IBEW) April 22, 2021
Fire Fighters:#IAFF Members Plan Cross Country Ride Honoring 20th Anniversary of 9/11 https://t.co/MLWlm7brjH— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) April 22, 2021
Heat and Frost Insulators:We are proud to be a 'green' industry and have been since 1903! #HappyEarthDay2021 pic.twitter.com/iD48llCmNV— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) April 22, 2021
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:The @IFPTE women's solidarity network next speaker series will focus on the gender wage gap, and impacts of COVID and will feature Fay Faraday, Co-Chair of Ontario's Equal Pay Coalition and Judge Mimi Tsankov of @Imm_Judges_NAIJ! OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS! https://t.co/G1njlfssgo— IFPTE (@IFPTE) April 21, 2021
Ironworkers:Derek Dinzey of the BC Ironworkers explains the importance of access to training and mentorship when trying to increase the diversity of people working in the trades in BC.https://t.co/eScMq4yqur— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) April 21, 2021
Jobs With Justice:Women fill only 3.4% of jobs on construction sites in the US 📉To truly #BuildBackBetter, we must include everyone, not just men -- @POTUS' infrastructure plan must dismantle the sexist barriers that stand between women and these good paying, union jobs.https://t.co/rLj1m4ENdk— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 21, 2021
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:We must take action to ensure everyone can access income replacement and COVID aid. Sign the Petition Now! https://t.co/hi1rfD6ff4— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 19, 2021
Laborers:GP O’Sullivan: Without safeguards, the wind and solar industries will continue to push down wages and benefits for workers and their families. #LIUNA opposes the use of public funds to drive low-wage job creation. #LaborStandardsNow #WednesdayWisdom pic.twitter.com/roNoDcDxeZ— LIUNA (@LIUNA) April 21, 2021
Machinists:IAM Built, IAM Proud!A recent op-ed with Machinist Union In’tl President @IAMBobMartinez shows the #F35 is not just critical to our nation’s security, but spurs economic growth, providing a better life for generations of proud, hardworking union families.https://t.co/gvGzCIJjdb— Machinists Union ✈️🚊🚀 (@MachinistsUnion) April 22, 2021
Metal Trades Department:The #PROact is designed to aid the everyday workers right to organize and to keep them safe from employer intimidation. Tell your Senator to say "YES" today!https://t.co/fs3y2icY2l— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 20, 2021
Mine Workers:UMWA miners continue to picket in Alabama this week, striking against unfair labor practices at Warrior Met. These miners deserve a fair contract! #MinersSavedWarriorMet #UnitedWeStand pic.twitter.com/GBniaRQKWR— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 20, 2021
Musical Artists:We remain in these intense and emotional negotiations with the Met for a new collective bargaining agreement not only so we can return to work, but so that we will return to a restructured industry. Read full update here: https://t.co/srS2Tyw4Xf pic.twitter.com/Ub86TBTyAl— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) April 19, 2021
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:This year the @NATCACharitable Foundation donated $2,000 to Ten Thousand Books in support of Minneapolis Center (ZMP) member Katie Lay, who founded the nonprofit to use books to teach lessons of empathy and identity. Read more about Ten Thousand Books: https://t.co/BW7wnYBMtF pic.twitter.com/PQx3H317pU— NATCA (@NATCA) April 21, 2021
National Association of Letter Carriers:When Tom Zulon, a member of Boston, MA Branch 34, saw that one of his elderly customers had collapsed near her door, he remembered he had seen an ambulance earlier on his route. He raced to catch it and was able to get the EMTs to assist his customer. https://t.co/nsHAU5cV3v pic.twitter.com/Fs7AYLRUh6— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 21, 2021
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:Beautiful story from @zachgoodwin19 and @occidentalnews @NELA_NRP on NDLON's upcoming #WorkersMemorialDay commemoration, a day when we mourn the dead and fight for the living. Solo el pueblo salva el pueblo #laluchasigue #DALE https://t.co/yYFlZ6k4uy— NDLON (@NDLON) April 22, 2021
National Domestic Workers Alliance:“It’s about good jobs. Good jobs for every worker. Good jobs for every worker, everywhere,” @VP Harris said.https://t.co/Z50zuRYxBE— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 21, 2021
National Federation of Federal Employees:NFFE-IAM is proud to be elected the exclusive representative of the Animal Care Program for the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Now for the exciting work of building a strong #union contract.https://t.co/TlJEdnFcJg— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 16, 2021
National Nurses United:"Nurses honor the life of #GeorgeFloyd — and countless others lost to police violence. We take this moment to renew our commitment to transforming public safety and our justice system." #DefendBlackLiveshttps://t.co/1rWdCATh6C— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) April 20, 2021
National Taxi Workers Alliance:Check out this amazing video of our fight for debt relief. We’re back at City Hall TODAY 1-3 PM. Join us! https://t.co/Qamvxi2z9G— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) April 22, 2021
NFL Players Association:Next step: more action ✊NFL players are joining actors, coaches + artists in the Alliance for Criminal Justice Reform–starting with a Lobby Day to help push forward the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. ⏩ Players that are interested in joining please send us a DM. pic.twitter.com/G0JkDSynF2— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 21, 2021
North America's Building Trades Unions:Last summer, NABTU announced the results of two studies measuring job satisfaction in the energy sector. Check them out and tell Congress what strong labor standards mean to YOU.🔗: https://t.co/iZBBJ5Ujho #LaborStandardsNOW pic.twitter.com/xIhwcP7tf2— The Building Trades (@NABTU) April 21, 2021
Office and Professional Employees:Solidarity with our siblings at @InsiderUnion, who are forming a union with @newsguild. All working people can benefit from the protection of a union contract. ✊✊✊ #1u https://t.co/3wzZ0kNe0M— OPEIU ║ #PassThePROAct ✊ (@OPEIU) April 20, 2021
Painters and Allied Trades:Throughout our union’s 134-year history, we’ve provided security for and uplifted millions of working families.We’d like to expand the transformative benefits of our union to as many people as possible so future generations can live them too. pic.twitter.com/mvQVSN5P2e— IUPAT | Pass the PRO Act! (@GoIUPAT) April 19, 2021
Plasterers and Cement Masons:https://t.co/pwHlFAzxVi— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 22, 2021
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:Among the innocent victims that day were 108 federal employees, including 11 @USDOT workers. PASS-represented workers at the FAA remember their fallen colleagues & all who were killed in that act of domestic terrorism. #WeRemember #publicservice #federalemployees https://t.co/giK1UetsNa— PASS (@PASSNational) April 19, 2021
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:#OneDayLonger, One Day Stronger! Solidarity with @MineWorkers striking for a fair contract! #1u https://t.co/2m9YWGZmTJ— RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 22, 2021
Roofers and Waterproofers:Thunder and lightning storms create risks for #roofers. Protect yourself during a storm: https://t.co/BewY7utspA #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/D9UCJFc5b1— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 19, 2021
SAG-AFTRA:Congratulations and welcome! @mplaceunion #unionstrong with #sagaftra https://t.co/9zLUbgASaC— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 22, 2021
Solidarity Center:“On #EarthDay @SolidarityCntr stands with Colombian energy/extractive-sector unions & others around the world as they drive the vision for a just transition to a cleaner, more inclusive, more equitable economy"— @sonia_mistry @cutcolombia @FordFoundationhttps://t.co/X9M2hoIKHU— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) April 22, 2021
The NewsGuild-CWA:NewsGuild units at Trib-owned publications respond: “Wyss’ decision has created a challenge to our plans. It does not, however, deter our continued efforts to free our papers from the hedge fund Alden Global Capital. https://t.co/DAszFbYrhN— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) April 21, 2021
Theatrical Stage Employees:Create a brighter future for your craft and your community by Going Green with the IATSE on Earth Day! Check out the IATSE Goes Green! webinar to learn concrete tools to improve conditions for your community and your planet! Register here: https://t.co/IYMqxYMYkI pic.twitter.com/CcSXKtxnNq— IATSE // #PROAct (@IATSE) April 21, 2021
Transport Workers Union:With guilty verdicts delivered to Derick Chauvin for murdering George Floyd, the hope & prayer of the TWU is for healing in America 🇺🇸. OUR common enemy isn’t other workers regardless of race or ethnicity.The TWU continues to pursue internal unity while calling out evil for evil. https://t.co/paTvJk5UB0— TWU (@transportworker) April 20, 2021
Transportation Trades Department:Transportation labor is calling for robust investments in America’s roads and bridges, increased investments in aviation, public transit, freight and passenger rail, and our ports and maritime commerce. https://t.co/eHQCbThwou— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) April 21, 2021
UAW:"No court verdict, regardless of how you feel about it, brings true justice to families who have lost loved ones. Nor can it clear the conscience of our nation. It is up to all of us to do that." Read more: https://t.co/fDBFqS7U42— UAW (@UAW) April 20, 2021
Union Label and Service Trades Department:Women find their calling in nontraditional apprenticeships | Life & Arts | https://t.co/RiKQGp7x3b https://t.co/tgK0EXovz0— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) April 15, 2021
Union Veterans Council:Calling all veterans! The UVC is collecting short video testimonials this week from union and non-union veterans about the importance of a strong labor movement, and why we need to pass the #PROAct.Record your video here 👇https://t.co/9goseNZEqX pic.twitter.com/j8w3Pqy5Qu— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) April 20, 2021
UNITE HERE:STATEMENT on Guilty Verdict in Derek Chauvin Trial from UNITE HERE President D. TaylorOur thoughts and solidarity are with the family of George Floyd today and everyone who has lost a family member to police brutality. We hope you can have some peace of mind. pic.twitter.com/Z1rUCS7Z1r— UNITE HERE #PROAct (@unitehere) April 20, 2021
United Food and Commercial Workers:As the union for these brave grocery workers, UFCW is heartbroken. Our prayers are with our @Local338 @UFCW342 members and their families.America's grocery workers already face daily #COVID risks on frontlines. Our leaders must do more to keep them safe.https://t.co/4uD3y2zIXd— UFCW (@UFCW) April 20, 2021
United Steelworkers:Feds recover thousands in back wages for Valley workers at Ohio tire company https://t.co/EDmcjdbkE0— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) April 21, 2021
United Students Against Sweatshops:USAS Collective Liberation Cmte presents a virtual teach-in on Haiti’s powerful history of labor struggle and current workers’ uprising w/ special guests Rivka Louissaint, Reginald Lafontant & EugenePuryear. Register now: https://t.co/rdzvyG8ixN. Open to all students! pic.twitter.com/dkLhe4U1rI— USAS (@USAS) April 22, 2021
Utility Workers:Unions are looking to #veterans to fill ranks with skilled tradespeople for the future. UWUA leads the way with an extensive program that covers the cost of training, and puts vets in jobs when their service ends.By @blakestilwell for @Militarydotcom:https://t.co/iez5V0wMoT— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) April 21, 2021
Working America:George Floyd’s life mattered. So do the lives of all other Black people who have been brutalized and murdered by police.Regardless of verdict, the labor movement must always commit itself to fighting white supremacy, police violence and racism everywhere.Black lives matter.— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) April 20, 2021
Writers Guild of America, East:One step closer to the Senate voting for the #PROAct, the most progressive worker rights law in decades. Keep calling your U.S. Senators and demand they co-sponsor and #PassthePROAct. #1u https://t.co/LPHiiOytOp— Writers Guild of America, East / #PROAct (@WGAEast) April 19, 2021
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/22/2021 - 11:50 — Apr 22 -
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Minnesota AFL-CIO’s Statement on Derek Chauvin’s Conviction Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Minnesota AFL-CIO’s Statement on Derek Chauvin’s Conviction 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. Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy (UNITE HERE) issued the following a jury finding former Officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts in the death of George Floyd: “Derek Chauvin has been held accountable for murdering George Floyd. While we celebrate today’s verdict, we have so much work ahead of us in order to build a more just state and nation for everyone. Black Minnesotans continue to face police violence. George Floyd and Daunte Wright should still be alive today. “As Minnesotans, we must continue working so that whether we’re Black or White, Latino or Asian, Indigenous or newcomer, our families are safe, our voices are heard, and our rights are respected. “The Minnesota AFL-CIO is committed to building a more inclusive Labor Movement by listening to and elevating the voices of Minnesota’s Black union members as we work to reimagine public safety. “The Minnesota AFL-CIO and affiliated unions will continue our work to bring racial and economic justice to all workers in our state. That means higher wages through more union jobs, fully funded schools in every zip code, reliable and affordable housing, more access to high quality affordable healthcare, and reimagining public safety in our communities. We must come together as a movement to do this work. We must stand united.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/22/2021 - 09:32 Tags: COVID-19, Community Service — Apr 22
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Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Workplace Violence Prevention Act Will Save Lives, Shuler Says Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Workplace Violence Prevention Act Will Save Lives, Shuler Says 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. On Friday, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler (IBEW) celebrated the House passing the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195), which directs the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue a federal workplace violence prevention standard to protect workers in health care and social services from injury and death: “Working people’s lives are on the line. There is an epidemic of violence against health care and social service workers, and it must be stopped. Workplace violence is not ‘just part of the job.’ It is a worsening problem, but it is preventable. “Of the workers providing critical care on the front lines, women are at the greatest risk, suffering two out of every three serious workplace violence injuries. Workplace violence is the third-leading cause of job death and causes more than 30,000 serious lost-time injuries each year. Nurses, medical assistants, emergency responders and social workers face some of the greatest threats, suffering more than 72% of all workplace assaults. “Today’s House passage is a much-needed step to protect those who give so much to our communities. The Senate must step up and send this critical, lifesaving legislation to President Biden’s desk.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/20/2021 - 09:43 Tags: COVID-19, Community Service — Apr 20
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Service + Solidarity Spotlight: SMART Local 73 Turns Union Hall into Vaccine Clinic Service + Solidarity Spotlight: SMART Local 73 Turns Union Hall into Vaccine Clinic Dave Sylvester 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. International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 73 is partnering with Proviso Township, Illinois, and Jewel-Osco to provide added capacity for COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts, with its union hall functioning as a vaccine injection site. More than 1,400 vaccines were administered on March 29 at the local hall in Hillside, just west of downtown Chicago, for residents of any of the 15 villages in Proviso Township. The union hall effectively functioned as a one-day pop-up vaccine clinic. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/19/2021 - 09:20 Tags: COVID-19, Community Service — Apr 19
AFL-CIO Blog
- Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Reacts to the Chauvin Verdict
- Black Lives Matter: What Working People Are Doing This Week
- Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Minnesota AFL-CIO’s Statement on Derek Chauvin’s Conviction
- Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Workplace Violence Prevention Act Will Save Lives, Shuler Says
- Service + Solidarity Spotlight: SMART Local 73 Turns Union Hall into Vaccine Clinic