AFL-CIO Blog

  • It's Time to Fix Our Roads and Infrastructure with Funding from Congress
    It's Time to Fix Our Roads and Infrastructure with Funding from Congress Infrastructure Week Bent rims. Broken springs. Bridges and roads unfit for drivers. Search #FTDR (short for “Fix the Damn Roads”) on social media, and you’ll find countless stories from Michiganders who are paying the price of crumbling, potholed roads and highways. Michigan’s roads cost the average driver more than $640 every year, and not a cent of that goes toward actually fixing the problem. The state of Michigan’s infrastructure is downright dangerous. School buses full of kids cross bridges held up with temporary supports. Chunks of concrete from overpasses fly into windshields, causing injuries. We’re running out of time to act. Unfortunately, nightmare bridges and roads are just one example of how underinvestment in infrastructure hurts working families—and not just in Michigan. Many of America’s transit systems, airports, railways and ports—once a point of deep pride for our country—are sorely outdated and can barely keep up with demand. As a result, Americans from all walks of life are suffering. Office workers endure grueling, hourslong commutes to and from work. Air travelers experience increasingly long lines at our nation’s airports. Small business owners face delays getting their goods to market. And those unable to afford vehicles find it difficult to access reliable transit options. These experiences add up to a national crisis. Failing to act on infrastructure makes the United States less competitive than 15 of our major trading partners and could cost us 2.5 million jobs by 2025. This Infrastructure Week, we’re calling on Congress to invest in our nation’s roads, bridges, schools and more. For every dollar spent on public infrastructure, we get $3.70 back in economic growth. That’s a phenomenal return on investment, putting an additional $1,400 per year back into the pockets of everyday Americans. A robust federal investment would ensure safe roads, sturdy bridges, clean drinking water, quality public schools, dependable transit systems and ports that can keep up with global demand. The package we need wouldn’t just address our current shortfall, but would help propel America forward as a global leader in the technologies and infrastructure of the future, such as high-speed rail and smart utilities. Improving our infrastructure also will help our families and communities by creating good-paying, family-sustaining jobs, lowering unemployment, raising wages and reducing inequality. This virtuous growth cycle can usher in a new era of broadly shared prosperity and, in turn, provide equality and justice within our communities. Without it, countless working families will be left to suffer the consequences—something Michigan knows all too well. Last month marked five years since the Flint water crisis began. Michigan’s recent proposal for a $120 million investment to replace lead service lines and clean up contaminated water is a critical step forward. What’s more, it would immediately put hundreds of women and men to work in good-paying union jobs across the state, replacing and building pipelines so this never happens again. Many of these jobs in infrastructure begin with a union apprenticeship. Workers receive education and on-the-job training—often at little or no cost—and afterward, they receive a career filled with dignity, opportunity, advancement and no debt. These workers are willing and able to tackle the enormity of our nation’s crumbling infrastructure crisis. But, like Michiganders and all Americans, they are waiting for the federal government to act. While Washington debates its next move, American families are footing the bill—paying more than $3,000 every year for government inaction—and wasting the equivalent of four full days a year sitting in unnecessary traffic. Michigan and other states are stepping up to fill in the gaps where they can, but we need federal leadership to get the job done. With 79% of Americans agreeing that it’s extremely important to invest in infrastructure, Congress and the administration are out of excuses. It’s time to fix the damn roads. This post originally appeared in the Lansing State Journal. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/17/2019 - 11:18 — May 17
  • Invest in Infrastructure: In the States Roundup
    Invest in Infrastructure: 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:
    Time to tell your legislator to support an Alaska with a strong economy and vital services. #akleg #akgov pic.twitter.com/65gzVsHuxP — Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 15, 2019
    Arizona AFL-CIO:
    'It's because we were union members': Boeing fires workers who organized https://t.co/6E2fLhLQH5 — Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 4, 2019
    Arkansas AFL-CIO:
    Video Games and Drinks, or Union Dues? Delta’s Pitch Draws Fire https://t.co/AtDxvRjEtC — Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) May 15, 2019
    California Labor Federation:
    Trump's illegal move to revoke #HSR funding from CA is an attempt to "kill thousands of good, family-supporting jobs our state desperately needs. We stand with @GavinNewsom to vigorously defend these funds & the #HSR project that’s so vital to California’s future." -- @ArtPulaski — California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) May 16, 2019
    Colorado AFL-CIO:
    We see you Senate Democrats-thank you for your leadership and support for Colorado workers and communities by passing HB 1314 on second reading! #coleg pic.twitter.com/kM4sMHLhqh — Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) April 30, 2019
    Connecticut AFL-CIO:
    Connecticut will finally catch up to our neighbors – MA, NY & NJ – who have already passed a $15 minimum wage. We applaud the legislature for doing the right thing and raising wages for over 330,000 workers in CT. Full @15andaUnion statement:https://t.co/nElHwR5wQ1 #FightFor15 pic.twitter.com/dAsgOB1IH6 — Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 17, 2019
    Florida AFL-CIO:
    The smoke is clearing from this year's attack on Working Families. Watch our final update video to see what happened in the last week of Session. Sign up for email alerts at https://t.co/tDa78A8Tvyhttps://t.co/x9QK5k5g74 — Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) May 16, 2019
    Georgia AFL-CIO:
    Union member and State Senator @SenNanOrrock pumping up the crowd at the @AFLCIO Southern District meetings! #1u pic.twitter.com/X7MoAumY7S — AFL-CIO Georgia (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 4, 2019
    Idaho AFL-CIO:
    Write Your Representative: Co-Sponsor H.R. 2474, Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019#1u #Solidarity #UnionStrong #Organize #UnionsForAll #RightToOrganize https://t.co/Q8uBoBq6Cp pic.twitter.com/72SHASm5dH — Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) May 8, 2019
    Indiana State AFL-CIO:
    44% of major roadways are in poor or mediocre condition, costing the average driver $533 each year in repairs. #BuildForTomorrow https://t.co/lEae1GhNya — Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) May 15, 2019
    Iowa Federation of Labor:
    STATEMENT ON IOWA SUPREME COURT RULING https://t.co/BzyVbmEyp1 — Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) May 17, 2019
    Kansas State AFL-CIO:
    We are very happy to announce that Delía García has been confirmed as the Secretary of KDOL! We look forward to Sec. García's continuing leadership. The future is bright for KDOL! Pictured: Sec. García and staff watching the official announcement.#KSDOL #ksleg @GovLauraKelly pic.twitter.com/J7MkEDhSuQ — Kansas Dept of Labor (@KansasDOL) May 3, 2019
    Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
    “Hoover emphasized a concern that several legislators of both parties have about the bill — that it will likely diminish the retirement... https://t.co/sGobvVaB40 — Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) May 7, 2019
    Maine AFL-CIO:
    ✊✊✊ https://t.co/mJFwcIsN6j — Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 15, 2019
    Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
    They heard us loud and clear today! We will continue to fight for the schools our students and communities deserve. #FundOurFuture #1u #mapoli pic.twitter.com/MePq3CdnoS — Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 16, 2019
    Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
    Daryl Davis Quintet closes out #dclaborfest concert with Whole Lott’s Shakin’ ⁦@busboysandpoets⁩ Takoma ⁦@The_AFM⁩ pic.twitter.com/jjVp3PYhZK — MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) May 17, 2019
    Michigan AFL-CIO:
    A well-deserved lifetime achievement award for Sander Levin. Always standing with us. #MIAFLCIO19. pic.twitter.com/kJs1XlNLX2 — Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) May 16, 2019
    Minnesota AFL-CIO:
    Heat grows in the union debate at Delta Air Lines as senators scold CEO. https://t.co/ZnAPVeSYd8 Thank you @SenTinaSmith for standing with working people and our freedom to join together! #1u @MachinistsUnion pic.twitter.com/w189bkHmwk — Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 17, 2019
    Missouri AFL-CIO:
    Some in the Missouri Legislature are trying to kill one of the largest energy projects in the state's history! Stand with the workers, rural schools and communities who will benefit from the Grain Belt Express project and tell the #MoLeg to #SaveGBX. https://t.co/GJu0xFRVbi pic.twitter.com/03TQdAhetk — Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 15, 2019
    Montana AFL-CIO:
    Bill signing ceremony for SB 264. Bill provides prevailing wages for remediation work at Colstrip when units close and allows the local union workforce to compete for those jobs. Thank you Sen. Jason Small for all your work! #mtpol pic.twitter.com/mBJ1MYSND1 — Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) May 9, 2019
    Nebraska AFL-CIO:
    Shout out to all who helped with the 27th Annual Letter Carriers Food Drive in Nebraska! We had an amazing response. #stampouthunger #unionproud pic.twitter.com/ktg1VE6Mqb — NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) May 12, 2019
    Nevada State AFL-CIO:
    Solidarity with state workers as they fight for a voice on the job ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏼@Local4041 @Culinary226 #1u pic.twitter.com/JPBMmOy3n9 — Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) May 14, 2019
    New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
    By acclamation @PresBrackett has been elected to a second term as NH AFL-CIO President! #nhpolitics — NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) April 13, 2019
    New Mexico Federation of Labor:
    Putting money into our communities is what makes it grow, not taking it away. #BuildForTomorrow pic.twitter.com/fEcs510rU5 — NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) May 17, 2019
    New York State AFL-CIO:
    NESE approval is essential to grow our economy. The project will not only provide good-paying construction jobs, it will create countless economic opportunities through new residential, industrial, and commercial development. When NESE is resubmitted @NYSDEC must approve quickly. — NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) May 16, 2019
    North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
    Yes! Adjuncts win latest round in union bid at Elon University: https://t.co/c5n3IXU0uM @SEIUForwardNC #1u #organizethesouth — NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 16, 2019
    Ohio AFL-CIO:
    This needs more attention. Thx to the @OHDems @RepMarcyKaptur @RepMarciaFudge @RepTimRyan @RepBeatty for supporting Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), Not one @GOP member signed up protect our @AFLCIO #Union, which protects our #MiddleClass. https://t.co/0RW6bYxoHH — Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) May 16, 2019
    Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
    pic.twitter.com/zKmtd442MK — Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) May 14, 2019
    Oregon AFL-CIO:
    https://t.co/lerh40Uzy4 — Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 17, 2019
    Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
    If you learn anything from @hardball tonight, it is that WORKERS’ issues at the heart of Pennsylvania’s communities! @HardballChris @ueunion #union #1u — PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 16, 2019
    Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
    Sign up today to receive our weekly ENews. Send us a request by E-Mail to [email protected] #1U #UnionNews #UnionStrong #UnionYes #Unions #AFLCIO — Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) March 15, 2019
    Texas AFL-CIO:
    SB 9 wants to suppress the elderly and disabled voters that often times can't drive to the polls," said Texas AFL-CIO's #NOSB9 @MontseTXAFLCIO https://t.co/Ou9iNmujQK — Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 16, 2019
    Virginia AFL-CIO:
    Millions of Americans Could Finally Get Paid Family Leave—If Lawmakers Can Agree On Who Pays https://t.co/XJVQkGPX7n pic.twitter.com/ntU6yZWTb9 — Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) May 17, 2019
    Washington State Labor Council:
    WSLC President Larry Brown: "A healthy environment and good jobs go hand in hand. We must have both, or in the end, we’ll have neither." #WAleadsonclimate https://t.co/Hvb5lRgrTT — WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 8, 2019
    Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
    For Equality, This Labor Leader Gave a Maximum Effort, https://t.co/Y5kNpspR6E — WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 16, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/17/2019 - 10:48     — May 17
  • Profiling Asian Pacific American Labor Leaders: The Working People Weekly List
    Profiling Asian Pacific American Labor Leaders: 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. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Profiles: Sumi Sevilla Haru: "For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Our next profile is Sumi Sevilla Haru." Murdered Trade Unionists: The Truth Behind Colombia’s Trade Agreement: "Any mention of Latin America has become a synonym of mass migration, autocratic governments and unstable economies. Yet, Colombia continues to shine as the exception. This week marks the seventh anniversary since the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) entered into force. It can be argued that during these years this South American nation has become a haven of economic and social stability. Or not." ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Confronting the Health Care Crisis: "In the latest episode of 'State of the Unions,' Tim talks to National Nurses United Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN, about the growing movement of registered nurses organizing for better jobs, a more just society and health care as a fundamental human right." Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Communications Workers of America: "Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Communications Workers of America (CWA)." Save Our Pensions: 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." Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Profiles: Chinese Railroad Laborers: "For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Our first profile this month features the Chinese laborers who helped build the first transcontinental railroad in North America." Colorado Legislature Votes to Protect Local Minimum Wage Laws: "Last week, the Colorado Legislature passed a bill to repeal the state's 1999 law that prohibits local governments from setting a minimum wage higher than the state level. The Colorado law was part of a wave of measures nationwide pushed by corporate interests trying to keep wages low by preempting democracy. Since then, working people in Colorado have been working to overturn the limitations placed on the minimum wage and will finally do so when Gov. Jared Polis signs the bill, which he is expected to do in the coming days." North Woods North Star: "After years of dealing with an intransigent governor, the Maine AFL-CIO is advancing a pro-labor agenda in the state after victories at the ballot box last year. With their endorsed candidate for governor elected to the Maine House with strong union support, the door is now open for opportunities to pass meaningful legislation for the working people of Maine." Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: California School Employees Association: "Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the California School Employees Association (CSEA)." Paducah Unions Observe Workers Memorial Day by Helping Feed the Hungry: "Union families gather on Workers Memorial Day to remember men and women who lost their lives on the job the previous year. 'This year, we wanted to do something different,' said Kyle Henderson, president of the Paducah-based Western Kentucky AFL-CIO Area Council." Economy Gains 263,000 Jobs in April; Unemployment Declines to 3.6%: "The U.S. economy gained 263,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate declined slightly to 3.6%, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continued lower levels of job growth provide good reason for the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee to express caution in considering any interest rate hikes." What (Guest-Worker) Women Want: "We’re farm workers, crab pickers and cruise ship workers. We’re chocolate packers, engineers, veterinarians, nurses and teachers from all around the world. We are united by our motivation, yearn for knowledge and commitment to creating change in our communities. We stand with guest-worker women from around the world to ensure that the policies that affect us reflect our experiences." ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Not Good Enough: "In the latest episode of 'State of the Unions,' podcast, co-hosts Julie and Tim talk to Celeste Drake, the AFL-CIO's recently departed trade policy specialist, about flaws in the proposed new NAFTA and outline the labor movement's high standards for current and future trade agreements." Labor's Resurgence: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states." Marriott Should Tell the Truth About Sexual Harassment: "Marriott International, the biggest hotel chain in the world, is hiding the truth about the dangers its workers face. UNITE HERE members are demanding that the company comes clean. " 12 Things You Need to Know About Death on the Job: "The AFL-CIO today released its 28th annual Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect report. Each April, we examine the state of worker safety in America. This year's report shows that 5,147 working people were killed on the job in 2017. Additionally, an estimated 95,000 died from occupational diseases." What Happens When Call Center Jobs Are Shipped Abroad and Workers Try to Organize?: "One of the world's largest 'contact center' companies, U.S.-based giant Alorica, has been expanding in the Philippines, where more than 1.3 million women and men work in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. These workers and their allies came together through BIEN, the BPO Industry Employees Network, to defend workers' interests in this booming sector. Alorica, a global player in this industry, offers 'customer experience' services to the U.S. market for clients like Comcast, AT&T, Citibank, Barclays and Caesars." USITC Report Backs Up the Need to Fix New NAFTA to Add Real Enforcement: "On April 18, the United States International Trade Commission released its analysis of the likely economic impacts of the new NAFTA (also known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or USMCA). The report supports the AFL-CIO’s position on the new NAFTA: Congress should not vote on it until it is fixed." The U.S. Postal Service Is Owned by the People—Let's Keep It That Way: "As the tax deadline looms and millions scurry to get their forms sent on time, Tax Day is a good time to dispel the myth that the U.S. Postal Service is funded by tax dollars." Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Railroad Signalmen: "Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Railroad Signalmen (BRS)." Powerful Victory: "A tentative agreement between the 31,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) in New England and management at Stop & Shop supermarkets has been reached, effectively ending the historic strike that captured the country’s attention." Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/17/2019 - 10:19 — May 17
  • Murdered Trade Unionists: The Truth Behind Colombia’s Trade Agreement
    Murdered Trade Unionists: The Truth Behind Colombia’s Trade Agreement Rhett Doumitt, Solidarity Center Any mention of Latin America has become a synonym of mass migration, autocratic governments and unstable economies. Yet, Colombia continues to shine as the exception. This week marks the seventh anniversary since the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) entered into force. It can be argued that during these years this South American nation has become a haven of economic and social stability. Or not. One only has to look behind all the fanfare and a “parallel reality” appears. Violence in Colombia is still harrowing. From the oil to the sugar to the flower sector, workers and trade unionists report a deterioration of their rights at the workplace, continued labor intermediation that weakens the power of workers, and an increase in the culture of violence and impunity. From January 2016 through April 2019, 681 social leaders and human rights defenders have been murdered; and between 2016 and 2018, 70 trade unionists have been killed. In fact, from the year the TPA went into force until today, 172 trade unionists have been murdered. When the United States and Colombia began negotiating their trade agreement, we already saw the negative effects of the original NAFTA—from mass migration and a spike in violence in Mexico to widening inequality in the United States. After pressure from labor and human rights organizations, in April 2011, the U.S. and Colombian governments agreed to an “Action Plan Related to Labor Rights” (Labor Action Plan) that outlined specific steps to be taken by the Colombian government within a concrete timeline. Colombia made commitments, both under the trade agreement and in other global fora, to improve worker rights, end attacks and murders of trade unionists, and bring perpetrators of violence to justice. The country also signed a peace accord with the FARC that committed to ending the conflict and addressing many of the core factors that continue to lead to high levels of inequality and violence. But despite these ongoing commitments by various Colombian administrations and President Iván Duque Márquez, the situation for Colombian workers and trade unionists continues to deteriorate.   As a side agreement, the Labor Action Plan had no effective enforcement mechanism, and in May 2016, the AFL-CIO and Colombian unions submitted a complaint under the FTA documenting ongoing egregious violations of the agreement’s labor commitments. Currently, the agreement remains inadequately implemented with new policies like the recently passed National Development Plan that actively undermines its implementation.   Today is the third anniversary of the submission of the labor complaint, and the AFL-CIO and Colombian unions continue to demand real action toward compliance with all international commitments that include full respect for and implementation of International Labor Organization’s  fundamental rights that are critical to not only securing rights, but the ongoing transition to an inclusive and lasting peace. In the context of the ongoing peace process, on May 2 the Colombian Congress approved the National Development Plan, a four-year plan that includes changes to labor rights. The plan contradicts many of Colombia’s commitments under free trade agreements with both the United States and Canada and with the European Union, as well as commitments made at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the ILO. It undermines efforts to redress broader problems such as the exclusion and poverty and violence faced by Afro-Colombians, indigenous people and rural workers. Seven years after the trade agreement went into force, neither the Colombian nor U.S. government are in a position to speak of progress. The ongoing failure to address egregious worker rights violations and violence against trade unionists in Colombia underscores the lack of effective enforcement mechanism in our current trade model. We must inform the current debates around the need to develop a new trade model that creates an effective enforcement mechanism, mandatory monitoring, reporting and assurances that actions will be promptly taken when workers' rights violations occur. Guaranteed funding is needed to ensure monitoring, enforcement and technical assistance happen. The United States must address the vain attempts by the Colombian government to uphold its commitments outlined in the TPA and ensure that any future trade agreements, including the renegotiated NAFTA, incorporate an effective mechanism that ensures that working families’ lives can benefit from trade. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/16/2019 - 12:23 Tags: Colombia — May 16
  • ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Confronting the Health Care Crisis
    ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Confronting the Health Care Crisis AFL-CIO In the latest episode of "State of the Unions," Tim talks to National Nurses United Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN, about the growing movement of registered nurses organizing for better jobs, a more just society and health care as a fundamental human right.  "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 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: “State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/15/2019 - 10:08 Tags: Podcast — May 15