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Call: Paycheck Fairness Act
The Paycheck Fairness Act increases penalties when employers violate equal pay provisions. It also makes it unlawful to prohibit employees from discussing their wages. Take two minutes to ask your senators and representative to support the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Make a Call.Today is Equal Pay Day because women have to work until March 14, 2023, to earn what a man made in 2022.
The gender wage gap leads to a loss of some $400,000 over the course of a working woman’s career. For women of color, that loss is even steeper. Read that again: $400,000.
The Paycheck Fairness Act would help close the wage gap in a few different ways by:
- Making it unlawful to prohibit employees from talking about their wages.
- Increasing penalties for violating the equal pay provision.
- Directing the Department of Labor to provide trainings for negotiating compensation and working conditions.
It’s time. Women should get equal pay for equal work.
If you agree, take two minutes to call your senators and representative. Tell them to vote YES on the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Audrey Edmonds Tue, 03/14/2023 - 14:14Tags: Equal Pay
International Women’s Day
Women are now nearly 50% of the workforce—yet inequality in the workplace continues. Unequal pay, harassment and discrimination are just some of the abuses women face daily.
But when women stand together, they can demand equality. And a union contract delivers.
We must do everything we can to protect our right to organize, especially from union-busting CEOs like Howard Schultz at Starbucks.
On Tuesday, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, spoke at the Senate, imploring senators to pass labor laws that protect our constitutional right to organize and collective bargaining.
Watch President Shuler's Testimony (Starts at 11:54)
The quickest way to equal pay (and equal treatment in every way) is a union contract. And we need laws that protect us and our right to organize.
Tags: Women's History Month
2023 Women Labor Leaders
This Women’s History Month, we’re profiling leaders who are making women’s history across the labor movement today.
There’s been a surge of organizing by women. Some 60% of workers organizing in the past decade have been women, and that means female leadership is the rule, not the exception.
Here are just a few of the women leaders organizing in 2023.
Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Tracie Roberts is an IBEW Local 291 member who works for the Idaho State AFL-CIO. This November, she will celebrate her 10-year work anniversary.
Everyone in the labor movement in Idaho knows who she is due to all her work with the state federation. Roberts is a true powerhouse who is always helping locals, central labor councils (CLCs) and anyone in the labor movement when she’s not working.
Tracie Roberts, IBEW Amy KayesElevator Constructors (IUEC)
Amy Kayes has been a leader and mentor to the women in IUEC Local 8.
She's held an elected position on the Executive Board since 2016, and as of last year, was appointed to a position on the Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
Amy is a service mechanic in San Francisco and works for San Francisco Elevator.
Sharen DavisTheatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
Sharen Davis is a proud member of the Costume Designers Guild Local 892 and an Emmy Award–winning and two-time Academy Award–nominated costume designer.
United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA)
Kimberly Charlton is at the top of her class. She was a huge part of building Warriors Stadium. There are six union members in her family, and union participation goes back three generations. She takes pride in her union and has certifications in medical gas, pex and brazing. Charlton is learning to weld and always working to do her best. She is always giving 100%, and she stands behind the union concept indefinitely.
Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
Patricia White is the director of IATSE’s Department of Education and Training and serves as president of New York City Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764. She also sits on the New York City CLC Executive Board. In 2013, White also was elected to the position of international trustee.
Patricia White, Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Sarah Varga
Laborers (LIUNA)
"As a member of LIUNA Local 464, I have learned that I don’t need a college degree to have good wages, insurance and a pension. Since joining the union, my mental health has improved because I don’t dread work. Union membership has made a difference for me financially. I don’t need to worry whether or not I can afford to go to the doctor or what I will be eating at night. LIUNA has made a great impact on not only myself, but also my union brothers, sisters and siblings."
Sarah Varga, Laborers (LIUNA) Pauline Mims
International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
As the political and legislative chair of UAW Local 276, Pauline Mims is creating space for more union sisters to be heard and seen, and empowering them to shift the Texas political landscape. As a state president of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, she is elevating the voices of Black voters and helping build CLC voter turnout programs.
Vice President, National Nurses United (NNU)
Catherine Kennedy is a registered nurse, member of the Council of Presidents for the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC) and vice president of National Nurses United (NNU). A staff nurse at Kaiser Permanente Roseville in the neonatal intensive care unit, she has been an outstanding advocate for nurses in her position as commissioner to the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission (2013–2021).
Additionally, she is a current member of the California Health Workforce Education and Training Council under the state’s Department of Health Care Access and Information (2021 to present) and advocates via her exceptional mentorship and cultural competency work with California Nurses Foundation (CNF). She is also a passionate public supporter for the NNU and CNA/NNOC campaigns for Medicare for All.
In October 2017, Registered Nurse Response Network, a disaster-relief project of CFN and NNU, chose Kennedy to lead a team of 50 volunteer registered nurses to aid Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, coordinating with a 300-person relief delegation from the AFL-CIO.
Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
Capt. Paula Battreal is a member of ALPA and flies the Boeing 767 for FedEx Express. Capt. Battreal has been flying for FedEx for 23 years. She was one of the youngest women hired at the company and, as a result, will be No. 1 on the seniority list when she retires. Capt. Battreal recently served as the seniority block 2 status representative on the FedEx Master Executive Council. During her time as part of the leadership structure, she was instrumental in standing up the FedEx pilot union’s first Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)
Veronica “Ronni” Benedetto, an aviation safety technician at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has dedicated her life to helping others. She began her federal career in the Civil Rights office at the Department of Defense and transferred to the FAA in 1996. She became a PASS contract representative in 2015 and is the union’s designated rep to assist workers who have been injured on the job navigate the workers’ compensation process. “Being a union member is the best job insurance one can have!” says Benedetto.
Kesheona Darden
Boilermakers (IBB)
Kesheona Darden is currently an apprentice—and also a shining star. Intelligent, driven and capable, she is co-chair for our Women at Work Committee. She is a great example of a working mother, making it happen.
Grace Catania
Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Grace Catania is a longtime member of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 34071. She is an immigrant to this great country, having left her home country of Poland in 1980, when she was 20. She moved to the United States moments before martial law was imposed in response to the Solidarity Movement. Having arrived in the United States with no connections except an older uncle, Catania had to make her own way. She studied English and landed a union job as a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
In 1994, she began a career as a per diem court interpreter while continuing to work in retail. She and her peers worked against the “contractor” classification and were finally recognized as employees when the Chicago Newspaper Guild Local 34071 was recognized as the bargaining unit in 2004. Soon after, the union obtained a first contract and better working conditions. Since then, Catania has served as interpreters’ unit steward, unit chair and contract bargaining team member. She became active in the local union and rose through the ranks to become the president. She also has served as a member and chair of the CWA National Women’s Committee. In addition, she was part of the Illinois Legislative Political Action Team and lobbied at the state and national levels. She has participated in many marches and actions, and actively supported other units in the local. Catania is proud of her three children and seven grandchildren, and lives in the suburbs of Chicago.
Grace Catania, CWA Deborah SpencerInternational Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)
Debbie Spencer is a groundbreaking labor leader who became IFPTE Local 195’s first female president in January 2023. With 28 years of experience in New Jersey’s labor movement, Spencer represents members in inspections, investigation and security, crafts, maintenance and operations, as well as New Jersey state employees. Prior to her election as president, Sister Spencer served as a business representative for Local 195, for which she negotiated contracts and handled grievances. Additionally, she co-chaired her union’s organizing committee and held the position of local secretary beginning in 2007. She started her union career as a school bus driver and proudly maintains her commercial driver’s license with passenger endorsement to drive a school bus.
Deborah Spencer, IFPTE Kisha Byrd
United Steelworkers (USW)
Kisha Byrd is an active member of USW Local 10-00086 in Norristown, Pa., and serves as Women of Steel coordinator for USW District 10. She helps organize activities year-round, including a Christmas party for local families and volunteer days at a local pantry and soup kitchen. She believes every worker has power in the union. “We all have our different personalities that come together to create what we have,” says Byrd.
Kisha Byrd, United Steelworkers (USW) Heather BurkeAFSCME
Heather Burke is a social caseworker in Adams County, Colorado, where she helps children in need find adoptive homes. Burke helped lead the effort to organize her co-workers to form their department's first union through AFSCME and advocated for passage of Colorado's collective bargaining expansion for county employees. Burke knows that by having a voice on the job, she and her co-workers can better fight for the resources and support they need to serve the children and families who depend on them.
Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
Debbie Lee Stevens is an industrial painter by trade, with more than 30 years in the industry. She is a leader by nature and continues to share her knowledge as a national instructor. She has achieved certifications, such as National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), CIP 3, C3, C5 and, most recently, NACE CCA Examiner status. Stevens is a mentor and takes pride in her training and skill sets to encourage the "why" in the next generation.
AFGE
Jessica LaPointe is the president of AFGE Council 220, which represents 30,000 Social Security Administration (SSA) employees, 70% of whom are women, in contract negotiations. She is also the vice president of AFGE Local 1346, a steward, the legislative and political coordinator, and the women’s and fair practices coordinator at the local.
Before she was elected as president at Council 220, LaPointe was a bilingual generalist claims specialist in the SSA field office in Madison, Wis. In addition to her work in the labor movement, LaPointe is a mother of 21-year-old twins, a 10-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter. She is also an avid capoeirista as part of the Madison Omulu Capoeira group.
Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
Pam Boyd has been a member of IATSE Local 336 for 27 years and a recording/corresponding secretary for 17 years. She continues to bring our local into the computer age and still manages our website. She was the political coordinator for the local up until this year and still continues as the IATSE Arizona AFL-CIO representative. She fought H.B. 2112 in 2016 and has done so much more. Our thanks go to you, Sister Boyd. In solidarity, your brothers, sisters and siblings of IATSE Local 336.
Alma LeeAFGE
AFGE National Veterans Affairs (VA) Council President Alma Lee has proudly served veterans at VA hospitals and protected the rights of those who care for our nation’s heroes for more than 36 years. Lee is the first Black woman elected as the National VA Council president and continues to be a trailblazer for women and minorities.
Lee is a member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the NAACP and the National Partnership Council. She received the Bernice Heffner Outstanding Women’s Achievement Award at AFGE and was the first recipient of AFGE’s Woman of Labor Award in 2020. Lee also was named the Outstanding Labor Woman of the Year in Virginia and has received numerous other awards and honors throughout her career. She shares that her greatest accomplishment is “helping create the strongest master bargaining agreement in the nation because all VA employees deserve to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”
Tags: Women's History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Desirae Beatty
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Desirae Beatty of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Desirae Beatty is a new but mighty member of the United Steelworkers (USW) and has worked to bring solidarity to her local, which represents workers at four Allegheny County (Pennsylvania)-run assisted living and senior facilities. She's been a certified nursing assistant for 17 years and is the epitome of what we look for in labor activists. “We have shown the county and Kane that we can organize and move as one, and we are ready for a positive change," she said.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/28/2023 - 10:00Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: E. Faye Butler
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is E. Faye Butler of Actors' Equity Association (AEA).
A member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1986, E. Faye Butler has made union activism an important part of her lasting career. Since joining Equity, Butler has been a member of the national council as well as several policy-driven committees, including the production committee, which oversees the Broadway contract. She was a founding co-chair of Equity’s Equal Employment Opportunity Committee, and as a current member of the touring committee, she is at the bargaining table right now negotiating for a new contract.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/27/2023 - 10:00Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Dewanda Mitchell
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Dewanda Mitchell of AFGE.
AFGE's Dewanda Mitchell is a retired 20-year Army veteran who served as a military police and correctional officer. She joined the Department of Veterans Affairs where she became the first African American chief of police for the VA Outpatient Clinic Downtown L.A. in 1993. She has spent three decades working and advocating for workers, veterans and cancer survivors. She recently received the doctorate degree in humanitarianism from the Global International Alliance Advocate University. She also received the “I Am A Superwoman” Award from the British Parliament. She is a two-time cancer survivor and currently serves as the president of the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California, where she helps host annual 5K walk/runs, luncheons, and other events to help raise funds and awareness.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/26/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Derrick McDonald II
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Derrick McDonald II of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).
Derrick McDonald II is a shop steward with OPEIU Local 153 who works at Advantage Care Physicians. Through the power of his union, McDonald advocates for his co-workers and his community. A skilled organizer, McDonald also currently serves on his union’s bargaining team. “We’re still fighting the same fight Dr. King was fighting,” he said. “For equal pay, equal protection under the law, a right to be heard and a seat at the table.”
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/25/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Linda Hunt
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Linda Hunt of UNITE HERE’s Culinary Union.
Linda Hunt is a food server and an active member of UNITE HERE's Culinary Union (Local 226) for the past 42 years. In 2022, she took a leave of absence during the 2022 elections to help elect leaders who would champion issues important to working people: “We aren’t going to give up. We will keep fighting every day. We vote. We win!”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/24/2023 - 10:15Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Clint Brown
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Clint Brown of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
Clint Brown joined the staff of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 881 in 1986 as a union representative. He has held many positions with the local, and his efforts have been instrumental in fighting for the rights of workers across Ohio, from paid sick leave to minimum wage increases and many more. Brown's service to the labor movement is extensive. He has been a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) and delegate to CBTU's international convention, a trustee and active member of the Minority Coalition of the UFCW International, as well as president of the Chicago chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/24/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: YouTube Music Strike Reaches Day 14; Alphabet Workers Stand Strong
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.
Workers at YouTube Music have been on an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike for two weeks against Cognizant Technology Solutions and Google. The vast majority of the workers, who filed for recognition with the Alphabet Workers Union (AWU-CWA Local 1400) in October, were hired remotely and the companies’ announced “return to office” plan ordered those workers to move to Austin, Texas, or they would lose their jobs. The workers then went on strike.
The workers say that Cognizant is desperate to break the strike and has engaged in smear tactics against low-wage workers. Google refused to call on Cognizant to end the return to office mandate, making them part of the problem. The workers demand that Cognizant and Google put an end to union-busting and the mandate, and allow their workers to freely exercise their right to organize.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/24/2023 - 09:30Tags: Strikes
Major League Soccer Players Formally Affiliate with AFL-CIO
The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) today announced its formal affiliation with the AFL-CIO. The request to affiliate was unanimously approved by the MLSPA’s Executive Board and approved at the AFL-CIO’s Winter Executive Council meeting in early February. MLSPA members will join the more than 12.5 million workers who make up the unions of the AFL-CIO.
“From locker rooms and classrooms to coffee shops and warehouses, workers all over the United States are demonstrating the power of organizing on a daily basis,” said MLSPA Executive Director Bob Foose. “Over the past twenty years, our players have fought to improve the working conditions and rights of athletes in Major League Soccer. We look forward to working with the AFL-CIO and standing beside its member unions as we fight for every worker, whether it be an athlete or a stadium employee, with one collective voice.”
“When we speak with one voice, when we’re united in solidarity, our collective power is undeniable,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This affiliation is about building that power for workers and ensuring professional soccer players have the strength of the entire labor movement behind them every single day. We’re thrilled to welcome the MLS Players into the AFL-CIO. This is historic—joining together in this pivotal moment in our economy will raise standards for all working people and the communities where we live, work and play.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/23/2023 - 14:46Black History Month Profiles: Yvonne Brooks
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Yvonne Brooks of AFSCME.
Yvonne Brooks is a native of St. Louis and the ninth of 10 children. Brooks comes from a union family. She joined AFSCME Local 410 and became a shop steward during her first six months of employment. In 1996, Brooks accepted the position of staff representative for AFSCME Council 31. In 2008, Brooks accepted an international position with AFSCME as an area field service director. She worked for the AFSCME Florida Voter Protection Project during the 2008 election. Brooks was elected secretary-treasurer of the Georgia State AFL-CIO in 2011. And in 2023, she became the first woman and first African American to be elected president of the state federation.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/23/2023 - 10:15Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Dejon Ellis Jr.
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Dejon Ellis Jr. of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Los Angeles native DeJon Ellis Jr. has been a grip with Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 80 for 25 years. He has worked on various projects, from feature films to prime-time television and music videos. Ellis currently serves as Local 80’s business agent for grips, crafts services, set medics, marine, first aid employees and warehouse workers. Ellis is also a member-at-large for IATSE's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee."
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/23/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Union Veterans Council Leads Delegation to Express Solidarity with Ukraine
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.
Will Attig (UA; pictured left), executive director of the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO (UVC), led a delegation of labor leaders and working people to meet with Ambassador Oksana Markarova (not pictured) at the Ukrainian Embassy. The delegation expressed the U.S. labor movement’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Joining UVC in the delegation were representatives from the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), Mine Workers (UMWA), Machinists (IAM), Ironworkers, AFT, AFGE, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) and the Solidarity Center.
Ambassador Markarova asked union members to express support for Ukraine. She was also interested in learning more about training, mental health and child assistance programs run by America’s unions.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/23/2023 - 09:45Tags: Union Veterans Council, Ukraine
Black History Month Profiles: Linda L. Hinton
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Linda L. Hinton of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Linda L. Hinton started her career at Ohio Bell in 1970. Not long after, she was elected vice president and, later, president of CWA Local 4310. She went on to be a staff representative for CWA District 4, and then administrative director before becoming assistant to the vice president. She is the first woman to be vice president for District 4. She is a member of many constituency groups, including the Coaltion of Labor Union Women, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the NAACP, the CWA National Minority Caucus and the CWA Women for Political Power Program, which she leads.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/22/2023 - 10:30Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Belle Allen
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Belle Allen of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Belle Allen has proudly worked as a training director for Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 480 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She began her career working for the Department of Energy then spent a decade as an IT project manager before moving to New Mexico, where she discovered a thriving entertainment industry. Allen currently serves as Local 480’s director of training and diversity and co-chair of their Inclusion Committee.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/22/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Harris County, Texas, Commissioners Approve Historic Investment in Apprenticeships
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.
Commissioners in Harris County, Texas, approved a $9.1 million contract that will double enrollment in union apprenticeships in the building and construction trades. Additionally, the investment will create two new apprenticeships, one in the entertainment industry and one in the transportation industry. The investment is part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act and represents one of the largest apprenticeship investments in the country.
“Building a better, more resilient labor force—by investing in our workers—is an essential investment in the future of Harris County,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “Apprenticeship programs provide an avenue to high-wage careers without the need for a traditional four-year college degree.”
“High-quality apprenticeships run jointly by unions and employers are a proven path to prosperity: Apprentices ‘earn while they learn,’ garnering wages above industry average while being mentored on jobsites and taking classes at night or on the weekends,” said Hany Khalil, executive director of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. “By developing a highly skilled, highly productive workforce, apprenticeships strengthen the economic foundation on which employers and our communities’ shared prosperity depend.”
The investments will fund 11 participating apprenticeship programs and recruit, train and place 665 new apprentices with employers over two years. They will also upgrade the skills of hundreds of current apprentices and journey-level workers.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/22/2023 - 09:34Tags: Apprenticeships
Black History Month Profiles: Daryl Newman
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Daryl Newman of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Daryl Newman serves as the president of the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO and secretary-treasurer of the Michigan AFL-CIO. Newman is also a member of AFT Michigan, and is a loud and proud voice from the Motor City!
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/21/2023 - 10:00Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Culinary Union Calls for Increased Mental Health Funding for Young People
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.
Addressing a growing crisis in the state of Nevada and beyond, UNITE HERE Culinary Union is calling for increased funding for youth mental health. The campaign will focus on direct voter contact to make sure Nevadans understand that sustainable investment in youth mental health is good public policy.
“It’s clear that long-term capacity building for mental health is needed, and a specific source of consistent funding is critical for this,” said Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge. “Nevada needs sustainable, long-term funding to establish, continue and expand programs to train, recruit, and retain mental health professionals, and to fill considerable gaps in Nevada’s mental and behavioral health services system.”
In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association issued a declaration that we are in a national state of emergency for children’s mental health. The pandemic exacerbated things. Nevada shows a particular need for investments to fight the youth mental health crisis, after being named the worst state in the nation for overall mental health. Working people are stepping up to make sure that Nevada continues to make the changes young people need.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/21/2023 - 09:30Black History Month Profiles: Stephanie Matthews
This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Stephanie Matthews of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Musician and consultant Stephanie Matthews of AFM Local 47 in Los Angeles has a message: “We are here.” That message is directed at anyone doubting the level of Black string talent in today’s music industry. And she should know. Matthews has put together string sections for some of the biggest stars. In 2020, she assembled an all-Black, all-female orchestra for Lizzo’s opening performance at the Grammy Awards. At the 2022 Academy Awards, she brought together the ensemble for Beyoncé’s opening performance of “Be Alive,” from "King Richard," which she says was an incredible experience. Also this year, Matthews gathered orchestra musicians for composer and pianist Robert Glasper’s salute to Duke Ellington at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/20/2023 - 10:01Tags: Black History Month