Bill Bumpus Somerville MA - An injury to one is an injury to all

Supporting Workers’ Rights Is Critical to Ukraine’s Future

As Russia’s war on Ukraine continues, Ukrainian workers and their trade unions have become an undeniable force for solidarity and community support throughout the country. Since the onset of the conflict, union members from the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU) and the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU) have mobilized in large numbers, remain united behind their elected government’s efforts to manage the war and continue to make valiant sacrifices to defend the nation. However, in return, Ukraine’s government is now moving to break the unions’ power and take away crucial workers’ rights that are central to upholding its democracy. 

In March, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Congress and drew a powerful connection between his country and ours, stating that the war was a fight to protect our shared values of “democracy, independence, freedom and care for everyone, for every person, for everyone who works diligently….” A strong labor movement is central to Ukraine’s struggle to remain an independent democracy because workers’ rights and democracy are inextricably linked. That’s been true throughout the conflict, and it will remain true when this war ends. 

Unions put their organizing skills to use in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s attack as part of the Trade Union Lifeline initiative. They quickly converted their offices and properties into makeshift shelters to house more than 350,000 citizens displaced inside Ukraine. Unions also allocated donated funds to fill gaps in care and moved large numbers of humanitarian supplies, such as food, clothing, diapers and feminine hygiene products, to those in need. Both national union federation presidents have made numerous trips to front-line towns to personally deliver shipments. Workers on the job are keeping the economy going, while thousands of union members have enlisted in the military and the country’s civil defense, many of whom have been killed in active duty. Their incredible efforts have been recognized by the AFL-CIO and the entire global labor movement, which has been unwavering in their support for Ukraine. 

In October, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten traveled to Lviv, Ukraine, to provide support, meet with teachers and raise awareness about the war’s impact on the lives of children. Dozens of teachers are working hard to ensure that students remain able to keep up with their education. Members of the Construction and Building Materials Workers Union of Ukraine (PROFBUD) have found creative ways to support the war effort, including procuring life-saving medications and improvising the creation of a communications outpost for their communities.  

 

American Federation of Teachers American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten meeting with a group of displaced teachers who came to Lviv from eastern Ukraine.

While labor has proven invaluable to every facet of Ukraine’s fight to defend its sovereignty, Ukraine’s parliament continues to advance several anti-worker, anti-union policy efforts under the cover of the crisis. In recent months, the parliament has considered more than 27 bills that would restrict or eliminate worker and union rights. One proposal would confiscate the property of the FPU and all its affiliated unions, many of which are being used to house the displaced. Given that this property has been maintained and managed for 30 years by union dues and finances with no issue, it is suspected that the policy’s true motivation is to bankrupt the FPU and assert government control over valuable pieces of real estate.

These are not just hypothetical threats. Law 2434-IX, which was adopted in July and enforced officially in August, eliminated collective bargaining for all employers with 250 or fewer employees for the period of martial law and introduced precarious “zero-hour” contracts into Ukrainian labor relations. These contracts create a more perilous work situation because employers are not obliged to provide a minimum number of working hours to workers. Although these changes were passed for the war’s duration, the government’s Ukraine Recovery Plan indicates a desire to make these provisions permanent. Other equally troubling bills focus on eliminating worker protections on working hours, transfer rights, the right to organize unions, collective bargaining, social assistance funds, pension rights and administration, safety and health enforcement, unemployment benefits and the system that sets minimum wages—some of which have already become reality.

The rationale behind this effort—that worker rights must be eliminated to promote economic growth—relies on deeply flawed and outdated development models. These changes run counter to international standards that Ukraine previously ratified, and these modifications are in direct conflict with decisions handed down by the International Labour Organization that recognize taking action to confiscate union property as a significant violation of the freedom of association. The Ukrainian government is aware of this—having previously lost a similar property confiscation case in the European Court of Human Rights in 2018. Anti-union legislation also flies in the face of Ukraine’s stated policy goal of further integration into the structures and norms of the European Union, where union coverage has remained high in many nations and workers’ rights remain strongly protected. Many of these laws could not pass before the war and are now in motion only because of Russia’s unprovoked attacks. 

Ukraine’s fight for democracy must take a holistic view. Unions will be instrumental in rebuilding the country, and Ukraine’s government cannot go down the path of destroying internationally recognized worker rights because of the ideological agenda of a few ultra-free-market, libertarian officials who are using the war to push their agenda of eliminating unions. Likewise, the war should not be used as cover for wealthy interests in Ukraine to squeeze more profits from Ukrainian workers, many of whom are making great sacrifices in service to their country.

We stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian sisters, brothers and siblings. But Ukraine cannot become a respected democratic nation if it continues to destroy the rights of workers and unions.

Audrey Edmonds Thu, 12/22/2022 - 12:49

Tags: Ukraine

Action Alert: Tell Philadelphia Orchestra Association: Respect Your Singers! Recognize Their Union!

In only six years, the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir has established itself as the premier chorus for symphonic works, drawing some of the best choral singers from the region and the country. They have been the only group directly involved in the Philadelphia Orchestra’s performances that is not part of a union.

That changed on Dec. 5, when the Choir voted to join the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). They asked the Philadelphia Orchestra Association to voluntarily recognize their union by noon on December 12. That deadline passed.

Will you help? Click here to send a letter to the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, demanding that they respect their singers and voluntarily recognize their union!

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 12/16/2022 - 12:09

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Homegrown Workers Go 2-for-2 in Union Elections

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 Homegrown cafes in Seattle have won their National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) union election just weeks after the company’s wholesale distribution workers won theirs. The cafe workers said they are eager to join their distribution colleagues in negotiating a fair contract that will provide the wages, benefits, and health and safety protections that would make their jobs at Homegrown sustainable.

Both groups of workers have organized with UNITE HERE Local 8. Ivy (pictured above, middle row, center-right), a cafe worker, celebrated their victory on Friday: “We can’t wait to get to the table and bargain our contract.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 12/16/2022 - 09:40

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NWLSPA Vows ‘The Work Will Never End’ Following Release of Detailed Report on Sexual Misconduct

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.

Earlier today, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) released a joint investigative report that illustrates, in shocking detail, the systemic failures that allowed rampant sexual misconduct to take place within the league. The NWSLPA called the 14-month investigation the first of its kind in sports, where players had their own representatives in witness interviews, reviewed evidence, developed their own conclusions based on the evidence and formed recommendations.

“We sought the truth, and now, transparency and accountability are necessary for reform,” the union said. “The work will never end. But we hope that our collective healing can begin.”

The full report may be viewed here. Reader discretion is advised.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 12/15/2022 - 10:32

A Historic Demonstration: The Working People Weekly List

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.

GM Battery Plant Workers Vote to Unionize with UAW, a Key Win for Labor as Industry Shifts to EVs: “A joint venture battery plant in northeast Ohio overwhelmingly voted in favor of representation with the United Auto Workers, the union said early Friday. The vote was being closely watched as such battery plants are viewed as crucial for automakers to transition from traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines to all-electric cars and trucks. Several other multi-billion dollar plants from GM and other automakers are under construction in the U.S. The UAW reports roughly 98% of votes cast were in favor for the union. The count was 710 votes in support of UAW representation; 16 against; and one was void. The National Labor Relations Board, which was overseeing the election, did not immediately respond for comment.”

Wisconsin AFL-CIO Stands in Solidarity as AFSCME Red Cross Workers in Wisconsin Prepare for Possible Holiday Strike: “‘The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands in solidarity with AFSCME Locals 1205 and 1558 as they prepare to strike on December 23 if a mutually agreeable contract agreement is not reached before then,’ said Stephanie Bloomingdale, president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. ‘Wisconsin workers who work at the Red Cross staffing blood drives provide an essential service that enhances the health, safety, and well-being of countless communities across our state. Quality wages and a fair union contract help ensure workers are effectively trained and remain in their position to improve over years of service. The men and women of the labor movement stand shoulder to shoulder with Red Cross workers in the fight for a fair contract.’”

New York Times Journalists Stage Historic 24-Hour Strike After Management and Union Fail to Reach Deal: “A 24-hour strike at The New York Times, a historic demonstration in which more than 1,100 employees are expected to participate, began Thursday at midnight, after management and the union representing staffers failed to reach an agreement for a new contract after more than a year and a half of negotiating. The NewsGuild of New York, which represents journalists and other staffers at The Times, said in a statement that the walkout was ‘due to the company’s failure to bargain in good faith, reach a fair contract agreement with the workers, and meet their demands.’”

House Judiciary Committee Approves Bill Requiring Radio Stations to Pay Royalties to Performers: “In a markup session, the House Judiciary Committee has given its approval to a bill that implements a sound recording performance royalty on over-the-air broadcasting, the American Music Fairness Act. If the bipartisan bill were to go through, artists, performers, producers and musicians involved in creating songs would receive royalties when their music plays on U.S. terrestrial radio stations, just as songwriters already do. The American Music Fairness Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the American Federation of Musicians, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange.”

SAG-AFTRA Partners with AFL-CIO on New Health Benefits for Medicare-Eligible Members: “SAG-AFTRA, in partnership with the AFL-CIO, is offering new SAG-AFTRA Senior Benefit Plans for all Medicare-eligible members and their Medicare-eligible spouses/partners, which includes a $0 premium option. The new plans are available to all of SAG-AFTRA’s Medicare-eligible members, regardless of their qualification for the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan. ‘We were determined to create easy, more comprehensive and better-than-ever options for our Medicare-qualified members and we did it,’ SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher and national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a message Tuesday to their members.”

Nickelodeon Production Workers Vote to Unionize with The Animation Guild: “Production workers at Nickelodeon Studios have voted to unionize with The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839. According to the guild, 65% of the studio’s 177 production managers, production coordinators, postproduction assistants, art production coordinators and asset coordinators have signed cards saying they want to be represented by the guild.”

Painters District Council 58 Celebrates the 135th Anniversary of IUPAT: “Painters District Council 58 is celebrating the 135th anniversary of the International Union of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), formed in 1887, with a trip down memory lane of Council 58’s success over the years. ‘As the union expanded, the idea of the word ‘local’ under the umbrella of a District Council caught on,’ said Joe Mueller, District Council 58 assistant business manager of Missouri. ‘The idea was to provide local and regional union offices so members could attend meetings without having to drive long distances.’”

Unions Bash Senators for Rejecting Paid Sick Leave for Rail Workers: “Labor leaders lashed out Thursday at senators who voted against a proposal to provide rail workers with seven days of paid sick leave. While the Senate overwhelmingly approved a measure to force through a railroad contract that gives workers a 24 percent raise over five years, a proposal to add paid sick days to the deal failed to reach 60 votes. All but six Republicans voted against the measure. ‘While rail workers won significant wage increases and other important gains today, it’s deeply disappointing that 43 senators sided with multibillion-dollar rail corporations to block desperately needed paid sick days,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/14/2022 - 10:49

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFM Members on Strike Against Fort Wayne Philharmonic

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.

Professional musicians who are members of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Players’ Association, AFM Local 58, went on strike last week in Indiana as their contract campaign with orchestra management heats up. AFM members are demanding fair wages and better working conditions after making significant sacrifices during the pandemic.

Players’ Association Chairperson Campbell MacDonald said in a press release on Thursday: “Fort Wayne Philharmonic board and management seeks to carry forth with unacceptable rates of pay for musicians, fewer concerts and a drastically reduced presence in our community.” He added that musicians are “unified in our resolve.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/14/2022 - 09:28

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Members Picket United’s Board of Directors Meeting

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.

A total of 200 United Airlines pilots, together with 100 members of the Machinists (IAM) and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) who work at United, held an informational picket during the airline’s board of directors meeting in Houston on Wednesday. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which includes pilots at United, said its last contract was negotiated 10 years ago and is now more than four years out of date.

Also on Wednesday, ALPA, AFA-CWA, IAM and two other unions that represent workers at the airline announced a joint bargaining campaign to secure fair agreements with United. “We have each other’s backs in bargaining and we will stand together until all of us have ratified contracts that reflect the world-class airline United should be,” the unions said.

Watch video from the event:

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 12/13/2022 - 10:20

Working People Call for Increased Funding for National Labor Relations Board

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and the presidents of more than 40 unions call upon Congress to increase funding for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) so the agency can fulfill its mandated task: supporting and protecting workers' right to organize.

NLRB funding has remained stagnant since 2014, despite the board's vast and growing mandate:

A robust NLRB is critical as workers’ organizing surges nationwide. In fiscal year (FY) 2022, workers filed 2,510 union representation petitions—a 53% increase from the number in FY 2021 and the highest number of union representation petitions since FY 2016. Workers and their unions also filed 19% more [unfair labor practice (ULP)] charges this year than they filed in the previous year. The total caseload (both ULP and union representation cases) increased by 23%—the single largest case increase in 46 years and largest percentage increase in more than 60 years.

The NLRB faces a funding crisis as the agency's staffing levels have fallen behind the growth of the private-sector workforce. The number of full-time NLRB employees has declined by more than 30% since 2006. At current funding levels, the problem will get worse.

Shuler and the union leaders continued, offering next steps:

Congress must fund the NLRB so the agency can hire staff and procure the necessary resources to conduct hearings and elections, investigate ULP charges, and obtain full and prompt remedies for workers whose rights are violated. It is important to note that the lack of NLRB staff and delays in processing contribute to a hostile environment for organizing unions and filing ULPs. Workers are far more hesitant to engage with the agency to enforce their rights or form a union when they think their case may take a year or two to be resolved.

The letter was signed by: Elizabeth H. Shuler (AFL-CIO), Fredrick D. Redmond (AFL-CIO), Stuart Appelbaum (RWDSU-UFCW), Matthew Biggs (IFPTE), James T. Callahan (IUOE), Bonnie Castillo, RN (NNU), Frank J. Christensen (IUEC), Thomas M. Conway (USW), John A. Costa (ATU), Ray Curry (UAW), Capt. Joe DePete (ALPA), Eric Dean (Ironworkers), Fran Drescher (SAG-AFTRA), Timothy J. Driscoll (BAC), Carlo Fiorletta (GIAA), James A. Hadel (Roofers), Paul V. Hogrogian (NPMHU), Newton B. Jones (IBB), Edward A. Kelly (IAFF), Richard Lanigan (OPEIU), Matthew D. Loeb (IATSE), Arthur Maratea (TCU/IAM), Donald Marcus (MM&P), Robert Martinez Jr. (IAM), Mark McManus (UA), Raymond Menard (AGMA), Sara Nelson (AFA-CWA), Terry O’Sullivan (LIUNA), Marc Perrone (UFCW), Cecil E. Roberts (UMWA), Fredric V. Rolando (NALC), John Samuelsen (TWU), Rich Santa (NATCA), Lee Saunders (AFSCME), Joseph Sellers Jr. (SMART), Anthony Shelton (BCTGM), Christopher M. Shelton (CWA), James T. Slevin (UWUA), Mark Spano (Novelty and Production Workers), Lonnie R. Stephenson (IBEW), Robert Suplee (IPPDSPM&E), D. Taylor (UNITE HERE), Adam Vokac (MEBA), Randi Weingarten (AFT), and James A. Williams Jr. (IUPAT).

Send a letter to Congress telling them to fully fund the NLRB.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/12/2022 - 15:38

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: 2022’s Largest Union Campaigns All on Campus

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.

2022 has been an incredible year for worker organizing in every sector of the economy all across the United States. And with union approval at a sky-high 72% among people under the age of 35, it makes sense some of the largest organizing campaigns this year have been on college campuses.

According to data analyzed by Daily Union Elections, the top five largest union election petition filings of 2022 have all been among graduate workers. This includes 4,000 graduate workers at Yale University who are organizing with UNITE HERE Local 33.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 12/12/2022 - 10:31