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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 - 10:01

Tags: 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 - 09:34

Tags: 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 - 10:00

Tags: 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 - 09:30

Black 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 - 10:01

Tags: Black History Month

Black History Month Profiles: Tamara Rose

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 Tamara Rose of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).

Tamara Rose is a regional vice president with the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS). In its 45 years, Rose is the first Black woman to serve as a regional vice president and member of the National Executive Board for PASS.

Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/19/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Black History Month Profiles: Aaron Walker

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 Aaron Walker of the United Auto Workers (UAW).

Aaron Walker graduated as his Flint, Michigan, high school's valedictorian before becoming the fourth generation from his family to be a member of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). He currently works full time as a hi-lo driver for the Lear Corp. while continuing his educational pursuits at the University of Michigan where he maintains a 3.5 GPA.

Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 02/18/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Black History Month Profiles: Yokasty Thomas

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 Yokasty Thomas of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Yokasty Thomas has been treasurer of the Hartford Federation of Paraeducators, AFT Local 2221, for the past nine years. She's active in her local, particularly in the recruitment of new members. She has been a paraeducator for 18 years, and last August she decided to continue her education and pursue a career as a teacher.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/17/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFSCME Calls for Bold Action to ‘Staff the Front Lines’

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.

States, counties and cities across the country currently face massive shortages of public service workers. State and local governments still dealing with recovery from the Great Recession saw things get worse because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to AFSCME President Lee Saunders, the public service sector is short 500,000 jobs. Communities are struggling.

AFSCME is launching “Staff the Front Lines,” an initiative to improve retention, recruitment and outreach for public service workers. “We’ve got to be creative,” Saunders said. “States and cities across the country are working on this issue, and we’re hopeful that we can work together.”

Among the tools the initiative will use are outreach to high school and community colleges, job fairs, streamlined hiring practices, and apprenticeships. With help from Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.), AFSCME Council 75 recently secured $900,000 for pre-apprenticeship education and training. This money will help 60 people pursue careers in behavioral health and another 60 will become certified drug and alcohol counselors.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/17/2023 - 09:29

Celebrating Leaders and Activists for Black History Month

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.

Here are the profiles we've done so far this year:

• Annie Anderson, AFSCME
• Calvin Brooks, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)
• Karen Thomas, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
• Ron Carter, American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
• Janella T. Hinds, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
• Veronica Hopkins, Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM)
• Jamaar Evans, Bricklayers (BAC)
• Shawanda Rankin, Communications Workers of America (CWA)
• Sandor L. Duncan, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
• Shawnte Harris, Laborers (LIUNA)
• Adrian Bland, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)
• Darryl K. Taylor, Sr., Utility Workers (UWUA)
• Capt. Mario James, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA)
• Bruce Davis, AFSCME
• Orlando Riley, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
• Benjamin Wright, American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
• Yokasty Thomas, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
• Aaron Walker, United Auto Workers (UAW)
• Tamara Rose of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)
• Daryl Newman of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM)

Check back throughout February for more profiles.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/16/2023 - 14:09

Tags: Black History Month

Black History Month Profiles: Benjamin Wright

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 Benjamin Wright of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).

With a career spanning 60 years, Benjamin Wright of AFM Local 47 in Los Angeles has worked as a music director, arranger, songwriter and producer. He has a staggering résumé of nearly 250 songs to his credit, either as writer or arranger, and that number continues to grow. He worked as the music director and producer for The Temptations, and in 1977, he joined Gladys Knight as her music director, a job he would hold for the next 30 years. His collaborations with notable artists have continued, with Wright contributing award-winning material and production for artists as disparate as OutKast, DeBarge, Destiny’s Child, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan and Justin Timberlake.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/16/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Seafarers Stalwart Sacco Retires After Distinguished Career

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.

Michael Sacco, the longest-serving president in Seafarers (SIU) history, announced his retirement. “I am in good health and good spirits,” he stated. “But I have often heard that you simply know when it’s time to retire, and this is the time.”

“Mike Sacco’s distinguished career in trade unionism is an inspiration to all of us,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Mike’s leadership at the Seafarers International Union benefited generations of merchant mariners and all working people. Mike led his union with integrity and a fighting spirit that he learned as a rank-and-file member. It’s been an honor to have him serve on the AFL-CIO Executive Council for more than three decades, always quick to offer sage advice and guidance about the future of our movement. We wish Mike nothing but the best in retirement and know he’ll always be ready to take up any fight that boosts working people.”

Sacco hails from Brooklyn, New York, and served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Seafarers in 1958 and worked aboard U.S. merchant vessels. In 1960, he began working for the international union in a series of posts until he began serving as president of SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, a post he would hold for nearly 35 years. As president of the international union, he also served as president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, and as the longest-serving member and vice president of the AFL-CIO Executive Council.

Read more on the SIU website, where the celebration of Sacco’s career will continue in the LOG, SIU’s official publication, in the coming months.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 02/16/2023 - 09:30

Black History Month Profiles: Orlando Riley

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 Orlando Riley of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

Orlando Riley serves as the chair of the Amalgamated Transit Union New Jersey State Council and a member of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Executive Board. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Riley fought for the health and safety of his members, by securing testing and PPE for front-line New Jersey transit workers. He continues to advocate for laws to protect public transit drivers from assault and work-related respiratory health problems.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/15/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IAFF in Orion Township, Michigan, Ratify First Contract

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.

Fire fighters in Orion Township, Michigan, members of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 5342, recently ratified their first contract. The local formed in August 2021 and immediately began working with the city on a first contract. Representatives of Local 5342 said the negotiations were amicable, but there were numerous issues to iron out.

“We are very pleased with the new labor-management agreement between Local 5342 and Orion Township,” said Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union President Matthew Sahr (pictured third from the right). “Both sides trusted the process and negotiated in good faith. The result was one of the best first contracts I’ve seen.

The contract covers the next three years and includes a 3% pay raise each year, increased employer contributions to 401(k) retirement plans, time off for union activities and other benefits. Local 5342 President Chris Hagan (fifth from the left) said the contract will help improve recruitment and retention.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 02/15/2023 - 09:23

Black History Month Profiles: Bruce Davis

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 Bruce Davis of AFSCME.

Bernard “Bruce” Davis is entering his second term as the president of AFSCME Local 2406, which provides representation to more than 1,200 Oklahoma City employees. Davis has been instrumental in ensuring the visibility of the union in the community. From providing meals for teachers during a walk out to distributing 500 turkey baskets to families for Thanksgiving to giving 300 bicycles to kids for Christmas, his tenure has focused on community service. In 2022, he received the NAACP Labor Award.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/14/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFT Provides Innovation Grants to Support Educators

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.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) announced a new round of Innovation Grants last week. Nearly $500,000 in funds will be distributed to educators, students and communities, bringing AFT’s total Innovation Fund investments to $1.6 million since the start of the pandemic.

The 14 projects selected for this round of grants address teacher shortages, recruitment, retention, professional collaboration and aid to community schools.

“We want every public school to be a place where parents want to send their kids, educators want to teach and kids thrive,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “We know teachers do everything in their power to make this a reality for all kids. These grants will help them put their ideas into action; recruit and retain educators; access professional learning opportunities; and improve well-being, working conditions and workforce shortages.”  

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 02/14/2023 - 09:27

Super Bowl 2023, Brought to You by Unions

In addition to being the most-watched televised event of the year, the Super Bowl represents the hard work of thousands of union members. This includes not only the union members who everyone sees, like the players (NFLPA) and the referees (NFLRA), but also the announcers, musicians, and food, transportation and hotel workers, and many more. We want to recognize the many unions that bring Super Bowl Sunday to millions of people around the world every year.

On the Field of Play

• NFL Players Association (NFLPA)
• NFL Referees Association (NFLRA)

Announcers, Camera Operators, Technicians, Field Workers and Other Hardworking Folks

• SAG-AFTRA broadcast announcers
• SAG-AFTRA and American Federation of Musicians (AFM) member Chris Stapleton sang the national anthem
• SAG-AFTRA member and SAG Award-winner Troy Kotsur performed the national anthem in American Sign Language
• SAG-AFTRA member Babyface performed “America the Beautiful”
• SAG-AFTRA National Board member and “Abbott Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
• National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA (NABET-CWA)
• Electrical Workers (IBEW) who were part of the Fox Sports broadcast crew 
• Laborers (LIUNA)

Electricity

• Mine Workers (UMWA)

Stadium Construction

• Ironworkers erected the steel at State Farm Stadium in 2006. Members of Ironworkers Local 75 worked primarily on the project with Schuff Steel.
• The Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) painted the stadium. 
• The United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) completed the plumbing, pipe fitting, sprinkler system and HVAC. 

Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show

• SAG-AFTRA member Rihanna and others performed
• Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
• American Federation of Musicians (AFM) 

Official Football

• The leather for every single NFL football, including the ones that were used in Sunday’s Super Bowl, was crafted by members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1546 who work at Horween Leather Co. in Chicago.
• After UFCW members finish processing the leather, members of Workers United Local 1385 hand-make all NFL footballs, including the Super Bowl footballs used at the game, in Ada, Ohio. 

Food

• UFCW members who work at E.&J. Gallo Winery in Modesto and Fresno, California, also were represented at the Super Bowl this year. These workers are represented by UFCW Local 8-Golden State and UFCW Local 186D. E.&J. Gallo Winery is the official wine sponsor of the NFL. E.&J. Gallo products—including the Barefoot brand—made by UFCW members, had an on-site presence at premiere events, and in broadcast, digital and social media content leading up to and during the Super Bowl. 
• International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) members produced soft drinks and beer.
• Pouring Gatorade on the winning coach is one time-honored tradition made possible by the United Steelworkers (USW). The USW Local 1999-15 in Indianapolis produced the Gatorade used to shower the champions.

Journalists

• Thousands of reporters and members of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) attended the Super Bowl this year and covered the event. There also were countless photographers, videographers and other other professionals who worked behind the scenes to provide news coverage.

Local Transportation

• Transport Workers Union (TWU)
• Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
• International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)
• International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)

Hotels

• UNITE HERE
• SEIU

Travel

• Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) members work at United Airlines (Kansas City Chiefs’ official charter) and got attendees safely to game day.
• Machinists (IAM) members work at American Airlines (Philadelphia Eagles’ official airline) and helped fans and others get to and from the game on several carriers.
• Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) members were proud to safely fly the Chiefs and fans of both teams into Phoenix for the big game.
• As soon as the Super Bowl city was announced, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)-represented employees at the Federal Aviation Administration started working with the NFL on flight plans and restricted airspace around the stadium. Technicians were pulling extra shifts all week at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the air traffic control facility in Albuquerque. There were more aviation safety inspectors on hand in Phoenix, as well as at smaller airports, to ensure all private jets were legally registered.
• Transportation security officers, who are members of AFGE, ensure the safety of America’s flying public, including the increased traffic of folks who flew in for the Super Bowl.
• Transport Workers Union (TWU) members helped maintain the planes that transported the Eagles. In addition, TWU has members who work at the Phoenix airport and represent aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, fleet service workers, flight technicians, customer service workers, air dispatchers and others at airlines that transported fans to the game.
• Fans who flew in for the big game got there safely, thanks to aviation workers, who are members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

First Responders

• Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 493—the United Phoenix Firefighters—represents more than 2,700 fire and EMS professionals in the greater Phoenix and Glendale area.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/13/2023 - 11:19

Black History Month Profiles: Capt. Mario James

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 Capt. Mario James of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

Alaska Airlines pilot Capt. Mario James has been a member of ALPA for 22 years. He is part of a team of trailblazers who are the first ALPA pilot group to form a Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion Committee. James has served on various other committees, including serving on the merger committee during one of the most successful mergers in ALPA history, between Alaska Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. He says, “I am passionate about leaving something better than I found it, and I am fortunate enough to serve my purpose through my work at ALPA.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/13/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Advocates for Working People Welcome Brazilian President Lula to the United States

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.

The AFL-CIO hosted a discussion today with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and numerous union leaders. Lula has spent his entire life fighting for the working class as both a union and political leader. He knows the futures of Brazil and the United States depend on dismantling systemic inequality, building worker power, and fighting racial and economic injustice.

Today’s meeting was a momentous step forward in the longstanding bond between our two movements. Four years ago, while Lula was wrongfully imprisoned, late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka traveled to the country’s federal police building to demand justice and organize for Lula’s release.

“We stood by him then and we will continue to stand alongside Lula, his Workers’ Party and the Brazilian labor movement in their fight to defend democracy and build a better world for working people,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond in a statement.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 02/13/2023 - 09:33

Black History Month Profiles: Darryl K. Taylor, Sr.

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 Darryl K. Taylor, Sr. of the Utility Workers (UWUA).

Darryl K. Taylor Sr. is a senior business agent with UWUA Local 1-2 and director of the local’s Military Assistance Program. In his spare time, he works with Black Veterans for Social Justice, a nonprofit that serves veterans in the New York area, and other community efforts and charitable work.

Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 02/12/2023 - 10:00

Tags: Black History Month