Writers at Sesame Workshop—the incredibly talented team that gives Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, and all our favorite Muppets the words that change our kids’ lives forever—are on the verge of a strike.

These writers are fighting for a contract with industry-standard annual raises, improvements to residuals and coverage of all writing work performed for Sesame Workshop—including animation and social media segments.

Their current contract expires this Friday, April 19.

If the company continues to refuse to engage on core issues and a deal can’t be reached by that deadline, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) and Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) members at Sesame Workshop have unanimously voted to authorize a strike.

Organizers are hopeful they can reach an agreement by the end of the day on Friday—but they need your support to win their contract.

Help Sesame Workshop writers reach a deal before the strike deadline!

Please take a moment to send a letter to Sesame Workshop’s executive staff and board calling for a fair union contract that protects all writers at Sesame.

Your support will ensure that the negotiating committee has the leverage they need to make the strongest possible deal before their contract expires on Friday—or to have the WGAE Council and WGAW Board call for a strike if the company is still unwilling to meet its workers' reasonable demands.

For updates about the campaign and ways for WGA members, union allies and fans of Sesame Workshop to support the fight for a fair contract, visit wgaeast.org/sesame2024.

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. 

AFSCME Maryland Celebrates Pro-Worker Legislation Victories During 2024 Session: Following the end of Maryland’s legislative session, AFSCME members and leadership are celebrating the passage of bills securing collective bargaining rights for state supervisory employees and public library workers. More than 7,000 state workers will be gaining the right to join a union later this year, in what AFSCME Maryland Council 3 called the largest legislative expansion of collective bargaining rights in the past few decades. State employees in supervisory roles expressed that because they previously haven’t had collective bargaining rights, there hasn’t been a clear way to address workplace issues or push for policy reforms. Similarly, library workers around the state are hoping access to a union will allow them to advocate for better pay, grievance processes and other workplace improvements. AFSCME hopes these policy changes will help the state retain and attract a quality public sector workforce who can continue to deliver essential services to local communities. “Once again, AFSCME members showed up and made their voices heard in Annapolis,” said AFSCME Maryland President Patrick Moran. “We also thank Governor Moore for including negotiated raises for state workers in his budget, and we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure Maryland’s working families are not left behind.”

Wisconsin Gov. Evers Protects Child Labor Law with Senate Bill 436 Veto: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers delivered remarks Monday at the Wisconsin State Council of Machinists’ 2024 spring conference in Madison and vetoed S.B. 436, which would have eliminated the requirement that employers obtain a work permit in order to employ 14- or 15-year-olds. The work permit process keeps young workers safer at work through parental oversight and gives critical information about where kids work and what jobs they’re doing to Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development, so it can better enforce child labor laws. In 2017, then-Gov. Scott Walker, a national disgrace, signed a bill passed by fellow Republicans in the state Legislature that eliminated the work permit requirements for 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill Evers vetoed would have expanded and built on this exemption. “Governor Evers continues to stand up for the safety of our kids by protecting child labor law in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale. “The dangerous push to weaken child labor law in Wisconsin and across the country comes at a time when more children are harmed at work or work hazardous jobs.” “Eliminating these permits would have been a reckless gamble with the well-being of young people,” said Machinists (IAM) International President Brian Bryant in a press release. “Work permits are not merely red tape. They are essential shields protecting our children from exploitation, unsafe conditions, and disrupted education. By vetoing this bill, Gov. Evers has shown clear leadership in prioritizing the safety and welfare of Wisconsin’s future workforce.” 

DreamWorks Animation Production Workers Form Union Under IATSE: Production workers from DreamWorks Animation have officially voted to form a union with The Animation Guild (TAG), also known as Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 839, and the Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700). In total, 160 workers are joining the ranks of their DreamWorks artist, technician and editor colleagues who are already union members. This victory also marks the largest unit to date with a seat on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to join the union. Production staff organized with the goal of preserving their workplace culture at DreamWorks amid recent announcements of significant company policy changes like increased outsourcing and a retraction of most remote work for production staff. DreamWorks and The Animation Guild have had a relationship since the studio started. In those first days, DreamWorks was interested in offering the same working conditions as the other studios in order to attract the best talent possible. Today, we extend that coverage to ensure the production staff can enjoy the best working conditions we can negotiate with the company,” said Steve Kaplan, The Animation Guild’s business representative.

Austin Pets Alive Workers File to Become Nation’s Largest Animal Shelter Union: On Thursday, Austin Pets Alive (APA) animal shelter employees in Texas filed to form a union with Machinists (IAM) District 776, taking a first step toward creating the largest animal shelter union in the country. Austin Pets Allied Workers (APAW) members are calling for voluntary recognition from management. Their core bargaining goals include implementing policies supporting the well-being and safety of both animals and workers, increasing wages, improving benefits and codifying fair employment practices. “I want to join with my co-workers to form a union because workers like me who are on the front lines of animal care deserve to feel safe and supported in our mission-fulfilling work at APA,” said Ryan Martinez, an APA staff member. “I know that a strong union contract negotiated by affected employees is the best way to make that happen, which will ultimately improve conditions for the animals in our care.”

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $20 Billion Investment to Create Good-Paying Clean Energy Jobs: On Thursday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its selections for $20 billion in grant awards to fund tens of thousands of clean energy and transportation projects in communities across the United States. The grants, made available through the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, will create a national clean financing network of recipients that will help kickstart projects across the country to reduce pollution while providing local communities with quality, good-paying jobs. AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Julie Collier sits on the board of the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC), one of the eight recipients. Of the $20 billion allocated for the largest federal climate investment in the history of the United States, at least $4 billion will be dedicated to investment specifically in rural areas. “President Biden and Vice President Harris have put communities at the center of their Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees announced today will deliver transformational investments for American communities, businesses and families and unleash tens of thousands of clean technology projects, like putting solar on small businesses, electrifying affordable housing, providing EV [electric vehicle] loans for young families and countless others. That translates to good-paying jobs, energy bill savings and cleaner air, all while delivering on President Biden’s historic agenda to combat climate change.”

AFM Musicians Ratify New Motion Picture Agreements: The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) announced Tuesday that members have voted to ratify the Basic Theatrical Motion Picture and Basic Television Motion Picture Agreements contract that was unanimously recommended by the bargaining committee in February. This deal represents a massive victory for musicians working in film and television. Some of the wins members have secured include residuals for content made for streaming, enhanced health care coverage, performance bonuses and new protections to safeguard against generative artificial intelligence. “This agreement is a monumental victory for musicians who have long been under-compensated for their work in the digital age,” AFM International President and Chief Negotiator Tino Gagliardi said in a statement. “It wouldn’t have been possible without our members’ unwavering strength and unity, along with the tireless organizing efforts that led up to this historic contract.”

Workers at Oakland’s Creative Growth Form a Union: Staff members at Creative Growth—a nonprofit based in Oakland, California, that supports artists with disabilities—are requesting voluntary recognition as they join AFSCME Council 57. Creative Growth United’s bargaining unit would cover an estimated 34 workers, including art facilitators, instructors, program coordinators, gallery staff members and other direct-service providers at Oakland’s second-largest arts organization. The union delivered its announcement to the interim executive director and board of trustees on Tuesday, with workers citing concerns such as high turnover rate for management and the need for more equitable hiring practices and standardized benefits. “Unionizing will improve working conditions for all staff at Creative Growth. It will also improve conditions for all artist-clients, who benefit from a more harmonious and rooted organizational culture, reflected in better planning and more effective and committed direct care staff,” said Creative Growth United in a community petition. “We believe every worker deserves a living-wage, and every worker has the legal right to form a union, without fear of retaliation or intimidation.”

Rail Labor Applauds Final Two-Person Crew Rule for Train Operations: In a victory for rail workers’ safety, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a final rule establishing a minimum requirement of two-person crews for most Class I freight and passenger railroad operations. Workers have been sounding the alarm for years on the necessity of federal regulation to improve working conditions both on the tracks and in rail yards. This move from the Biden administration is in sharp contrast to the administration of former President Trump, who in 2019 withdrew a proposed regulation on crew staffing, saying that no additional safety regulations were “necessary or appropriate for railroad operations.” “This rule acknowledges that crew size is fundamentally a safety issue at its core. Rail workers experience the risks of the job daily, and have made it clear that two-person crews are inherently necessary to ensure the safe operation of our rail systems,” said Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD). “We thank President Biden for ensuring that his Administration delivered this essential rail safety rule.” “This final rule is essential for safety and is long overdue,” said Transport Workers Union (TWU) International President John Samuelsen. “The TWU looks forward to the swift implementation of a two-person crew requirement.”

Transit Workers in Arlington, Virginia, Vote to Join ATU: Arlington Transit (ART) workers have voted overwhelmingly to be represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689, joining the ranks of their organized counterparts at multiple other local transit systems in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. A whopping 99% of ART workers voted in favor of joining Local 689, including bus operators, mechanics, fuel island attendants, technicians and cleaners. The staff are employed by private transportation company Transdev, who is contracted to operate Arlington’s local bus service. Just last month, ATU members at Northern Virginia transit system Fairfax Connector—who are also employed by Transdev—ratified a well-bargained new contract after a successful 15-day strike. “On behalf of Local 689, congratulations to the ART workers on their election victory and welcome to our family,” said Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “Local 689 will continue to fight to ensure that every transit worker in our region has fair wages, strong benefits, and protections on the job so that they can support their families and be treated with dignity for the hard work they perform every day to move our region.”

Nashville East Bank, LIUNA Agreement Hailed as ‘New Way of Doing Business in This City’: Laborers (LIUNA) Local 386 and the company heading up a massive development of the East Bank property in Nashville, Tennessee, have agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to worker safety, pay and other benefits for the construction project. The Fallon Company is responsible for handling hiring and managing development of the roughly 95 acres of land on the East Bank riverfront that’s owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Construction will include a Tennessee Performing Arts Center and 695 affordable housing units, among other commercial and public uses. The MOU establishes a priority in the bidding process for contractors looking to work for Fallon based on their track record of and future commitments to things like worker safety, on-time pay and quality health care benefits. Additionally, a company also could get a leg up in the bidding process if it agrees to work with local registered apprenticeship programs. “It’s refreshing to us that the developer saw this as a priority,” Local 386 Vice President Ethan Link said. “We had shared values around that, which for years has not been the norm here in Nashville.…It’s a totally different posture than what we’re used to.” “Having that East Bank job, if it was set up in those ways, it would make me feel secure,” said Cydney Jenkins, a 2022 graduate of Music City Construction Careers, a certified apprenticeship readiness program. “It would make me feel appreciated on the job, but it would also give me the chance to not be so far away from my children.”

Equitas Health Workers United Members Ratify Their First Contract with the LGBTQ+ Health Provider: Union staff at one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS-serving health care providers, Equitas Health, have ratified their first contract with the nonprofit health system. Equitas Health Workers United (EHWU), a local of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, which is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), represents more than 200 front-line, client-facing workers at 15 Equitas Health locations across Ohio. The union announced the victory on Friday—workers first began organizing in 2021, filed for a union election in May 2022 and then won their vote in August of the same year. The agreement includes retroactive wage increases, signing bonuses, a binding grievance and arbitration process, a labor-management committee with direct participation from the board of trustees, and more. “We started organizing our union three years ago because we are committed to providing our clients with the best care possible, and we couldn’t do that while management was making poor decisions without input from staff who work directly with clients,” said Breann Smith, a medical case manager and member of the EHWU bargaining team. “That’s why we prioritized contract language that gives us different ways to have an impact on the decisions that affect our work and our clients’ care.”

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The Machinists (IAM) union, which represents Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) workers, is celebrating the passage of the Library Workers Empowerment Act, a milestone piece of legislation initiated by the IAM last year that will grant library staff across Maryland the right to organize.

The legislation, cross-filed as H.B. 609 and S.B. 591, received bipartisan support in the Maryland General Assembly. Once the bill is signed by Gov. Wes Moore, it will empower public library workers to be able to form unions and collectively bargain for the wages, benefits and working conditions they deserve. Currently, library staff in only four counties and Baltimore City can organize, but this bill extends this critical right to libraries throughout the state.

“The IAM and its members extend their deepest gratitude to the legislators who supported this piece of legislation and to the library employees who have tirelessly advocated for their rights,” said IAM Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) Local 4538 President and Library Service Assistant Anita Bass. “This achievement is a testament to the power of solidarity and the importance of standing together for the betterment of all workers.”

Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.

Actors' Equity:

Disneyland cast members have filed for an election with the NLRB. https://t.co/tsWErejmdA

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 17, 2024

AFGE:

🔥The numbers are in! 

AFGE grew by 5.5% in 2023, making our union the fastest growing large union in the country.

We're pushing towards our next goal of 325,000 members by the end of 2025.https://t.co/93Ne1MJNlO

— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 17, 2024

AFSCME:

.@PHLafscmeDC47 Kelli Gray shares her life-changing moment with @VP Kamala Harris. Thanks to Public Service Loan Forgiveness,$350K of her student debt has been wiped away. Now, Kelli's a thriving homeowner! https://t.co/k8jAt0yVJX

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 16, 2024

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Clearly, we can't always count on corporations to respect workers' right to organize.

News stories like this show why we need the PRO Act. https://t.co/24phaSSMvN

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) April 17, 2024

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Our Halifax, NS, Local 508 ferry operators are burned out, time for Halifax Transit to address the worker shortage. https://t.co/plloArGY56 #ATUStrongerTogether #canlab @NS_Labour

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 17, 2024

American Federation of Teachers:

Happy National #SchoolLibraryMonth — a month-long celebration of school librarians and school libraries! This quote from author Kelly Barnhill sums it up best. pic.twitter.com/IegZ2t0BWE

— AFT (@AFTunion) April 17, 2024

American Postal Workers Union:

On Tuesday, April 16, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a hearing to conduct oversight of the USPS, including the implementation of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. https://t.co/bbBZlkB51b

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) April 16, 2024

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

#Chicago is a union town! Join us tomorrow, Thursday, April 18th at 1:00pm on the picket line at ORD with our @APFAunity American flying partners to fight against corporate greed. 📢 Let’s make some noise! RSVP here: https://t.co/XKX7KGQIpA pic.twitter.com/V4jvKOLgLh

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 17, 2024

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:

Workers @ Hearthside Food Solutions in London, Ky. have filed for a union election w/ BCTGM. They have been trying to unionize for over a decade & their friends in McComb, Oh. and Michigan City, Ind. hope to follow very soon. RT to show your support!#hfsworkersunited #unionyes pic.twitter.com/Sn4DtlaxKc

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) April 10, 2024

Boilermakers:

NACBE has been around since 1975 as a great partner to the #Boilermakers union. So what does NACBE stand for and what do they do? 🤔 Check it out: https://t.co/KA2PfV6hEJ pic.twitter.com/FTI80IgNM8

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 17, 2024

Bricklayers:

Proud of our #tilesetters of BAC Local 4 #California who are working on the campuses of Indio College and Palomar College! #tilesetting #tilesetter #skilledtrades #buildingtrades #unionstrong #construction #unionpride #1u pic.twitter.com/0Z8Ho44Ndk

— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) April 14, 2024

Communications Workers of America:

🚨@rocnewsguild journalists are on strike!
Here's how you can support: https://t.co/JOXEMoUDUS

— CWA (@CWAUnion) April 16, 2024

Department for Professional Employees:

Securing FY25 funding for the NEA and NEH at $211 million is critical to building more inclusive arts, entertainment, and media industries. Contact your representatives in the House and Senate and urge them to support increased federal arts funding. https://t.co/HmJweCo9ls

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) April 16, 2024

Electrical Workers:

My #IBEW Story: Kim Davis, @ibewlocal332 pic.twitter.com/VkjimTgfx2

— IBEW (@IBEW) April 17, 2024

Heat and Frost Insulators:

Insulators Local 69 Business Manager Steven Overby joined the @AWFUnionPodcast to talk about the workload in Local 69’s jurisdiction. Listen to the full interview: https://t.co/BqZKsHRTPH pic.twitter.com/JcS5BIswyq

— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) April 16, 2024

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:

We're standing in support of the workers who print our money! IFPTE joins @DCLabor and @AFLCIO in calling on @BEPgov to stop the delay tactics and bargain a fair contract NOW! pic.twitter.com/UGBAA3yetH

— IFPTE (@IFPTE) April 16, 2024

International Labor Communications Association:

REMINDER: entry fees for the 2024 Labor Media Awards go up on April 20 from $40/entry to $60/entry! Submit your 2023 work to be considered for the contest by April 20 to pay the reduced fee! Learn more and submit: https://t.co/kgaMDbUFhM pic.twitter.com/U1QfMYzDY2

— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) April 16, 2024

Jobs With Justice:

Today, we're sending solidarity & fortitude to Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga as they kick off their election to join @UAW. Each VW worker's vote to join the union marks a historic leap forward for all Southern workers and their right to stand united! #StandUpVW #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/zslSROJETz

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 17, 2024

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

DYK? Only 56% of LGBTQI+ workers have paid sick leave, and just 31% have paid family leave. We need #PaidLeave for ALL families. #CareCantWait https://t.co/5cTSJwMZrd pic.twitter.com/TDYlY2K4BJ

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 17, 2024

Labor Heritage Foundation:

Hm, who can spot what’s missing at the Toledo Auto-Lite Strike Memorial? Anyone know where it is please email info@laborheritage.org pic.twitter.com/GrMURdhQTk

— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) April 17, 2024

Laborers:

Dive into the latest #ITK video from LIUNA for all things #PublicEmployees! You don’t want to miss it! 

WATCH NOW: https://t.co/rTr9b8awlK

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) April 17, 2024

Machinists:

The IAM applauds @POTUS's historic steps to safeguard U.S. shipbuilding and steel manufacturing workers, including launching a @USTradeRep investigation into China’s unfair trade practices in shipbuilding.

Read full statement here: https://t.co/xi1v1H8V7I

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) April 17, 2024

Maritime Trades Department:

USTR MOVES FORWARD ON MTD-BACKED SHIPBUILDING PETITION@steelworkers @USTradeRep https://t.co/Sc296rYksY

— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) April 17, 2024

Metal Trades Department:

Kalypso and Royal IHC to Build First Jones Act-Compliant Offshore Wind Cable Layer https://t.co/GrYuQG4CKl

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 16, 2024

Mine Workers:

Live stream of @CecilRoberts , @ActSecJulieSu , @CWilliamsonWVMD ,and @NIOSH discuss the need to better protect miners from debilitating and deadly illnesses and announce new actions the @MSHA_DOL is taking to ensure all miners are protected on the job.https://t.co/RuqBzE0AlT

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 17, 2024

Musical Artists:

Union busting relies on third-partying unions, presenting a union as external and negative. It's unfolding at Miami City Ballet, mirroring past Artist organizing efforts. Learn more about third-partying here: https://t.co/F9fQUcVmgZ pic.twitter.com/WefaTjHGlH

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) April 17, 2024

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

The FAA will open its doors to new applicants nationwide from April 19 to 22. This is an opportunity to embark on a rewarding career, and be part of a team of highly trained and respected professionals. Learn more at https://t.co/pFKwIZ3Owg pic.twitter.com/3U322zttCQ

— NATCA (@NATCA) April 17, 2024

National Association of Letter Carriers:

Letter carriers appreciate your and @RepGarretGraves unwavering efforts to repeal the WEP & GPO! Thank you for your continued work. https://t.co/7sJEPEhiGo

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 17, 2024

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National Day Laborer Organizing Network:

Join @WeCount_Fl for Workers Memorial Day 2024! https://t.co/T1s4nZJ3m3

— NDLON (@NDLON) April 16, 2024

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

Have you signed up for NDWA’s email or SMS list yet? If so you should have gotten the first clue in the Care Is Everywhere Scavenger Hunt! 

It’s not too late! Text “careworkers” to 33843 to submit the first clue and win a prize! pic.twitter.com/54sOT72rWP

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 17, 2024

National Federation of Federal Employees:

Lemie Gillesania Appointed as NFFE National Organizing Director:https://t.co/CO36i3xVGo

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 11, 2024

National Nurses United:

These are the lengths our corporate bosses will go to in order to keep us from our right to a voice on the job and a safe and healthy workplace. 😡

This award-winning piece by @jamieson is a must-read for all workers! https://t.co/NTy7OvvIKl

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) April 17, 2024

NWSL Players Association:

Happy #NationalSiblingDay to the iconic duos, past & present of the NWSL! pic.twitter.com/sm5CnCyzJV

— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) April 10, 2024

NFL Players Association:

Congratulations are in order to @CharlieBatch16 who opened a brand new home for his @BestoftheBatch foundation! 👏 https://t.co/lDkknUyELD pic.twitter.com/JC3Ystb7Rc

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 12, 2024

North America's Building Trades Unions:

Skilled trades are on the rise! 💼🛠️ Exciting to see young people realize what we have always known, the building trades are in the business of changing lives💪#InfrastructureGenerationhttps://t.co/AjaKJ9ywtG

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) April 17, 2024

Painters and Allied Trades:

Our members are at the forefront of protecting our nation's infrastructure & buildings from corrosion and wear.

Here's our sister Sarah Jean doing thermal spray coating on a project in Connecticut, which is often applied to bridges, dams, piers and onshore & offshore facilites. pic.twitter.com/x7WwGDwd6o

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) April 17, 2024

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

Hannah Hamer is a proud @526admin journeyperson and #OPCMIA apprenticeship graduate!https://t.co/aSRIEBlpt2 pic.twitter.com/zHRY231ljh

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 17, 2024

Pride At Work:

PA FOLKS! https://t.co/SZLo3zmkJY

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) April 16, 2024

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

NY State Senator @JabariBrisport supports the #RetailWorkerSafety Act, which puts the onus on retail employers to provide safe workplaces for their workers without further criminalization.
Will you join us? Write to NYS legislators: https://t.co/ZU1sHknitU pic.twitter.com/qw7YamF3AM

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 17, 2024

Roofers and Waterproofers:

Today belongs to the Volkswagen employees in Alabama who are voting in an election to unionize their workplace with @UAW. They are fighting for a brighter future. They are standing up for each other. #UnionYes pic.twitter.com/imfGSDuFbv

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 17, 2024

SAG-AFTRA:

Check out the SAG-AFTRA podcast for an inside look at the world of video gaming with #SagAftraMember @NoshirDalal and NED & Chief Negotiator @DuncanCI. Discover performer challenges and why fair treatment is non-negotiable. 🎮🎙️ Listen now! https://t.co/jYGcxtymyU pic.twitter.com/4kZITm72dV

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 17, 2024

Solidarity Center:

Our survey of leather tannery workers in #Bangladesh shows that industrial pollution, dangerous working conditions and low wages are leaving workers and their families vulnerable to the increasing effects of the #climate crisis in the country. pic.twitter.com/4jLvOmTOT3

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) April 17, 2024

The NewsGuild-CWA:

"We know that Gannett needs us, whether or not it wants to admit it. More importantly, we know that Rochester needs us—but we need a contract."

Read from @CitizenMurphy on why D&C @rocnewsguild journalists are on strike:https://t.co/sMwOIYDizS

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) April 16, 2024

Theatrical Stage Employees:

The #WNBADraft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music was UNION-MADE by the proud kin of IATSE Local 4! 💪 pic.twitter.com/TcoOdxJxSd

— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) April 17, 2024

Transport Workers Union:

.@skift writes on the new @Allegiant contract. The deal “makes Allegiant crews some of the best paid among U.S. ultra low-cost airlines” https://t.co/im7DxLGXs2

— TWU (@transportworker) April 17, 2024

Transportation Trades Department:

The labor movement stands united against the hostile takeover attempt of Norfolk Southern Railroad. ✊

The @AFLCIO is urging @nscorp shareholders to reject Ancora's proposed takeover, which would result in significant rail staffing and safety decreases: https://t.co/03m8QeTMfz pic.twitter.com/oqInhVsQuU

— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) April 16, 2024

UAW:

After reaping nearly $6B in profits in 2023, Daimler Truck said they plan to increase stock dividends by 46%, instead of sharing the wealth with the workers who produce the profits. It's why Daimler workers are done playing second fiddle and are preparing to STAND UP! pic.twitter.com/aAG8pHrRGS

— UAW (@UAW) April 16, 2024

Union Label and Service Trades Department:

🔥🔥 “We’re going to win,” said Lisa Elliott, a quality control worker at VW. “We have the momentum. I know this will be a [historic] event.” https://t.co/C5WDEL3C0B

— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) April 17, 2024

UNITE HERE:

🍻 https://t.co/JEC5bSHVOX

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) April 15, 2024

United Food and Commercial Workers:

Get ready to expand your knowledge & skills w/ the UFCW Discount College Program. 

Access a wide range of program options from certificates to bachelor's & even master's degrees. Part-time or full-time, online classes make learning convenient for you!

➡️ https://t.co/vJfcSxhgs0 pic.twitter.com/UijkXr0agY

— UFCW (@UFCW) April 17, 2024

United Steelworkers:

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration today realized a longtime USW priority when it issued a final rule updating standards to significantly reduce worker exposure to silica dust.

Learn more: https://t.co/p6bVyyWtIM pic.twitter.com/ycQ6diEcEB

— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) April 16, 2024

Utility Workers:

MUST READ: Wind turbine technician is expected to be one of the fastest growing jobs this decade, and Wired magazine profiled one of our members to get the scoop. 🧵 https://t.co/ITMos2aKJh pic.twitter.com/WUnVvwHSHb

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) April 17, 2024

Working America:

Stay cool during heat waves with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)! Learn more about how this federal program may help cover your cooling costs and even repair your AC unit. 

Check out if you qualify here: https://t.co/HdcHFNx4BS #LIHEAP #WorkingAmerica pic.twitter.com/s4dsEf1L8w

— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) April 16, 2024

Writers Guild of America East:

"S" is for solidarity! Show your support for WGA members at Sesame Workshop fighting for a fair deal before their current contract expires THIS Friday. #1u

Send a letter to execs calling for a fair union contract that protects writers at Sesame:https://t.co/T9XvpGBzMH

— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) April 17, 2024

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) members' voices are critical in ensuring members of Congress support the funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) at $211 million for fiscal year 2025.

It's easy to contact representatives and senators and tell them to support this funding increase. AGMA has co-sponsored a letter-writing campaign set up by the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, through Action Network. The letter has been drafted, so all that senders need to do is insert a few details.

Congress is already making decisions about next year’s funding for the NEA and NEH and needs to hear from union creative professionals about the need to increase federal arts funding.

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 X (formerly Twitter).

Alaska AFL-CIO:

The list goes on and on. #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/3G0nv8Vbrf

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 12, 2024

Arizona AFL-CIO:

Internet access is vital in today's world, and the Affordable Connectivity Program has helped millions get online. But it's running out of funding in TWO WEEKS. Call/email Congress to fund the ACP now to ensure access for all! #FundACP #InternetForAllhttps://t.co/CaIPbyl4Pw

— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 11, 2024

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Thanks to the Biden administration’s new site https://t.co/5hRHAtcpOO Californians have more options than ever to file their federal taxes for FREE! Free CA state return filing and free tax prep help is also available — check out our video for more info! pic.twitter.com/A4BCsxzPCe

— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) April 10, 2024

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

After 10 hours on strike, facilities workers at the University of New Haven won a new contract! #solidarity @217unitehere https://t.co/mPa9GlGOHf

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 12, 2024

Florida AFL-CIO:

Gov. DeSantis works for the bosses, not for you. https://t.co/3QgZNQ18jB

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 12, 2024

Georgia State AFL-CIO:

#sundayvibes https://t.co/uGKqDe3IEp

— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 14, 2024

Illinois AFL-CIO:

A "commitment" to responsible supply chains + sustainability without signing onto the Accord is just lip-service when complacence is a matter of life + death. 

Tomorrow, 4/16, join @WorkersUnited to tell @LEVIS to #SignTheAccord.

📍Levi's, 600 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
🕑 4PM pic.twitter.com/pHeCSo0bDA

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Maine AFL-CIO:

Here's our latest on our progress on the state budget, Buy American legislation & support for Federal & State workers during government shutdowns https://t.co/v4zwOValM0

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 12, 2024

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Shoutout to @GBLCBoston for holding an informative legislative breakfast this morning pic.twitter.com/MAGyybfRJt

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) April 11, 2024

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters as the Holy Month of Ramadan comes to a close. pic.twitter.com/QcGNpdm2J2

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 10, 2024

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

We’re at the Capitol today rallying support of the #DebtFairness Act. This bill would end some of the worst practices that medical debt collectors use. #1u #mnleg pic.twitter.com/oxzgB7Ursp

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Orange cones ahead? Slow down and proceed with caution. Let’s protect our road workers and ensure everyone gets home safely. #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek #NWZAW pic.twitter.com/h8zaPWFnIq

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Today, the delegates of the Nevada State AFL-CIO convened at IBEW 357 union hall and voted to endorse the following candidates for the 2024 election cycle. pic.twitter.com/YB4F8wMxYC

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 13, 2024

New York State AFL-CIO:

Union drip ❤️ https://t.co/B7pr5IZrPg

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 11, 2024

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

"[W]e stand united with our @UAW family, and their families, like we do in our schools and communities every single day." @NCAE Op-Ed: In NC auto workers’ fight for better wages, public school teachers see themselves https://t.co/pvgJfq3Mym @cardinalandpine #StandUpDaimler #1u

— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 11, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

The @GOP talks about being pro American worker, but almost never has the votes to help us! https://t.co/equt3lkWEW

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 15, 2024

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Huge thanks to the @GoIUPAT @DOLJobCorps painters for your work on our exterior walls! pic.twitter.com/UXUVW1xgXh

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

"It shows that our union and our congressmen are behind us 100 percent," Rob Jones, an operating technician 1 for U.S. Steel on the Mon Valley said.https://t.co/qWo3mZdaVv

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 15, 2024

Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

Happy 121st Birthday 🎂🎂 to our union siblings at @LIUNA ! Here's to another 121 years and 1 million members. #Solidarity #HappyBirthday #Union @GPBrentBooker @GSTMFSabitoni @LIUNA @LIUNALocal271 @LIUNANewEngland https://t.co/ntZuQe14Lt

— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 13, 2024

Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:

With flow motion now in effect on the Hill, the proceedings will begin to move even faster and with less restrictions.

Learn more about what that means for the bills that we're still tracking in our latest legislative update ⬇ #TNLeg #1uhttps://t.co/jCzJC9pPz7

— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 15, 2024

Texas AFL-CIO:

We stand in solidarity with United Steelworkers 13-227 and call on management to negotiate in good faith toward a fair contract. #1u https://t.co/KL4tf1Q2Dd

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

The sound of solidarity is ringing across downtown Bellevue as striking @ibewlocal46 Limited Energy electricians and supporters rally for a fair contract. 

Solidarity forever with these brave workers! #1u pic.twitter.com/DH2A6inTQI

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Worker power. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced last week that the number of union election petitions rose 35% during the first six months of fiscal year 2024 compared to the same period last year. pic.twitter.com/rgc2nytLtg

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 15, 2024

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Registered nurses (RNs) at two Ascension-owned hospitals in Wichita, Kansas, voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying new two-year contracts. The RNs, represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), voted 96% in favor of the contract at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, and 100% at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph. The RNs went on strike twice and threatened a third strike, if necessary. Highlights of the contract include safe staffing levels, improved safety guidelines for patients and nurses, and improved compensation and a transparent wage scale based on years of experience.

“This is a historic day for our union, our patients, our hospitals, and the entire city of Wichita,” said Shelly Rader, RN in the emergency department at St. Francis. “We’ve shown Ascension that nurses won’t back down when it comes to fighting for better patient care and better working conditions. We organized to fight for and win a strong contract, and we’re very excited to announce we’ve done just that now that nurses have approved this contract.”

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.

New Rule Would Stop Civil Service from Turning into Spoils System: “‘One reason for the stability of our federal government is federal employees continue doing their jobs and serving the American public even as political administrations come and go,’ said AFGE President Everett Kelley after OPM formally published its new rule on April 8. ‘Turning positions that demand technical expertise into political appointments filled based on partisan loyalty would undermine this fundamental tenet of our government and lead to chaos and corruption. Such actions would undermine our democratic, nonpartisan government and take us back to the 19th century when civil servants were hired based on political loyalty rather than professional ability.’”

Berea College Student Body, Administration Prepare for Vote on Potential Student Workers’ Labor Union: “Last month, student workers at Berea College announced their plans to organize a labor union—the first at any Work College in the country. Members of the United Student Workers of Berea are organizing for a number of reasons, including higher wages, negotiable job contracts and a formal grievance system. The group filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in mid-March to hold a unionization vote. More than 1,300 undergraduate students would be represented. If the vote passes, they will be able to start negotiations with the school’s administration. Maggie Neal is a junior at Berea College and union organizer.”

UAOU Unites for Unionization Amid University’s Delays: “The United Academics of Ohio University, or UAOU, organized a solidarity event and discussion of the current state of unionizing at the Scripps Hall Amphitheater on Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. to show OU leadership that faculty are ready to vote for unionization. Around 50 faculty members attended the event, sporting red UAOU buttons and holding signs expressing their reasons for advocating for unionization. ‘I want a union at OU to stop admin bullying and to ensure a better learning environment,’ read one sign. Other signs featured on UAOU’s Instagram state reasons for unionization such as, ‘Our working conditions are student learning conditions’ and ‘We need shared governance back!’ The gathering highlighted unity among various union groups present, including the Association of People Supporting Employment First, or APSE, and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.”

U.S. Senate Backs Repeal of NLRB 'Joint Employer' Rule, Teeing Up Biden Veto: “The U.S. Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved a proposal, which President Joe Biden has vowed to veto, to repeal a National Labor Relations Board rule that would treat companies as the employers of many of their contract and franchise workers and require them to bargain with those workers' unions. The Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, passed the resolution in a 50-48 vote.”

Smith College Library Staff Unionizes: “On Tuesday, more than 40 Smith College library staffers did something that only 6% of private-sector workers in the United States can claim: joined a union. Locally, however, the workers who voted unanimously to join the Office and Professional Employees International Union are far from alone. So far, 2024 is already shaping up to be the biggest year in recent memory for union organizing in western Massachusetts. Federal data from the National Labor Relations Board show that at least 477 workers have unionized this year in the region—more than in any previous year since at least 2019. And it’s higher-ed workers who have driven that trend.”

Partners Coffee Workers Holding Vote to Join UFCW: “Workers at Partners Coffee in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, will vote this week on whether to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500, nearly two years after workers first started organizing at the shop. If the 22 baristas, roasters, production workers and kitchen employees vote to unionize on Thursday, they’ll join a wave of young workers at other coffee shops like Starbucks and Blank Street Coffee that have unionized since the pandemic.”

8 Ways the Biden Administration Is Improving the Lives of Service Workers: “The Biden administration is raising pay, building power, and improving living standards for service workers across the economy—including fast-food cooks, call center workers, teachers, home care workers, and federal employees. The Biden administration has received ongoing attention for its actions to improve the lives of blue collar workers—from walking the picket line with striking autoworkers to ensuring that its signature investments in American industry create good jobs. Pundits and the press often point to actions to expand and raise standards in the construction and manufacturing sectors as central to the Biden administration’s economic agenda. Yet the administration has also taken numerous steps to boost the earnings and wealth of service sector workers, empower them to come together in unions, and hold accountable corporations that violate their rights.”

Biden Promotes 'Care Economy' Spending in Speech to Care Workers: “President Joe Biden called for increased pay for care workers, and guaranteed paid leave for those who care for family members, in a speech Tuesday at Washington, D.C.'s Union Station. Biden highlighted his administration's investments in what he called the care economy, before a group of caregivers that included representatives from the AFL-CIO, AARP and National Domestic Workers Alliance.”

Biden Announces Student Debt Relief for Millions in Swing-State Pitch: “President Biden on Monday announced a large-scale effort to help pay off federal student loans for tens of millions of American borrowers, seeking an election-year boost by returning to a 2020 campaign promise that was blocked by the Supreme Court last year. Biden’s new plan would reduce the amount that 25 million borrowers still owe on their undergraduate and graduate loans. It would wipe away the entire amount for more than 4 million Americans. Altogether, White House officials said, 10 million borrowers would see debt relief of $5,000 or more.”

Rebuild the Key Bridge with Local Union Labor: “As the city of Baltimore and the wider region grapple with the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy, we must mourn the six men who lost their lives in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse last month, and never forget how fragile life can be, especially on a job site—any job site. We also must recognize that we are at a crossroads. How we choose to rebuild will shape the physical landscape of our city and define our commitment to our workers, our communities and our children. We must seize this moment as an opportunity to rebuild responsibly, safely. We must rebuild with a highly trained local workforce that is paid prevailing wages. And we must rebuild around responsible union contractors who partner with minority-owned businesses.”

The Rize Event Center Joins UNITE HERE Local 74: “The Rize Event Center, a new full-service catering and restaurant facility, has joined UNITE HERE Local 74....The restaurant is open two nights a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. ‘Our goal is to connect families, people and community at a price they can afford,’ said owner Betsey Mitchell. ‘We decided to open the restaurant two days a week to make ends meet, and it’s been a big hit.’ Mitchell, who’s owned restaurants with her mother in the past, said she was delighted to learn there was a union for hospitality workers in the St. Louis area. She’s a former teacher at St. Louis Public Schools and was a member of AFT Local 420, and her husband was a 25-year member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562.”

Absent Radical Labor Law Reform the Nation Could Be In Trouble: “Unions and labor activists have been warning that unless labor law is updated corporations will take advantage of the current law and its loopholes to set back progress on countless issues important to Americans. Current labor law, for example, allows bosses to drag their feet for years, at times, in negotiations with workers. Bill Samuel says, that when it comes to a top issue such as comprehensive pro-worker labor law reform, you have to take the long view about accomplishing it. Make that the very long view, as in decades. Which is what Samuel has done as the AFL-CIO Government Affairs Director for almost 24 years. He’ll retire soon.”

Autoworkers at Alabama’s Mercedes-Benz Plant File for a Union Election: “Mercedes-Benz workers in Vance, Alabama, will vote on whether to join the United Auto Workers (UAW). On Friday, the UAW filed for an election to represent all 5,200 of the plant’s hourly employees, after the union said a supermajority of workers at the company’s mammoth plant signed union cards in three months. Jeremy Kimbrell, a measurement machine operator at the plant, said as part of the UAW’s announcement: ‘At Mercedes, at Hyundai and at hundreds of other companies, Alabama workers have made billions of dollars for executives and shareholders, but we haven’t gotten our fair share. We’re going to turn things around with this vote. We’re going to end the Alabama discount.’”

UVM Graduate Students Form a Union to Bargain for Better Pay and Benefits: “Last week, University of Vermont graduate students voted 373-9 to form a union in an election involving nearly two-thirds of the students in the bargaining unit. Among the top priorities for the students will be better pay and health care benefits, which currently don't cover vision or dental. ‘I'm personally excited not just about increased pay but the health benefits,’ said Neil Traft, a second-year doctoral student in the complex systems and data science program. ‘A huge thing for me is dental and vision. I need work done on my wisdom teeth. I wear glasses and contacts. It will affect me directly.’”

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Every year, the Machinists (IAM) Local 811 Women’s Committee does a community service event in Houston. This year, the committee chose the Mission of Yahweh, which is a sanctuary for homeless women and children.

“We contacted the shelter to find out what their needs were,” said Local 811 Women’s Committee Chair Sarah Monderoy Garcia. “When we held our membership appreciation day, we asked every member to bring three items, and from there, we kept it going as long as we could.”

They delivered hundreds of dollars worth of canned goods, baby food, diapers, wipes and women’s clothing.

“My thanks go out to our membership, the Chair of the Community Services Committee, Roderick Lightfoot, and Women’s Committee member Evelita Iveritt,” Garcia said. “We’re always looking for a way to give back, and their efforts helped make this all come together, from collecting goods to delivering them. Without their assistance and contributions, this wouldn’t have been a successful outcome.”

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Arizona labor organizers, union members, immigration lawyers and their clients filled the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 86 hall in Phoenix last month for the Arizona AFL-CIO’s inaugural citizenship fair.

Nearly two dozen applicants worked closely with lawyers and union volunteers to fill out applications for naturalization, known as the N-400, to complete their last step to becoming a U.S. citizen. Once those forms were complete, attendees were directed to head straight to the post office to mail them off to avoid a higher filing fee. The Arizona AFL-CIO has been planning this free community fair for around three months, with more planned for the future, and every volunteer was a local union member. Organizers noted that, for a number of applicants, they were motivated to become naturalized citizens in order to finally have a say in the election process, which often decides where their tax dollars go.