AFL-CIO Blog

  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists and NFFE-IAM Hold Event Celebrating Federal Workers
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists and NFFE-IAM Hold Event Celebrating Federal Workers Working people across the United States regularly step 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. Early Monday morning, the Machinists (IAM) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) gathered to show support for federal workers alongside AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (pictured above) and community allies. Rally attendees spoke with commuters and held signs thanking federal employees for their critical work keeping our essential services running. “We often take federal employees for granted, yet they dedicate their lives to serving the American people, often under challenging circumstances,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “It's crucial that we take time to recognize their hard work and commitment, not just on special occasions, but every day. They are going through a difficult time, and we are proud to support them with a simple thank you.” Randy Erwin, national president of the NFFE-IAM, added: “They deserve our respect, our support, and fair treatment. This event is a small way to show our appreciation for their dedication and service.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/26/2025 - 09:23 — Mar 26
  • Let Us Work: In the States Roundup
    Let Us Work: In the States Roundup 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. Alaska AFL-CIO: Arizona AFL-CIO: California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO: Colorado AFL-CIO: Connecticut AFL-CIO: Illinois AFL-CIO: Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO: Kentucky State AFL-CIO: Maine AFL-CIO: Massachusetts AFL-CIO: Michigan State AFL-CIO: Minnesota AFL-CIO: Missouri AFL-CIO: Nevada State AFL-CIO: New York State AFL-CIO: North Carolina State AFL-CIO: Ohio AFL-CIO: Oregon AFL-CIO: Texas AFL-CIO: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/25/2025 - 11:54 — Mar 25
  • Women's History Month Profiles
    Women's History Month Profiles For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's 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 members we've featured so far: Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/25/2025 - 10:48 Tags: Women's History Month — Mar 25
  • Women's History Month Profiles: Deborah Toussant
    Women's History Month Profiles: Deborah Toussant For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's 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 Deborah Toussant of AFGE. Deborah Toussant is the secretary-treasurer of AFGE Local 2094, the national women’s advisory coordinator of AFGE District 2 and the vice chair of AFGE’s National Human Rights Committee. She worked for the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in New York City for more than 34 years until she retired in 2019. She has continued her service and activism with AFGE and in her Harlem community. Toussant is a proud union woman who is willing to speak up for the voiceless and fight for civil, human, women’s and workers’ rights. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/25/2025 - 09:59 Tags: Women's History Month — Mar 25
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Skidmore Faculty Ratifies First Union Contract
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Skidmore Faculty Ratifies First Union Contract Working people across the United States regularly step 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. Faculty represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200United at Skidmore College unanimously voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) last week. The new agreement between Skidmore Faculty Forward and the private liberal arts school covers full- and part-time faculty who are not on the tenure track. The core bargaining goal for members was longer renewable appointments—before the CBA, they worked on short contracts that lasted one to three years and then were terminated with no guarantee of being rehired. Fixing this serial job insecurity was a major highlight of the deal, in addition to increased salary minimums, full parental leave and more. “We are elated that our first collective bargaining agreement has been ratified,” the union said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and thankful for the contributions, big and small, from so many of our colleagues and fellow union members. This contract would not be the life-changing and uplifting document that it is without their support. Thank you to the entire campus community for your support over the years. Together, we won huge gains and improvements in our working conditions and ultimately in our students’ learning conditions.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/25/2025 - 09:58 — Mar 25

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