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Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Elevator Constructors Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Elevator Constructors This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we've covered all 63 of our affiliates. Next up are the Elevator Constructors (IUEC). Name of Union: International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Mission: To promote and protect the interests of elevator constructors, with a focus on dignity, skills and the well-being of members. Current Leadership of Union: Frank J. Christensen serves as general president, with Jim Chapman serving as assistant general president and Larry J. McGann as general secretary-treasurer. IUEC has 10 vice presidents. Current Number of Members: More than 30,000 Members Work As: Elevator constructors. Industries Represented: Construction sites across industries throughout the United States and Canada. History: On July 15, 1901, 11 men met at the Griswold Hotel in Pittsburgh. They were all elevator constructors in the early days of that field of work and they came from several cities. They drafted bylaws and a constitution, elected officers and formed the National Union of Elevator Constructors, which would later become the IUEC. They applied for a charter and membership in the National Building Trades Council of the American Federation of Labor and were approved. The total expense of the founding convention was $13.90 and the whole process, from the launch of the convention to approval from the AFL, took three days. The elevator constructors knew what they wanted to achieve and had a pretty good idea of how to get it done. By 1903, the union had expanded into Canada and had become the International Union of Elevator Constructors. The growth of skyscrapers necessarily led to the growth of the elevator construction industry. Advancing technology created a need for qualified and well-trained constructors, and the new union helped establish its members as the best in the world. Early meetings with manufacturers and the building trades led to a letter of mutual agreement that stated that only IUEC would construct elevators. The AFL granted IUEC's charter not long after. While changes in labor law and jurisdictional disputes would present challenges for IUEC, the union fought through them to continue serving the best interests of its members and the industry. In 2001, IUEC celebrated its 100th anniversary and pledged to continue the founders' commitment to the dignity, skills and well-being of its members. Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: IUEC built a member memorial at its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, and you can purchase a brick to help remember those who lost their lives in the trade. The National Elevator Constructors Political Action Committee works to ensure the industry's working people are represented in the lawmaking process. IUEC issues regular safety alerts and maintains contact with members through the IUEC app, which is available on Android and iOS. IUEC works with various charities. IUEC promotes opportunities and memorializes veterans. IUEC offers branded merchandise through its online store. Learn More: Website, Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/23/2025 - 14:29 — Jun 23
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Speaking Out Against Injustice: The Working People Weekly List Speaking Out Against Injustice: 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. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on How Labor Is Uniting in Response to Trump: “In an exclusive interview with Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan, the U.S. labor leader also discusses DOGE, Musk, and AI.” Jimmy Wlliams Jr.—The Senate Must Reject Job-Killing Cuts. Union Jobs Are on the Line: “As the general president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), I represent 140,000 proud workers across the finishing trades. Our vital work includes our country's industrial, commercial, and decorative painters. Because we spend our careers ensuring that our vital infrastructure works well and looks good, we know a thing or two about making things beautiful. President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill is anything but.” Social Security Defenders Say Trustees Report Shows Expansion—Not GOP Cuts—Is Path Forward: “Richard Fiesta, the executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, also called out DOGE's work at the Social Security Administration, and referenced efforts to raise the Social Security retirement age beyond 67.” Liz Shuler—An Injury to One Is an Injury to All: “Last week, countless union members across our affiliated unions and around the nation truly embodied the word ‘solidarity.’ When SEIU California President David Huerta was unlawfully arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for exercising his constitutional rights, the Labor Movement mobilized, took to the streets and made clear that we wouldn’t stop until he was free. The Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda has been terrorizing our immigrant brothers, sisters and siblings. Since Inauguration Day, multiple union members who were legally residing in this country have been abducted by ICE. Our hardworking neighbors who are simply trying to provide for their families have been robbed of their due process while their loved ones are left fearing for their safety. The stories of workers like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Maximo Londonio, Lewelyn ‘Auntie Lynn’ Dixon and Rümeysa Öztürk are absolutely harrowing.” AI Rules Freeze: “The AFL-CIO is leading more than 25 unions in opposing a provision in the Republican reconciliation bill that would withhold broadband funds from states unless they agree not to regulate artificial intelligence.” ‘No Kings’ Seeded a Mass Movement Against Trump, Backed by Labor: “Millions of demonstrators across the country came out into the streets on June 14 at more than 2,000 protests in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Organizers estimated that the mobilization, called ‘No Kings Day of Defiance,’ drew at least five million people nationwide, which would make it the largest single-day protest in U.S. history.” AFL-CIO, Unions Seek Early Win to Block Slash of FMCS: “A group of unions and the AFL-CIO urged a New York federal judge to find the Trump administration's staffing cuts and shuttering of field offices at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service are unlawful, arguing the government did not have an explanation for slashing the agency's services. The Trump administration went too far with a March 14 executive order reducing services and staff at the FMCS, said the AFL-CIO and a coalition of unions in a motion for summary judgment Friday, looking to restore the agency's operations before many mediators are put on administrative leave. The FMCS provides mediation services for labor disputes. The unions and AFL-CIO accused the FMCS and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget of violating the Administrative Procedure Act by carrying out President Donald Trump's executive order titled ‘Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.’ On March 14, the president's directive said the FMCS must eliminate its ‘non-statutory components and functions’ and slash statutory functions and staff ‘to the minimum presence and function required by law.’” ICE Tried to Make an Example Out of Labor Leader David Huerta. Now Is the Time for Unions to Speak Up on Behalf of Immigrant Workers: “David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)–United Service Workers West (USWW), was detained earlier this month for doing what every labor leader should be doing right now: showing up. Huerta was arrested this month in Los Angeles while protesting citywide raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), exercising his right to speak out—something the labor movement has done for centuries. But because this was an immigration protest, and because Huerta is a bold, unapologetic advocate for immigrant workers, he was targeted and thrown to the ground in broad daylight.” Hundreds Protest in Boston in Solidarity with Los Angeles and Demand Detained Union Leader Be Freed: “Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO: ‘On behalf of organized labor here in Massachusetts, we stand in strong solidarity with SEIU leader David Huerta and every single working person being illegally and inhumanely targeted by this administration. On Friday, David Huerta was peacefully exercising his constitutional rights, lawfully observing immigration activity in his community when ICE violently arrested him. He was doing what unions always do, what it is our job to do, and what this country was founded on: Speaking out against injustice.’” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/23/2025 - 09:45 — Jun 23
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Pride Month Profiles: Zachary Pritchett Pride Month Profiles: Zachary Pritchett For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Zachary Pritchett of AFSCME. Zachary Pritchett is an emergency room (ER) nurse at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles and a proud member of United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, an affiliate of AFSCME. When he's not saving lives in the ER, Pritchett is advocating for his community's access to care. He traveled to Washington, D.C., to fight against dangerous Medicaid cuts, which would severely limit his hospital’s ability to care for anyone who walks through its doors. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/23/2025 - 09:36 Tags: Pride — Jun 23
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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: San Diego IATSE Members Secure Powerful Contract Service & Solidarity Spotlight: San Diego IATSE Members Secure Powerful 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. Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122 members who work for Encore Global won a historic contract that includes wage increases of up to 28% in the first year. Workers secured this victory after several months of coordinated collective action. Encore is majority-owned by Blackstone—the world’s largest private equity firm. This contract serves as a reminder that when workers stand together, we have the power to take on the wealthiest bosses and win. The agreement covers almost 200 in-house audiovisual technicians and riggers across 24 venues in San Diego County. Some highlights of the new contract include an average wage increase of up to 28% in the first year, premiums for hazardous working conditions, a reduced evaluation period to allow more opportunities for merit increases, a ratification bonus, and a strengthened arbitration process to protect workers’ rights and fortify the agreement. “This agreement reflects the strength and unity of Local 122 and our commitment to raising standards across the industry,” said Robert Morales, IATSE Local 122 business representative. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/23/2025 - 09:29 Tags: Organizing — Jun 23
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Worker Wins: We’re Proud of What We’ve Achieved Together Worker Wins: We’re Proud of What We’ve Achieved Together Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. Vermont Hospice Workers Vote to Join AFT: Earlier this month, staff at the University of Vermont (UVM) Health Network Home Health & Hospice voted overwhelmingly in favor of forming a union with AFT Vermont, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Members of Hospice United perform a number of essential duties related to palliative and end-of-life care for patients with terminal illnesses. Despite a powerful 88% of workers voting to form Hospice United, administrators are still trying to challenge the inclusion of certain positions in the bargaining unit—such as chaplains and bereavement coordinators. Staff aren’t deterred however, and are looking forward to beginning negotiations on a first contract. “We’re doing this to build a better hospice,” said Lindsay Gagnon, a hospice nurse practitioner at UVM. “We deserve fair caseloads, so we can give each patient and family the best care possible at the end of life. We deserve fair pay that reflects the highly skilled and specialized care we provide. We deserve respect and a voice, to ensure every team member has what they need to thrive while doing the work we are so passionate about.” Nicole DiVita, the president for Healthcare at AFT Vermont, added: “This is a big win. When healthcare workers have a say in their workplace, care gets better for everyone. We’ve seen over 700 new members join AFT Vermont in just the last few months—it’s a powerful time for healthcare workers in our state.” AFSCME Members at Field Museum Win Contract: Despite union-busting tactics from management, AFSCME members who work at the Field Museum in Chicago have successfully secured their first collective bargaining agreement. Staff formed their union, Field Museum Workers United, through AFSCME Council 31 in March 2023. Highlights of the contract include wage increases ranging from nearly 14% to more than 17%, increased compensation for bilingual skills and translation services, and an improved retirement plan. Workers credit the outpouring of community solidarity as key to this major win. This included massive attendance at a picket in front of the museum when management stalled negotiations—just a few weeks later, Field Museum Workers United members reached an agreement. “That was solidarity,” said Stanley Banks, a bargaining committee member, in a Council 31 website post. “Museum guests were walking up and getting into the picket, some of them were members of other unions. That rally helped us create movement at the table. We created a strong foundation and now we’re ready to build on it.” CWA Members Unite to Secure Improved Severance Agreement from TCGplayer: On Monday, Communications Workers of America (CWA) members at eBay-owned TCGplayer ratified a closing agreement with the online trading card game marketplace that secured a much-improved severance package after layoff announcements. Workers at the tech platform for the collectibles industry voted to form TCGunion-CWA in 2023—becoming the first eBay employees to formally organize. After more than 600 days of fighting for a first contract, the company suddenly announced that the authentication center in Syracuse, New York, would close. The news that TCGplayer’s headquarters would relocate to Louisville, Kentucky, came as a shock to members, but workers continued to fight for a fair and hearty severance package. The agreement includes a number of essential provisions that will ensure workers land on their feet, including 20 weeks of pay with an additional $2.50 an hour above current wages, six months of employer-paid COBRA medical insurance coverage, seven months of continued mental health benefits and more. “We are so proud of what we have accomplished as a union. Thank you to everyone who has stood in solidarity with us over the years,” the union said in a public statement posted to social media. “TCGunion-CWA built collective power for hundreds of workers in Syracuse, joining together to fight for fair treatment for all. We fought back against a multi-billion dollar corporation, changing our understanding of the power we wield, and we will carry that with us forever. eBay could only beat our union by closing down the entire Authentication Center and leaving town. We live in a time of unchecked corporate power, and still we brought them to the table again and again. From Syracuse to Louisville, workers everywhere deserve rights, respect, and dignity on the job. As long as we don’t stop fighting for it, we will win.” SAG-AFTRA and Video Game Companies Reach Tentative Agreement: On Monday, SAG-AFTRA announced that the union has reached a tentative agreement with major video game labels on the terms for a new interactive media contract after months of work stoppage. Members who work as voice actors and performance capture workers have been on strike since July 2024, fighting for fair provisions governing artificial intelligence. “Everyone at SAG-AFTRA is immensely grateful for the sacrifices made by video game performers and the dedication of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee throughout these many months of the video game strike,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said. “Patience and persistence has resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary A.I. guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the A.I. age, alongside other important gains.” “Our video game performers stood strong against the biggest employers in one of the world’s most lucrative industries,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. “Their incredible courage and persistence, combined with the tireless work of our negotiating committee, has at last secured a deal. The needle has been moved forward and we are much better off than before. As soon as this is ratified we roll up our sleeves and begin to plan the next negotiation. Every contract is a work in progress and progress is the name of the game.” AGMA Announces Historic First Contract with Texas Ballet Theater: American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)-represented performers at the Texas Ballet Theater achieved a historic milestone late last month when they ratified their new union contract, the first time North Texas dance company workers have done so in more than 40 years. Members secured a four-year agreement that raises wages, improves safety and health protections, establishes greater paid time off, guarantees fair grievance and arbitration processes, and so many more victories. Another notable win includes language that codifies commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. This is especially critical given that both the White House and Texas lawmakers have implemented bans on policies that support marginalized workers. “This is an important step for dance and for union artists in the North Texas area,” said Griff Braun, national organizing director of AGMA. “What came out of that I think is really good for the dancers and for the company and for the future of Texas Ballet Theater. I think professional dance and opera and other performing arts at this level are in the crosshairs, both in terms of attacks on labor and working people's rights, but also attacks on arts funding.” Simmons University Adjunct Faculty Form Union: Simmons University adjunct faculty won their union election last week to join Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 509. This victory comes after nearly two months of organizing at the private, nonprofit institution in Boston. Adjunct professors—who make up three-quarters of the Simmons faculty—are now completing their bargaining priorities survey so they can negotiate a contract that ensures fair compensation and better working conditions. “We need to improve the experiences of Simmons adjuncts and by association, the experience of our students,” said faculty member Sarah Phenix. “An adjunct’s working condition is a student’s learning condition.” CommonSpirit/Dignity Health Nurses Ratify New Contract: California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC) members who work at CommonSpirit/Dignity Health facilities in California and Nevada voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new four-year contract. CNA/NNOC, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), represents registered nurses at 27 locations in the health care network. Highlights of the new agreement include across-the-board wage increases, retention of pension and retiree benefits, the preservation of all existing patient care and workplace protections, and more. “With this critical milestone achieved, we can now turn our collective focus to the broader social issues that affect our communities — including the urgent need for humane immigration reform, protecting health care from further cuts, and opposing harmful federal reductions that threaten essential public services,” said Phil Penn, an RN in Long Beach, California. APWU, USPS Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract: The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) finalized a tentative agreement last Monday with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The proposed three-year deal received unanimous approval from the Rank and File Bargaining Advisory Committee, and it now moves to a membership ratification vote. Highlights of the agreement include annual wage increases, cost-of-living adjustments for career employees, no-layoff protections, increase in uniform allowances and more. The union emphasized that these gains were all won without givebacks or concessions. “This is great news for postal workers,” said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “Negotiations are never easy and have been hard fought. We have secured an agreement that continues to protect the rights and interests of our members in uncertain times. We have been negotiating when government workers and our unions are under severe assault and with the specter of postal privatization looming.” AGMA Announces Tentative Agreement with Metropolitan Opera: The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and The Metropolitan Opera in New York City have reached a new one-year tentative agreement covering performers and other staff at the largest classical music organization in North America. Members serve in roles such as chorus, soloists, dancers, full-time actors, stage managers, stage directors and choreographers. The agreement includes a 2.5% wage hike in addition to a supplemental temporary increase of 2.5% that sunsets at the end of the contract. This short-term boost reflects the role that AGMA members played in successfully lobbying for a $5 million appropriation for the cultural institution in New York state's budget. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Negotiating Committee Co-Chairs Lee Steiner, a chorister, and John Coleman, a stage manager. “This one-year agreement honors the contributions of all AGMA artists at the Met, and reflects real progress in areas our members identified as priorities. Just as importantly, it sets the stage for a more expansive negotiation next year, where we’ll continue to build on this momentum and work toward lasting improvements.” South Bay Transit Workers Approve New Contract:nAfter a historic work stoppage and nearly a year of negotiations, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 members who work for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in San Jose, California, have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with the transit agency. The union represents more than 1,500 bus drivers, light rail operators, maintenance workers and dispatchers who keep the region moving. Workers walked off the job on March 10 after the transit agency refused to address their core concerns in bargaining. VTA sued and the Santa Clara County Superior Court eventually gave them a preliminary injunction, busting the strike and forcing members back to work. The new contract includes a 14.5% raise over the lifetime of the deal, improved dental benefits, updated workplace policies and other improvements. “Our members have stood strong over the past few months despite the court order halting our strike and negotiations being drawn out. This contract recognizes their commitment and dedication with decent living wages, safer working conditions, updated grievance policies, and other improvements,” said Local 265 President/Business Agent Raj Singh in a press release. “They have put their lives on the line every day to keep this service running, to get our passengers across San Jose where they need to go safely.” Vox Media Union Members Reach Tentative Agreement: Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members at Vox Media reached a tentative agreement this morning on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The 250-member unit will vote to ratify the contract in the coming days. Vox Media Union members work at well-known outlets like Vox.com, The Verge, Eater, SB Nation, Pop Sugar, Thrillist, Vox Media Podcast Network and The Dodo, and had previously voted 90% in favor of authorizing a strike if management did not settle a new contract before their current agreement expired on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Oregon Shakespeare Festival Workers Ratify First Contract: Box office and group sales workers at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) have unanimously ratified their first contract as members of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 154. This is the latest victory for the local, which now represents workers in 18 different departments at the 90-year-old nonprofit theater, including facilities, costuming, front-of-house, concessions and more. It didn’t come easy though—during the contract fight, OSF management brought in a union-busting consultant and engaged in regressive bargaining. But IATSE members refused to back down, taking their contract fight public to pressure OSF to do the right thing. And now, they’re enjoying a contract that guarantees minimum hours, rest days, just-cause termination, recall rights and a cell phone stipend, among other wins. “Our Box Office workers are resilient, hardworking people who deserve a fair contract. After nine months of negotiations, they secured working protections that were actively being threatened,” said Breena Cope, IATSE Local 154 business agent. “We are proud to represent the box office workers under the Local 154 banner. Every worker at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is valuable, and each of them deserves to have their work represented by a strong union contract.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/20/2025 - 10:52 Tags: Organizing — Jun 20