AFL-CIO Blog

  • Worker Wins: We Did This Together
    Worker Wins: We Did This Together Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. Journalists Secure First Contract at Wisconsin Nonprofit News Outlet: Milwaukee NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 34051-represented journalists at Wisconsin Watch ratified their first union contract on Friday. Members of the Wisconsin Watch Union unanimously voted to accept the agreement after more than a year of negotiations. Highlights of the deal include higher salary minimums, annual cost of living increases, remote work protections, expanded leave and more. “We did this together,” said Phoebe Petrovic, investigative reporter and an initial Wisconsin Watch Union organizer, in a TNG-CWA press release. “We’ll continue to do great journalism knowing our workplace is more structured, secure and protected.” UNITE HERE Members at Philadelphia Stadiums Reach Tentative Agreements: After a series of historic strikes, UNITE HERE Local 274 members who staff concession stands at major sports venues in Philadelphia have won tentative agreements (TAs) with their employer, Aramark. The most recent contract covering food service workers at the Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center expired in March 2024. The TAs ensure a $20 an hour wage floor for nontipped workers—which will increase again to $29 in 2029—expanded health care coverage, more paid holidays and other hard-fought victories. “We fought hard for this contract. No department was left behind. We stuck together and that's why we were able to set a new standard for Aramark workers and stadium workers,” said Sam Spector, who works as a club attendant and bartender at all three complexes, in a Local 274 press release. “I went years without health insurance. This is a big deal that stadium food service workers will be able to qualify for healthcare.” Nurses at Wynn Hospital in New York Ratify Contract: Members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), who work at Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS)—Wynn Hospital voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement last week. MVHS was created via a 2014 merger between the former Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare and the former St. Elizabeth Medical Center—after which nurses at both facilities combined their bargaining units under NYSNA. The medical center moved to its current location in downtown Utica in 2023, and staff have reported persistent staffing issues. This marks the first contract between the union and MVHS. Highlights of the deal include across-the-board pay raises (with retroactivity dating back to Jan. 1 of this year), wage increases to retain experienced nurses, improved safe staffing enforcement and more. “Over the last few months, nurses have been fighting for a contract that ensures the hospital have a plan to recruit and retain nurses to ensure safe patient care,” said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans. “This contract is a win for nurses and a win for the future of healthcare in Utica. Now we need the rest of Central New York to follow suit to ensure that ALL patients in New York receive the best care possible.”    Ohio University Faculty Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union: After a yearslong organizing campaign, faculty members at Ohio University are celebrating a powerful victory in their election to form the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU), which is affiliated with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Of the staff who voted, over 70% cast a ballot in favor of organizing, according to the State Employment Relations Board. While the petition to join UAOU was filed in March 2024, faculty have been discussing a union four years prior after dozens of their colleagues were fired during the COVID-19 pandemic. As they turn their attention to bargaining, members are hoping to secure a contract with improved job security, fair pay and a stronger collective voice at work. “I am so proud to be part of OU faculty coming together to vote yes for our union,” said Rachel Terman, an associate professor in sociology. “I am looking forward to a faculty union that works with the administration to do what is best for students, faculty and higher education in Ohio and particularly Southeast Ohio. The work to get to this point hasn’t been easy, but the persistence and patience of OU faculty are a testament to our professional dedication.” Unifi Aviation Ramp Workers Vote to Join IAM: Ramp workers at Unifi Aviation in Cleveland have overwhelmingly voted to join the Machinists (IAM). These staff are critical to daily operations at airports, with responsibilities like loading and unloading planes, handling baggage, directing planes to gates, and more. Ramp agents cite concerns around excessive workloads and management’s failure to improve their working conditions as core motivators for organizing. “The organizing campaign was built on strong worker solidarity and open conversations,” said IAM Local 1363 Directing Business Representative Tim Verlinden. “We created a space for daily discussions and strategic planning within the internal committee, allowing us to navigate the many challenges we faced during this process. By staying united and committed, these workers were able to push forward and make their voices heard.” Activision User Research Workers Vote to Join CWA: A supermajority of user research workers at video game publisher Activision voted on Friday to form a union with Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9400. User researchers study consumer opinions and behaviors for video game developers so they can produce the best experience for players. As part of the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees-CWA (CODE-CWA), these workers are joining the ranks of more than 2,000 colleagues at other Microsoft-owned studios who have organized under the tech giant’s neutrality agreement with CWA. “A union allows workers to create an industry that works for them, which is vital in an industry that we deeply care about,” said organizing committee member Pat Dimaandal in a press release. “Workers should not feel punished for pursuing a career that they love, and that’s why we’re organizing toward long-term, sustainable careers in this industry.” Community College of Philadelphia Strike Averted After Tentative Agreement Secured by Union: Early Wednesday morning, members of the Faculty and Staff Federation of Community College of Philadelphia (FSFCCP), American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 2026, reached a tentative agreement just hours before faculty and staff were set to walk off the job. Negotiations over separate four-year contracts for CCP’s full-time professors, adjuncts and school staffers concluded after a final 19-hour bargaining session. Workers have been without a contract since August and, earlier this month, in a powerful display of unity, 97% of voting members voted to authorize a strike if necessary. Details of the deals are not publicly available until a ratification vote has taken place, but FSFCCP said that they contain historic raises, more manageable classroom sizes and some critical elements of members’ staffing demands. Representatives from the union said, “We believe we reached a tentative agreement that will significantly improve the lives of our faculty and staff members and will improve the learning conditions of CCP’s students. CCP is the heart of Philly.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/02/2025 - 15:45 Tags: Organizing — Apr 2
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ohio University Faculty Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ohio University Faculty Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union 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. After a yearslong organizing campaign, faculty members at Ohio University are celebrating a powerful victory in their election to form the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU), which is affiliated with the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Of the staff who voted, over 70% cast a ballot in favor of organizing, according to the State Employment Relations Board. While the petition to join UAOU was filed in March 2024, faculty have been discussing a union four years prior after dozens of their colleagues were fired during the COVID-19 pandemic. As they turn their attention to bargaining, members are hoping to secure a contract with improved job security, fair pay and a stronger collective voice at work. “I am so proud to be part of OU faculty coming together to vote yes for our union,” said Rachel Terman, an associate professor in sociology. “I am looking forward to a faculty union that works with the administration to do what is best for students, faculty and higher education in Ohio and particularly Southeast Ohio. The work to get to this point hasn’t been easy, but the persistence and patience of OU faculty are a testament to our professional dedication.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/02/2025 - 09:58 — Apr 2
  • Stand Up and Support Federal Workers: In the States Roundup
    Stand Up and Support Federal Workers: 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: 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: Nebraska State AFL-CIO: Nevada State AFL-CIO: New York State AFL-CIO: North Carolina State AFL-CIO: Ohio AFL-CIO: Oregon AFL-CIO: Pennsylvania AFL-CIO: Texas AFL-CIO: Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:32 — Apr 1
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Famous LA Museums Launch Effort to Form Union
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Famous LA Museums Launch Effort to Form Union 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. Staff at Los Angeles’ Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits have gone public with their intent to join AFSCME District Council 36. As part of AFSCME’s Cultural Workers United (CWU) organizing campaign, workers are joining together under the name Natural History Museum & Tar Pits Workers Union (NHMTPWU). The bargaining unit would cover some 300 performers, engineers, educators, guest relations associates, and other workers who are seeking improvements like higher wages and more workplace transparency. “As staff, we provide valuable services to our Los Angeles community and work hard to keep our institutions running,” workers said in a public letter that urged management to voluntarily recognize the union. “We believe that the power of decision making must be shared with all voices, including ours, across various departments and diverse roles within the institution.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/01/2025 - 10:05 — Apr 1
  • Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Actors' Equity
    Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Actors' Equity 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 is Actors' Equity Association (Equity). Name of Union: Actors' Equity Association Mission: Actors’ Equity Association is a national labor union, founded for the purpose of negotiating strong agreements that protect the wages, hours and working conditions of its members; enforcing those agreements; organizing new work opportunities for professional stage managers and actors, and pursuing appropriate legislation on matters affecting their profession. Actors’ Equity Association values diversity and inclusion, and is aggressive and responsive in seeking equity for all its members. Furthermore, Equity seeks to lead the industry as a voice for the values it has adopted. Current Leadership of Union: The current president of Equity is Brooke Shields, who was elected in May 2024. She comes to union leadership with a long career that has ranged from acting and modeling to writing and entrepreneurship. Shields’ career in the spotlight began early, modeling for print ads before her first birthday and on the runway by the time she was three years old. She attracted national attention as an actor at age 11 when she starred in Louis Malle’s “Pretty Baby,” and she cemented her icon status with “The Blue Lagoon” when she was just 15 and “Endless Love” the following year. She stepped away from the spotlight to attend Princeton University, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in French literature. Her Broadway debut came in 1994, when she stepped into the role of Rizzo in a revival of “Grease,” for which she received a Theatre World Award for “Outstanding Debut on Broadway.” She has subsequently returned in “Chicago,” “Wonderful Town,” “Cabaret” and “The Addams Family.” She made her directorial debut with the Hollywood Bowl production of “Chicago.” In addition to her theater and film achievements, Shields has maintained a successful and critically acclaimed television career. She is also the author of a number of books. Shields recently unveiled her latest entrepreneurial project Commence, a hair and scalp health brand that targets women 40-plus.  Al Vincent Jr. serves as executive director. Current Number of Members: More than 51,000. Members Work As: Singers, actors, dancers, and stage managers Industries Represented: Equity has more than 40 contracts in the theater industry, from Broadway to dinner theater to immersive and experimental productions. The union also represents cast members at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. History: In the early 1900s, theater acting was alluded to with the phrase “life upon the wicked stage,” as actors and stage managers were forced to rehearse without pay, left stranded throughout the country when shows closed on the road, required to pay for their own costumes and worse. In 1913, 112 actors in New York decided they'd had enough. They formed a union that day and adopted the name suggested by William Courtleigh, Actors’ Equity Association. In 1919, the new union was recognized by the American Federation of Labor and shortly thereafter Equity launched the first actors’ strike in American theater history. During the strike, chorus and ensemble members also went on strike and formed Chorus Equity Association, which would later formally merge with Actors' Equity in 1955. At the conclusion of the strike, the theater producers signed a five-year deal that met most of Equity's demands. Equity has long fought for civil rights. In 1947, Equity resolved that its members would not play at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., when the theater banned Black audience members. This was an early bold stance that not only worked (the theater closed and reopened with a nondiscrimination policy), it set the tone that Equity would follow to this day, fighting against discrimination in the theater, both on stage and off, and increasing employment opportunities for actors and stage managers of color, women, seniors and those with disabilities. The union has consistently fought to raise wages, expand benefits and protections, preserve historic and advance other reforms that benefit actors and stage managers in the theater and working people broadly. Current Campaigns: Equity is actively organizing new workplaces, both theatrical and “theatrical-adjacent,” such as Disneyland, Casa Bonita, and Chippendales—you can contact an Equity organizer to learn more about how to Organize Your Workplace. Equity is celebrating 2025 as A Chorus Year, marking the 75th anniversary of The Legacy Robe, the 70th anniversary of the merger of Chorus Equity Association with Actors’ Equity Association and the 10th anniversary of Swing Day. Equity's Diversity and Inclusion efforts include reports on Hiring Bias and Wage Gaps in the theatre industry, as well as Policy Recommendation Papers shared to promote best practices in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Equity's Student Outreach Presentations allow students to hear information and experiences from a union actor or stage manager to help pre-professionals learn more about the union of professional actors and stage managers as they consider their career options. Community Efforts: The Actors' Equity Foundation provides grants to nonprofit theaters and institutions serving the arts community, offers workshops and seminars for professional development, and presents annual awards honoring Equity members for their contributions to the industry. The Actors' Equity Association Political Action Committee pursues the political interests of Equity members nationwide. The Theatre Authority is a nonprofit organization that administers and regulates the work of union members at charitable benefit performances. Equity also supports many service organizations, including Actors Federal Credit Union, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Entertainment Community Fund. Learn More: Website, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, X, YouTube Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 03/31/2025 - 11:45 — Mar 31