AFL-CIO Blog

  • One Day Longer, One Day Stronger: In the States Roundup
    One Day Longer, One Day Stronger: 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 (formerly Twitter). Alaska AFL-CIO: California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO: Colorado AFL-CIO: Connecticut AFL-CIO: Florida AFL-CIO: Illinois AFL-CIO: Massachusetts AFL-CIO: Michigan State AFL-CIO: Minnesota AFL-CIO: Missouri AFL-CIO: Nevada State AFL-CIO: North Carolina State AFL-CIO: Ohio AFL-CIO: Oregon AFL-CIO: Texas AFL-CIO: Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO: Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:36 — Dec 4
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Cliff Divers and Other Entertainers at Casa Bonita Unionize
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Cliff Divers and Other Entertainers at Casa Bonita Unionize 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. Workers at Casa Bonita voted to unionize with Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) and Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 7. The workers, about 80 cliff divers, magicians, actors, puppeteers and others at the Lakewood, Colorado, Mexican eatery, are seeking to address pay and other concerns, such as insufficient training, scheduling and safety from “abusive patrons emboldened by alcohol.” The restaurant was recently bought by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. “IATSE Local 7 couldn’t be more humbled and thrilled by the incredible crew of Casa Bonita,” said Local 7 Business Agent Max Peterson. “The days and weeks leading up to this election have been an inspiring example of solidarity.…This result shows that the crew is ready for a brighter future through bargaining collectively to bring safety, security and lasting improvements to their workplace. We are excited to stand with and beside them as we prepare for and begin negotiations!” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:03 — Dec 4
  • National Native American Heritage Month Profiles
    National Native American Heritage Month Profiles Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people.  Check out the members we've featured so far: Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/29/2024 - 10:54 — Nov 29
  • National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Janna Lopez
    National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Janna Lopez Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Janna Lopez of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Janna Lopez is a nontribal card member of Yaqui and Taos Pueblo tribes. Lopez was sworn in to IATSE Local 695 in 2016 and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, where she trained as a sound designer. Lopez has worked as a day player for drama television series “NCIS” and the Marvel show “Runaways.” “My motto is ‘if you are not working, be learning,’” Lopez said. “I have been able to take classes presented by my local to better do my job as a Y-7A, sound utility.” Lopez has volunteered with the LA Sound Mixers Facebook group, Cinema Audio Society and LA Skins Fest during Native American Heritage Month. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/29/2024 - 09:20 — Nov 29
  • National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Rob Manning
    National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Rob Manning Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Rob Manning of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). As president of his local, Rob Manning stands up for his fellow workers’ rights. Just this month, he stepped in to ensure that the agencies granted employees time to vote in the presidential election. His ongoing project is to obtain proper COVID-19 hazard pay compensation for Indian Health Service employees. The pandemic claimed the lives of Manning’s mentor, Verle Follette, and numerous other workers. In his community, Manning volunteers his time with Spotted Bull Recovery Resource Center, helping those with addictions recover. He also serves as the president and chaplain of the Prairie Riders Motorcycle Club. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/27/2024 - 09:20 — Nov 27