BlueCollarWriter Labor News Update

Labor News

Union machinists reject latest Boeing contract proposal, remain on strikeUnion machinists voted to reject Boeing latest contract proposal and remain on strike. The six- week strike has stalled production of the aerospace giant’s bestselling jetliners.

Honolulu Nurses Weather Long Lockout and Win Staffing Ratio LanguageIn a malicious ploy, a hospital in Honolulu locked out its nurses after a one-day strike—and not just for a couple days, as hospitals often do, but indefinitely. The message was, you can come back only when you accept our demands. But the nurses stuck it out. They kept building their support with daily demonstrations. And in the end, amid public outrage after elders got arrested in a solidarity protest, management agreed to nurse-to-patient ratio language, a first for the state.

SEPTA’s largest union authorizes strikeThe vote does not mean workers plan to immediately walk off the job but gives union leaders the authority to call a strike if contract negotiations do not progress.

SAG-AFTRA Video Game Negotiations Extended Amid StrikeThe move comes after the union and the employer unit representing companies like Activision and Electronic Arts resumed negotiations in person for three days.

UAW holding strike authorization vote for GM Indiana truck plantThe union and GM have been in a tussle over the use of temporary workers to help build the profit-rich Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras there.

Animation Guild & AMPTP “Trying To Find Some Common Ground” As Negotiations Restart Next WeekThe Animation Guild rallied its members for a march on Netflix ahead of resumed negotiations next week

SEPTA workers vote to authorize strike if no deal is reached by Nov. 7Transport Workers Union Local 234 said its members voted to go on strike if the union and SEPTA can't reach a deal on their contract by midnight on Nov. 7, 2024.

Dallas City Council: ‘Union-busting has no place in our city!’DALLAS—The Dallas City Council stood up for working people at its session on Oct. 23. Councillors voted to pause a $248,000 subsidy for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre in light of “allegations” that theater management fired ten professional dancers in May because they organized themselves with...

Hard Rock Casino Rockford workers rally as they push to organize six labor unionsBy Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our free e-newsletter ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford workers rallied outside the new entertainment venue on Friday in response to what they say are union-busting tactics taken by the

'Change thousands of lives': Fred Meyer union agrees to new 3-year contract after workers' strikeMonths after thousands of Portland-area Fred Meyer employees went on strike, a new labor contract has been reached.

Teamsters Organize SFO Airport Bag Handlers(SAN FRANCISCO) – Agents, drivers, security ambassadors, and supervisors at Bags, a subsidiary of the Metropolis Company, at the San Francisco International A

Roundy's Supermarket Teamsters Ratify New ContractMembers at Kroger-owned warehouse receive pay raises, secure benefits

Journalists need to be careful about anti-union sentiments in their writing“Ultimately it is not the workers sentiments that cause these major strikes but the corporation’s indecision to step down” writes Lily Fitzgerald.

Form a Union!

Organizing a union in your workplace is about getting more rights and more power. Thousands of working people—all across the country and in all kinds of jobs—organize unions every year because unions are the best way to secure the things you care about.

NLRB News & Decisions

Summary of NLRB Decisions for Week of October 15 - 18, 2024

Ohio workers stepping efforts to unionize in recent yearsNationally, petitions to unionize doubled since 2021, with the largest increase coming from states in the Midwest.

Scoop: NewsGuild files unfair labor practice charge against NYT

Judge nixes newspaper's attack on NLRB, but says it's 'not outlandish'A federal judge has rejected a Pittsburgh newspaper publisher's claims that the National Labor Relations Board's structure is unconstitutional, but suggested that decades of precedent backing the agency could be vulnerable to a growing number of legal challenges.

NLRB General Counsel Continues Challenge to Non-Compete Agreements, Announces Position on Sign-On Bonuses and Other “Stay-or-Pay” Provisions | JD SupraWe previously reported that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo issued a memorandum in May 2023...

Union Election Petitions Up 27%; Labor Board Activity Highest in a DecadeThe National Labor Relations Board witnessed a significant increase in union election petitions in fiscal year (FY) 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024). The Board received 3,286 union election petitions, a 27 percent rise from 2,593 petitions received in the previous fiscal year. This surge is more than double the 1,638 petitions received in FY 2021, according to a Board press release.

Politics, Legislation & Government

US trade union movement mobilizes millions of voters for Harris The U.S. presidential election could be decided by the smallest of margins, but the stakes for working people could not be greater. Leading up to 5 November, voters have a stark choice between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The record of the Trump presidency, from 2016-2020, reads like a wish list

The Right Is Hoping the Supreme Court Scraps US Labor LawWith a number of cases now working their way through US courts, the Right is hoping the Supreme Court will scrap central elements of labor law. Unions need to prepare for this outcome, which would create a dramatically different strategic terrain for labor.

US union members door-knock in swing states for Harris: ‘It’s a no-brainer for us’Workers say speaking with voters in person is important as they aim to knock on millions of doors for the Democrat

Democracy and unions go together – vote for both this fallA vote for Trump is a vote against unions and working people

Walz meets with labor leaders in LouisvilleCampaign staffers moved the labor folks to the front of the receiving line.

'Lets pack the house for Gov Beshear and pack the streets with union members knocking doors!'From Dustin Reinstedler:Please share far and wide with your Locals, Councils, groups, members, etc. Lets pack the house for Gov Beshear and pack the streets with union members knocking doors! Bring friends, family, apprentices, retirees, and everyone in between. We are not going back.

Unions rally in support of Harris, Walz - The ChiefHundreds of union workers and officials rallied outside of City Hall on Wednesday in a show of support for Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz. Since Harris …

Georgia Saved Democrats 4 Years Ago. Now They Need A Repeat.In 2020, Black voters in Georgia helped flip the state blue for the first time in decades. Democrats are again pinning their hopes on a Peach State upset.

Can College Athletes Unionize Within A Conference? State Laws Will Dominate Until After The 2024 ElectionThe issue of collective bargaining at public land grant universities appears to be a major sticking point in addressing the legal problems facing college athletics.

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).aflcio.org/2024/10/28/get-out-vote-states-roundup

Oppressive Practices and Policies: Is a Violent, Dystopian Future Really What You Want?If you truly approve of these oppressive practices and policies, then maybe you deserve to live with them and the violent rightwing dystopia they will bring.

Last night at Madison Square GardenBy RANDI WEINGARTENAFT PresidentThe Trump campaign’s racist hate was on full, disgraceful display last night at Madison Square Garden. Dark, narcissistic smears and rank fearmongering have no place in America—and should be disqualifying for any candidate for office.

From BetterinAUnion.org: We’ve identified significant ways that this election will affect your union contract. Bargaining a good contract is a union’s top priority.Based on our research of candidate proposals and positions, we’ve identified significant differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump that would strongly impact unions. We hope that you will share this important information from the AFL-CIO—America’s largest federation of labor unions—with your co-workers, friends, family and neighbors:

JD Vance Called A ‘Scab’ After Insulting Union Workers In A Big WayThe NewsGuild's president says Vance should know better than to write for a publication whose workers are on strike.

Trump is anti-worker. Here are 10 of his most shocking anti-worker statements | Steven GreenhouseThe former president actually said that the wages of US workers are ‘too high’. And that’s far from the worst

Biden Warns That Trump’s Election Could Jeopardize Health Care for MillionsThe president mocked his predecessor for offering only “concepts of a plan” to replace the Affordable Care Act, which has grown more popular in recent years.

Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su Criticizes Donald Trump’s Labor Record at IOP | News | The Harvard CrimsonActing U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su slammed former President Donald Trump for “faux populism” and hypocrisy on labor issues ahead of the 2024 presidential election at a Harvard Institute of Politics forum on Monday.

Harris and Trump differ on style and substance while wooing Michigan union workers • Michigan AdvanceBefore Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a couple hundred union members in Lansing Friday evening, she was introduced by Benjamin Frantz, who described his journey going from a “poor kid to Local 652 president.” He leads the union local that has a lot on the line this election, as it represents workers at General Motors’ […]

During his first term, Trump cut overtime pay for millions of people. A second term would be much worseAs both a president and a businessman, Donald Trump has a terrible record on paying workers overtime.

The Predatory Gambling Industry Is Misleading VotersGambling companies are convincing states to legalize sports betting with promises of tax-revenue windfalls. The benefits are often less than promised — and they come at a severe human cost.

The Right Believes It Has the Supreme Court Votes to Overturn Labor LawUnions need to plan a response now.

AFL-CIO reports huge groundswell, lead for Harris among unionistsWASHINGTON—From constant contact with its large ground game of activists and canvassers, the AFL-CIO reports a huge groundswell and a large lead for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris among unionists and their families.

On the union record: Harris v TrumpBy BERRY CRAIGAFT Local 1360 “This election is a fundamental choice between the Vice President, a principled, tough fighter who’ll work to create opportunity for all of us, and Donald Trump, an unhinged serial union buster who betrays working people," AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said after last month's presidential debate.

Beware another false prophetBy BERRY CRAIGAFT Local 1360Kirk Gillenwaters wasn’t surprised to hear that Donald Trump trotted out fake firefighters at a recent Pennsylvania rally.“Let us be reminded of 2023 and the UAW,” said Gillenwaters, the Kentucky Alliance for Retired Americans president and a retired member of the UAW. “Joe Biden walked a picket line. Trump showed up at a non-union plant.”

If Trump Wins, Fascism, Project 2025, The Trade Unions & Democracy

The Far Right’s Plot Against WorkersJames Goodwin, the policy director at the Center for Progressive Reform, explains what the “bleak” world of labor under Project 2025 would look like.

Elon Musk Could Secure a Huge Tax Cut If Trump WinsIf Donald Trump wins the election and keeps his promise to appoint Elon Musk to a prominent government position, Musk could reap one of the largest personalized tax breaks in US history — on top of the massive tax cuts Trump wants to give billionaires.

Trump is falsely blaming Harris for high prices. His plans will cause huge inflation | Steven GreenhouseThe pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war and corporate price-gouging have all contributed to inflation – not Kamala Harris

Trump’s Plans Could Increase U.S. Debt While Raising Costs for Most AmericansA new analysis finds that Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump’s plans would both add to the deficit, but Mr. Trump’s proposals could create a fiscal hole twice as big.

Donald Trump is Bad for Our Union Contracts

US unions step up efforts to make case that Trump is no friend of workersUnions have mobilized thousands of members to convince them that Harris is a far better ally than Trump

Winning Worker Rights Requires Fixing U.S. DemocracyGerrymandering and the filibuster are holding back wage increases, the right to unionize and other benefits for workers.

What would a second Trump administration look like for workers' rights?From underfunding agencies to challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board, a second Trump term could create a seismic change in how the government protects workers.

Special Report: Project 2025 and Unions

Project 2025 and Unions

AFL-CIO: "Trump’s Project 2025 is the 920-page document, written by at least 140 Trump advisers and former (and likely future) leaders in the Trump administration, that spells out what they plan to do during a Trump second term.

The AFL-CIO has broken it down for you: How would this agenda affect union members and working families?

We are deeply concerned about pro-corporate policies that would drive up costs, put people out of work, endanger people’s lives and make it harder for working people to get ahead. For unions, this agenda would make it tougher for members to win gains in our next contracts and stack the deck in favor of CEOs."

Also, visit the BlueCollarWriter Labor Media page dedicated to news and information about the dangerous Project 2025 agenda.

Jobs, Business & Economy

How AI Could Be Detrimental To Low-Wage WorkersEmployees in lower-paying positions face a risk up to 14 times higher of becoming obsolete compared to those in the highest-paying jobs, according to McKinsey.

WWE May Finally Be Making Strides Toward Equal PayWWE may finally be closing its long-running gender pay gap amidst the rise of top women's stars like Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair.

PepsiCo abruptly shuts down Chicago facility, leaving 79 workers joblessPepsiCo abruptly closed its facility in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood, leaving approximately 79 Teamsters Local 727 union workers without jobs.

GM’s profit nears a record a year after UAW strikeGeneral Motors reported much stronger than expected third-quarter earnings and gave an outlook that puts it on the path for record earnings in 2024 – just a year after a

In the Kentucky Mountains, a Bitcoin Mining Dream Turned Into a NightmareWhen bitcoin was on a hot streak, owners of small industrial facilities in Kentucky struck up crypto mining partnerships with Chinese companies. Then things fell apart.

Amazon Is Still a Health and Safety Nightmare for WorkersAmazon claims it has markedly improved workplace safety at its notoriously dangerous warehouses in recent years. A closer look at the data for the corporation’s workplaces in the US and Canada shows Amazon still boasts abysmal injury rates.

Special Report: Protect Our Kentucky Schools

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign--for you!From Liles Taylor: Your Kentucky State AFL-CIO has 7 large “Vote NO on Amendment 2” signs that we’d like to get placed across the state (we have Louisville covered). Liles can be contacted by phone or text at 859-1897 or by email at ltaylor@kyaflcio.org

Kentucky constitution is strong on public education — vote no on Amendment 2A former superintendent lays out the lies and misrepresentations being put forward by the “Yes on 2” crowd, and explains why it must be defeated

Beshear: Passing Amendment 2 ‘would be absolutely devastating’The governor spoke out at a meeting where he was joined by teachers, legislators, and others.

Beshear, national teachers union president in Lexington rally opposition to Amendment 2 • Kentucky LanternGov. Andy Beshear and AFT president Randi Weingarten tell voters a constitutional amendment would defund Kentucky’s public schools.

Kentucky Gov. Beshear shares opinion toward Kentucky's Amendment 2 on ballotWhile much of the country has all eyes on the US presidential election, many voters in Kentucky are closely watching Amendment Two, as well.

Billionaire gives $5 million to PAC trying to sway Kentuckians to vote for school amendment • Kentucky LanternBillionaire Jeff Yass is single-handedly funding a multi-million dollar ad campaign supporting the "school choice" amendment on the Kentucky ballot.

Unions: No on Amendment 2, Yes on public schoolsUnions have always believed “education is power.” That’s why they support free public education for all, and not just for the wealthy.

BlueCollarWriter Labor Media Opposes Amendment 2 to Protect Public Education | Matt Alley - Blue Collar WriterGet more from Matt Alley - Blue Collar Writer on Patreon

Our two states adopted school choice. Kentucky should listen to our warnings.Two parents from Florida and Arizona lay out the horrors that await if Kentucky passes Amendment 2.

Want a ‘Vote No on 2’ yard sign? Get them here.Show your support for our public schools!

Public school advocates rally against Amendment 2Public education advocates and allied organizations spoke during a Protect Our Schools KY press conference Wednesday afternoon about why they believe Constitutional Amendment 2 would deliver a devastating blow to

KY Democrats worry about intentional misinformation on fliers regarding Amendment 2Kentucky Democrats are worried about intentional misinformation on some fliers regarding Amendment Two.

Opinion: I'm a devout Catholic. Amendment 2, private school vouchers will hurt kids.None of our family looked to the government to subsidize our children's Catholic Education.

Opinion: Why Voting 'No' on Kentucky Constitutional Amendment 2 is a Vote for the Future - LINK nkyWritten by Antoine Smith-Rouse At its core, public education is about opportunity. It’s about ensuring that every child—regardless of their background—has access to a quality education. It’s the great equalizer, the foundation of the American dream. But this principle is under attack by Kentucky Constitutional Amendment 2, which seeks to divert public funds toward private, […]

Amendment 2 proponents can’t win on the facts. So they are making things upAnd they’re sharing some real whoppers out there.

Amendment 2 would send tax dollars to church schoolsThe “school choice” belongs to those churches, who can choose who they let in – and who they keep out

Amendment 2 – Another Repub attack on public educationVoting NO on Amendment 2 is the only sensible choice.

Debate over Kentucky's Amendment 2 heats up as 2024 election approachesThe debate over a constitutional amendment on Kentucky ballots is heating up as the 2024 election quickly approaches.

'Kentucky Students Voice Team' bus tour makes stops in Lexington to talk about Amendment 2Lexington was just one of three stops the "Kentucky Students Voice Team" made on Sunday, which gave students a chance to voice their thoughts on Amendment 2.

League of Women Voters opposes Amendment 2The League explains why they are opposing this amendment.

Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky says Amendment 2 is bad for children’s healthIn addition to all the other bad outcomes it would cause

Want a ‘Vote No on 2’ yard sign? Get them here.Show your support for our public schools!

Kentuckians for Public Education Releases TV Ad Urging Voters to Oppose Amendment 2October 17, 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Colin Lauderdalecolin@outperformstrategies.com

My Christian worldview tells me to vote ‘No’ On Kentucky’s Amendment 2Voting against this amendment is not an attack on Christianity. Instead, it is a way to help our public schools continue to care for the same people Jesus spoke about.

Martin County BOE renews opposition to Amendment 2BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education renewed its opposition to Amendment 2 during Monday night’s meeting, with board members and district leadership warning that the measure would siphon funding from public schools. “This is Amendment 2 that will be on the ballot as you vote in Kentucky,” board […]

Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher opposes Amendment 2BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, during an Oct. 10 webcast with superintendents, commented on the Kentucky Board of Education’s (KBE) unified stance against the use of public funds to support nonpublic schools. The board’s recently passed resolution states that public education is the best way to ensure […]

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