NSFL June 2026 Newsletter

Dear Union Siblings & Friends,

As we approach Independence Day and look forward to America's 250th birthday, we are reminded that our nation's story has always been written by working people.

Here in Greater Cleveland, union members didn't just build our communities—we keep them running every single day. We teach our children, care for the sick, respond to emergencies, maintain our facilities, deliver essential services, manufacture goods, move commerce, and power our economy. The freedoms we celebrate on the Fourth of July are only realized when working people have a strong voice on the job and a fair share in the prosperity they create. As we honor our nation's past, we recommit ourselves to building a more equitable future for all.

In this edition , we highlight our work at the 30th Convention of the AFL-CIO, and update you on our work around artificial intelligence in the workplace which is setting the standard for the region. We also celebrate our recent legislative victories spanning from Cleveland to Columbus and Washington, D.C., and recognize our ongoing, collective fight to protect the union standard.And save the date! Our Labor 2026 Canvass Kickoff is August 1st.

Together, these moments prove that we are on the right path to continue shaping American history. Happy 4th!

In solidarity,

Brian Pearson, Executive Secretary

TOP STORY CLEVELAND LABOR BRINGS STRONG VOICE TO 30TH AFL-CIO CONVENTION:

Federation leadership has returned from the 30th Constitutional Convention of the AFL-CIO, where delegates adopted 19 resolutions focused on organizing new workers, defending democracy, protecting jobs from unchecked AI, and rebuilding domestic manufacturing. The work has already begun to implement these programmatic and policy priorities. You can read a summary of the resolutions on our website.

Cleveland's labor movement was well-represented in Minneapolis, with six Executive Board members and staff in attendance—including President Marquez Brown and Executive Secretary Brian Pearson–who spent the week meeting with national labor leaders and AFL-CIO leadership and staff to promote the work happening in Cleveland. Brian Pearson also served on a convention panel with leaders from the Washington, D.C., Nashville, and Colorado labor federations to share his experiences building relationships with the faith community.

FEDERATION NEWS SCHEDULE YOUR MEETING WITH ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCHER: 

The Federation has begun research on artificial intelligence in the workplace. Brown University researcher Sonya Rashkovan is meeting with union members to document how AI is affecting jobs, organizing, and workplace rights. The project aims to ensure workers have a voice in how AI is designed, implemented, and governed. The research is part of our ongoing partnership with Brown and CWRU.Schedule a meeting here. 

SEIU DISTRICT 1199 MEMBERS PICKET CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY: 

SEIU District 1199 members at Cleveland Public Library held an informational picket at the library board meeting to highlight their ongoing contract dispute. Workers have been without a contract since December, and after more than 30 bargaining sessions, only one-third of the agreement has been settled. Members are calling on library leadership to negotiate a fair contract and address workers’ concerns.

CLEVELAND TO HOST AFL-CIO NATIONAL POLITICAL TRAINING: 

Cleveland is one of only two cities nationwide selected to host the AFL-CIO’s Labor 2026 Political Academy Bootcamp. From July 28 –31, hundreds of union members from across the country will receive training on member engagement, volunteer recruitment, campaign operations, and data management. The program strengthens labor’s political capacity and prepares union activists to mobilize working people this summer and fall.

FASTER LABOR CONTRACTS ACT ADVANCES IN CONGRESS:

The Faster Labor Contracts Act (H.R. 5408) cleared the U.S. House on June 9 by a vote of 230-193. The bill would speed up the process of securing first contracts for newly organized workers. Federation members spent the past year lobbying in support of the legislation, including outreach to Rep. Dave Joyce, who ultimately voted in favor. The bill now moves to the Senate. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to get us this far.

OP-ED: LABOR, HUMAN DIGNITY, AND THE FUTURE OF AI: 

Executive Secretary Brian Pearson was featured as a guest columnist in The Plain Dealer discussing the connection between Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas and the AFL-CIO’s Workers First Initiative on AI. Both emphasize that AI must serve people, protect democracy, and uphold human dignity. The article highlighted the Federation’s leadership on AI research and worker-centered technology policy. READ MORE

CLEVELAND STRENGTHENS PROTECTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS:

Cleveland City Council has increased penalties for threatening health care workers, raising the offense from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. The ordinance also requires hospitals to provide de-escalation and crisis intervention training, reinforcing workplace safety protections for frontline caregivers. The ordinance is an important step in protecting frontline workers. Read More.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS TEACHERS UNION PRESIDENT TESTIFIES ON CAPITOL HILL:

Cleveland Heights Teachers Union President Karen Rego joined members of Congress on Capitol Hill to discuss the impact of school voucher programs on public education. The event promoted the Keep Public Dollars in Public Schools Act of 2026, legislation intended to reverse federal policies that divert public education funding to private and parochial schools. READ MORE 

BILL HONORING BLET DIVISION 607 PRESIDENT ADVANCES:

Legislation to rename the I-480 and West 150th Street interchange as the SPC Louis P. Shuster Memorial Interchange has passed the Ohio Senate and awaits Governor DeWine’s signature. The designation honors Brother Louis Shuster, who was tragically killed on the job in 2023. The effort was led by State Rep. Sean Brennan. 

ARTICLES & ACTIONS

—United Way's 2026 ALICE data reveals a growing reality in Greater Cleveland: More families are working, yet more are struggling, from the United Way of Greater Cleveland

—MetroHealth doctors and providers unionize over concerns about patient care, including double-booking appointments, from Signal Cleveland

—Make Your Summer Cookout Union-Made!

—Support a Fair Contract for Cleveland Museum of Natural History Workers

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 1, 9:30 a.m.

SAVE-THE-DATE: Labor 2026 Canvass Kickoff