Weekly Roundup
A recap of last week’s labor union news & current events/actions. Week of 1/2-1/8
news
Why Alabama coal miners are still on strike: Greg Pilkerton has been fighting for better pay and working conditions for 10 months. He explains why he and his union comrades aren’t giving up. [Read More]
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivers remarks on January 6: American democracy is under threat today. To save it, we need democracy in the U.S. Senate. That means passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and Freedom to Vote Act. [Watch]
Teachers union criticizes changing CDC guidelines for schools: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated safety guidelines for schools yet again after its data showed rising child hospitalizations because of the COVID-19 omicron variant. AFT President Randi Weingarten responds. [Read More]
Tim Ryan’s* Senate campaign reaches deal on union contract: U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s campaign reached a union contract agreement with five staff members than includes a minimum hourly salary of $25 for full-time workers, unlimited personal time off and 100 percent employer-covered medical, vision and dental insurance. [Read More]
*Tim Ryan has been endorsed by the Ohio AFL-CIO
Renewed support for unions belies anti-labor laws in most states: Unions rarely have been more popular than they are today, but anti-union labor laws are keeping union membership numbers artificially low by making it harder for workers who want to form or join a union to do so. [Read More]
The women leading today’s historic labor movement: Amid pandemic-fueled workplace strikes demanding better pay and benefits, and more flexibility, female union leaders are heading the charge for a brighter professional future. [Read More]
ACTIONS
Stand with the Euclid Teachers Association (ETA): After working without a contract for more than 120 days, the ETA will hold a rally and community vigil outside the Early Learning Village (27000 Elinore Ave., Euclid, OH 44132) on Wednesday, January 12th at 6 p.m.
Send a thank you to Congresswoman Brown: The Federation is sending thank you cards to Congresswoman Brown in recognition of her support of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Contact bpearson@clevelandaflcio.org to make a request for postcards. Postage is paid.
Tell the Menlo Park Academy Board of Directors: Stop using taxpayer funds for union-busting: AFT/OFT is attempting to organize a union at Menlo Park Academy. 96% of the eligible staff signed union cards, but management refuses to recognize their union and is using public money to thwart the organizing effort. [Sign the Petition]
Tell the Senate: Pass the Build Back Better Act: The Build Back Better agenda means trillions of dollars of investments in our jobs, families, and communities. We need Congress to take bold action. [Add Your Name]
Verify your voter registration: Ohio’s voter purge laws kick tens of thousands of voters off the rolls each year. In 2019, nearly one in five purged voters were removed in error. Verify your registration ahead of the May 3 Primary Election. [Verify]
EVENTS
Union Night with The Dropkick Murphys: Don’t miss your opportunity to see union-friendly band The Dropkick Murphys at Masonic Cleveland on February 24th. Reserve your tickets now, pay later. Tickets ordered through the North Shore AFL-CIO include access to a preshow party. More details to come! [Request Ticket Hold]