AFL-CIO Blog

  • Passaic County Central Labor Council Encourages Education with Awards for High Schoolers
    Passaic County Central Labor Council Encourages Education with Awards for High Schoolers Passaic County CLC Last night I was a part of something so truly amazing I am still having a hard time putting it into words. And for those of you that know me, words are usually my thing. There is so much that I am grateful for and want to share. It was an incredible night and to me, it was more than 100 years in the making. Last week, the Passaic County Central Labor Council paved the way financially for four high school seniors to enter into the trades through an apprenticeship program with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). These four students from Paterson and Passaic were honored and recognized for their choice to enter into the union workforce. They were given education awards to pay for the books for their apprenticeship program to become unionized auto mechanics. Where our world usually celebrates going to college and gives all sorts of college scholarships, our Labor Council wanted to help make a difference for the future of unions. We have (unfortunately) seen college scholarships given at breakfasts where the recipients don’t even show up to receive their money. Thousands of dollars not even appreciated or understood. And we, the Passaic County CLC, were determined to make sure that our awards would go to not only those who need it, who it would greatly impact, but also those who would appreciate the opportunity and want to be a part of a union. These four 2019 high school graduates and their families were part of something special. It was the first-ever award ceremony in our county (and maybe even New Jersey) of its kind. Seeing the smiles on their faces was truly priceless. These students received an earful (and a heart full) of advice and wisdom from union leaders who were once in their shoes, embarking on a new career path. They were welcomed into a greater union family and provided with an understanding of what this opportunity is all about. The event was hosted at the Botto House/American Labor Museum, which is not only a historical landmark but was also the home of an immigrant family, silk mill worker Pietro Botto, who held gatherings of more than 20,000 silk mill workers who were on strike for some of the basic working rights we have today⁠—the eight-hour work day, child labor laws and workers' rights. Labor union organizers from the Industrial Workers of the World held rallies at this landmark and by the power of unions, and people coming together, their voices were eventually heard. The Botto House is also a special place for me personally, as my great-grandparents, who were immigrant silk mill and factory workers in Paterson in the early 1900s, attended these rallies and strikes. My dad volunteered at the Botto House for more than 25 years and always made sure we understood that the roots of our family coming to America, that all we had, could have possibly started right here in the crowd. There were things I knew about my dad when he passed away. Creating union opportunities within our community was something he was passionate about. Being able to hold your head high knowing that you gave your best was one of the only and most valuable things we have in life. It’s not about the cars you drive or how big your house is. It’s not about what college you went to. There are more important things in life that money will never buy. Or as he would say, “dirty hands make clean money.” He even had me write letters to the bishop of the Paterson diocese about his poor choices to support nonunion work when there were hundreds of union members/parishioners who were unemployed. I can go on and on about my how proud my dad was to be a union member. He joined the Plumbers union after he served in the Marine Corps, not only to making a good living and provide for a family, but to be a part of something greater than himself. His path was not always easy. There were times when he was out of work and had a family to provide for, but to him, his chosen path was always worth it. He often dragged us to events, to Labor Day parades and union rallies. He was a plumber, but one time we even hopped on a bus with IBEW Local 102 to head to a workers' rights rally in Philadelphia, because it mattered to him. He made sure our family knew why Labor Day isn’t just a Monday off, but it’s dedicated to the achievements of the backbone of America⁠—the honorable working class. If a store or a restaurant were built nonunion, he did not approve of us going there. When my dad passed away, I wrote to the Passaic County Central Labor Council and asked if they needed any volunteers. After all, I wrote so many letters for my dad over the years, that I felt like I was already a part of it in a way. It was also a way for me to share my understanding of unions, how appreciative I was of all that I ever had in my life…and most of all, I felt like it was a way for me to stay close with my dad. To do something in his spirit. Something that he truly cared about. Over the last few years, I have been blessed to work with some truly remarkable leaders. We have brainstormed and debated, and have been able to put some of our ideas into action. We’ve cared about the community⁠—brought Santa and hundreds of gifts to Martin De Porres village in Paterson. We’ve gathered hundreds of union members for labor walks and barbecues to help support politicians who care about union rights, workers’ rights and our communities. And now, we’ve provided a foundation and understanding for new union workers. Last week, when I arrived at the ceremony for these students, my friends and colleagues on the Labor Council totally surprised me. They asked me to be a part of the ceremony. If I would hand the plaques to the students. Of course, I agreed. I was so excited. But, there’s more. When they uncovered the plaques, they unveiled to me that this would be “The Robert Ehrentraut Labor Education Award.” I was shocked! I’m still crying, just thinking about it. What an honor! I’m sure it’s something my dad wouldn’t believe if he was here today. To him, he simply did his job. It wasn’t about recognition, it was about doing your best, caring for your family and contributing to your community. The bar was set with expectations of integrity, hard work and care for others. Nothing less was even an option. So, even almost five years after his passing, my dad is still teaching me to lead from the crowd. That it can be extraordinary to be ordinary. That there is honor in doing what you know in your heart is right. More than 100 years ago my great-grandparents stood in the crowd for union rights. Last night, four students received an award in their grandson’s honor. Values come full circle in life and I couldn’t be more grateful to be my father’s daughter AND a member of the Passaic County Central Labor Council. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/13/2019 - 14:22 — Jun 13
  • Save Our VA!: What Working People Are Doing This Week
    Save Our VA!: What Working People Are Doing This Week AFL-CIO Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week. Actors' Equity Association:
    The National Equal Employment Opportunity Committee invites you to make a nomination for the 2019 LeNoire Award.Visit https://t.co/wY7Mw5oQ3X for complete details and access to the nomination form.All submissions are due by June 30, 2019. pic.twitter.com/4j5qwt8L5P— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) June 13, 2019
    AFGE:
    “There is no way private doctors and hospitals understand the special needs of veterans." -- a Vietnam veteran and @VFPNational member #SaveOurVA https://t.co/0LlpMWcpKh— AFGE (@AFGENational) June 13, 2019
    AFSCME:
    Where can you find an AFSCME member? The answer is everywhere our communities need us. More than 1 million AFSCME members bring their passion for public service to the work they do every day. We’re the union that never quits. #1u #NeverQuit pic.twitter.com/Za160Y7aPg— AFSCME (@AFSCME) June 3, 2019
    AFT:
    Public employees in Alaska are bracing themselves for a wave of pink slips, and the University of Alaska is beginning to plan for at least a $5 million cut in funding: This budget crisis is real #FundOurFuture https://t.co/rQBI4P1Jpz pic.twitter.com/WtVGKomxD5— AFT (@AFTunion) June 13, 2019
    Air Line Pilots:
    ALPA's 65th Air Safety Forum will discuss the latest advances in aviation safety and security. Join us! Register here: https://t.co/LXKinf78lN #ASF2019 #trainedforlife pic.twitter.com/4xEQpUzCKZ— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) June 11, 2019
    Alliance for Retired Americans:
    New research shows that elder abuse cases severe enough to require medical attention are often under-reported by health care workers: https://t.co/9yaz4fNJTU pic.twitter.com/XquZ80iMJb— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) June 12, 2019
    Amalgamated Transit Union:
    #Winnipeg Transit union brings in international president to help contract negotiations https://t.co/z7xmDrtoFJ #labour #transit #publictransit— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) June 12, 2019
    American Federation of Musicians:
    Musicians are standing in solidarity with #BAMUnion ✊🏿✊✊🏾#ABetterBAM #1u https://t.co/LChVfHE50z— AFM (@The_AFM) June 12, 2019
    American Postal Workers Union:
    “A workplace free of harassment is beneficial to everyone. The environment in the postal workplace, however, can be difficult if not miserable.” -DIR Zimmerman#APWUnited https://t.co/Q3Fnzkw9M9— APWU National (@APWUnational) June 6, 2019
    Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
    "This proposed #PublicCharge rule would bar law-abiding immigrants from accessing benefits we are all entitled to.In NYC - this rule could impact half a million immigrant families and their US citizen children." - @RepGraceMeng pic.twitter.com/K7jfel86tP— APALA (@APALAnational) June 12, 2019
    Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
    Many Air Wisconsin Flight Attendants have to choose between paying rent or paying for groceries. First year Flight Attendant salaries at Air Wisconsin can be as low as $15K a year and all Flight Attendants wages are working from 2007 wage rates. The message is clear: #ContractNow pic.twitter.com/YnH1Bsudr8— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) June 12, 2019
    BCTGM:
    I stand with thousands of airline food workers organizing strike votes to show the airlines they'll be ready to strike when released by the Gov't. #1Job should be enough in the airline industry! #airportstrikealert #unitehere pic.twitter.com/8CwSPWQMWd https://t.co/qG8zHRYy6N— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) June 10, 2019
    Boilermakers:
    Congratulations, Bank of Labor, for receiving the @UnionSportsmen Diamond Life Corporate Achievement Award! https://t.co/9IAbgXeRIJ— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) June 7, 2019
    Bricklayers:
    A true story about why #ApprenticeshipWorks. “This career and the relationships I’ve built have molded me into a man, taught me patience, and have impacted me so much. It’s a brotherhood.” - BAC Local 1 MN/ND #bricklayer Andre McHenry #SkilledTrade #1u #buildfortomorrow https://t.co/VJvf6ZgiP1— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) June 12, 2019
    California School Employees Association:
    Congratulations Anne Thatcher the CSEA 2019 RISE Award Winner. Thank you for all you have done to enrich the lives of your students and families. pic.twitter.com/TpuMo98vcs— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) June 12, 2019
    Coalition of Labor Union Women:
    Nationwide, there are more than 5,000 outdoor statues of people of all sorts. But estimates show fewer than 400 of them (or 8%) are of women. https://t.co/NJQRFyK0UM— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) May 26, 2019
    Communications Workers of America:
    Thank you @SenBobCasey, @RepMcKinley, and @RepMarkPocan for cosponsoring the U.S. Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection Act and standing up to corporations who are shipping jobs overseas.https://t.co/FfejGLHlIv— CWA (@CWAUnion) June 12, 2019
    Department for Professional Employees:
    "Only 21% of workers have ever taken parental leave offered by their employer." #paidleave #1u https://t.co/lyoA3DUk2J— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) June 12, 2019
    Electrical Workers:
    Good news for retirement security. Butch Lewis Act passed by the @EdLaborCmte https://t.co/rbaHnFTE8O— IBEW (@IBEW) June 12, 2019
    Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
    What is social justice? We are going to be talking about that tonight with our @FLOCHomies. Staff members Chibuzo and Jacovy talk about their civil rights icons...Jesus and Malcolm X. Click to see the video: https://t.co/2SpnnnDtxp …— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) June 11, 2019
    Fire Fighters:
    #Firefighters are dying of cancers at alarming rate due to toxins found in flame retardants in household furniture says @chris_parsons74 #IAFF pic.twitter.com/Ny56nnPtFf— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) June 13, 2019
    Heat and Frost Insulators:
    Interested in a career as a firestopping expert? Begin with a registered apprenticeship program to gain all of the skills and knowledge needed to take on any job. To learn more about the job and opportunities, visit here: https://t.co/w4fQgT2dxT— Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) June 13, 2019
    International Labor Communications Association:
    Announcing our 2019 convention! #1u https://t.co/t7jJTuETuk— Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) June 4, 2019
    Ironworkers:
    Ironworker Paul Pursley spent 10 weeks at “Ground Zero” following attack. His major complaint in the years following concerned his inability to get affordable treatment. #september11 #911https://t.co/ZaOp9CFjVP— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) June 13, 2019
    IUE-CWA:
    pic.twitter.com/WwVkx2C6nS— IUE-CWA (@IUE_CWAUnion) June 12, 2019
    Jobs with Justice:
    #GigEconomy companies are so desperate to avoid paying benefits and treating rideshare drivers like employees, they *swear* they'll raise wages if California doesn't reclassify #Uber and #Lyft drivers as employees. https://t.co/cpJMJKI0n0— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) June 13, 2019
    Laborers:
    #Union members are SAFER on the job and are empowered with the ability to speak out about workplace hazards. #SafetyFirst https://t.co/3832DqyQN4— LIUNA (@LIUNA) June 12, 2019
    LCLAA:
    On this World Against Child Labor Day: There are an estimated 218 million kids, between the ages of 5 and 17 who go to work every day. Children are meant to dream, not work! #ChildLabourDay https://t.co/u37le5Uusi— LCLAA (@LCLAA) June 12, 2019
    Machinists:
    UNION-BUSTING BOEING: A year after voting to join the IAM, flight-line employees at @Boeing's S.C. campus describe a workplace filled with paranoia and punishment. #BeBetterBoeing https://t.co/epjeehUbQH— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) June 8, 2019
    Metal Trades:
    The House Committee on Education and Labor just passed the Butch Lewis Act, which would secure the pensions of hundreds of thousands of workers and retirees. But this is just the first step. Call your member of Congress and tell them to get behind it. https://t.co/S8RoHB2g1Z— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) June 12, 2019
    Mine Workers:
    Today marks William Davis Miners' Memorial Day. This day of remembrance is observed every June 11 in coal mining communities in Canada to recognize all miners killed in the coal mines.Int' Secretary-Treasurer @LeviAllenUMWA is shown here placing a wreath on the memorial site. pic.twitter.com/NV2aWw2l0g— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) June 11, 2019
    National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
    NATCA recently hosted a Advanced Legislative Activism Training (ALAT) class, which is taught in the nation’s capital so that participants can learn from legislative subject matter experts. Register for NATCA Academy training courses: https://t.co/aagVHUE7zh pic.twitter.com/hhGlOPj85b— NATCA (@NATCA) June 13, 2019
    National Association of Letter Carriers:
    Great article about #VoteByMail and the status of increased voter access! https://t.co/ReFMAXRLfk— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) June 11, 2019
    National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
    “There is nothing temporary about our families.” - @TPS_Alliance Coordinator Jose Palma#TPSJustice #ResidencyNow pic.twitter.com/aoUmJcUWED— NDLON (@NDLON) March 6, 2019
    National Domestic Workers Alliance:
    “Domestic workers are the invisible scaffolding holding up our economy.”Read more to find out why, and how, NDWA Labs, led by @palaknshah, is using tech to achieve equity. https://t.co/B8MfeEPXm3— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) June 12, 2019
    National Nurses United:
    From coast to coast #nurses are fighting to protect patients and win #SafeStaffing.NNU stands in strong solidarity with @nynurses RNs who rallied today for funding and quality patient care at New York City hospitals. Our struggle is one! 💪 #1u https://t.co/sEx6OJhO6I— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) June 12, 2019
    National Taxi Workers Alliance:
    As Uber sues over NYC vehicle cap, drivers say rule keeps them afloat https://t.co/57xDx9QwPC— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) June 12, 2019
    News Guild:
    56 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act, moms, women and people of color still earn less. Moms want and deserve equal pay! #MomsEqualPay pic.twitter.com/Jg8xKLdgzH— NewsGuild (@news_guild) June 10, 2019
    NFL Players Association:
    Despite threats from management, Sam McCullum led a pregame handshake demonstration for the union, building solidarity for the 1982 strike & support for a proposal that ultimately gave players a bigger piece of the pie. #CountdownToKickoff #NFL100 pic.twitter.com/hIValjEd0U— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 13, 2019
    North America's Building Trades Unions:
    Just a few reasons we CANNOT wait any longer for an infrastructure bill:➡ Creates jobs➡ Keeps Americans safe➡ Saves your money➡ Reduces time wasted in traffichttps://t.co/KIiqQz3oIW— The Building Trades (@NABTU) June 10, 2019
    Office and Professional Employees:
    In a historic vote, delegates to the 28th #OPEIUconvention just voted to adopt a resolution affirming our union’s support for #MedicareForAll. In the wealthiest nation on the face of the planet, healthcare can and should be a right — not a privilege. #1u #M4A pic.twitter.com/ENJtj7uJYZ— OPEIU (@opeiu) June 12, 2019
    Painters and Allied Trades:
    In passing The American Dream and Promise Act, the House recognized that law-abiding, tax-paying, hard-working immigrants deserve a shot at achieving the American Dream. We call on the Senate to get this bill to the president’s desk for his signature. https://t.co/eBzNvtR4kM pic.twitter.com/Gi87tMMIJX— GoIUPAT✊🏽 (@GoIUPAT) June 5, 2019
    Plasterers and Cement Masons:
    “Research finds under-investment costs the U.S. 900,000 jobs, & every $1 billion invested in transportation infrastructure creates more than 21,000 jobs. Further, every single dollar invested in infrastructure more than triples itself in economic impact.” https://t.co/m7KET2tZwP— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) June 12, 2019
    Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
    Thank you @RepChrisPappas for meeting w PASS members Michael Yanis & Ken Barrett, both dedicated employees at Federal Aviation Admin. PASS appreciates your strong support on federal worker issues & adequate funding for FAA. @PASSRegion1 @passng3 #publicservice #aviationsafety pic.twitter.com/HJif4RQWrI— PASS (@PASSNational) June 12, 2019
    Professional and Technical Engineers:
    We know you that quality healthcare comes from #VA workers that have a voice on the job! We need to FUND the VA instead of attacking the people taking care of our veterans! #SaveOurVA #1u https://t.co/GLYpujWsMb— IFPTE (@IFPTE) June 6, 2019
    Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers:
    Great to see the workers at a storied New York institution working together to form a union. https://t.co/LICarRIkpr— RWDSU (@RWDSU) June 13, 2019
    Roofers and Waterproofers:
    Need help selecting and using personal fall arrest systems? Check out this guide! https://t.co/8F7sLQkswL #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/1B6J5AWJgL— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) June 12, 2019
    SAG-AFTRA:
    Does @MPAA @TheESA think it is ok for filmmakers to depict actors in #deepfake porn and digitized sex scenes without permission? They should support #5959A #5605A in the #MeToo era #ProtectMyImage Sex abuse is not free speech! https://t.co/DWjUj3jJRP— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) June 12, 2019
    School Administrators:
    Parents: The biggest challenge is getting kids out the door on time. https://t.co/rtT0rJrSbp— AFSA Leadership (@AFSAUnion) June 11, 2019
    Seafarers:
    #TBT We were so happy to have @SeafarersUnion #PortEverglades members helping us with our Shoebox Christmas efforts on the #DayoftheSeafarer 2015! #IAmOnBoard pic.twitter.com/4udjsolzry— Seafarers' House (@Seafarers_House) June 13, 2019
    Solidarity Center:
    Workers & their unions are at #ILC2019 to push for @ILO global standard to #StopGBVatWork! @IFJGlobal @AFLCIOGlobal @AFTIntlAffairs @CAREActionNow @LaborProject @equaltimes @ILOACTRAV @mcwalker64 @GLJhub @16DaysCampaign #ILOendGBV @ILRF @SolidarityCntr https://t.co/YjPAHFTHKF— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) June 13, 2019
    Theatrical Stage Employees:
    Solidarity with the workers at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The IATSE stands with workers in the Arts.@BAM_union @UAW2110 #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/fBZezJBOXU— IATSE (@IATSE) June 13, 2019
    Transport Workers:
    "If our jet mechanics raise a safety concern, it is because there is a safety concern with the plane and a safe ride for passengers." Maybe Parker and Isom want unsafe planes in the sky? @AmericanAir @TheChiefLeader https://t.co/CLuwpvDNLn— TWU (@transportworker) June 11, 2019
    Transportation Trades Department:
    We stand in solidarity with the airline food workers in 21 cities taking strike votes to show the airlines they’ll be ready to strike when released by the Government. Because #1job should be enough –– and airline food workers won't quit until it is. #AirportStrikeAlert pic.twitter.com/aR8OQJAnGy— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) June 11, 2019
    UAW:
    UAW, Mercy Health Reach Tentative Agreement https://t.co/JZ1gE0gXnM— UAW (@UAW) June 12, 2019
    UFCW:
    We're proud to support #PRIDEmonth every June -- and year round! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 Union contracts can provide stable protection for LGBT workers during uncertain times, and UFCW supports legislation that protects your rights at work: https://t.co/IHCHxwlz2Qhttps://t.co/cPCjcOuKsU pic.twitter.com/3xrkLvEjSX— UFCW (@UFCW) June 13, 2019
    Union Label and Service Trades:
    The POWER of Unions... https://t.co/X5DOMP6lQc— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) June 4, 2019
    Union Veterans Council:
    All American workers have earned the freedom to Organize, especially if you are a veteran. We stand side by side with the workers exercising their freedom to form a union at the Chattanooga VW plant. STAY STRONG, UNION YES! #1u #Freedom #UnionYes pic.twitter.com/gwfbi8asD9— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) June 3, 2019
    UNITE HERE:
    The US airline industry is booming.Revenue from fees & increased passenger numbers contribute to annual record profits. As profits soar, 20k airline food workers refuse to con't to accept lousy wages & substandard healthcare.#1Job #AirportStrikeAlert 🐍📸 @UniteHereLocal8 pic.twitter.com/nq3XQoAP46— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) June 13, 2019
    United Steelworkers:
    Racist laws took the vote away from prisoners. After serving time, one man is fighting to give it back to them. https://t.co/8w7AxvZLHm via @MotherJones #USWVotes— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) June 13, 2019
    Utility Workers:
    Jon Stewart's powerful testimony before Congress yesterday speaks to the importance of renewing the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. This clip is worth a watch. https://t.co/GFKZLwrsUK #Renew911VCF @Renew911Health— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) June 12, 2019
    Working America:
    "Medicaid expansion alone — opposed by the Trump administration and Republican state officials, leaving more than 1 million people in non-expansion states without coverage — might actually do a better job than a work requirement."https://t.co/pW3MYU0lL3— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) June 12, 2019
    Writers Guild of America, East:
    "The WGA East and various New York City agencies have unveiled the 10 writers selected to take part in the second “Made in NY Writers Room” program designed to open doors to writers from backgrounds that are underrepresented in mainstream entertainment." https://t.co/IWhkBhZiKu— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) June 13, 2019
    Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/13/2019 - 10:56     — Jun 13
  • ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Union Proud
    ‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Union Proud AFL-CIO On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” Julie and Tim talked with Pride At Work Executive Director Jerame Davis as the AFL-CIO constituency group celebrates its 25th anniversary. They discussed the progress made by LGBTQ working people over the past quarter-century and the work still left to be done.  “State of the Unions” is a tool to help us bring you the issues and stories that matter to working people. It captures the stories of workers across the country and is co-hosted by two young and diverse members of the AFL-CIO team: Mobilization Director Julie Greene and Executive Speechwriter and Editorial Manager Tim Schlittner. A new episode drops every other Wednesday featuring interesting interviews with workers and our allies across the country, as well as compelling insights from the podcast’s hosts. Listen to our previous episodes: “State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/12/2019 - 14:50 Tags: Podcast — Jun 12
  • Governor Murphy Signs ‘Panic Button’ Bill to Protect Hotel Workers from Assaults, Harassment
    Governor Murphy Signs ‘Panic Button’ Bill to Protect Hotel Workers from Assaults, Harassment New Jersey State AFL-CIO Hundreds of hotel workers, union leaders and elected officials gathered at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City today to witness the signing of a bill requiring hotels to equip certain employees with “panic buttons” for their protection against inappropriate conduct by guests. “We must protect the safety of workers in the hospitality industry,” Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said. “I am proud to sign panic button legislation that Bob [McDevitt] and the working men and women of UNITE HERE, Assemblymen Vince Mazzeo and John Armato, Charlie [Wowkanech] and Laurel [Brennan], Senator Loretta Weinberg and so many others have fought for to give hotel workers greater security and the ability to immediately call for help should they need it on the job.” The portable safety device, known as a panic button, will allow hotel workers to alert security personnel if they feel they are in danger or a compromising position while performing housekeeping duties. Today’s signing makes New Jersey the first in the nation to have a statewide law requiring hotels to provide their employees with such devices. Hotels that do not comply can be fined up to $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each additional violation, according to the legislation. “The safety of women in the hospitality industry has been overlooked,” said Bob McDevitt, president of UNITE HERE Local 54. “I'm proud that my state is the first to pass and sign into law real protections for housekeepers in the hotel industry.” The harassment of hotel workers, especially housekeepers, has been a longstanding issue the hotel industry has struggled to address. Unite Here Local 54, a union representing nearly one-third of casino and hospitality workers in Atlantic City, was a driving force behind this legislation, which will provide an additional measure of security for thousands of hotel workers across the state. “Whenever I go into a room, I wonder what is going to happen,” said Miriam Ramos, a housekeeper at Bally’s in Atlantic City. “Most guests are nice and respectful, but every housekeeper has either been sexually assaulted or harassed doing her job, or knows someone who has.” “I’m glad that the legislature and the governor are making it safer for us,” Ramos said.   Assemblyman John Armato (D-2) introduced the “panic button” bill in the General Assembly in September. Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-2) also sponsored the bill. Sens. Loretta Weinberg (D-37) and Linda Greenstein (D-14) proposed it in the Senate. “The New Jersey State AFL-CIO thanks the sponsors of the panic button bill for recognizing that hotel workers deserve to feel safe while on the job,” said Charles Wowkanech, president of the state federation. “We are proud to have lobbied on behalf of this important legislation, which will no doubt help create a safer working environment for all of New Jersey’s hotel workers.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/12/2019 - 10:07 — Jun 12
  • Pride Month Profiles: Irene Soloway
    Pride Month Profiles: Irene Soloway Sisters in the Brotherhoods For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Our first profile this year is Irene Soloway. As a young adult in 1978, Irene Soloway moved from St. Louis to New York. She was working in a bar that had a significant clientele who were roofers. Soloway referred to the behavior of her boss at the bar as "appalling," so she quit. The roofers in the bar that she knew jokingly offered her a roofing hammer. She took it as a challenge, and it made her want to show them that she could do the job. Soloway did some roofing work, but hated it. She moved through various jobs in the construction industry, but settled on carpentry, both because she liked the work and the Carpenters union opened its doors to women. She became a member in 1979, when she began the Women in Apprenticeship Program. Soloway and other women were made to feel that they belong, that the program was more than tokenism. At the time, not only were there few women in the building trades, even fewer of them were feminist Jewish New York lesbians. Soloway said that she rarely faced any direct discrimination. Instead, the concerns of rank-and-file members, women or otherwise, were largely ignored in her local at the time. She said:
    The union and the apprenticeship in the Carpenters Union was now what I would consider sexist...we were never discriminated against within the school—but the specific issues that were barriers to women were never addressed specifically. So it was a second hand...diffuse kind of way that sexism was expressed.
    Even when concerns were raised, leaders in the local were told to keep their concerns quiet, as they were all "brothers" in the union. Soloway explained:
    We tried to inform the Carpenters Union of what we thought they needed to do to make the union receptive to women and to be inclusive. And we...became aware...that the Carpenters Union was not interested in fresh, new ideas coming from rank and file. We came in with ideas about having sexual harassment for the men in construction. We came in with ideas about having a Women's Committee that would address the issues of women in construction. We actually came in with ideas about how the apprenticeship school could be more in touch with the apprentices around issues of ethnicity and race and issues....And what we were always told was: We're all one Union and we're all brothers, and there's no need...to point out these differences because we're all carpenters.
    This was the first time she had been in a union and Soloway was very excited about it because she believed that it was a structure that was supposed to support her and provide a steady job. But her local at the time was very undemocratic and her concerns weren't taken seriously. Despite the fact that she was often the only woman in the meetings, she kept attending for the next five years, never backing down from the agenda that she pursued.  In 1979, Soloway had been a founding member of United Tradeswomen, a group of diverse women working in the building trades. The organization was originally formed to recruit women into apprenticeship programs but quickly grew to provide support and advocacy for women who were starting to enter the construction industry in New York. Much of Soloway's early activism took place outside the union hall. Fear and intimidation weren't limited to the union hall, they were also present in the workplace. Rumors were rampant that members who spoke out against union leadership were met with violence or had their careers and lives destroyed. Soloway wasn't intimidated. By 1994, she noted in an interview that many of the things she and allies had pushed for at the time have come to pass:
    Now almost fifteen years later—they actually are being addressed, so that in terms of, yes, there is actually a Women's Committee now that's...sanctioned to meet within the Carpenters school, and it's advertised in the Carpenters paper that there is such a committee, and who the contact people are—so there's, at least, an acknowledgement of this committee. And there is specific training—sexual harassment training—for men and being done by women who are Carpenters—graduates of our school—who are now teaching at the school—which is an important part of the program. And another one of our other ideas was about teaching labor history in the Carpenters school, which was then ignored, and now, you know, like history's being taught in the Carpenters school.
    During the mid-1980s, she got a job with the city's Health and Hospitals Corporation. The shift from at-will work that was left to the whims of the local's power structure to a secure job with security was a major turning point in her life. When she started working for the city, she felt that her job was more secure and she could speak out more. In the civil service, they had elected stewards, not ones chosen by the power structure. She won the steward position after becoming outspoken about asbestos problems on her worksite. She started refusing to work in contaminated areas. Management wasn't prepared for the problem and had to deal with it because of her. Several men came and asked her to run for steward. She won. Soloway also helped produce the newspaper "Hard Hat News" and had to use pseudonyms like Brick Shields, to disguise her identity. She worked on a long, but successful, campaign to expand representation for rank-and-file members within the district council. In 1990, she appeared with other carpenters before the New York City Commission on Human Rights to testify about gender and race relations in the industry. She shared widespread reports that women in the industry faced threats of rape and physical violence and were subjected to pornography and insulting personalized graffiti on the worksite.  While she was working as a carpenter at Lincoln Hospital, she began taking pre-med classes and completed the coursework to become a physician's assistant. She left carpentry and began work at a methadone clinic. She looked back on her activism and those of her fellow carpenters and what impact it had:
    We still felt very much on the outside of the construction industry. It felt very kind of scary to us, but we kind of created cultural groups that supported ourselves and each other, that was able to move forward into that industry. Now I think that women are more into the industry, so I think we did do something. I think we did, like, move ourselves inside—from the outside to the inside—by creating an identity for ourselves, as well as educating ourselves and each other, and trying to educate the union about us....I think our presence and our strong continued presence for each other and ourselves was the main accomplishment of this group. 
    Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/11/2019 - 12:03 Tags: LGBTQ Rights     — Jun 11