AFL-CIO Blog

  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: After 11 Weeks on Strike, UAW Members at Blue Cross Blue Shield Reach Tentative Agreement
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: After 11 Weeks on Strike, UAW Members at Blue Cross Blue Shield Reach Tentative Agreement Working people across the United States have stepped 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. After 11 weeks on strike, the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) reached a tentative agreement on Tuesday with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network (BCN). The contract includes the reduction of wage progression from 22 years to five, significant general wage increases, a $6,500 ratification bonus for Blue Cross Blue Shield workers, a $5,000 ratification bonus for BCN workers, inflation protection bonuses of $1,000 each year of the contract and protections against outsourcing. Members will remain on strike during the ratification process. “Our members have proven that when workers stick together, they can achieve historical gains at the bargaining table,” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock, who also serves as the director of the union’s Technical, Office and Professional (TOP) Department. “There were difficult times during this strike, especially with the cold weather, but our members never gave up hope and they continued to stand with one another for as long as it took to enable our bargaining team to win an equitable contract that our members deserve.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:52 — Nov 30
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Arlington County and Alexandria City Workers Secure First Contracts
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Arlington County and Alexandria City Workers Secure First Contracts Working people across the United States have stepped 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 in Arlington County, Virginia, and the city of Alexandria, Virginia, ratified their first contracts. They unionized last year with AFSCME, and the two units represent more than 500 workers who work on essential public services such as water treatment, traffic enforcement, and parks and recreation. The Arlington contract includes 12.25% across-the-board wage increases over the course of the three-year agreement, 6% increases to all starting and maximum salaries for every position, a new grievance procedure and other gains. In Alexandria, the three-year contract guarantees an 8% raise over three years, plus a $1,000 bonus in 2024.  “With inflation and this ‘silent recession’ that no one wants to talk about, having those raises be automatic is definitely going to make me feel a lot more at ease,” said Jaleesa Morris, a parking enforcement officer with the city of Alexandria for more than six years. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/29/2023 - 10:00 — Nov 29
  • Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Margaret Jaramillo
    Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Margaret Jaramillo Throughout 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 Margaret Jaramillo of UNITE HERE. "I grew up in New Mexico with my grandfather (who is Apache and Navajo) about 2 miles away from the Pueblo of Isleta reservation, and I learned a lot about my Indigenous culture," said Margaret Jaramillo. "I have been a union shop steward for years, and I’m proud that we won a great contract because it protects us, our pension, our raises, our safety and everything else that is important. I’m proud to say that I’m part of the Culinary Workers Union, and I’m proud of my Native American heritage." Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/28/2023 - 16:28 — Nov 28
  • Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Collin Smith
    Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Collin Smith Throughout 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 Collin Smith of AFSCME. Whether he’s operating the snowplow, responding to traffic accidents or filling potholes, Collin Smith—a highway maintenance worker for the New Mexico Department of Transportation—does everything he can to keep the roads safe, the same roads his family and neighbors drive on. Smith can draw his heritage back to the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and takes great pride in working to maintain the critical roads that run through New Mexico’s native communities, including the Pueblo of Isleta. As a steward for AFSCME Local 1211, Smith ensures that he and his coworkers have everything they need to do their essential work safely and effectively. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/28/2023 - 16:28 — Nov 28
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maine’s Woodland Pulp Union Members Vote to Accept Improved Contract Offer; Strike Is Over
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maine’s Woodland Pulp Union Members Vote to Accept Improved Contract Offer; Strike Is Over Working people across the United States have stepped 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. After weeks of negotiations, members from Machinists (IAM) Local 1490, in collaboration with 20 millwrights from Millwrights Local 1121 and 38 oilers and steam and water plant operators from Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 330-3, have accepted the latest offer from Woodland Pulp, ending the strike that commenced on Oct. 14. The contract includes job classification improvements, wage increases, improved vacation benefits, paid sick leave and other benefits. “I appreciate the Baileyville community, SEIU, Millwrights, Maine AFL-CIO and our IAM members and staff for their support,” said IAM District 4 Business Representative Danny Loudermilk. “I am grateful to the Food AND Medicine organization for providing groceries and turkeys for the 86 members and their families during this strike. Their donation was greatly appreciated." Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:45 — Nov 28