NYS AFL-CIO Launches “makingNYwork”
December 5, 2013
By Stephanie West
The New York State AFL-CIO has launched a new campaign aimed at changing the public policy debate from one that is driven by corporations and billionaires to one that works for hardworking New Yorkers. The project - “makingNYwork,” is a statewide initiative that will incorporate digital strategy as well as grassroots organizing. The campaign is kicking off with the release of a website – www.makingnywork.org, as well as a new web video - www.makingnywork.org/pledge.
Mayor-Elect de Blasio Appoints Leadership
December 5, 2013
By Stephanie West
New York, NY – Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio has announced his appointment of his senior leadership team, emphasizing that the incoming administration would be defined by progressive government, competence and diversity. De Blasio appointed Anthony Shorris as First Deputy Mayor. Shorris will serve as the second-highest ranking official at City Hall, and be charged with managing the day-to-day operation of City government and the provision of core services across the five boroughs. Shorris comes to the post as an experienced manager at City agencies, public authorities and private sector institutions.
Ex-Labor Leader: Unions Need New Biz Model
December 4, 2013
By Marc Bussanich
New York, NY—The labor writer Rich Yeselson stirred the pot back in the summer when he penned the article, Fortress Unionism, for the journal Democracy. He argued that unions should tap into workers’ anger to fuel huge growth in the private sector. Former SEIU officials, Andy Stern and Bruce Raynor, rebutted that unions have to rethink their business model in order to represent many more workers. Watch Video of Debate
One Week To Help Shape The Future of NYC
December 3, 2013
By Joe Maniscalco
New York, NY - This week will see a series of citywide worker rallies and demonstrations culminating in a major action taking place at Foley Square on December 5 - and for hard-fighting progressives pushing the new de Blasio administration to rein in Wall Street and advance an authentic people’s agenda - the stakes could not be higher.
Fast-Food Worker Strikes Spread to 100 Cities This Thursday
December 3, 2013
By Neal Tepel
New York, NY - One year after the first strike hit the $200 billion fast-food industry and months after workers walked out in 60 cities, workers in 100 cities are expected to walk off their jobs this Thursday December 5th. These strikes are part of a growing fast-food worker movement that started when 200 workers in New York City went on strike last November.
IBT Airline Mechanics Demonstrate at Airports November 27th
December 3, 2013
By Stephanie West
Washington, DC - On November 27th, United Airlines (UAL) professional aviation mechanics represented by the Teamsters Union escalated their actions to pressure the company to live up to its promises. IBT members hand-billing UAL customers inside and outside 12 major airports around the country. UAL mechanics are informing the public that they may be forced to strike if the company refuses to keep its promise to provide a fair agreement that adequately compensates and protects workers after years of concessions.
Protestors Arrested at Wal-Mart on Black Friday
December 2, 2013
By Marc Bussanich
Secaucus, NJ—Hundreds of protestors, including union members and community activists, crossed the Hudson to join in protests with thousands of others across the country to demonstrate against Wal-Mart’s illegal firings and low wages on the busiest shopping day of the year. More than ten people were arrested for civil disobedience. Watch Video of Arrests
Unions Picket Meeks to Stop ‘NAFTA on Steroids’
December 2, 2013
By Steven Wishnia
Denouncing Rep. Gregory Meeks’ support of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, about 90 union members and environmental activists picketed the Queens Democrat’s Jamaica Avenue offices Nov. 25. “He never saw a trade deal he didn’t like,” said Chris Shelton, vice president of Communications Workers of America District 1, who said the agreement would lead to jobs being sent overseas and the environment being destroyed.
Walmart Protests Escalate on Black Friday
December 2, 2013
By Stephanie West
Washington, DC - Walmart workers and their supporters increased the intensity of their calls for higher pay at the nation’s largest retailer. Protest took place at 1,500 stores on Friday November 29th and more than 110 were arrested in a historic Black Friday marked by peaceful civil disobedience.
Neglect Infrastructure at Our Own Risk
November 29, 2013
By Terry O’Sullivan, LIUNA President
Washington, DC - This week marks the 81st anniversary of the opening of the Pulaski Skyway Bridge – a milestone for what was once a modern span supporting commuters, freight and commerce. While the bridge is finally receiving much needed attention to prevent it from literally falling down, its condition highlights a serious local, regional and national problem.
Walmart Workers Planning Protests on Black Friday
November 29, 2013
By Stephanie West
This Friday November 29th, the biggest shopping day of the year, workers at Walmart are taking another courageous stand for better wages and a better economy for all of us. Recent news reports discussed how associates at one Ohio Walmart store set up food collection bins for their fellow low-paid co-workers. In fact, Walmart recently disclosed that over half of its workers earn less than $25,000 a year.
Hospital Staff's Hunger To Unionize In Limbo
November 28, 2013
By Joe Maniscalco
Olean, NY - Staffers at a 186-bed hospital in Upstate New York who say they've been threatened and intimidated after speaking out against unfair labor practices and short staffing issues that could potentially impact patient health - will be spending Thanksgiving Day wondering if the votes they cast back in October will be enough to win union representation.
Airport Workers Ramp Up Protests
November 27, 2013
By Marc Bussanich
Queens, NY—For the second consecutive day airport workers demonstrated against what they say are poor working conditions. On Monday airport workers walked through Terminal 7 at JFK Airport to drop off petitions to notify the airlines they aren’t happy with their low wages and no health benefits. On Tuesday they walked through LaGuardia Airport before Port Authority police escorted them outside. Watch Video
Obamacare-Fueled Strike On Ice - For Now
November 27, 2013
By Joe Maniscalco
New York, NY - Stop & Shop employees at 45 supermarkets located around the city and state will not strike over the Thanksgiving Day holiday now that a seven-day “cooling off” agreement between UFCW Local 1500 and management has been signed. But the threat of a work stoppage happening before the year is out remains especially high - and the implementation of Obamacare is largely the cause.
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