Labor

The AFL-CIO today launched a television ad campaign highlighting the wave of collective action sweeping the country. From union organizing victories to the defeat of “right to work” in Missouri, working people are on the rise. As AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka puts it, “Something is happening in America.... When we stand together, we have the power.” 

Working people are tearing down a broken status quo to advance our movement, build a fairer economy and usher in a more just society. Here are just a few of the recent wins the labor movement has secured in that fight:

• 262,000 working people joined unions last year—three-quarters of them younger than 35.

• We elected pro-worker candidates in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Alabama and states across the country.

• Right to work was voted down by two-thirds of Missouri voters, including half of Republicans.

• The New York Times declared that the wind is at our back, while even The Wall Street Journal warned CEOs that unions are on the march.

• Labor unions’ approval rating has risen to 61%, the highest in nearly 15 years.

One of the most heartbreaking news stories of 2018 is the Trump administration's decision to separate undocumented immigrant families that enter the United States.The AFL-CIO, the AFT and other advocates for working people have condemned this policy and called for families to be reunited. As part of this effort, the AFT has issued a new report to inform pension trustees and the working people they represent about companies that are profiting off of family separation and mass incarceration.

First, there are the companies that directly profit from the family separation policy. They build and operate the facilities used to detain immigrants or provide support services to those facilities. These companies include:

• CoreCivic: Formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America, the nation's largest private prison company owns and operates eight immigration detention centers.
• GEO Group: A company that operates private prisons and operates family detention centers.
• General Dynamics: A top defense contractor, the company provides case management services at youth detention centers.

Second, there are the companies that provide financing to CoreCivic and GEO Group. These companies include:

• BlackRock
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.
• Wells Fargo

These companies may hold direct shares in the companies that profit from the policy, or they may have indirect investments in those companies through index, private equity or hedge funds. 

AFT will issue a follow-up report that identifies individual investment managers who profit from private prisons and the mass incarceration of people of color.

Read the full report to learn more.

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.

A. Philip Randolph Institute:

Our president is one of the greatest! https://t.co/x2AkDm28fe

— APRI National (DC) (@APRI_National) August 15, 2018

Actors' Equity Association:

This week’s #EquityWorks highlight is of @AmericanPlayers. Read a quick overview of the current LORT Agreement here - https://t.co/sZsub3QPqi pic.twitter.com/Pe31fLA2zC

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 16, 2018

AFGE:

California AFGE members visited their state legislators yesterday to pass #AJR51 and send a message to Washington: #EOHellNO. pic.twitter.com/jHCJR4zgik

— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 17, 2018

AFSCME:

Republican state legislator in Maine admits he was wrong about public-sector unions https://t.co/fxAsD1CtOx via @AFSCME93 #1u #union

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 17, 2018

AFT:

"@rweingarten, president of the AFT (the parent union of the @OhioNursesAssoc) issued a statement calling the move a 'cruel, callous move that will hurt the Youngstown community.'" More on the closing of Northside Regional Medical Center in Youngstown: https://t.co/Xbp1hgBoFh

— AFT (@AFTunion) August 17, 2018

Air Line Pilots:

Aviation Industry Urges U.S. Senate Leadership to Pass a Long-Term @FAANews Reauthorization: https://t.co/8UtoSB37aD @GAManufacturers

— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) August 15, 2018

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Judge Kavanaugh is a threat to our healthcare and he is dangerous for working and older Americans. Call your Senator now at 866-828-4162 and tell them to reject his nomination! https://t.co/j0dZlsCOAq #SaveACA #1u #ForThePeople pic.twitter.com/nR8xfotCoW

— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) August 16, 2018

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Metro must pay $82 million in wage increases to thousands of workers, arbitration panel says https://t.co/ywhRNX0aoQ #1u #publictransit #transit

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 16, 2018

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:

APALA San Francisco Chapter hosted a press conference with partners (@AnakbayanUSA and others) last week after a successful action to pressure community festival, Pistahan, to disassociate itself with anti-worker company, NutriAsia. https://t.co/9HxxsMMQaE

— APALA (@APALAnational) August 13, 2018

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

Today, we remember the six crew members, 147 passengers and two people killed on the ground after Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashed shortly after takeoff from Detroit Metropolitan Airport on August 16, 1987. https://t.co/lXXwNXMx4H pic.twitter.com/qPpvCw7ZN5

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 16, 2018

BCTGM:

From the Convention floor: All Resolutions submitted by the BCTGM General Executive Board have been adopted. Go here to read the full text of the Resolutions: https://t.co/vdzBkakxfY | #BCTGM2018

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 14, 2018

Boilermakers:

MT @GovernorBullock called #Boilermakers L-D239 lockout a "unicorn," bc the state hasn't had a union lockout since the 80s. Even more reason to #standwiththreeforks. Thank you for standing w/ L-D239, Governor! #MTnews, @mtaflcio, @bobfunk https://t.co/dFJwEPxNp5 pic.twitter.com/0XaYXmneL3

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 15, 2018

Bricklayers:

Please sign this petition to expose unsafe working conditions & the lack of Local labor at Cornell University: https://t.co/carm926YAv #DoesCornellCare #1u #construction @CornellUnivers pic.twitter.com/6YCpdUsXlX

— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) August 17, 2018

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:

Children yet to be born will inherit royalty: the Queen of Soul. #arethafranklin #RESPECT pic.twitter.com/6vlLv2aYqL

— CBTU (@CBTU72) August 16, 2018

Communications Workers of America:

CWAers at @verizon & at Verizon Connected Solutions voted to ratify a 4yr extension of their contracts. The extensions provide for additional wage increases and enhanced retirement benefits for over 34k Verizon workers. RT to congratulate the workers! #1u https://t.co/b6lFVYBml5

— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 17, 2018

Department for Professional Employees:

Nonprofit professionals see 👀👇#NationalNonprofitDay #1u https://t.co/2UM8govSIu

— DPE (@DPEaflcio) August 17, 2018

Electrical Workers:

Meet the unsung heroes following firefighters into California's fire-ravaged zones, putting themselves in harm's way to bring the power back. #ThankALineman https://t.co/kQec9PUgd4

— IBEW (@IBEW) August 16, 2018

Farm Labor Organizing Committee:

Q: What is FLOC (Farm Labor Organizing Committee) up to these days?

A: Many things! But we wanted to update on one of our main actions. We want to put pressure on Reynolds American, now owned by British American Tobacco. pic.twitter.com/FLuNDNS11R

— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) August 17, 2018

Federal Employees:

As the White House wages war against unionized federal workers, NFFE-IAM members are fighting back by sharing their stories about labor’s pride, power and patriotism. In part one of an on-going series we meet Lisa Fellshttps://t.co/V5fYd2XE6b

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) August 15, 2018

Fire Fighters:

Judge sides with San Antonio #firefighters #union https://t.co/psF6E40FRZ

— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) August 17, 2018

International Labor Communications Association:

There's still time to enter the 2018 ILCA Labor Media Contest! It's the first and largest contest exclusively for labor communicators. Learn more and enter online here: https://t.co/0vYJIJliy2 pic.twitter.com/PSsTmvV4D9

— Labor Communications (@ILCAonline) August 16, 2018

Ironworkers:

#PAsmart aims to double registered #apprentices by #2025. Registered apprentices in #Pennsylvania has increased by 20% from (13,282 to 16,000) since Gov. Wolf established the Apprenticeship and Training Office in 2016. https://t.co/sHbXyZpBWa #ThursdayThoughts

— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) August 16, 2018

Jobs with Justice:

If he's confirmed, Brett Kavanaugh and Betsy DeVos will team up to destroy public schools as we know it. We can't allow that to happen. https://t.co/JBGT6ZwMXM #StopKavanaugh #WhatsAtStake

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 17, 2018

Laborers:

DYK a total of 156 East Tennessee #bridges are structurally deficient? #FixOurBridges #InfrastructureMatters https://t.co/nVvGxoDjSv

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 16, 2018

LCLAA:

LCLAA team at our “All White Night Celebration in Honor and Recognition of the Resilience of Puerto Rican Families” 🇵🇷 #lclaa18 pic.twitter.com/RA2G95pdeI

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 11, 2018

Machinists:

Members who attended our Safety & Health Conference in Maryland toured the Grand Lodge, including our video production studio. pic.twitter.com/prwqy55Ffm

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 17, 2018

Metal Trades:

A Union Ironworker Just Won the Wisconsin Democratic Primary for Paul Ryan's Seat! https://t.co/uK14dmPSkL https://t.co/uK14dmPSkL

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) August 15, 2018

Mine Workers:

Time is running out to #savepensionssavelives #FixIt! pic.twitter.com/lH4K4KfC82

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 5, 2018

NABTU:

Booker: NABTU supports "responsible regulations that protect the environment, public health and worker safety. We believe they are critical to responsible infrastructure development that lasts for decades and allows for future generations to use these invaluable assets."

— The Building Trades (@BldgTrdsUnions) August 16, 2018

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

On Aug. 5, Cleveland Center (ZOB) hosted a solidarity event for its members and those at surrounding facilities. The event was held at Play: CLE, which bills itself as Ohio’s largest indoor adventure park. https://t.co/rJ1nWXuYy3 pic.twitter.com/TO7Dpp52dJ

— NATCA (@NATCA) August 16, 2018

National Association of Letter Carriers:

#TBT of Kathy Meador who launched @stampouthunger in Middle Tennessee back in 1994! Picture courtesy of @2HarvestMidTN.

For photo submissions, please send them to social@nalc.org! pic.twitter.com/kNWMJ5RxhV

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 16, 2018

National Day Laborer Organizing Network:

It’s time to denounce those officials enabling the despicable policies of mass deportations and family separations — starting with @DanaRohrabacher. #UnmaskHate #DefendSanctuary #ICEoutofOC pic.twitter.com/SxLIeB7MOJ

— NDLON (@NDLON) August 9, 2018

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

Happy #NationalNonprofitDay! We are committed to the women who care for this country. We are Black, we are women of color, we are immigrants. Please consider making a donation to support our work!https://t.co/BZ1XjMJoLK

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 17, 2018

National Nurses United:

Thank you @chelliepingree for standing with nurses in our fight for economic justice!

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, representing #Maine's 1st District, has cosponsored the Inclusive Prosperity Act (aka the Robin Hood Tax on Wall Street).#TaxWallStreet #MEpolitics pic.twitter.com/p4gz4WUzwH

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 17, 2018

National Taxi Workers Alliance:

NYC BECOMES FIRST CITY IN THE NATION TO REGULATE APP DISPATCH COMPANIES!!! This victory belongs to the yellow cab, green car, Uber, Lyft, black car and livery driver who united in our union to fight for justice! READ OUR STATEMENT https://t.co/UmhSuIcPJU

— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) August 8, 2018

News Guild:

.@pressfreedom finds that the U.S. is the third deadliest country for journalists at this point in 2018. We're behind Afghanistan and Syria. https://t.co/va6c10NNpa#right2report

— NewsGuild (@news_guild) August 17, 2018

NFL Players Association:

Happy birthday to the late, great Gene Upshaw. His 25 years of leadership and service left a lasting imprint that still benefits our union and player members today.

🎥: https://t.co/AJv8G8AHIM

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 15, 2018

Office and Professional Employees:

Put your money where your values are & buy #unionmade! Our extensive library of union-made products will help you shop in solidarity: https://t.co/lr9u9pqXKf

— OPEIU (@opeiu) August 15, 2018

Painters and Allied Trades:

Monday's event at Glencliff Elementary School marked the new partnership for IUPAT's nonprofit wing, Painters and Allied Trades Children's Hope Foundation (PATCH). #PartnershipWorks #IUPATwins2018 https://t.co/3sitYg9WSc

— GoIUPAT✊🏽 (@GoIUPAT) August 10, 2018

Pride At Work:

Congrats to #ChristineHallquist -- the first EVER openly transgender candidate for governor just won the Democratic primary in Vermont!https://t.co/H5CREXUEtF

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 15, 2018

Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:

Recruitment & retention are key for U.S. government to continue to have the best & brightest civil service in the world. @PASSNational members at the FAA are proud federal employees who serve their country every day by protecting aviation safety. #publicservice #unionsolidarity https://t.co/kZBDz1kEnp

— PASS (@PASSNational) August 14, 2018

Professional and Technical Engineers:

IFPTE stands with @UniteHereLocal2 and @unitehere in saying that #1job should be enough!! #NerdsAreWithYou #UNIONYES #UNIONPOWER #NOCONTRACTNOPEACE! https://t.co/mBloKhiqS1

— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 15, 2018

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers:

The Pioneer Valley Workers Center @PVWC1 in Massachusetts has developed a rapid response network to help immigrant workers targeted by ICE. the article has some good info on how to develop a plan in case of a raid. @labornotes https://t.co/aazmGfKwXQ

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 17, 2018

SAG-AFTRA:

We are pleased to announce that the 2018 SAG-AFTRA Network Television Code has been approved by 93% https://t.co/1P7auni8pI pic.twitter.com/cGr4bQ5qvQ

— SAG-AFTRA NEWS (@sagaftranews) August 17, 2018

School Administrators:

Jahana Hayes, the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, has won the Democratic primary for an open U.S. House of Representative seat in Connecticut's 5th District https://t.co/uXUTVGV8UN

— AFSA Leadership (@AFSAUnion) August 15, 2018

Seafarers:

SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny (right in both photos) delivered a pro-maritime message last week at the Virginia AFL-CIO Convention in Williamsburg. He’s pictured with (respectively) Senator Tim Kaine and... https://t.co/z7SIbzBoxY

— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) August 14, 2018

Solidarity Center:

Get the facts on labor #migration #humantrafficking and #forcedlabor.https://t.co/mGD2BPlT6I pic.twitter.com/smGGlBGUwB

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 17, 2018

Theatrical Stage Employees:

IATSE has partnered with @OSHA_DOL to deliver an entertainment industry specific fact sheet and resource, which can be found here: https://t.co/Uyl1r4gUf3 #SafeAndSound2018 pic.twitter.com/OQTE56Riy7

— IATSE (@IATSE) August 17, 2018

Transport Workers:

Pres Samuelsen met today with union officials from @unitetheunion, the British union representing @AmericanAir workers in the UK, to discuss AA’s attacks on our scope protections. Further meetings are scheduled. pic.twitter.com/pMZNduIqjR

— TWU (@transportworker) August 13, 2018

Transportation Trades Department:

Assault on airport customer service agents is completely unacceptable—these men and women must be protected. @MachinistsUnion https://t.co/JHu71AdGH9

— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) August 16, 2018

UAW:

"Voters want less talk and controversy and more action on wage stagnation, lack of job security, health care, and safety on the job and a fair fighting chance for their children’s future.” https://t.co/F05KHCTGLV

— UAW (@UAW) August 8, 2018

UFCW:

“Someone could walk off the street today and get paid the same as me,” says James Collins, who has worked at Walmart for six years. https://t.co/eZybYagPYl @seattletimes @ChangeWalmart .@abhabhattarai

— UFCW (@UFCW) August 17, 2018

UNITE HERE:

Stand with hotel workers across North America. @Marriott - one job should be enough to pay bills, raise a family, and retire with dignity.#1job #unitehere pic.twitter.com/OD5nlT3uJy

— UNITE HERE #1Job (@unitehere) June 27, 2018

United Steelworkers:

“I’ve been a steelworker for ten years and seven years ago my life needed to change. It was a life and death situation. If it wasn’t for my union I wouldn’t be here today. It’s changed my life,” Mike Spiess, Lu 10-00086. #USWLife pic.twitter.com/tRdOvVhP0q

— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) August 17, 2018

United Students Against Sweatshops:

Yesterday we shut down @Nike in Georgetown and delivered a warning: Nike can try to run from their responsibilities to garment workers, but they can’t hide. #nikesweatshops https://t.co/68lLzvBXmf

— USAS (@USAS) August 12, 2018

Working America:

American Workers Just Got a Pay Cut in Economy Trump Calls Great https://t.co/VrDzCJX9kK pic.twitter.com/Tjz4tMSUez

— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) August 16, 2018

Writers Guild of America, East:

Solidarity with our members in the #ThrillistUnion who are meeting at the WGAEast offices today instead of reporting to work. #1u https://t.co/OIbdvVcw2E

— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) August 13, 2018

Introduction: How Should Unions Deal With Free Riders?

This November's elections are shaping up to be among the most consequential in recent U.S. history. Throughout the summer and fall, we are taking a look at the best candidates for working people. Today, we feature Ohio gubernatorial candidate Rich Cordray.

Here are some of the key reasons why Cordray is one of the best candidates for working people in 2018:

• He has a record of fighting for working people. When he was attorney general of Ohio, he worked to recover more than $2 billion for teachers and retirees who were victims of fraud.
• Cordray served as the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which was created to protect families against corporate and Wall Street abuse. Under his leadership, financial institutions were forced to pay back nearly $12 billion to more than 30 million Americans.
• While attorney general, he launched programs to help working families plan for their retirement goals.
• Cordray is a proponent of Medicaid expansion.
• His "Reduced Costs, Reliable Coverage" plan will increase transparency and accountability in the state's health care system.
• Cordray’s infrastructure plan will repair roads and bridges and invest in public transportation, broadband and clean water projects. These investments also will create jobs.
• His workforce development plan will ensure every Ohioan has the skills they need to support their families by strengthening two- and four-year college degree programs, vocational school, apprenticeships, certifications and other types of skills training.
• To improve the economy for Ohio workers, he is focused on supporting homegrown small businesses as well as attracting out-of-state companies.
• Cordray stands firmly against "right to work" laws.
• As attorney general, he went after bad employers who routinely misclassified their workers. 

Learn more about Cordray at his website.

This November's elections are shaping up to be among the most consequential in recent U.S. history. Throughout the summer and fall, we are going to take a look at the best candidates for working people. Today, we feature Michigan congressional candidate Andy Levin.

Here are some of the key reasons why Levin is one of the best candidates for working people in 2018:

• Levin wants to make increasing living standards a part of all trade deals.
• He favors raising the minimum wage.
• Levin said he wants to focus on restoring the freedom of working people to organize and bargain collectively.
• He wants to expand paid family leave. 
• Levin will fight for equal pay and benefits for all women, particularly women of color.
• In Michigan, he became the state's first chief workforce officer and created a program, "No Worker Left Behind," which helped more than 162,000 Michiganders get workforce training and another 120,000 get new jobs.
• He will fight Republican attempts to undermine and privatize Social Security. 
• Levin advocates for universal public education under local control with well-compensated teachers.
• He wants to create a comprehensive, long-term program to invest in roads, bridges, sewers, mass transit and other infrastructure.
• In Congress, he will stand up for trade policies that protect the rights of working people and raise the standard of living for workers in all countries that are involved.
• He said he wants to change tax policies to stop incentivizing outsourcing.
• Levin will vote to increase investment in job training and apprenticeships.
• He wants Congress to pass legislation barring discrimination against LGBTQ-plus people in employment, housing and other aspects of American life.
• Levin said he wants the United States to move away from the prison industrial complex and favors other criminal justice reforms that diminish the oppression of people of color.
• He wants comprehensive immigration reform with a clear pathway to citizenship and wants to end family separations at the border.
• Levin will work to protect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau so it can continue to protect families that are treated poorly by banks, payday lenders, check cashing stores and others.
• He wants to ensure access to affordable health care for all Americans by passing Medicare for All and taking on the high cost of prescription drugs.
• Levin wants to embrace postal banking as a way to give Americans easy access to banking services from a trustworthy source.​
• He supports a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United in order to bring full disclosure of all money donated to influence elections.

Learn more about Levin at his website.

Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s this week’s Working People Weekly List.

A Huge Win for Organized Labor in Missouri: "'The defeat of this poisonous anti-worker legislation is a victory for all workers across the country,' declared AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka as the results came in Tuesday night. 'The message sent by every single person who worked to defeat Prop. A is clear: When we see an opportunity to use our political voice to give workers a more level playing field, we will seize it with overwhelming passion and determination. Tonight is the latest act of working people changing a rigged system that for decades has been favoring corporations, the mega wealthy and the privileged few.'"

Unions Triumph at the Ballot Box: "Something is happening in America. Missouri, riding a nationwide wave of victories for working people, on Tuesday became the first state in history to overturn a so-called right-to-work law by popular vote. It was an incredible display of the labor movement’s capacity to win change."

Giving 'Hope to Workers Across the Nation,' Missouri Votes to Repeal GOP Attack on Unions: "'Brothers and sisters, tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow we must get back to work,' declared Missouri AFL-CIO President Mike Louis in a speech following Tuesday's victory. 'Tomorrow we must continue to organize. Together, we made history. Together, we must continue to fight for working families.'"

Ethical Camping Essentials: "Ah, the great outdoors. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, the s’mores! That’s right. When you’re planning an outdoor vacation during the final weeks of summer, you’ll need a bunch of supplies, both fun and practical. Whether you’re protecting against the elements or putting together a decadent fireside treat, Labor 411 reminds you to shop for ethical American-made brands manufactured by companies that treat their workers fairly. Enjoy the outdoors, and together we’ll camp our way to a stronger America."

Hard Work Pays Off in Missouri: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states."

Support Locked-Out Boilermakers in Montana: "On Aug. 2, Imerys locked out members of the Boilermakers (IBB) and brought in replacements at its talc plant in Three Forks, Montana. The lockout comes after Imerys consistently has refused to back down from its anti-worker contract proposal. The proposed contract would eliminate retiree health insurance, seniority, overtime over eight hours, double-time pay for overtime and the current defined contribution 401(k) plan, and would freeze the defined pension plan."

Missouri's Working People Overwhelmingly Reject Right to Work: "Last night was historic for working people in Missouri. Wealthy corporate interests tried to use their money to rig the system in favor of the 1%. But Missourians rejected the cynical power grab by an overwhelming 2-1 majority. Something big is happening with America’s working people—something that will bring change—and last night was just the latest evidence of this groundswell."

This November's elections are shaping up to be among the most consequential in recent U.S. history. Throughout the summer and fall, we are going to take a look at the best candidates for working people. Today, we feature Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.

Here are some of the key reasons why Abrams is one of the best candidates for working people in 2018:

• She is the only gubernatorial candidate to propose a detailed jobs plan.
• Abrams has introduced Georgia's Advanced Energy Jobs Plan to deliver tens of thousands of high-wage jobs. 
• In a visit to Ironworkers Local 709, she has noted that her jobs program would increase registered apprenticeships in the state from 8,000 to 22,000 by 2022.
• As co-founder of financial services firm NOW Account and other small businesses, she has helped create and retain jobs in the state.
• Abrams wants to use old buildings to turn the city of Macon into a hub for renewable energy such as hydro, biomass, wind and solar.
• She has received the Friend of Labor award for her support of working families.
• While minority leader, she has led the charge to stop the practice of employee misclassification.
• She said she wants to be the public education governor and has fought an undemocratic takeover of schools that would've shifted power to unelected officials only answerable to the governor.
• Abrams would help small businesses access capital, skilled labor and critical infrastructure. 
• She would prioritize economic mobility to make sure hardworking families have a chance to succeed. 
• To do this, Abrams would establish a state earned income tax credit, focus on tax breaks for working families rather than the richest individuals and corporations and expand access to child care tax credits and subsidies.
• In her agenda, she demands workplaces never discriminate based on a person’s race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability or immigration status.
• Abrams would promote policies to ensure pay equity.
• She wants to expand paid sick leave.
• Abrams favors the state requiring a living wage in every county.
• As a legislator, she has co-sponsored legislation to prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.
• She supports a Georgia civil rights bill to protect the LGBTQ-plus community, immigrants, people of color, and people of faith from discrimination in housing, public accommodation, and the workplace.
• Abrams wants to end abusive on-call scheduling, so that families can have predictable workweeks and paychecks.
• She has called for investment in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit, water and sewer systems, ports, broadband, and clean energy.
• Abrams wants public projects to utilize more Georgia workers and products.
• She opposes legislation that bans project labor agreements on public works projects.

Learn more about Abrams at her website.

Ah, the great outdoors. The fresh air, the sounds of nature, the s’mores! That’s right. When you’re planning an outdoor vacation during the final weeks of summer, you’ll need a bunch of supplies, both fun and practical. Whether you’re protecting against the elements or putting together a decadent fireside treat, Labor 411 reminds you to shop for ethical American-made brands manufactured by companies that treat their workers fairly. Enjoy the outdoors, and together we’ll camp our way to a stronger America.

S’mores

• Campfire marshmallows
• Chocolate – Ghirardelli, Hershey, Cadbury
• Honey Maid graham crackers

Grill 

• Weber 

Hammocks

• Algoma Net

Outdoor Clothing

• AFL-CIO union-made gear
• All American Clothing Co.
• Carhartt

Coffee

• 
Eight O’Clock coffee

• Folgers

• Maxwell House
• Millstone coffee
• USA Coffee Company

Hot Cocoa 

• Ghirardelli
• Swiss Miss


Coolers 

• Rubbermaid

Sunscreen 

• Bain de Soleil
• Coppertone


This post originally appeared at Labor 411.

It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.

Alabama AFL-CIO:

The Alabama AFL-CIO held its endorsement convention on August 2-3, 2018 at the Embassy Suites, in Montgomery, Alabama.https://t.co/YJHKRJ3h7r

— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 6, 2018

Arizona AFL-CIO:

Some are calling this the "Missouri Miracle." Nonsense. This victory was no miracle; it was hard work by dedicated Missouri union members with the help of our brothers and sisters from all over the U.S. including Arizona. https://t.co/CvZySyNTZH

— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2018

Arkansas AFL-CIO:

"The November election has been tailored to delight the business lobby, with the exception of one proposal that would upset its legislative apple cart. Working men and women beware." -Ark Times https://t.co/upuxIzj9KI
^JH #arklabor #NoOn1 #protectarfamilies @ARlaborradio

— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) August 9, 2018

California Labor Federation:

"Don’t let the billionaires privatize and destroy public education in our state. Keep our public schools free, funded and public."@Dartaft on why we MUST vote @TonyThurmond for Supt. of Public Instruction📝👏🏼 https://t.co/I2Aa8XNGf7#1u #ourvoteourvoice #unionstrong

— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) August 8, 2018

Florida AFL-CIO:

Creating a living wage across Florida takes center stage at the #fldemdebate, a centerpiece of https://t.co/D9SwGWAXlV.

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 2, 2018

Idaho State AFL-CIO:

Read the fine print. #organize https://t.co/vGcPUKAtcJ

— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) August 2, 2018

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Another photo from today's rally. #EOhellNO #RedForFeds pic.twitter.com/F1H8AjvGcN

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) July 25, 2018

Indiana State AFL-CIO:

RT @WorkingAmerica: "Federal appellate judge Brett Kavanaugh, anti-worker President Donald Trump’s nominee for a vacant U.S. Supreme Court seat, would 'skew the court even more towards corporations and the elite,'" #StopKavanaugh https://t.co/0Mucvp4MUe pic.twitter.com/DwjlgPbWoU

— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 9, 2018

Iowa Federation of Labor:

Why pastors should preach about labor unions https://t.co/beTX5rly9v

— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) August 9, 2018

Kentucky State AFL-CIO:

Missourians went to the polls yesterday and defeated Right to Work. This Friday, oral arguments before the Kentucky Supreme Court will be held in our case against KY’s so-called “Right-to-Work” law.
2018 is the year of the worker.
And we’re just... https://t.co/Gj1ERkxmgq

— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) August 8, 2018

Maine AFL-CIO:

LIVE from Orono, members of the powerful German union @IGMetall share with local Maine union members what their labor movement is like. https://t.co/DOavc42nEg #1u #solidarity #mepolitics

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 8, 2018

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Brian Doherty from @metrobtc speaking on @RadioBoston about what construction unions do to combat the opioid crisis: Construction Industry Has Highest Opioid OD Death Rates In Mass. https://t.co/rLvRdfn3I9 #1u

— Massachusetts AFLCIO (@massaflcio) August 9, 2018

Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:

As Missouri goes, so goes the nation? https://t.co/IJbQZVkvsB

— MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) August 9, 2018

Michigan AFL-CIO:

Whether it’s expanding the labor movement, bargaining life-changing contracts, rewriting the rules of the economy, or filling the halls of power with our allies, unions are on the rise. https://t.co/AkLsawft5B

— Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) August 9, 2018

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

MN @AFLCIO congratulates working Missourians for defeating “Right to Work” https://t.co/TlW1EVBa9f #VoteNoOnPropA #1u @MOAFLCIO #Labor18 Today’s vote should serve as a clear message to MN policymakers that working people are sick of attacks on our freedom to prosper. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/xjUYSxFbvD

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 8, 2018

Missouri AFL-CIO:

It was wrong in 1978 and it was wrong 2018! Missouri workers win! Thank you! We have repealed “right-to-work”! pic.twitter.com/RfZ89JsC2Y

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 8, 2018

Montana AFL-CIO:

Day 4 of the @Imerys lockout.

Let @Imerys know what you think of it’s union-busting and worker intimidation. #StandWithThreeForks

— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 5, 2018

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

"Collective bargaining affects pay standards across entire industries, meaning even nonunion workers benefit. Unions also reduce gender and racial wage gaps across industries, which contributes to broader equality in society."https://t.co/ZdYylfuZcU

— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) August 9, 2018

New Jersey State AFL-CIO:

Proud to stand with @GovMurphy who signed an EO combating worker misclassification in order to promote a level playing field for workers across the state. https://t.co/Y185jWwn4l pic.twitter.com/8PQfmLkQvA

— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) May 3, 2018

New Mexico Federation of Labor:

An attack on one is an attack on ALL! Labor Unions in New Mexico stand united in #RedForFeds!! 💪🔴
@AFLCIO @AFGENational pic.twitter.com/FvzgtK8XvQ

— NMFL (@LaborFed4NM) July 25, 2018

New York State AFL-CIO:

14,000 #UnionStrong working people at @ATT may strike soon if necessary for good jobs, affordable healthcare, and a secure retirement. #NoJobsNoDeal #1u
Stand with them in their fight. Sign the petition: https://t.co/1e1b7Ggwf5

— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) August 3, 2018

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Missouri is just the beginning. When working people come together, NO ONE can stop us! https://t.co/q6FfF2I9mJ

— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 8, 2018

North Dakota AFL-CIO:

Kavanaugh has a bad record when it comes to workers! 1-844-899-9913 Call now! #1u pic.twitter.com/N9DJchUagp

— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) July 26, 2018

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Kicking a$$ for the working (and artistic) class. #Solidarity from #Ohio! #UnrigTheSystem https://t.co/1mJLtFzrhq

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 9, 2018

Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:

Nichols Park Restoration Receives USA 2017 Conservation Project of the Year Awardhttps://t.co/oppN79dT5T

— Oklahoma AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) August 9, 2018

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Oregon is leading the charge in bringing behavioral health workers together to make positive changes in their important work:https://t.co/51wD3BEjK5 #UnionStrong @oregonafscme

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 9, 2018

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Philly leads the country in wage growth. Proud of this Union City! @PhillyAFLCIOhttps://t.co/N4PFflUJUA

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 9, 2018

Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

#Eastland @UFCWLocal328 #1U #UnionStrong #UnionYes #Solidarity #Jobs #WorkersRights https://t.co/YNhUqTlMqv

— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) August 2, 2018

South Carolina AFL-CIO:

Kavanaugh Sided With Trump Casino in 2012 to Thwart Union Drive https://t.co/Wiy19wRSGH

— SC AFL-CIO (@SCAFLCIO) August 7, 2018

Texas AFL-CIO:

TEA staff testifies that charter schools often “counsel” students with special needs to go elsewhere and claim they can’t serve them the way real public schools do. #charterschools #txed #txlege #AllmeansAll @DisRightsTx @pastors4txkids pic.twitter.com/R7f7cv1ylx

— Texas AFT (@TexasAFT) August 8, 2018

Virginia AFL-CIO:

Delegate @ChrisHurstVA presenting a workshop full of helpful tips and guidance on “Working with the Media” to union members who are interested in addressing media outlets in order to cover their interests and events. pic.twitter.com/BgafYQfYnU

— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) August 9, 2018

Washington State Labor Council:

We marched for the dignity of farm workers (by WSLC President Jeff Johnson) https://t.co/G8OcphjZTH

"Farm workers shouldn’t have to go to work to suffer, but rather to earn family-supporting wages and to be treated with dignity." pic.twitter.com/xGnQRHhDh6

— WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 7, 2018

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Union helps laid-off Harley employees retrain for new KC-area jobs, https://t.co/dsDnMvq3lx

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 9, 2018

On Aug. 2, Imerys locked out members of the Boilermakers (IBB) and brought in replacements at its talc plant in Three Forks, Montana. The lockout comes after Imerys consistently has refused to back down from its anti-worker contract proposal. The proposed contract would eliminate retiree health insurance, seniority, overtime over eight hours, double-time pay for overtime and the current defined contribution 401(k) plan, and would freeze the defined pension plan.

The Three Forks plant is French-owned Imerys’ most profitable site, generating more than $1 million profit monthly. Despite this, the company wants to gut the workers’ contract. These working people fought back, and Imerys locked them out.

Here are six ways you can help the locked-out workers:

1. Join the picket line: Our union brothers and sisters and their friends and neighbors will be picketing every day at the Imerys talc plant at 2150 Bench Road in Three Forks.

2. Call and tell Imerys to end the lockout: The phone number is (406) 404-0422.

3. Give Imerys a one-star review on Facebook for its anti-worker attitude: Let Imerys know you support IBB by giving the company a low rating on the social media site for its poor labor practices.

4. Write a letter to the editor: Let the community know you support the workers by submitting a letter to the editor of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

5. Spread the word: Talk about the story on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #StandWithThreeForks.

6. Support IBB: A GoFundMe account has been set up to support the locked-out workers.