Labor

Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our movement. Today's profile features Ernie Sandoval.

Ernie Sandoval is a young member of the APWU who volunteered as a shop steward. Through his diligence and training, he eventually became his local's clerk craft director. When he isn't working as a postal clerk, filing grievances and protecting the APWU-USPS collective bargaining agreement, he trains in jiu-jitsu. He knows that to be the best version of himself, he must consistently work to better his craft.

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis for Haitians and other forced migrants, Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, vice president of the United Steelworkers (USW) and president of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, issued a statement: “As a labor movement fighting for democracy, racial justice, the rule of law, and human and trade union rights, our unions will continue to push our governments to do right by the Haitian people and by all working people in the Americas. We will also continue to organize for mutual aid and defense, and take action to help Haitians and other forced migrants access the support and protections they need and deserve.”

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:

Wonderful day @ RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill for our 18th Annual Golf Tournament pic.twitter.com/QKA26SSIKa

— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 11, 2021

Alaska AFL-CIO:

This week for #LaborMonth2021, we will be focusing on the many ways Alaska's labor unions help train the next generation of workers. 🏔👷‍ #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/0xKQzcmkYt

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) September 21, 2021

Arkansas AFL-CIO:

Welcome to the family. ✊ #1u #AFLCIO #ARWorkers #ARLabor #ARUnions https://t.co/Ys7zW75RAo

— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) September 17, 2021

California Labor Federation:

STATEMENT: Workers Powered the Campaign to Crush Harmful Recall

Our shared values as Californians emerge not just intact, but stronger than ever. By a landslide, Californians rejected calls by right-wing Republicans to roll back decades of progress on worker protections. pic.twitter.com/q8qP1WmTfO

— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) September 15, 2021

Colorado AFL-CIO:

Kjersten Forseth, a spokeswoman for the AFL-CIO in Colorado, said [of a New Your bill backed by gig companies that would’ve allowed gig workers collective-bargaining rights but kept them as independent contractors] is not something the union would support in that state.

— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) September 16, 2021

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

Want a "Proud to be Union" t-shirt while also supporting a good cause? Then check out the CT AFL-CIO's community affiliate #UnionMade t-shirt fundraiser! https://t.co/Mp9MWxP8D8

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 13, 2021

Florida AFL-CIO:

"Rich Templin (@rtemplin), director of politics and public policy at the AFL-CIO, said the labor union’s 1.3 million members in Florida plan to engage in the redistricting process and will help promote engagement throughout the state."https://t.co/AdpK8vdj7h

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) September 21, 2021

Indiana State AFL-CIO:

Strikes work. 💪🏼https://t.co/opopeY29fc

— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) September 20, 2021

Iowa Federation of Labor:

Quad Cities, IA. Advocating for minor leaguers to improve the working conditions and salaries of Minor League Baseball players through direct and collective action! #FairBall pic.twitter.com/G7JKFGbCCe

— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) September 20, 2021

Kentucky State AFL-CIO:

We’re so excited to welcome @usdol Secretary @martyforboston to Kentucky, our proud @local223laborers union brother!#PassTheProAct @ IBEW Local 369 Louisville, Kentucky https://t.co/s8dauEkH7N

— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) September 15, 2021

Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:

This #LaborDay2021, President Edwards sat down to talk about unions, working families, and women in leadership with Senator @CherylKagan on "Kibbitzing with Kagan". Check it out! https://t.co/FH57a9xXUU

— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) September 7, 2021

Michigan AFL-CIO:

So far the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission has drawn maps that overwhelmingly favor the @GOP. https://t.co/kHkoOXHorn

— Michigan AFL-CIO 💉💪 (@MIAFLCIO) September 21, 2021

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Tell Your Senators to Support Good Jobs and a Pathway to Citizenship #1u https://t.co/U9wGUfgT51

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 21, 2021

Missouri AFL-CIO:

The #infrastructure debate in Washington D.C. is heating up. There is a lot to unpack. Our political director @s_webber breaks down the debate in this week's Missouri Labor Update. https://t.co/6Wiq3TGbj8

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) September 21, 2021

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

James Bilbray had many titles: Congressman, State Senator, husband, father, and champion for Nevada’s working families.

We will always hold him close to our hearts as we fight for workers' rights.

Full statement from @LVSusanNV ⤵️ https://t.co/JhVOHH0nz0

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 20, 2021

New Hampshire AFL-CIO:

At the polls with with Mayor Joyce Craig! Support your AFL-CIO endorsed candidates. https://t.co/eGAU3gqBhv pic.twitter.com/NQfNH3vKSv

— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) September 21, 2021

New Jersey State AFL-CIO:

Labor’s message explaining why union members should vote for Gov. Phil Murphy, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, candidates for the state Legislature and some 60 Labor Candidates is timely, because Vote-by-Mail is already underway.https://t.co/VL3k47R9tO

— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) September 18, 2021

New York State AFL-CIO:

Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO, “This bill is another important step to ensure that all workers who were involved in the rescue, recovery and clean-up at the world trade center during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks will no longer be denied https://t.co/OxV5JYyHvm

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 11, 2021

North Dakota AFL-CIO:

Tell Gov.Burgum it's Time to Invest in Child Care in ND! https://t.co/y0PTY4ZoAh

— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) September 13, 2021

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Corrupt and illegal gerrymandering leads to a corruption in government. Ohio can’t afford to reward those who sell our futures and the future of our children to the highest lobbyist bidder. https://t.co/ysLnDQetqw

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 19, 2021

Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:

Did you know? The Int'l Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers' logo is a Salamander because of a myth? 😱

The Salamander is thought to be impervious to fire!

And the insulating material, asbestos, was called "Salamander's Wool." https://t.co/kBPgYHHJ5B pic.twitter.com/q0Y6f5pPMO

— Oklahoma State AFL-CIO (@OK_AFL_CIO) September 16, 2021

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Our Workers First agenda is about expanding rights and protections for all working families, with no exclusions, which is why we are fighting for a pathway to citizenship for everyone who lives and works here. https://t.co/OCveoljuP1

— Oregon AFL-CIO / PASS THE PRO ACT (@OregonAFLCIO) September 21, 2021

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Welcome to the family! ✊ https://t.co/c8sVdf2USn

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 17, 2021

Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

We are happy to endorse @hleveyfriedman for Senate District 3 in Providence! Hilary is the right candidate in this race to stand up for working people!

Vote early today at city hall! #BeAVoter pic.twitter.com/ecehyf3su7

— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) September 17, 2021

Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:

"@TEA_teachers, which represents school employees, has called for more local control of COVID mitigation efforts, but thus far districts have been constrained by state leaders on masking, vaccination and remote learning options."

via @TNLookout https://t.co/NrgQdtBQPU

— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) September 21, 2021

Texas AFL-CIO:

TX workers are demanding good-paying union jobs addressing climate change rather than being swept along, @RickTxAFLCIO tells @guardian. In growing trend, solidarity at @TxClimateJobs means workers come together to seek a just transition. #1u https://t.co/GdJpvFjERq

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 20, 2021

Virginia AFL-CIO:

https://t.co/aFpbTel765 pic.twitter.com/4QLhJS8uqR

— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) September 20, 2021

Washington State Labor Council:

We're joining @LCLAA in an Immigration Day of Action, making sure Senator @PattyMurray and @SenatorCantwell know Washingtonians support a #Path2Citizenship for all. Call 833-770-1697 today to show your support! #1u https://t.co/1MyFagD16K pic.twitter.com/QhpQjGKAAv

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 20, 2021

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Make a call, send a tweet, write a letter to urge the Senate to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act to update labor law to empower workers organizing and forming unions. #passthePROAct pic.twitter.com/pNAXPnWvQW

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 21, 2021

Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our movement. Today's profile features Maria Isabel Serrano.

Maria Isabel Serrano leads through action. She embodies the true meaning of a member activist and leader for UDW-AFSCME, and has gained the respect of in-home support services providers in Imperial County, California.

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) became the AFL-CIO’s 57th affiliate after receiving a direct charter on Thursday. The NWSLPA represents players who make up the 10 teams in the league, advocates for them as they navigate their careers, and champions the growth of the league and the women’s game. The NWSLPA, which represents some 200 players, is deep into its #NoMoreSideHustles campaign, calling for fair pay and bringing attention to the athletes’ experiences having to work side jobs to make ends meet.

“We are honored to affiliate with the AFL-CIO. This is truly a historic moment for the NWSL Players Association,” said NWSLPA Executive Director Meghann Burke. “As we negotiate our first contract, solidarity is our strength. Through this affiliation, we are formally united with workers who have come before us to demand respect and dignity in the workplace.” The league is in its ninth season and is scheduled to add two expansion teams in 2022, which then will bring it to a total of 12 teams across the country. Click here to read the story from ESPN.

Throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling labor leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to our movement. Today's profile features Mariel Cruz.

Mariel Cruz works in the Tele-Radial Communications Department of the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo. She recently received an award at the USW District 4 Conference for her dedication to the labor movement as president of USW Local 6871. She is proud to be Puerto Rican and proud to be union!

If we're going to Build Back Better in the United States, paid leave has to be part of the solution. Not only does paid leave save jobs, it boosts our economy. Investing in paid leave is just an important part of our infrastructure as investments in roads and bridges.

Paid leave and care policies are vitally important. These policies boost both workers and businesses, particularly women of color. They keep working people in our jobs, and makes sure that workers have the medical and benefits that are as important now as ever in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In connection with other policies, paid leave would contribute to millions of new jobs, billions in new wages and trillions in gross domestic product.

Paid leave is a key to our long-term health, stability and prosperity by allowing workers to heal, recover and spend time with our families when it's necessary or important. It allows working people to take care of each other and ourselves.

These investments also are crucial for small businesses. Paid leave helps give small businesses the ability to compete with big corporations on a more level playing field. It's also a strong workplace retention policy, lowering costs needed to train and retain workers.

Evidence already shows that states with paid leave policies see benefits not only for workers, but businesses and the larger communities around them. Paid leave is cost-effective, both in terms of maintaining public health and for boosting the economic recovery. We can't afford not to pass it.

Take action now and tell Congress to support paid leave for all.

The AFL-CIO and our affiliate union leaders from all sectors of the economy are making it clear: Congress has a historic opportunity to create good jobs and a clear pathway to citizenship for millions of working families, and we expect it to deliver. Immigrants have been, and will continue to be, key to the economic growth and recovery of this country. After nearly 35 years of enforcement-only immigration policies, Congress must finally act to expand rights and protections through broad citizenship provisions. The best way to strengthen our democracy and our economy is by empowering workers, with no exclusions, and the time to do that is now.

Leaders across the movement for the rights of working people explained why the approach that expands rights is the best pathway forward. Here's what they said:

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: “America’s unions are fiercely committed to transforming the lives of working people through bold, structural changes that remove all barriers to the right to organize, and we can’t do that without reforming our immigration system. A broad, inclusive pathway to citizenship will help to raise standards for all workers and should be considered a core component of our economic recovery.”

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond: “The pandemic has revealed the systemic undervaluing of work that is essential for our survival. The majority of front-line work in our country is performed by women and people of color, many of whom face structural racism and threats from an inhumane immigration system. Now is the time to address these core failures. Enacting a clear path to citizenship and passing the PRO Act is how we end these structural injustices.” 

AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre: “Successive waves of immigrants and refugees, like myself, have always helped to build, serve and feed our nation. Today is no different. America’s unions are calling on Congress to take decisive action to extend permanent protections for all working families. Our nation’s economic growth must be inclusive to all, so unions will continue to fight until we win rights on the job and in the community for everyone who lives and works here.” 

Eric Dean, Ironworkers general president and AFL-CIO Immigration Committee chair: “Workers in the construction industry are affected by our broken immigration system whether they are native born or not, and ironworkers are no exception. Legislation providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and TPS holders will level the playing field and help every worker band together and choose a union.” 

Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW: “Our country was founded by immigrants, flourished economically because of the labor of immigrants, and over the last 18 months, we have been fed and cared for by immigrants who are a vital part of our frontline workforce—many of them RWDSU members. After decades of promise, we finally have a real opportunity through the budget reconciliation process to create a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants who have made our country stronger. Let’s be broad, inclusive and pass legislation that brings all undocumented immigrants out of the shadows, grants them equal rights under the law and allows them to openly and freely contribute to our economic recovery as they strive to achieve their own American Dream.”

Matt Biggs, president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers: “Among the young immigrants, students, neighbors, family and coworkers who are seeking an opportunity to become citizens are current and future IFPTE members and leaders. Our union strongly supports a Build Back Better Act that includes pathways to citizenship and permanent residence for DACA and TPS recipients, for workers stuck in the green card backlog, and for those who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic.” 

Evelyn DeJesus, executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers: “This must be the year we deliver on a roadmap to Citizenship for our DACAmented members, our families, our communities, and the students and patients we serve. For far too long, immigrant workers, TPS and DACA beneficiaries have been living court decision by court decision. The ruling by Judge Hanen against DACA made it absolutely clear that only a permanent legislative solution passed by Congress will eliminate the fear and uncertainty that DACA recipients, TPS holders and other immigrants have lived with for years. Enough is enough. Our students, our directly impacted members, our immigrant families, and communities deserve nothing less than the freedom to thrive.”

Jennifer Dorning, president of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO: “Union professionals have a range of backgrounds, nationalities, and immigration experiences—including DACA recipients, TPS beneficiaries, and undocumented immigrants. These working people are our colleagues, our neighbors, and our friends, and they are Americans in every way except on paper. The budget reconciliation process provides us with an opportunity to deliver stability and certainty to these people who contribute everyday to our country’s progress. Now is the time to provide them with a pathway to citizenship.”

Cindy Estrada, vice president of the UAW: “It is no secret that our nation’s immigration system is broken and does not reflect our basic national or UAW values of family unity and security. It is long past time for Congress to take action to ensure TPS holders, Dreamers, farmworkers and frontline workers should not be subject to punitive immigration policies that break families apart. It is important to remember that our union's mission to support social and economic justice for all workers was directly influenced by thousands of immigrants who arrived in Detroit and other cities after the turn of the 20th century to work in the auto industry. These brave workers participated in the sit down strikes and other worker actions that have distinguished our union as a fearless fighter for workplace democracy.”

Enrique Fernández, vice president of Immigration, Diversity and Civil Rights, UNITE HERE: “The House Judiciary Committee has made a critical step forward to protect millions of workers whose home is here. During the pandemic we’ve seen how essential hospitality workers have been to build back the economy. They deserve permanent status to stay with their families. Our fight will continue until we are able to put an end to the fear of deportation and finally provide a path to citizenship.”

Robert Martinez Jr., international president of the Machinists: “Politicians in Washington must come together to solve the immigration crisis in our nation. Passing comprehensive immigration reform will give all workers the labor rights they deserve and help raise wages across all industries. The Machinists Union fights to ensure that all of our members have respect and dignity in the workplace. The IAM will fight to raise workplace standards for all workers by advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.” 

Elissa McBride, secretary-treasurer of AFSCME: “The failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform has left undocumented immigrants vulnerable and unable to speak out about dangerous working conditions, demand a fair wage or access medical care for fear of deportation. Congress must finally provide a pathway to citizenship that recognizes the boundless contributions immigrants have made to our communities and allows families to come out of the shadows. It will strengthen our economy, it’s widely supported, and most importantly, it’s the right thing to do.”

Yanira Merino, national president of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement: “Including a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants through budget reconciliation is a critical step towards building back better, which depends on a thriving working class. And we won't achieve this goal until every worker, including DREAMers and TPS holders, can exercise all their labor rights and enjoy the stability associated with residency and citizenship. That is why we must ensure that a pathway to citizenship survives the reconciliation process and is voted into law."

Terry O'Sullivan, general president of the Laborers: “LIUNA urges Congress to stop delaying on comprehensive immigration reform and to provide a path to citizenship for the millions of working families, many of whom work in the construction industry, who have built lives here in the United States, raising families and paying taxes and social security.”

Baldemar Velasquez, president of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee: “1986 was the distant past—and the last time Congress allowed a pathway to citizenship for many undocumented people. We must push Congress to end 36 years of inaction and finally bring millions of hard working immigrants, including farmworkers, out of the shadows and into the mainstream of the American Dream.”

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers: “We are a nation of immigrants. Today, immigrants living in the United States are educators and bus drivers, nurses and respiratory therapists, grocery and farm workers—frontline, essential workers who have shown up for us every day, particularly in the last year and a half, risking their own health, as we grapple with COVID-19 and its effects. As a union, we are committed to fighting for a pathway to citizenship for immigrants because we know that immigration reforms provide economic stability and a pathway to a better life for so many working families. Congress must take action to permanently protect undocumented people—not just DACA recipients, but all 11 million undocumented people living in this country.”

James Williams Jr., general president of the Painters and Allied Trades: “Thousands of our members are living and working in the United States under Temporary Protected Status. Tens of thousands more immigrants are working in our industries as non-union workers and they are among the most heavily exploited workers in the construction trades. The only way we can stop the exploitation of these workers is by giving them a realistic path to citizenship. Even those fortunate enough to have TPS live with constant anxiety that the programs will be terminated. Now is the moment to establish pathways to citizenship for all of these workers. We are calling on Congress to get it done.”

Alvina Yeh, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance: "Because of this nation's failure to reform immigration, many AAPI workers face threats of deportation. Undocumented AAPIs have been separated from their families and loved ones for decades because of unjust immigration laws. We need a pathway to citizenship through reconciliation because this might be our only chance. AAPI workers have waited for too long, and Congress must act now."

On this week's episode of "State of the Unions," co-hosts Tim Schlittner and Carolyn Bobb sit down with National Nurses United (NNU) Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN, to discuss how nurses went above and beyond to speak out and advocate for patient care and workplace safety while on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Thousands of union jobs have been saved or protected, thanks to a federal aerospace job protection program championed by the Machinists (IAM). The Transportation Department recently released the first round of funding to more than 300 companies as part of a new federal program aimed at saving aerospace manufacturing and repairing jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The IAM aggressively advocated for and won successful passage of the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection (AMJP) program, which is part of the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan. The program provides $3 billion in payroll support funding to aviation manufacturing employers, allowing them to keep aerospace manufacturing workers on their payrolls, avoid additional furloughs and re-hire workers previously furloughed during the pandemic.

“This program will help ensure our nation’s aerospace industry will keep moving forward with the critically important workforce it needs,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I want to thank the hard-working staff in the IAM Political and Legislative Department who won bipartisan support to ensure these highly-trained and skilled jobs remain intact as our nation’s aviation industry goes through one of the hardest moments in history.”