WASHINGTON, DC– Workers across the country have stood up in the past month to fight for better wages and working conditions.
Maryland Taxi Drivers Deliver Major Reforms: Last week, taxi drivers who are organizing with the AFL-CIO’s newest affiliate – the National Taxi Workers Alliance-- in Montgomery County, MD helped deliver major reforms to the county’s taxi industry, which will serve as a win-win for drivers and passengers. The Montgomery County Council unanimously passed legislation that creates a worker-driven co-op, provides protections against predatory taxi companies, makes it easier for drivers to compete against online ride-sharing programs, and provides dramatically improved services for the disabled.
Phoenix Airport Workers Ratify Contract: Earlier this month, 250 members of UFCW Local 99 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport ratified their first union contract with ISS Facility Services, a janitorial company. The workers cited job security and set wages as their biggest wins with their first contract.
Adjunct Faculty in Illinois Organize for Better Pay: Earlier this month, adjunct faculty at Kishwaukee College in Illinois voted to form a union, affiliating with the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Faculty have pointed to the need for higher pay and better working conditions as reasons to organize.
Oregon Workers Win First-Ever Cannabis-Worker Contract: Workers in Oregon have approved the first-ever union contract for cannabis workers in Oregon, joining UFCW Local 555. The contract includes a $15 minimum wage, paid sick leave, and other critical worker protections.
University Employees Speak Out and Organize: Last week, more than 600 clerical, paraprofessional, technical and administrative employees of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL announced the formation of a new union, affiliating with AFSCME. The employees cited the need to have a greater voice in the workplace, as well as better wages and benefits.
University of California Employees Score Big Raising Wages Win: Last week, workers at all University of California campuses won a $15 minimum wage. This announcement will raise wages for approximately 195,000 employees at 10 campuses, 5 medical centers and other associated offices.
Bangor Working People Poised for Raising Wages Victory: Earlier this week the Bangor, ME City Council agreed to move forward with a proposal to raise the town’s minimum wage to $9.75 by 2018.
Google Contract Workers Searching for a Union: Earlier this week, contract workers with Google Express announced that they will be holding elections to form a union. The approximately 140 California Bay Area workers are fighting against poor working conditions and a lack of contract stability.
Contact: Anthony DeAngelo (202) 637-5018