The recent statements made by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler regarding the GOP anti-worker Trump/Vance ticket and their platform have sparked a wave of enthusiasm among union leaders and rank-and-file voters. Shuler directly contrasted the Republican duo and their extremist platform, formally known as Project 2025, with the achievements for workers made by the Democratic party. She highlighted labor’s strong support for the new Democratic front-runner, Vice President Kamala Harris, as a beacon of hope for workers across the nation.
The National Education Association, the largest union in the country with 3 million members, endorsed Harris on July 31, signaling a shift in support towards the Democratic candidate. This endorsement, along with the backing of the United Auto Workers, has freed up union resources and campaign contributions to support Harris’s bid for the presidency.
In a show of unity and enthusiasm, union leaders recently staged a massive Zoom pep rally for Harris, turning what was supposed to be a working session on election plans into a spirited endorsement of the Democratic nominee. Speakers at the rally emphasized the importance of traditional campaign tactics such as door-knocking, phone-banking, and one-on-one contacts to secure victory for Harris in the upcoming election.
The passage of a new law in Illinois preventing employers from forcing workers to sit through anti-union meetings was praised by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. She condemned wealthy executives for attempting to influence workers through propaganda and captive audience meetings, highlighting the importance of protecting workers‘ rights to organize and advocate for their interests.
The entertainment industry has thrown its support behind a bill to outlaw digital deepfakes and establish federal protections for individuals‘ voice and likeness. This bipartisan effort, known as the No Fakes Act, has garnered support from major industry players such as SAG-AFTRA, Disney, and the Motion Picture Association, signaling a united front against unauthorized digital replicas.
The entry of Vice President Kamala Harris into the presidential race has electrified the campaign, according to American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten. During the AFT convention, Weingarten voiced her support for Harris’s candidacy, highlighting the momentum and energy surrounding her campaign.
As the election approaches, the role of unionized voters in deciding the outcome has come into focus. The Biden administration’s pro-union stance and support for workers‘ rights have garnered the backing of many major unions, who have thrown their support behind Harris’s campaign.
A new report from the University of California San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy reveals a growing interest in labor unions, particularly among young workers. The report identifies a shift in attitudes towards unionization, with a decline in opposition to unions and an emerging generation gap in support for organized labor.
In a significant win for unionized workers in the gaming industry, quality assurance workers at Blizzard Entertainment in Austin have successfully unionized. This victory for the Communications Workers of America represents a step forward for labor rights in the gaming sector.
The recent tentative agreement reached between airline catering company Gategourmet and its workers, who had threatened to strike, signals a potential resolution to the labor dispute. While some details remain to be finalized, the agreement represents a positive step towards addressing workers‘ concerns and ensuring fair labor practices.
House Democrats have unveiled a sweeping bill aimed at protecting worker rights and safety, in response to ongoing challenges faced by American workers. The LET’S Protect Workers Act, introduced by Rep. Bobby Scott and co-sponsored by several House members, seeks to bolster protections for workers and hold employers accountable for violating labor laws.
In a positive development, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) has reached a tentative agreement with tech giant Apple. The agreement includes improvements in work-life balance, pay raises, job security, and transparency, demonstrating a commitment to supporting workers‘ rights and well-being.
Overall, these recent developments highlight the growing momentum and support for workers‘ rights and labor unions across various industries. As the election approaches and labor issues take center stage, the unity and advocacy of unions and workers are crucial in shaping the future of labor rights and protections in the United States.