AFL-CIO Blog

  • National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Javier Pierrend
    National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Javier Pierrend 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 Javier Pierrend. Javier Pierrend is a bright light! He is a very talented photographer and videographer who helps highlight AFSCME's members and their stories. He is a member of AFSCME's United Staff Union and was previously a member of the Electrical Workers (IBEW). In addition to his work, Pierrend spends his time with his fiance Joseph and their two dogs. Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/27/2021 - 10:00 — Sep 27
  • Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFT Launches $100,000 Investment in Believe in Students
    Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFT Launches $100,000 Investment in Believe in Students 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 American Federation of Teachers (AFT), led by President Randi Weingarten, announced a $100,000 investment in the Believe in Students' FAST Fund program. Believe in Students is a nonprofit organization that helps college students facing financial security meet their basic needs. The FAST Fund is an emergency aid program that quickly identifies students struggling to meet basic needs and helps them get the support they need. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the majority of college students report they have struggled to meet basic needs. Without these needs being met, students face additional barriers to success. The AFT investment will provide funds for 14 existing union-affiliated FAST Fund sites, launch five new sites and provide technical and logistical support. “College students are consistently burdened by the financial means required to keep up with their studies—and COVID-19 has only increased those stressors. All too often, students have to give up on their dreams of a better future simply because they can’t afford it,” Weingarten said. “The FAST Fund gives students peace of mind by providing cash to those who can’t afford gas to get to campus, the textbooks necessary to keep up in class or even to keep the lights on in their homes. It’s crucial we invest in the future of our country by providing them with the support and resources to thrive.” Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/27/2021 - 09:33 — Sep 27
  • National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Ernie Sandoval
    National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Ernie Sandoval 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. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/24/2021 - 09:30 — Sep 24
  • Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Six Months on Strike, UWMA Members Standing Strong
    Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Six Months on Strike, UWMA Members Standing Strong 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. It has been six months since the Mine Workers (UMWA) went on strike against Warrior Met Coal. Warrior operates two mines, a preparation plant and a central shop, located in the heart of Alabama, 15 miles east of Tuscaloosa. The UMWA represents about 850 workers at these facilities. In 2016, due to a series of questionable management decisions, Walter Energy filed for bankruptcy. But the workers decided to save their company, preserve their jobs and their communities by sacrificing wages, time off from work, loss of overtime pay and an end to full health care coverage. Their sacrifices totaled $1.1 billion over five years in cost savings and helped the company reach revenues in excess of $4.3 billion. The UMWA said the result of these sacrifices and an unheard-of financial comeback for the company was Warrior’s blatant mistreatment of its workers, forcing them to work most holidays and complete 12-hour shifts reaching up to seven days a week. “What Warrior Met has offered is just a tiny fraction of what the workers gave up five years ago,” said UMWA President Cecil Roberts. “These workers are tired of being mistreated, they are tired of being forced to work and missing time with their families. Warrior Met knows it is exploiting these workers, and it’s time for it to stop.” Click here to read a full recap of the strike and how union members and our communities are joining together to win a fair contract. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/24/2021 - 09:00 — Sep 24
  • National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Maria Isabel Serrano
    National Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Maria Isabel Serrano 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. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/23/2021 - 10:00 — Sep 23