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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Maria Teresa Hank Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Maria Teresa Hank For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Maria Teresa Hank of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). Maria Teresa Hank is an engaged union member who advocates tirelessly for workers' rights. As a Southwest flight attendant, Hank does not attend any meeting, action or rally without her “support your flight attendants” lanyards and giving anyone who will listen a quick background on why flight attendants deserve better protections. As a recent graduate of the Nevada State AFL-CIO candidate training program, she plans to run for office in a local capacity in 2026. She is of Filipino and Hawaiian descent. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/10/2024 - 10:19 — May 10
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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Members at Case New Holland Approve New Contract Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Members at Case New Holland Approve New Contract Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. The Machinists (IAM) Local 2525 ratified a new contract with agricultural and construction equipment producer Case New Holland Industrial. The previous six-year contract expired on April 28, but the union and company agreed to extend the contract and continue negotiations up until this past Saturday. Workers at the Fargo, North Dakota, facility held fast on their demands for better compensation and improved benefits and safeguards for the well-being and livelihoods of all staff. Thanks to their endurance and the hard work of IAM’s negotiating team, the newly ratified agreement includes higher wages, retention of health care and pension benefits, and more time off. “Through their solidarity, IAM Local 2525 members have secured better wages and benefits, protected their economic stability, job security, as well as ensured the balance between work and life,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Their victory underscores the fundamental truth that when workers stand together, they can achieve remarkable outcomes, shaping a workplace that values their work and honors their dignity.” Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/10/2024 - 10:00 — May 10
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Anita Roberts Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Anita Roberts For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Anita Roberts of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU). Anita Roberts, a union member since 1998, serves her colleagues at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego as a mess attendant, cashier and shop steward. “Industrial, Technical & Professional Employees Union (ITPEU)/OPEIU Local 4873 has given AAPI members a voice at work,” Roberts said. “Our union recently won a great contract with guaranteed pensions, raises, job security, health care and good working conditions.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:09 — May 9
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Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Flight Attendants at Utah Airline Voted Overwhelmingly to Unionize Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Flight Attendants at Utah Airline Voted Overwhelmingly to Unionize Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. Flight attendants at Utah-based Breeze Airways voted overwhelmingly to join the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA). The flight attendants filed for a union election in just two weeks, one of the fastest campaigns AFA-CWA officials have ever seen. More than 76% of Breeze flight attendants voted in favor of joining the union, which now represents the airline’s roughly 600 flight attendants. The workers are seeking to address issues such as low pay, inconsistent policies, insufficient travel accommodations, erratic scheduling and poor communication. “Management broke out all the tired old union-busting, but together we weren’t intimidated or fooled,” said Robynne Martino, Breeze flight attendant. “Our work group spoke clearly. It’s time for Breeze to treat us with the dignity we earn every day on the line. We call on management to come to the table and negotiate a fair contract without delay.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/09/2024 - 09:55 — May 9
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Gary Kakalia Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Gary Kakalia For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Gary Kakalia of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Gary Kakalia is a member of NALC Branch 1100 in Garden Grove, California, and is originally from Hawaii. He has served his fellow letter carriers as a shop steward for 20 years, and 2025 will mark Kakalia’s 30th year as a letter carrier. Alongside his wife, Linda, who is also involved in NALC as a branch officer, Kakalia is involved in a variety of activities that give back to the membership and the community, including the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. His favorite event was being dunked in a dunk tank to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the annual picnic. Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/08/2024 - 10:11 — May 8
AFL-CIO Blog
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Maria Teresa Hank
- Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Members at Case New Holland Approve New Contract
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Anita Roberts
- Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Flight Attendants at Utah Airline Voted Overwhelmingly to Unionize
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Gary Kakalia