AFL-CIO Blog

  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hospitality Workers Vote by 95% to Authorize Las Vegas Strip Strike
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hospitality Workers Vote by 95% to Authorize Las Vegas Strip Strike 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. Members of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, affiliates of UNITE HERE, voted by 95% on Tuesday to authorize a strike across the Las Vegas Strip. The negotiating committee is authorized to call for a strike at 22 casino resort properties operated by the three largest employers, MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts. The unions represent 60,000 hospitality workers in Nevada; 53,000 are based in Las Vegas and are in active negotiations with casino/hotel employers for a new five-year contract.  “Culinary and Bartenders Union members have sent the strongest message possible to the casino industry to settle a fair contract as soon as possible. We have negotiations scheduled next week with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn/Encore Resorts and it’s up to the three largest employers in Las Vegas to step up and do the right thing,” said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Workers Union. “If these gaming companies don’t come to an agreement, the workers have spoken and we will be ready to do whatever it takes—up to and including a strike. Workers brought every single one of these companies through the pandemic and into a great recovery, and workers deserve a fair share. Companies are doing extremely well and we are demanding that workers aren’t left behind.” Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:48 — Sep 28
  • Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Maria Camilo
    Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Maria Camilo Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Maria Camilo of UNITE HERE. Maria Camilo works as a cashier for Sodexo at Colleges of the Fenway in Boston. She leads her co-workers in a campaign to win a great university food service contract and says: "With the union, our wages improved and we got great benefits. As a shop steward, I know that when I talk to my managers, I am their equal and I deserve respect." Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/27/2023 - 10:07 — Sep 27
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Biden Becomes First President to Walk a Strike Picket Line; Joins UAW in Michigan
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Biden Becomes First President to Walk a Strike Picket Line; Joins UAW in Michigan 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. President Joe Biden walked the picket line with members of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) at General Motors’ Willow Run parts center near Detroit, becoming the first U.S. president to join a labor union on strike. UAW President Shawn Fain railed against the billionaire class. “They think they own the world,” he said. “But we make it run” and “our president has chosen to stand up with workers in our fight for economic and social justice.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “President Biden is demonstrating once again that he is the most pro-union president in history. Working people know he has our backs every day and that he understands that UAW members’ fight for a fair contract is deeply connected to the struggle over the soul of our country. We stand with President Biden, the UAW and workers across the country who are sick and tired of getting the short end of the stick. Together, we’re organized to fight back against the corporate CEOs who have rigged the system against working people for far too long.” Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/27/2023 - 10:01 — Sep 27
  • Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Ricardo Sanchez
    Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Ricardo Sanchez Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Ricardo Sanchez of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). Ricardo Sanchez has been a member of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 781 for 18 years as a commercial painter. After completing his apprenticeship and working in the field, he became a project manager for the company where he worked. Sanchez joined IUPAT District Council 7 as a trainer and recruitment coordinator in 2018 and has been instrumental in servicing our Spanish-speaking members. Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:06 — Sep 26
  • Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wrigley Field Concession Workers Authorize Strike
    Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wrigley Field Concession Workers Authorize Strike 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. In an effort to get a new contract, hundreds of workers at Wrigley Field could walk off the job this weekend. The members of UNITE HERE Local 1, voted by an overwhelming majority to authorize a strike. More than 700 union members work as bartenders, cashiers, cooks, dishwashers, suite runners and warehouse workers at Wrigley Field. They are seeking a $20 per hour minimum wage, expanded health care coverage and a pension. “Workers of Compass Levy at Wrigley Field welcome visitors to one of the most iconic venues in Chicago and serve baseball fans with dedication,” said UNITE HERE Local 1 President Karen Kent. “They are asking for nothing more than to be treated equally to stadium workers at the United Center and Sox Park so they can take care of their families and live with dignity. Concessions workers at Wrigley Field are tired of waiting for Compass Levy to step up to the plate and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract." Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:05 — Sep 26