This week the California labor movement joins in the celebration of Juneteenth, recognizing the end of slavery in the U.S. with a proclamation in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. While many are aware of the historical significance of this day, few know about its connection to the struggle for workers’ rights and equality for […]
Read MoreAs California Reopens, Labor Unions Urge Vigilance to Protect Workers
Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski: “Today’s full reopening of the California economy is a major milestone in the battle against COVID. While our progress to suppress the virus under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s leadership should be celebrated, we need to remain vigilant. The pandemic that’s been raging across the globe and here […]
Read MoreCALIFORNIA BUDGET MUST NOT IGNORE ESSENTIAL WORKERS WHO SACRIFICED MOST IN THE PANDEMIC
SEIU California: CA LEADERS MUST RECOGNIZE ESSENTIAL WORKERS NOW! “I have been an armed officer in charge of protecting the Los Angeles County Probation Department for 17 years and I am an essential worker. My job is very important to me and I love what I do. Even when it gets stressful, I go to […]
Read MoreBoots on the Ground: California Labor Federation Launches Campaign Powered by 2.1 Million Workers to Stop the Recall
Volunteers Will Launch a Door-to-Door Campaign, Taking More than 10 Million Steps to Connect with Voters and STOP THE RECALL Watch the press conference here Sacramento, CA – Today workers and union leaders with the California Labor Federation kicked off their sweeping campaign to defend California’s progress from the anti-worker effort to recall Governor Gavin […]
Read MoreThree Questions for Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski
The AFL-CIO is including a regular feature in their Dispatch newsletter, where they ask three questions of a labor leader. This week features a short interview with Art Pulaski, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the California Labor Federation. Q: Why is the national AFL-CIO important to you? A: The AFL-CIO provides the structure and unity that […]
Read MoreRapid Response: Putting Workers First During a Crisis
By Nica C. Tanaka Since March of 2020, California workers have endured the economic blows of Covid-19. Closures both permanent and temporary have eliminated thousands of jobs forcing families and individuals to find immediate ways to survive. The demand for Unemployment Insurance (UI) peaked and over a year later, California workers are still staggering to […]
Read MoreThe PRO Act: Worker Safety and Worker Voice
Fifty years ago today, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) went into effect, promising every worker the right to a safe job. The law was won in 1970 because of the tireless efforts of the labor movement and allies, who drew major attention to work-related deaths, disease and injuries, organized for safer working […]
Read MoreAmerican Jobs Plan Means Good Union Jobs for California
By Steve Smith The negotiating on President Biden’s historic infrastructure plan is under way. This nearly $2 trillion bill would be the largest investment in infrastructure and jobs in American history. Will the jobs created be union jobs? Vice President Kamala Harris penned an op-ed this week in USA Today laying out the administration’s priorities. […]
Read MoreStatement from the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO
APALA Grieves for the Asian Women Who Were Victims of Targeted Shootings in Georgia, and Condemns Misogyny and White Supremacy that Motivated These Murders For Immediate Release: March 17, 2021 Contact: Michelle Loo, michelle@apalanet.org Washington, DC – Last night, eight people were murdered at three spas in Georgia, many of whom were Asian and immigrant […]
Read MoreHouse Passes Historic Labor Law Reform – What’s Next for the PRO Act?
By Steve Smith The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act passed in the House this week with a 225-206 margin, sending this historic legislation to the US Senate. This bill is the most significant labor law reform legislation since 1935. All California Democrats in Congress voted YES, hearing the voices of workers who demand […]
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