Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
Featured Stories
Teamsters Celebrate Bipartisan Push to Advance Faster Labor Contracts Act
WASHINGTON, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Celebrate Bipartisan Push to Advance Faster Labor Contracts Act
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Today, the U.S. House of Representatives reached the 218 signatures needed on a discharge petition to advance the Faster Labor Contracts Act. The petition, filed by Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1 st District), will force a vote on the bill in the coming weeks.
"Securing the support needed to move the Faster Labor Contracts Act forward is a significant milestone for millions of Teamsters
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Celebrate Bipartisan Push to Advance Faster Labor Contracts Act
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Today, the U.S. House of Representatives reached the 218 signatures needed on a discharge petition to advance the Faster Labor Contracts Act. The petition, filed by Representative Donald Norcross (D-NJ, 1 st District), will force a vote on the bill in the coming weeks.
"Securing the support needed to move the Faster Labor Contracts Act forward is a significant milestone for millions of Teamstersand workers across this country," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "This is one of the most consequential labor bills to come before Congress in generations. It has the potential to hold Corporate America accountable for endlessly dragging out negotiations and denying workers the first union contracts they deserve. The Teamsters Union thanks every Democrat and Republican who signed the discharge petition and made the choice to stand with workers."
The Teamsters applaud House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY, 8 th District), Rep. Donald Norcross, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA, 3 rd District), and House Democrats for supporting the Teamsters and working people across America.
The Teamsters commend Republican Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY, 17 th District), Nick LaLota (R-NY, 1 st District), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA, 1 st District), Don Bacon (R-NE, 2 nd District), Max Miller (R-OH, 7 th District), Riley Moore (R-W. VA, 2 nd District), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA, 8 th District), who stood up for working people and helped force action on this critical bill.
The Faster Labor Contracts Act would amend the National Labor Relations Act to require employers to bargain with newly organized workers within 10 days of voting to form their union. The Senate version of the bill, introduced last year by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), continues to gain bipartisan and bicameral support.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/teamsters-celebrate-bipartisan-push-to-advance-faster-labor-contracts-act/
NTEU Seeks Mid-Year Adjustment From IRS in Mileage Reimbursement Rate
WASHINGTON, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The National Treasury Employees Union issued the following news release:
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NTEU Seeks Mid-Year Adjustment From IRS in Mileage Reimbursement Rate
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Washington, D.C.-With gas prices reaching record highs, the leader of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) today urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make a mid-year adjustment to the reimbursement rate for personal use of a vehicle for business reasons.
High gas prices are "placing an especially hard burden on those who must drive their own vehicle to perform their official work duties,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The National Treasury Employees Union issued the following news release:
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NTEU Seeks Mid-Year Adjustment From IRS in Mileage Reimbursement Rate
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Washington, D.C.-With gas prices reaching record highs, the leader of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) today urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make a mid-year adjustment to the reimbursement rate for personal use of a vehicle for business reasons.
High gas prices are "placing an especially hard burden on those who must drive their own vehicle to perform their official work duties,including many employees of the IRS, FDIC and other agencies of the federal government," NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald wrote in a letter to IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano.
While the standard business mileage rate is normally established by the IRS at the beginning of each calendar year, the IRS has made mid-year adjustments three times since 2000, most recently in 2022. The average cost of fuel in January 2026-when the current rate was set-was $2.81 a gallon. Today, it has jumped to $4.56 a gallon.
"The current conditions warrant such action," Greenwald said.
The federal government's reimbursement rate is set by the General Services Administration (GSA), but cannot exceed the amount set by the IRS as the maximum rate allowed as a business deduction. That rate currently is 0.725 cents per mile.
"This is a matter of fairness and basic equity for all Americans," Greenwald wrote. "Failing to increase the rate in response to rising fuel costs shifts unreimbursed business expenses onto employees and creates unnecessary financial strain for all workers who must rely on their cars to perform their jobs, including federal employees."
Contact: NTEU-PR@nteu.org, 202-572-5500
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Original text here: https://www.nteu.org/media-center/News Releases/2026/05/21/MileageReimbursement
NTEU Calls for Reinstating Telework as Gas Prices Surge
WASHINGTON, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The National Treasury Employees Union issued the following news release:
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NTEU Calls for Reinstating Telework as Gas Prices Surge
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Washington, D.C.-Telework and remote work programs should be immediately reinstated to provide federal employees with relief from surging gas prices that are expected to rise further this summer. This was the message from the leader of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in a letter today to the head of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Rising commuting costs and inflation come as federal employees
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The National Treasury Employees Union issued the following news release:
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NTEU Calls for Reinstating Telework as Gas Prices Surge
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Washington, D.C.-Telework and remote work programs should be immediately reinstated to provide federal employees with relief from surging gas prices that are expected to rise further this summer. This was the message from the leader of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in a letter today to the head of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Rising commuting costs and inflation come as federal employeesface inadequate pay increases and the President's fiscal 2027 budget proposal contains no increase. Compounding this problem is the administration's elimination of telework even though federal employees had been successfully working remotely for years, Greenwald told OPM Director Scott Kupor.
"Not only does telework save the government money through reduced leasing costs, reduced energy expenses and increased productivity, it reduces traffic congestion and saves employees time and money commuting," Greenwald wrote. "It also helps those who can't telework by reducing commute times and fuel demand, which helps ease fuel cost increases for everyone."
Greenwald urged the administration to address the affordability challenges facing federal employees by providing them with a fair pay increase next year and immediately reinstating telework programs. At a minimum, she said, OPM should immediately advise agencies to implement "Telework Exceptions" as outlined in the "Return to In-Person Work" Presidential Memorandum, until gas prices drop below $3 per gallon. The memo grants agency heads authority to approve specific exemptions based on a disability, qualifying medical condition, or other compelling reasons certified by the agency head.
"These immediate across-the-board actions will help lessen the economic impact all Americans are facing," Greenwald wrote.
NTEU represents 38 federal offices and agencies.
Contact: NTEU-PR@nteu.org, 202-572-5500
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Original text here: https://www.nteu.org/media-center/News Releases/2026/05/21/Telework
IAM Union, TCU/IAM Applaud House Committee Advancement of Railway Safety Act After Years of Rail Labor Advocacy
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
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IAM Union, TCU/IAM Applaud House Committee Advancement of Railway Safety Act After Years of Rail Labor Advocacy
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WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2026 -The IAM Union today applauded the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passing an amendment to include the Railway Safety Act (RSA) in the BUILD America 250 Act, marking a major step forward in the fight to strengthen freight rail safety protections for railroad workers
... Show Full Article
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
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IAM Union, TCU/IAM Applaud House Committee Advancement of Railway Safety Act After Years of Rail Labor Advocacy
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WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2026 -The IAM Union today applauded the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passing an amendment to include the Railway Safety Act (RSA) in the BUILD America 250 Act, marking a major step forward in the fight to strengthen freight rail safety protections for railroad workersand communities nationwide.
For years, the IAM Union, Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and rail labor unions have warned lawmakers and regulators about deteriorating safety conditions caused by aggressive cost-cutting, understaffing, longer trains, and unsafe operating practices imposed by Class I freight railroad carriers. Those concerns were sadly confirmed on Feb. 3, 2023 when a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the small town of East Palestine, Ohio, and tank cars loaded with toxic chemicals were set aflame, polluting the area for many miles.
The legislation advances long-overdue reforms aimed at protecting railroad workers, first responders, and the tens of millions of Americans living near freight rail corridors, just like the residents of East Palestine.
The Railway Safety Act amendment includes provisions that:
* Require railroads to properly use wayside defect detectors and stop trains when dangerous defects are identified
* Prohibits arbitrary railroad-imposed time limits on rail safety inspections
* Closes loopholes in regulations to promote and protect the use of qualified mechanical inspectors in performing critical safety inspections
* Expands enhanced safety requirements for hazardous materials shipments
* Requires two-person crews on most Class I freight trains, including those carrying hazardous materials
* Improves emergency response information and resources for communities and first responders
* Strengthens federal freight rail safety oversight and accountability measures
The unions also thanked U.S. Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) for leading the bipartisan amendment effort in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The IAM Union and TCU/IAM recognized the Trump Administration for making rail safety legislation a priority and Vice President JD Vance for introducing and championing the Railway Safety Act while serving in the United States Senate following the East Palestine derailment disaster.
"Today's committee vote is a major victory for railroad workers and communities that have spent years demanding action while Class I rail carriers prioritized profits over safety," said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. "Our members know firsthand the dangers created by rushed inspections, reduced staffing and unsafe operating practices. This legislation represents meaningful progress toward finally putting safety first across the freight rail industry."
"This legislation reflects years of advocacy from frontline railroad workers who have continued sounding the alarm about dangerous conditions across the industry," said TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis. "Railroaders deserve the staffing levels, inspection protections and safety standards necessary to safely operate the nation's freight rail network."
"For too long, freight rail carriers have pushed unsafe operating models that place enormous pressure on workers while putting communities at risk," said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. "This legislation addresses many of the systemic safety failures rail labor has warned about for years."
"Railroad workers have fought tirelessly for these protections because they understand what is at stake every day on the job," said IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. "This committee vote sends a strong message that Congress is finally listening to the workers who keep this industry moving."
The IAM Union and TCU/IAM urged Congress to continue advancing the Railway Safety Act through the legislative process and called on lawmakers in both parties to support final passage.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.
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Original text here: https://www.goiam.org/news/departments/hq/rail-division/iam-union-tcu-iam-applaud-house-committee-advancement-of-railway-safety-act-after-years-of-rail-labor-advocacy/
ATU: House Surface Transportation Bill Will Greatly Improve Public Transit Safety, Boost Ridership in Near Term
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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ATU: House Surface Transportation Bill Will Greatly Improve Public Transit Safety, Boost Ridership in Near Term
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But Union Expresses Great Concerns about Future Without Drivers on Board
Silver Spring, MD - The House Surface Transportation Bill will increase transit funding, improve safety for transit workers and riders, and invest in workforce training, says the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the largest union representing transit workers in North America,
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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ATU: House Surface Transportation Bill Will Greatly Improve Public Transit Safety, Boost Ridership in Near Term
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But Union Expresses Great Concerns about Future Without Drivers on Board
Silver Spring, MD - The House Surface Transportation Bill will increase transit funding, improve safety for transit workers and riders, and invest in workforce training, says the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the largest union representing transit workers in North America,in applauding the legislation However, the bill's section on autonomous buses fails to require a fallback safety driver in public transportation, an existential threat to our membership and to the safety of transit riders everywhere.
"With its focus on strong funding, safety, and workforce development, the BUILD America 250 Act - Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America's 250 th Act - will provide a huge boost to public transportation," said ATU International President John Costa. "The bill recognizes the important role that public transportation plays in getting Americans to work, school, the grocery store, and everywhere in between."
The bill invests nearly $88 billion for transit over five years, an increase from the nearly $70 billion allocated in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The legislation includes ATU's highest legislative priority, protecting bus operators from assault. Each year, incredibly, there are more than 16,000 reported incidents of transit workers being attacked on the job. That's more than 40 assaults each day. The ATU has been calling for the inclusion of bipartisan legislation (HR 6635), introduced by Reps. Shomari Figures and Jeff Van Drew, which requires new transit buses to be equipped with fully enclosed bus operator workstations to keep unauthorized people out of the drivers' area. In Los Angeles, where the agency recently retrofitted its entire fleet with fully enclosed barriers, assaults have plummeted. We expect the same result nationwide if this bill passes.
"Our members are under constant attack. They get spit on, punched, stabbed, shot, hijacked, sexually assaulted, and more," Costa continued. "We are extremely grateful for Chairman Graves' and Ranking Member Larsen's inclusion of this critical language requiring fully enclosed bus barriers in the surface bill."
The new bill also has language submitted by the ATU to beef up funding for security throughout the transit systems, including operations funding for "transit support specialists" who will be responsible for performing a variety of duties designed to provide an added sense of security.
"The extra security personnel will significantly upgrade safety all across our systems, giving passengers peace of mind to ride public transit," Costa continued. "We thank Representatives Laura Friedman and Lateefah Simon for championing this issue through their own separate bills."
Also, in the area of safety, the Committee wisely kept intact the game-changing labor-management safety committees which play a key role in the development and approval of Congressionally mandated Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans (PTASPs). "These committees provide a critical voice for workers regarding safety on transit systems. Our members are the eyes and ears of our nation's transit systems. Maintaining their role on the safety committees is the right move," Costa said.
Finally, in the BUILD America 250 Act, Congress for the first time has decided to invest in "Human Capital," the knowledge, talents, skills, abilities, experience, intelligence, training, judgment, and wisdom of frontline transit workforce. The Committee codified the Transit Workforce Center (TWC). Since 2021, TWC has provided direct technical assistance to transit agencies to advance workforce development to train and retain frontline transit workers. The ATU is grateful for Rep. Frederica Wilson's leadership on this issue.
"While we feel good about the next few years in transit thanks to this bill, the BUILD America 250 Act unfortunately leaves our future very much in doubt. The legislation recklessly green-lights autonomous buses but notably does not include a requirement for a fallback safety driver in transit," Costa continued. "This will put millions of American transit riders in harms' way, barreling down the road with their lives in the hands of robots."
While the bill wisely requires a driver on autonomous school buses and hazmat vehicles, for some reason, transit riders, including the elderly and people with disabilities, are not handed a lifeline for the inevitable occasion when technology fails. This is a critical omission that must be addressed.
"The ATU calls on the Committee to provide a lifeline and a safety net for U.S. transit riders by requiring a qualified human operator on board. We look forward to working with the Committee to address this issue. It has done a fine job in upgrading transit safety and security in the near term. We urge Congress to also look at the long term and provide for safety on the buses of the future. After all, transit is powered by people," said Costa
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Original text here: https://www.atu.org/media/press/2026/atu-house-surface-transportation-bill-will-greatly-improve-public-transit-safety-boost-ridership-in-near-term
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Jon Ossoff for United States Senate
NEW YORK, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Jon Ossoff for United States Senate
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Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Jon Ossoff's campaign for United States Senate on behalf of the more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"I'm so grateful that Senator Ossoff has made it a priority to get to know the unique challenges facing arts workers, and has committed to being a champion for us," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Jon Ossoff for United States Senate
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Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Jon Ossoff's campaign for United States Senate on behalf of the more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"I'm so grateful that Senator Ossoff has made it a priority to get to know the unique challenges facing arts workers, and has committed to being a champion for us," said Al Vincent Jr., executive directorof Actors' Equity Association. "This is no surprise; he never wastes an opportunity to better the lives of workers, from his support for a higher federal minimum wage to his sponsorship of the PRO Act. We stand fully behind him and look forward to fighting with him to win another term in the U.S. Senate."
Senator Jon Ossoff said:
"Since arriving in the Senate, I have worked consistently to support working families and protect the right to organize and bargain collectively, but we still have more work to do. I am honored to have the endorsement of the Actors' Equity Association and look forward to working together to advance the rights of Georgia's actors and stage managers."
Equity's public policy priorities include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, a prevailing wage in the arts, racial justice, a strong minimum wage, stronger federal and state arts funding, gun violence prevention, universal federal health care, tax fairness and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks
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Original text here: https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/05/21/actors-equity-association-endorses-jon-ossoff-for-united-states-senate
Actors' Equity Association Announces Results of 2026 Officer and Councilor Election
NEW YORK, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Announces Results of 2026 Officer and Councilor Election
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Actors' Equity Association, the union which represents more than 51,000 professional stage actors and stage managers in live theatre, announced the results of its 2026 Officer and Councilor Election. In total, 43 positions across all three regions and representing four categories (principal actor, chorus actor, stage manager and at-large) were filled, effective immediately. All terms are four
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, May 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Announces Results of 2026 Officer and Councilor Election
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Actors' Equity Association, the union which represents more than 51,000 professional stage actors and stage managers in live theatre, announced the results of its 2026 Officer and Councilor Election. In total, 43 positions across all three regions and representing four categories (principal actor, chorus actor, stage manager and at-large) were filled, effective immediately. All terms are fouryears except where noted.
National Officers: Jacqueline Jarrold was elected 1st Vice President - Principal. Sarah Quinn Taylor was elected 2nd Vice President - Chorus. Leslie Sears was elected 3rd Vice President - Stage Manager. Jeff Applegate was elected Secretary/Treasurer, without opposition.
In the Eastern Region:
The following candidates were elected Eastern Region Principal Councilor:
* Joanne Borts
* Todd Buonopane
* Danny Burgos
* Kate Burton
* Kimberly Chatterjee
* Matt DaSilva
* Ellis Gage (2-year term)
* Aisha Jackson
* Doug MacKechnie
* Carla Martinez
* Kilty Reidy
* Jesse James Rose
* Cecilia Snow
* Sharon S. Wheatley
* Christopher Henry Young
The following candidates were elected Eastern Region Chorus Councilor:
* Taavon Gamble
* Ashley E. Matthews
* Alicia Newcom
* Ryan Rodino
* Kaylin Seckel
The following candidates were elected Eastern Region Stage Manager Councilor:
* Jonathan Bach
* Ruth E. Kramer
* Ashani Smith
* Lara Tenenbaum
The following candidates were elected Eastern Region At-Large Councilor:
* Elizabeth Ramirez
* Bert Rodriguez
* Rebecca Talisman
In the Central Region:
The following candidate was unopposed and deemed elected Central Region Principal Councilor:
* Kelli Crump
The following candidate was elected Central Region Chorus Councilor:
* Kristen Beth Williams
In the Western Region:
The following candidates were elected Western Region Principal Councilor:
* Will Allan
* Brittany Bellizeare
* Brian Herndon
* Brian Kim McCormick
* Kathryn Smith McGlynn
* DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor
* Allie Trimm
The following candidates were elected Western Region Stage Manager Councilor:
* Kaylee Sarton McCray
* Laura Zingle
The following candidate was unopposed and deemed elected Western Region At-Large Councilor:
* Heather M. Brose
ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. www.actorsequity.org #EquityWorks
May 21, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/05/21/actors-equity-association-announces-results-of-2026-officer-and-councilor-election
Cargill Teamsters Demand Employer End Lockout
WASHINGTON, May 20 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Cargill Teamsters Demand Employer End Lockout
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(FORT MORGAN, Colo.) - More than 1,700 Teamsters at Cargill Meat Solutions were locked out this morning after months of fighting for a new collective bargaining agreement. The meat processing giant has refused to offer Teamsters Local 455 members necessary improvements to wages, health care, and safety protections.
"Shame on this company for shutting out our members. Cargill can afford to give these workers a fair deal that
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 20 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Cargill Teamsters Demand Employer End Lockout
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(FORT MORGAN, Colo.) - More than 1,700 Teamsters at Cargill Meat Solutions were locked out this morning after months of fighting for a new collective bargaining agreement. The meat processing giant has refused to offer Teamsters Local 455 members necessary improvements to wages, health care, and safety protections.
"Shame on this company for shutting out our members. Cargill can afford to give these workers a fair deal thatreflects their hard work and dedication," said Dean Modecker, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 455. "This was a disgraceful move by a company that has long taken its workers for granted. We won't stand for it."
Workers at the Cargill facility are critical to processing millions of pounds of beef for American families nationwide. In a town as small and tight knit as Fort Morgan, Cargill Teamsters keep the economy running.
"I've been at Cargill for 33 years and it's really upsetting to see the company be so unreasonable," said Chris Bell, a maintenance worker at Cargill and member of Local 455. "I am just a few months away from retirement, but I want to be out here supporting the younger workers who are fighting for their future. We can't believe this company would stoop to this level. We will be out here every day making our voices heard."
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Teamsters Local 455 represents over 10,000 members in the Rocky Mountains region. For more information, visit teamsterslocal455.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/cargill-teamsters-demand-employer-end-lockout/
AFT and AAUP: Apollo CEO Using Company Resources to Fund Personal, Political Agenda
WASHINGTON, May 20 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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AFT and AAUP: Apollo CEO Is Using Company Resources to Fund Personal, Political Agenda
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AFT President Randi Weingarten and American Association of University Professors President Todd Wolfson have written a letter to Apollo Global Management board member and audit committee chair Jessica Bibliowicz to demand that the Apollo board investigate CEO Marc Rowan's personal use of Apollo staff and resources-an apparent breach of company policy-to run a private political campaign
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 20 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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AFT and AAUP: Apollo CEO Is Using Company Resources to Fund Personal, Political Agenda
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AFT President Randi Weingarten and American Association of University Professors President Todd Wolfson have written a letter to Apollo Global Management board member and audit committee chair Jessica Bibliowicz to demand that the Apollo board investigate CEO Marc Rowan's personal use of Apollo staff and resources-an apparent breach of company policy-to run a private political campaignattacking America's colleges and universities.
Through Freedom of Information Act requests and other sources, the AFT has obtained documents revealing Rowan tapped his Apollo executive assistant, his chief of staff and his Apollo email account to wage his political campaign, the so-called Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, which conditions federal research funding on institutions signing a loyalty oath to the Trump administration.
"It is, of course, Rowan's right as an American to hold whatever views he pleases," Weingarten and Wolfson write. "What is not permitted under Apollo's Code of Business Conduct is the use of Apollo's staff and resources to conduct Rowan's campaign."
Apollo's own Code of Business Conduct and Ethics explicitly requires that personnel involved in personal and civic affairs make clear that their views are their own and not those of the firm. Rowan appears to have made no effort to comply.
The AFT and AAUP's 1.8 million members have at least $29 billion in retirement assets invested in Apollo through their pension funds and additional exposure through their funds' public equity allocations. Around 700 AFT members work at Apollo subsidiary Lifepoint Health's healthcare facilities. Additionally, a significant number of universities where AFT members work have invested endowment assets with Apollo.
The letter raises deep concerns about Rowan's backing for the compact, which directly affects 420,000 AFT and AAUP higher education members and their students. It would fundamentally change the purpose of higher education by muzzling academic freedom and freedom of speech on campus by directing public money in ways that violate democracy and stifle innovation. It would reward campuses that toe the party line and punish those that cherish their independence by mandating what can or can't be the subject of critical academic inquiry.
In addition, the compact "would harm LGBTQIA+ students and staff at any university that adopts the compact"-a position difficult to square with Apollo's own stated values, including a 2021 Human Rights Campaign Foundation award naming it one of the "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality." The compact further bans signatory institutions from considering race as a factor in admissions, which appears to conflict with Apollo's efforts to portray the firm as committed to racial equity through annual spending commitments on diversity initiatives.
The latest revelations come with Rowan's reputation under a cloud and Apollo's share price in decline. In February, the AFT and AAUP demanded the Securities and Exchange Commission investigate apparent inaccuracies in Apollo's official regulatory filings concerning its partners' dealings with dead pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein files revealed multiple meetings over several years between Epstein, Rowan and Apollo co-founder Leon Black-including discussions of private tax matters for the founders' family offices. The firm is also at the center of the crisis roiling the private credit industry.
AFT and AAUP members are taking notice. An online petition launched by the AAUP late last week has already generated hundreds of letters calling on California pensions to halt further allocation to Apollo.
The letter closes with a pointed question for the Apollo board: "Has the Apollo board of directors formally endorsed Rowan's campaign and given him express permission, despite the apparent conflict with the firm's own personnel policies, to use Apollo's firm resources to advocate against the interests of educators and public employees?"
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INFODOC: https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/2026/Letter_to_Apollo_May_2026_FINAL.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/aft-and-aaup-apollo-ceo-using-company-resources-fund-personal-political-agenda
