Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
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AFL-CIO North America's Building Trades Unions: U.S. Does Not Have a Skilled Craft Labor Shortage
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- The AFL-CIO North America's Building Trades Unions issued the following news release:
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The U.S. Does Not Have a Skilled Craft Labor Shortage. It Has a Workforce Planning Crisis.
America's Ability to Build Depends on Long-Term Workforce Investment, and the NABTU Training System Is Ready Now
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As executives and commentators warn of construction labor shortages tied to energy expansion, advanced manufacturing, reshoring, and data center growth, North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) says the issue is not a lack of skilled workers, but a failure by some owners,
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WASHINGTON, May 29 -- The AFL-CIO North America's Building Trades Unions issued the following news release:
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The U.S. Does Not Have a Skilled Craft Labor Shortage. It Has a Workforce Planning Crisis.
America's Ability to Build Depends on Long-Term Workforce Investment, and the NABTU Training System Is Ready Now
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As executives and commentators warn of construction labor shortages tied to energy expansion, advanced manufacturing, reshoring, and data center growth, North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) says the issue is not a lack of skilled workers, but a failure by some owners,developers, and national contractor groups to make long-term workforce planning a core part of project development.
"The United States does not have a skilled craft worker shortage," said NABTU President Sean McGarvey. "It has a workforce planning crisis. The unionized construction industry built the training infrastructure, contractor partnerships, and workforce pipeline required to meet this moment. That capacity exists right now."
McGarvey said segments of the construction industry spent decades prioritizing short-term labor sourcing over long-term workforce investment, relying on low-wage, exploitable labor strategies instead of building durable training and recruitment systems capable of sustaining long-term demand. By contrast, the unionized construction industry continued investing through collective bargaining, signatory contractor partnerships, and sustained private-sector funding, creating a scalable workforce model built to support complex energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and mission-critical projects. Those decisions matter now.
NABTU's joint labor-management apprenticeship system is tuition-free, earn-as-you-learn, and designed to supply highly skilled labor at scale. Across the United States, NABTU and signatory contractor partners operate more than 1,600 training centers, invest over $2.5 billion annually in Registered Apprenticeship and skilled craft training, and maintain a pipeline of more than 300,000 registered apprentices and trainees supported by more than 21,000 instructors.
"Workforce gaps in construction are not inevitable," McGarvey said. "They are the result of choices. The skilled workforce needed to build the projects driving the U.S. economy is not hypothetical. It is trained, available, and capable of expanding with demand. What is missing is the early commitment to incorporate workforce strategy into project planning."
McGarvey added, "Owners and contractors already plan early for specialized equipment, supply chains, permitting, and manufacturing lead times. Workforce strategy must be treated the same way: as a core project input addressed at the front end, not as an afterthought once labor demand is already peaking."
Recent reporting on surging demand tied to data infrastructure, reshoring, and skilled trades retirements only reinforces NABTU's argument: the path forward is not panic. It is partnership. Owners, developers, and contractors should be engaging proven apprenticeship systems, community-based workforce on-ramps, and long-range labor strategies now if they expect projects to be delivered safely, on time, and at scale.
Independent research has found that projects using union labor are 40 percent less likely to experience skilled labor shortages, while also delivering higher productivity and lower overall project costs. For NABTU, that is the clearest proof point in this debate: when owners choose high-road labor partnerships and plan early for the skilled workforce major projects require, labor shortages become far less likely to derail project delivery.
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About NABTU: North America's Building Trades Unions is an alliance of 14 national and international unions in the building and construction industry, collectively representing more than 3 million skilled craft professionals in the United States and Canada. Each year, our unions and signatory contractor partners invest over $2.5 billion in private-sector funding to support more than 1,900 apprenticeship training and education facilities across North America. These programs produce some of the safest, most highly trained, and most productive skilled craft workers in the world. NABTU is dedicated to creating economic security and employment opportunities for construction workers by safeguarding wage and benefits standards, promoting responsible private capital investment, strengthening apprenticeship and training, and expanding construction career pathways to the middle class for women, communities of color, Indigenous people, veterans, and justice-involved individuals. For more information, please visit nabtu.org.
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Original text here: https://nabtu.org/press_releases/the-u-s-does-not-have-a-skilled-craft-labor-shortage-it-has-a-workforce-planning-crisis/
[Category: Union]
Teamsters Demand Illinois Lawmakers Extend Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers
WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Demand Illinois Lawmakers Extend Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers
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(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) - Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25, is calling on leaders of the Illinois legislature to pass a bill extending unemployment insurance benefits to workers who are forced to strike.
"This measure is essential for addressing the affordability crisis facing working families across the state," Stiede said. "Illinois lawmakers should focus on policies
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WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Demand Illinois Lawmakers Extend Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers
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(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) - Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25, is calling on leaders of the Illinois legislature to pass a bill extending unemployment insurance benefits to workers who are forced to strike.
"This measure is essential for addressing the affordability crisis facing working families across the state," Stiede said. "Illinois lawmakers should focus on policiesthat strengthen workers' ability to stand together for fair contracts without risking total financial ruin. As prices for groceries, housing, transportation, and health care continue to rise, workers need stronger protections when they are forced onto a picket line in pursuit of dignity, safety, and fair pay."
Unemployment benefits for striking workers would provide a crucial lifeline during labor disputes, helping families stay afloat while ensuring employers cannot simply prolong strikes for people who are fighting for better working conditions and economic justice.
"Expanding unemployment protections for striking workers is a meaningful step toward a more just and affordable economy for everyone who depends on a paycheck to get by. Nobody should be pushed to the brink because they advocate for fair wages, good benefits, and respect on the job," Stiede said. "If Illinois leaders are serious about tackling the affordability crisis, they need to stop talking and start acting. We cannot afford any more delays. Lawmakers who choose inaction over solidarity should know that the Teamsters are paying attention, and we will support those who support working people when we go to the polls in November."
Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana. For more information, go to teamstersjc25.com.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/teamsters-demand-illinois-lawmakers-extend-unemployment-benefits-to-striking-workers/
Republic Airways Workers Join Teamsters
WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Republic Airways Workers Join Teamsters
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Airline Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) with Republic Airways have voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, resulting in nearly 800 new members. They now join Republic Airways pilots and flight attendants who are already represented by the Teamsters Union.
"Republic Airways AMTs are tired of being overlooked and are ready to stand together for the pay, protections, and respect they've earned," said Dave Saucedo, Director of
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WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Republic Airways Workers Join Teamsters
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Airline Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) with Republic Airways have voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters, resulting in nearly 800 new members. They now join Republic Airways pilots and flight attendants who are already represented by the Teamsters Union.
"Republic Airways AMTs are tired of being overlooked and are ready to stand together for the pay, protections, and respect they've earned," said Dave Saucedo, Director ofthe Teamsters Airline Division. "These workers do critical, highly skilled work every single day to keep planes operating safely. By joining the Teamsters, they now have the power to hold Republic accountable and fight for a better future."
The 777 newly organized AMTs are preparing to begin negotiations on a first contract that delivers industry-leading wages, strong benefits, and improved workplace protections that raise the standards at Republic Airways.
"This victory shows the growing momentum for Teamsters representation throughout the airline industry," Saucedo said. "The Teamsters are committed to helping these workers win a first contract that reflects the critical role they play at Republic Airways and airports across the U.S."
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/republic-airways-workers-join-teamsters/
National Nurses United endorses Dr. Adam Hamawy for New Jersey's 12th District
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 28 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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National Nurses United endorses Dr. Adam Hamawy for New Jersey's 12th District
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National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members, announced its endorsement of Dr. Adam Hamawy for New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. As a doctor and a veteran, Dr. Hamawy has dedicated his life to service both at home and abroad. Now he is ready to take on billionaires and special interests in Congress as he fights for
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 28 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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National Nurses United endorses Dr. Adam Hamawy for New Jersey's 12th District
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National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members, announced its endorsement of Dr. Adam Hamawy for New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. As a doctor and a veteran, Dr. Hamawy has dedicated his life to service both at home and abroad. Now he is ready to take on billionaires and special interests in Congress as he fights forthe working people of New Jersey's 12th District.
"Dr. Hamawy embodies the best of the American story," said NNU President Jamie Brown, RN. "Growing up working class in an immigrant family, Dr. Hamawy has used his talents to help those around him, whether it was treating the injured in a field hospital at Ground Zero on September 11th, serving as a combat trauma surgeon in Iraq, or valiantly working medical missions in Gaza. Nurses proudly stand with Dr. Hamawy as he prepares to bring nurses' values of caring, compassion, and community to Congress!"
"I am honored to receive the endorsement of National Nurses United," said Dr. Adam Hamawy. "Nurses are the backbone of our health care system and true advocates for working families. I have enjoyed working with nurses in hospitals throughout my career and am glad they have a strong union like NNU advocating for them. Every worker deserves a union. I look forward to fighting alongside NNU to bring Medicare for All and quality, affordable health care to every New Jersey family."
NNU supports candidates who are committed to nurses' values, including safe patient staffing in all hospitals across the country, protecting the rights of workers to organize, and guaranteeing health care to everyone. In a recent Gallup poll, nurses were voted the most trusted profession in the United States for the 24th consecutive year. NNU looks forward to helping elect Dr. Hamawy and working closely with him in Congress on the important issues that affect registered nurses, our patients, and our communities.
National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/national-nurses-united-endorses-dr-adam-hamawy-for-new-jerseys-12th-district
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Janeese Lewis George for D.C. Mayor and Robert White for D.C. Delegate to U.S. House
WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Janeese Lewis George for D.C. Mayor and Robert White for D.C. Delegate to U.S. House
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AFGE says both candidates have a strong commitment to working families
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsements of Janeese Lewis George for election as the District of Columbia's next mayor and Robert White for election to the U.S. House representing D.C. in Congress. The primary
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WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Janeese Lewis George for D.C. Mayor and Robert White for D.C. Delegate to U.S. House
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AFGE says both candidates have a strong commitment to working families
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsements of Janeese Lewis George for election as the District of Columbia's next mayor and Robert White for election to the U.S. House representing D.C. in Congress. The primaryis on June 16, and the general election is Nov. 3.
Janeese Lewis George
Since being elected to the D.C. Council in November 2020, George has been a strong and consistent advocate for working families, union members, federal employees, transit workers, and public sector employees throughout the District. From defending collective bargaining rights to supporting paid leave protections and workforce investments, Janeese Lewis George has repeatedly stood on the side of working people.
"Councilmember Janeese Lewis George understands the importance of protecting workers and respecting the voices of labor," AFGE District 14 National Vice President Ottis Johnson Jr. said. "She has consistently shown up for D.C. employees, public workers, and working families across the District. AFGE District 14 is proud to support her candidacy for mayor and looks forward to continuing our partnership in the fight for fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all workers."
The daughter of a union postal worker and a former AFGE member herself, George has built a reputation as one of the D.C. Council's strongest labor advocates. She has worked closely with labor organizations and community leaders to expand worker protections, improve workplace conditions, and ensure working residents have a voice in the decisions impacting their lives.
George is running to replace D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who was first elected in 2014 and is not seeking reelection.
Robert White
Robert White has served on the D.C. Council for the past 10 years, during which time he has demonstrated a strong commitment to working families, public servants, and economic opportunity. As an at-large member of the D.C. Council, he has focused on workforce development, fair wages, and ensuring that government works for the people who power it.
"Robert White has shown a real commitment to supporting D.C. employees and investing in the federal workforce. He understands the value of public service and has consistently worked to create opportunities that uplift our members and the communities we serve," Johnson said.
White has consistently supported District employees by advocating for fair wages, workplace protections, and career advancement opportunities. He has also championed workforce development initiatives that expand access to well-paying jobs and create pathways for District residents into public service and government-related careers.
White is running to replace Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has served as a delegate to the U.S. House representing the District of Columbia since 1991 and is not seeking reelection.
Nearly 49,000 federal employees live in Washington, D.C., caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time. Another 23,500 employees work for the D.C. government, delivering essential public services to the nearly 700,000 residents who call the nation's capital home.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE District 14 represents nearly 70,000 workers in the Washington metropolitan area and Europe.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/ed51c179f0d34e57b2b9ffe3d0ed15c6.aspx
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 9 New Jersey Incumbents for Reelection to Congress
WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 9 New Jersey Incumbents for Reelection to Congress
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AFGE says these candidates always stand with federal workers
BRIDGETON, N.J. - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of nine incumbent members of Congress for reelection to the U.S. House representing New Jersey in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is June 2, and the general election is Nov. 3.
The following candidates
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 9 New Jersey Incumbents for Reelection to Congress
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AFGE says these candidates always stand with federal workers
BRIDGETON, N.J. - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of nine incumbent members of Congress for reelection to the U.S. House representing New Jersey in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is June 2, and the general election is Nov. 3.
The following candidateshave received AFGE's endorsement:
Donald Norcross, 1 st Congressional District
AFGE is proud to endorse Rep. Donald Norcross for reelection. A lifetime union member, Norcross has been a staunch ally of organized labor and AFGE. Norcross has served since 2015 and is a member of the Labor Caucus. He has consistently supported the interests of federal workers by voting for the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, which would help narrow the pay gap between federal employees and those in the private sector.
"Don Norcross is a fighter for AFGE and a fighter for organized labor. Working families know that they will always have an ally in Don Norcross," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Herb Conaway, 3 rd Congressional District
AFGE stands with Herb Conaway for reelection to Congress. Rep. Conaway has served since 2024 and he has been a friend to AFGE, attending our rallies and events and standing up for federal workers in the face of attacks from the Trump administration. He currently serves on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where he fights for the interests of AFGE members, and is also a member of the Labor Caucus.
"Herb Conaway is a friend that AFGE can rely on to advocate for the best interests of our members," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Chris Smith, 4 th Congressional District
AFGE endorses Rep. Chris Smith for reelection because he has consistently voted to support veterans in a bipartisan manner. Smith has voted to increase funding at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is a major legislative priority for AFGE.
"Chris Smith is an ally who stands up for the interests of veterans and federal workers. Roughly one-third of all AFGE members are veterans, and Rep. Smith has been a friend to them since entering Congress in 1981," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Josh Gottheimer, 5 th Congressional District
Josh Gottheimer has served in Congress since 2017, and AFGE is happy to endorse his reelection to his seat. Rep. Gottheimer recently introduced the Shutdown Fairness Act, which is bipartisan legislation that would guarantee federal employees, service members, reservists, and contractors get paid in full in the event of a government shutdown.
"Rep. Gottheimer understands that federal employees are not political pawns - they are hardworking Americans who keep our country safe, moving, and running," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Frank Pallone, 6 th Congressional District
Frank Pallone has served in Congress since 1988, and he has consistently spoken out in favor of more funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Rep. Pallone is a longtime supporter of the VA and the veterans whom the VA is designed to serve. We need Frank to continue serving in Congress because he is an experienced legislator who knows how to accomplish things for the American people," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Rob Menendez, 8 th Congressional District
Rob Menendez has served in Congress since 2023. Rep. Menendez is a member of the House Labor Caucus and was one of the original sponsors of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would expand workers' rights to form unions and collectively bargain.
"The PRO ACT is one of the most important pieces of legislation that has been introduced in Congress, and Rep. Menendez was one of the original co-sponsors. Rep. Menendez is committed to providing unions with the 21 st century tools they need to give workers the wages and rights they deserve," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Nellie Pou, 9 th Congressional District
Nellie Pou has served in Congress since 2024. Rep. Pou has been a friend to AFGE by supporting pay raises for federal workers and for speaking out against government shutdowns.
"Nellie Pou has been a strong advocate for federal employees, standing up for fair pay and opposing harmful government shutdowns that put our members at risk. AFGE is proud to support her reelection because she understands the importance of protecting the workers who keep our government running," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
LaMonica McIver, 10 th Congressional District
LaMonica McIver has served in Congress since 2024. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. McIver has consistently stood up to efforts to privatize the Transportation Security Administration. She supports the TSA workforce and wants to make sure that they continue to receive the rights and benefits that they deserve.
"LaMonica McIver has shown real leadership in defending the TSA workforce and fighting back against privatization efforts that threaten good union jobs. She stands with working people, and AFGE is proud to stand with her," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
Analilia Mejia, 11 th Congressional District
Analilia Mejia has been serving in Congress since April, when she won a special election to fill the seat that was vacated when former Rep. Mikie Sherrill was elected governor. Rep. Mejia is a committed progressive who is a staunch supporter of organized labor. She served in the Department of Labor during the Biden administration and supports the PRO Act.
"Analilia Mejia is a committed champion for organized labor who understands the critical role unions play in strengthening our workforce. Her support for policies like the PRO Act makes clear she will continue to fight for the rights, dignity, and future of working people. AFGE is proud to stand with her during her reelection," AFGE District 2 National Vice President David Gonzalez said.
AFGE previously endorsed Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. for reelection to his seat representing the 7 th Congressional District.
About 29,000 federal employees live in New Jersey - caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents nearly 51,500 federal employees in District 2, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/6c4514927b294b21be7dfebf8599e524.aspx
Bazooka Teamsters Authorize Strike
WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Bazooka Teamsters Authorize Strike
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(SCRANTON, Pa.) - More than 60 members of Teamsters Local 229 at Bazooka Inc. in Moosic, Pa., have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike after the candy company failed to offer a contract that would provide improved wages and affordable health care. Negotiations began in October 2025 and have dragged on for months without a fair contract.
"Our members have spent decades building this company and making its products a success,"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 28 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Bazooka Teamsters Authorize Strike
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(SCRANTON, Pa.) - More than 60 members of Teamsters Local 229 at Bazooka Inc. in Moosic, Pa., have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike after the candy company failed to offer a contract that would provide improved wages and affordable health care. Negotiations began in October 2025 and have dragged on for months without a fair contract.
"Our members have spent decades building this company and making its products a success,"said Joe Secor, business agent for Local 229. "Some workers have devoted more than 50 years of their lives to this facility. After nearly seven months of negotiations, Bazooka continues to drag its feet instead of offering a fair contract that recognizes their hard work and dedication."
Teamsters at the Bazooka facility perform critical work across production, maintenance, shipping, packaging, and quality control operations that keep production running and products moving nationwide. The plant is the only facility in the United States that manufactures Ring Pops, one of the company's most popular and recognizable candy brands.
"We take pride in the work we do every day and in the product that comes out of this facility," said Rick Walker, a cook at Bazooka and 18-year member of Local 229. "This vote sends a clear message that we are standing together and deserve a fair contract. We have been patient throughout this process, but enough is enough."
Headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Teamsters Local 229 represents over 1,000 members across half a dozen industries across Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit teamsters229.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/bazooka-teamsters-authorize-strike/
