Featured Stories
AFA Raises Concerns About Federal Immigration Authorities at Airports
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 -- The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA issued the following news release:
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AFA Raises Concerns About Federal Immigration Authorities at Airports
Immigration enforcement in our airports increased in July. According to the New York Times, recent arrests "appear to be an expansion of an arrangement between the Transportation Security Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement."
"The growing presence and actions that federal immigration authorities have taken in our workplace have raised glaring workplace, safety, and legal concerns for Flight Attendants,"
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 -- The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA issued the following news release:
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AFA Raises Concerns About Federal Immigration Authorities at Airports
Immigration enforcement in our airports increased in July. According to the New York Times, recent arrests "appear to be an expansion of an arrangement between the Transportation Security Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement."
"The growing presence and actions that federal immigration authorities have taken in our workplace have raised glaring workplace, safety, and legal concerns for Flight Attendants,"said Sara Nelson, AFA President in a letter to airlines in March.
Flight Attendants are first responders. We take pride in the job we do to connect people, bring families together, and serve as ambassadors of freedom as we fly to every corner of the earth. When we see someone in distress, we want to help.
Some Flight Attendants are struggling with the question of participating in a process that may be unlawful, a violation of someone's constitutional rights to due process, or their own deeply held moral objection. Others are facing discrimination and fear of wrongful detainment transiting to work or through Customs and Border Patrol even with legal immigration and work status.
Since the beginning of this year, we have asked the airlines to communicate with Flight Attendants on what to do in the event that federal law enforcement agents attempt to gain unauthorized access to the aircraft or jetway. We have further asked for guidance on any interaction with federal agents related to immigration or interference with freedom of speech and due process. To date, their responses have been insufficient to address questions from crews.
Our concerns with ICE in our workplace are not new. In 2018, our union called on airlines to stop participating in the administration's program of family separation and they did. In 2019, an AFA Flight Attendant was wrongfully detained by ICE while returning from a work trip. Once we became aware, we ran a public campaign that within 24 hours resulted in ICE releasing her following six weeks of detainment in a private prison. This administration's targeting of immigrant communities is so extreme that last year, our union made sure our members were aware of their rights. And earlier this year, we voiced our opposition to ICE agents performing Transportation Security Officer (TSO)'s work during the government shutdown.
AFA members' concerns about their personal safety and the safety of their loved ones and flying partners are present and on-going. As aviation's first responders, we know that the first rule in safety is to remove all distractions. Our members should never be worried about wrongful detainment while at work.
Aviation brings people together. We connect communities and the world. We will not be silent participants in a system that tramples individual liberties, constitutional rights, and the fundamental values of our nation and industry. It is not only a danger to these human rights, it is a serious threat to the business of our airlines.
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Original text here: https://afacwa.org/afa-raises-concerns-about-federal-immigration-authorities-at-airports/
[Category: Union]
WGA East Wins Voluntary Recognition at Static Media
NEW YORK, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Writers Guild of America East issued the following news release:
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WGA East Wins Voluntary Recognition at Static Media
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NEW YORK, NY (August 7, 2026) - Management at Static Media voluntarily recognized the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) as the collective bargaining representatives of the staff's full-time editors, writers and reporters.
A card-check conducted by an independent third-party confirmed that an overwhelming majority of the 58-member bargaining unit signed cards in favor of the union.
Static Media includes the brands
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NEW YORK, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Writers Guild of America East issued the following news release:
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WGA East Wins Voluntary Recognition at Static Media
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NEW YORK, NY (August 7, 2026) - Management at Static Media voluntarily recognized the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) as the collective bargaining representatives of the staff's full-time editors, writers and reporters.
A card-check conducted by an independent third-party confirmed that an overwhelming majority of the 58-member bargaining unit signed cards in favor of the union.
Static Media includes the brandsBGR, Chowhound, Cuteness, Engadget, Explore, /Film, Food Republic, Foodie, Garden Guides, Glam, Grunge, Health Digest, House Digest, Hunker, Islands, Jalopnik, Looper, Mashed, Money Digest, Nicki Swift, Outdoor Guide, PlanetWare, Sciencing, SlashGear, SVG, Tasting Table, The Daily Meal, The List, TheTakeout, TVLine, Women.com, and Wrestling Inc.
The Static Media Organizing Committee said, "In the wake of ongoing industry-wide cuts in journalism and with human-driven writing at risk, we have joined with the WGAE to build a more sustainable future at Static Media. Unions have driven social progress and income parity for decades, and we are proud to join in solidarity with the Jalopnik union as well as our thousands of unionized colleagues across the industry."
"We're so excited the editorial team at Static Media will be joining their Jalopnik colleagues as members of the WGAE," said Sara David, Vice President of the WGAE's Online Media Sector. "Journalists need workplace protections as urgently as ever. We look forward to working with Static Media to secure a strong first union contract."
In addition to Static Media, the WGA East's Online Media sector represents workers at Bustle Digital Group, Civic News Group, Committee to Protect Journalists, Fast Company & Inc., Financial Times Specialists, Future PLC, Futuro Media, Gizmodo Media USA, HuffPost, Jalopnik at Static Media, Hearst Magazines, Inc., Jewish Currents, NowThis, Onion Inc., Salon, Scientific American, Slate, Talking Points Memo, The Intercept, The Root, Vox Media and VICE.
ABOUT THE WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA EAST
The Writers Guild of America East, AFL-CIO, is a labor union of more than 7,500 members working in film, television, news, podcasts and online media. The Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members; conducts programs, seminars and events on issues of interest to writers; and presents writers' views to various bodies of government. For more information on the Writers Guild of America East, visit wgaeast.org.
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Original text here: https://www.wgaeast.org/wga-east-wins-voluntary-recognition-at-static-media/
Open Kitchens Teamsters Win Strike
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Open Kitchens Teamsters Win Strike
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(CHICAGO) - Teamsters at Open Kitchens have successfully concluded a six-week strike and overwhelmingly ratified their first Teamsters contract. The three-year agreement covers 40 drivers and helpers represented by Teamsters Local 703 and delivers a 24 percent wage increase, affordable health care, and protections against subcontracting.
"Open
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Open Kitchens Teamsters Win Strike
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(CHICAGO) - Teamsters at Open Kitchens have successfully concluded a six-week strike and overwhelmingly ratified their first Teamsters contract. The three-year agreement covers 40 drivers and helpers represented by Teamsters Local 703 and delivers a 24 percent wage increase, affordable health care, and protections against subcontracting.
"OpenKitchens tried everything to stop these workers from organizing, but nothing could stop them from winning the strong first contract they deserved," said Thomas W. Stiede, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 703. "I'm incredibly proud of our members for holding the line for more than six weeks. Their determination and solidarity made this victory possible."
Workers were forced onto the picket line over Open Kitchens' unfair labor practices and the company's failure to bargain in a timely manner. Along with significant economic improvements, the agreement provides just cause protections, establishes seniority rights, and gives workers a legally enforceable voice on the job.
"If we hadn't fought back, nothing would have changed," said Jose Espionosa, a driver and member of Local 703. "This contract proves what workers can accomplish when we stay united. We're proud to be Teamsters, and grateful for the incredible support we received from our fellow Teamsters throughout Chicago."
Open Kitchens Teamsters deliver meals to Chicago Public Schools and other customers across the Chicagoland area. Workers voted to join the Teamsters last year to secure the wages, benefits, and workplace protections that come with a strong contract.
"Management at Open Kitchens failed to intimidate these workers and deny them the contract they earned," said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. "By refusing to back down, these Teamsters won a first agreement that raises standards and protects their rights for years to come."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 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/2026/08/open-kitchens-teamsters-win-strike/
NYC Ferry Workers Unanimously Vote to Join the TWU, New York's Fightback Union
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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NYC Ferry Workers Unanimously Vote to Join the TWU, New York's Fightback Union
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Marine Diesel Technicians and Welders at the New York City Ferry voted unanimously on Thursday evening to join the Transport Workers Union of America. The TWU continues to grow on land, air, and sea in New York State, where we bring the fight to anti-worker politicians like Kathy Hochul and Julie Menin, regardless of party affiliation.
"The TWU has a message for Kathy Hochul, Julie Menin, and
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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NYC Ferry Workers Unanimously Vote to Join the TWU, New York's Fightback Union
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Marine Diesel Technicians and Welders at the New York City Ferry voted unanimously on Thursday evening to join the Transport Workers Union of America. The TWU continues to grow on land, air, and sea in New York State, where we bring the fight to anti-worker politicians like Kathy Hochul and Julie Menin, regardless of party affiliation.
"The TWU has a message for Kathy Hochul, Julie Menin, andany other politician that fights against blue collar New York - we will fight you and we will win," said TWU International President John Samuelsen. "We are growing our ranks at the New York City Ferry with this latest organizing victory, as Technicians and Welders can see the day-in-day-out fight we bring on all fronts and want to be a part of it. We will now begin work on a critical first contract to bring big gains for NYC Ferry workers, just like we have for decades with NYC Subways, trains, buses, planes, and bikes."
The NYC Ferry workers are primarily based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and work for the contractor Hornblower. The ferry service launched in 2017 and operates six routes and one seasonal route. The TWU is the first union on property at NYC Ferry.
"The highly skilled NYC Ferry workers are trusting in the industrial power of the TWU in New York to deliver a crucial first contract while showing up to fight for them on all fronts, no matter what," said TWU Special Projects Coordinator Alejandro Arroyo. "Across New York City and New York State, the TWU is showing over and over again why we are America's fightback union, organizing the unorganized and standing up for every worker against powerful interests."
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Original text here: https://www.twu.org/nyc-ferry-workers-unanimously-vote-to-join-the-twu-new-yorks-fightback-union/
IATSE Local 4 Secures Series of Wins in Brooklyn, Organizing Pacha NY, National Sawdust, and Under the K Bridge
NEW YORK, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees posted the following news release:
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IATSE Local 4 Secures Series of Wins in Brooklyn, Organizing Pacha NY, National Sawdust, and Under the K Bridge
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BROOKLYN, NY - IATSE Local 4 has had a landmark summer, winning union representation for workers across three of Brooklyn's most prominent live entertainment venues.
Pacha New York
On July 9, 2026, management at Pacha New York voluntarily recognized Local 4 as the exclusive collective bargaining representative for the venue's 21 production
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NEW YORK, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees posted the following news release:
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IATSE Local 4 Secures Series of Wins in Brooklyn, Organizing Pacha NY, National Sawdust, and Under the K Bridge
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BROOKLYN, NY - IATSE Local 4 has had a landmark summer, winning union representation for workers across three of Brooklyn's most prominent live entertainment venues.
Pacha New York
On July 9, 2026, management at Pacha New York voluntarily recognized Local 4 as the exclusive collective bargaining representative for the venue's 21 productionemployees. One of the largest and most prominent electronic music venues in the United States, Pacha New York occupies the former Brooklyn Mirage complex in East Williamsburg, having reopened in 2026 under the globally recognized Pacha brand following a major ownership change.
The campaign was the product of months of sustained outreach, education, and organizing work by Local 4. Central to that effort was a suite of educational materials designed to walk workers through the organizing process clearly and accessibly. The response from workers was overwhelmingly positive, and the employer raised no significant objections, resulting in voluntary recognition. Local 4 and Pacha New York management are moving forward toward bargaining a first collective bargaining agreement.
National Sawdust
Local 4 also secured voluntary recognition from National Sawdust, a nonprofit performing arts venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Since opening in 2015, National Sawdust has built an international reputation for presenting contemporary, experimental, and multidisciplinary productions. In an intimate space seating 350 patrons, it is widely regarded as one of New York City's premier venues for innovative live performance.
Following a campaign of approximately ten months, management voluntarily recognized Local 4 as the bargaining representative for 26 Lighting, Audio, and Video Technicians. Negotiations toward a first collective bargaining agreement are currently underway.
As bargaining begins, Local 4 is applying the same rigorous approach it brings to all negotiations with nonprofit employers. "One of the most common themes we encounter when negotiating with nonprofit employers is the claim that there simply isn't enough money to improve wages and benefits," said Business Agent Kenneth Purdy. "If an employer can consistently increase executive compensation while claiming there are no resources available for the employees who produce the work, that is a question worth asking at the bargaining table."
Under the K Bridge
Local 4 also secured a significant jurisdictional agreement at Under the K Bridge, one of New York City's newest and fastest-growing outdoor concert venues. Located beneath the Kosciuszko Bridge in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the seven-acre open-air space is produced in partnership with The Bowery Presents and the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance and draws major national and international touring artists to a capacity crowd of up to 6,000 patrons.
For more than a year, The Bowery Presents operated the venue using non-union labor. Local 4 repeatedly sought meaningful discussions about the scope of production work at the venue, and after sustained pressure, an agreement was reached. Because Bowery had an existing contract with a third-party labor provider, Local 4 negotiated directly with that company, assuming responsibility for the venue's rigging and machinery work for the 2026 season. The agreement establishes a clear path to full Local 4 production jurisdiction beginning with the following season.
"The Under the K Bridge agreement is about more than one venue. It's about protecting Local 4's jurisdiction and ensuring that major entertainment companies invest in the skilled professionals who make every show possible," said Purdy. "This agreement should serve as a reminder that Local 4 must continue engaging with AEG Presents and the companies within its network to ensure that every venue and event it produces in New York reflects the union standards our members have earned throughout the industry."
Live event workers looking to join together to win better workplaces can head to iatse.net/join to contact an IATSE organizer.
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Original text here: https://iatse.net/iatse-local-4-secures-series-of-wins-in-brooklyn-organizing-pacha-ny-national-sawdust-and-under-the-k-bridge/
Brick Township Municipal Workers Join the TWU
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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Brick Township Municipal Workers Join the TWU
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Municipal workers at Brick Township on the Jersey Shore joined the Transport Workers Union of America after they were automatically recognized under the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act. They will join TWU Local 220, which represents municipal workers in Ocean County, New Jersey.
The municipal workers primarily work as Professional and Office Staff, and Technical Foreman. The workers were automatically recognized
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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Brick Township Municipal Workers Join the TWU
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Municipal workers at Brick Township on the Jersey Shore joined the Transport Workers Union of America after they were automatically recognized under the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act. They will join TWU Local 220, which represents municipal workers in Ocean County, New Jersey.
The municipal workers primarily work as Professional and Office Staff, and Technical Foreman. The workers were automatically recognizedby the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission after nearly 100 percent of them signed authorization cards for representation by the TWU.
"The TWU continues to expand in New Jersey with the latest organizing victory in Brick Township," said TWU International President John Samuelsen. "We will now work to win a first contract that significantly improves the lives of municipal workers in Brick Township and their families."
The TWU has four locals representing more than 3,000 workers based in New Jersey, Local 1400 in Edgewater representing Port Authority workers in NJ and NJ, Local 220 in Brick representing school district workers, building maintenance, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, clerical, custodians and more in Ocean County, Local 225 in Hackensack representing bus drivers, sightseeing tour guides, dispatchers and more with members in New Jersey and New York, and Local 229 in Hoboken representing Hudson-Bergen Light Rail workers.
The TWU is the largest transit union in the New York-New Jersey metro area and has more than 160,000 members nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.twu.org/brick-township-municipal-workers-join-the-twu/
AFGE National VA Council Applauds Judge's Decision Affirming Union Contract
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE National VA Council Applauds Judge's Decision Affirming Union Contract
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Judicial order enforces preliminary injunction preventing VA's third attempt to terminate union contract covering 320K federal workers
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees National Veterans Affairs Council (AFGE/NVAC), the largest union at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) representing more than 320,000 employees, proudly celebrates U.S. District Court
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE National VA Council Applauds Judge's Decision Affirming Union Contract
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Judicial order enforces preliminary injunction preventing VA's third attempt to terminate union contract covering 320K federal workers
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees National Veterans Affairs Council (AFGE/NVAC), the largest union at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) representing more than 320,000 employees, proudly celebrates U.S. District CourtJudge Melissa DuBose's decision today granting the union's motion to enforce the March 13 preliminary injunction reinstating the largest VA collective bargaining agreement.
Today's court victory comes after the VA issued AFGE/NVAC written notice on July 24 of its latest plan to "re-terminate" the union's contract in violation of the preliminary injunction and contrary to the plain language of the parties' agreement, which provides for an automatic extension pending renegotiation efforts. The parties are currently renegotiating a successor agreement.
In April, the VA sought an emergency stay of the preliminary injunction pending appeal, but a unanimous panel of the First Circuit Court of Appeals denied that request on May 16. This is not the VA's only attempt to "re-terminate" the master CBA. Judge DuBose also previously found the VA's previous re-termination efforts to violate the court's orders.
Judge DuBose heard the AFGE/NVAC's motion on an expedited briefing schedule, taking into consideration the VA's plan to re-terminate the contract on Aug. 8. AFGE/NVAC looks forward to continuing to litigate the case on the merits.
AFGE National VA Council President Mary Jean "MJ" Burke issued the following statement:
"Unions that represent federal employees have long been under attack. Why? Because we are the roadblock preventing the privatization of the agencies we swore to protect. No matter how many times we are kicked while we are down, we get back up, brush off the dirt, and get right back in the fight because we believe in the VA's mission to serve our nation's veterans. Today's victory is proof that the law sides with AFGE/NVAC because we fight for what is right."
AFGE National President Everett Kelley issued the following statement:
"It is shameful that the VA is hellbent on taking union rights away from the hardworking men and women who provide care to America's veterans, a third of whom are veterans themselves. We are grateful for Judge DuBose's swift action forcing the VA to recognize our collective bargaining agreement which guarantees these rights, and vow to continue protecting the 320,000 VA employees AFGE proudly represents."
AFGE/NVAC is represented in this litigation by Keker, Van Nest, & Peters, LLP, Zimmer, Citron & Clarke LLP, and the Law Office of Carly B. Iafrate, PC.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/663b28e0b1b847fc87608066631ae8ea.aspx
