Featured Stories
Wikimedia Foundation Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union with CWA
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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Wikimedia Foundation Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union with CWA
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U.S. workers certify first recognized unit as global union movement builds across Wikimedia Foundation
San Francisco, Calif. - U.S.-based workers at Wikimedia Foundation-the nonprofit organization that hosts Wikipedia and sister projects-have won their union election, voting overwhelmingly to join Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9415. The victory marks an important milestone in
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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Wikimedia Foundation Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Form Union with CWA
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U.S. workers certify first recognized unit as global union movement builds across Wikimedia Foundation
San Francisco, Calif. - U.S.-based workers at Wikimedia Foundation-the nonprofit organization that hosts Wikipedia and sister projects-have won their union election, voting overwhelmingly to join Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 9415. The victory marks an important milestone ina global movement among Wikimedia Foundation workers to establish collective bargaining through the legal frameworks available in their respective countries.
U.S.-based workers began organizing as a part of the broader Wiki Workers United global union campaign of Wikimedia Foundation workers committed to strengthening worker voice, transparency, equity, and shared stewardship.
"The recognition of our union's first government-sanctioned bargaining unit is a huge milestone in our over ten-year journey to educate, agitate, and organize coworkers," said Bryan Davis, a WWU organizing committee and WWU-US/CWA member. "We continue our petition for recognition in the U.K. and hope to see more jurisdiction-specific units call for voluntary recognition in the coming weeks and months. Solidarity will continue to drive our discussions, planning, and actions as we begin working on our collective goals for contract bargaining to support all WMF workers regardless of legal jurisdiction, job duty, or hours of employment."
In July, U.S.-based workers demanded union recognition after a supermajority of them signed union authorization cards. When management refused to uphold the organization's commitment to respect the rights of workers to freely choose union representation, workers persevered through a union election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
"Today's victory is a demonstration of the power of international solidarity," said Decovan Rhem, President of CWA Local 9415. "WWU-US/CWA members organized across their workplaces and across the world, building support among coworkers internationally and among an incredible community of volunteers and wiki editors. Now, we will take the power our members have built to the bargaining table to negotiate a strong contract that gives Wikimedia workers the voice they have long deserved."
WWU extends its sincere gratitude to the Wikimedia volunteer community. Over 2,000 volunteers and community members who have collectively made more than 15 million edits have publicly signed petitions supporting Wikimedia Foundation workers and affirming the importance of giving workers a meaningful voice in shaping the future of the movement. This petition is the most supported petition in history on the English-language Wikipedia. The WWU Organizing Committee is deeply appreciative of this extraordinary demonstration of solidarity.
"Today's election result is a well-deserved victory not only for Wikimedia U.S. staff, but for everyone who believes in a free, democratic internet. I am proud to be among the 2,000 volunteer editors celebrating this achievement today," said Shushugah, a volunteer Wikipedia editor since 2015 with over 14,000 global edits.
About CODE-CWA
The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a union movement of thousands of workers fighting every single day to build the voice and power necessary to ensure the future of the tech, games, and digital industries in the United States and Canada. CODE-CWA is a project of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), which represents hundreds of thousands of workers throughout tech, media, telecom, and other industries who stand together to fight for justice on the job and in our communities.
cwa-union.org @cwaunion
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Original text here: https://cwa-union.org/news/releases/wikimedia-foundation-workers-overwhelmingly-vote-form-union-cwa
Ventura County RNs to protest elimination of emergency and acute care services at Santa Paula Hospital
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Ventura County RNs to protest elimination of emergency and acute care services at Santa Paula Hospital
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On Tuesday, Sept. 8, nurses and health care professionals at Santa Paula Hospital (SPH) and Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) will protest county leaders' decision to reduce life-saving health care options in the Santa Clara River Valley, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU).
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted on Aug. 18
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Ventura County RNs to protest elimination of emergency and acute care services at Santa Paula Hospital
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On Tuesday, Sept. 8, nurses and health care professionals at Santa Paula Hospital (SPH) and Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) will protest county leaders' decision to reduce life-saving health care options in the Santa Clara River Valley, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU).
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted on Aug. 18to eliminate emergency and acute care services at SPH, by 2030 or sooner, and convert the hospital into a medical office building that would not be equipped to provide emergency services. Health care workers - along with community members - have raised their concerns that these changes will make it harder for Valley residents to access care. Valley residents experience worse health outcomes relative to the rest of Ventura County.
What: Protest to reverse elimination of emergency and acute care services at Santa Paula Hospital
Who: Nurses and health care professionals at SPH and VCMC
When: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 7:45 am to 9:15 am
Where: Ventura County Government Center | 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, Calif. | the corner of Telephone Rd. and Victoria Ave.
"Instead of keeping health care close to home, County supervisors are forcing Valley residents to travel further for life-saving care," said Tiffany Leon, RN who works in Santa Paula Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center and lives in Santa Paula. "Ventura County Health Care Agency's plans are inappropriate and unjust, which is unsurprising because they have barely engaged residents and the health care workers who care for them. This decision undermines equal care and access for our patients."
An Aug. 7 "Future of Santa Paula Hospital" townhall in Santa Paula, organized by Ventura County Health Care Agency, was barely publicized, calling into doubt the extent of County leaders' public awareness efforts.
Currently, SPH offers emergency, medical-surgical, telemetry, in-patient observation, and operating room services for rural residents of Ventura, Saticoy, Lake Piru, Santa Paula, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai Valley, and Santa Clara River Valley. Without emergent and acute care hospital services, Valley residents will be expected to use the facilities at Ventura County Medical Center, which is 15 miles away from Santa Paula Hospital. The removal of these important services will leave thousands of community members out of reach of life-saving services.
Tiffany Leon, RN and other health care professionals are particularly concerned about the impact on these changes marginalized communities, including the workers who power the County's agricultural industry. She said, "All residents of Ventura County deserve a fully functioning hospital that is able to provide services for emergencies and other acute care needs. Nurses and health care professionals are taking to the streets to let our community know we are fighting for their health care and to demand County supervisors and health care administrators provide equal care for all Ventura County residents."
In total, CNA represents over 900 health care professionals, including RNs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psych techs, and licensed vocational nurses who work at two hospitals, ambulatory and specialty clinics, public health departments, and behavioral health clinics.
California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with more than 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/ventura-county-rns-to-protest-elimination-of-emergency-and-acute-care-services-at-santa-paula
U.S. District Court Grants End to 37-Year Federal Monitorship of Teamsters Union
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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U.S. District Court Grants End to 37-Year Federal Monitorship of Teamsters Union
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Press Contact: Kara Deniz Phone: (202) 497-6610 Email: kdeniz@teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) - After nearly four decades, the U.S. government has officially ended federal monitorship of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, following the approval by the Honorable Loretta Preska of the Southern District of New York (Southern District) of a joint motion filed this summer by the union and
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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U.S. District Court Grants End to 37-Year Federal Monitorship of Teamsters Union
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Press Contact: Kara Deniz Phone: (202) 497-6610 Email: kdeniz@teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) - After nearly four decades, the U.S. government has officially ended federal monitorship of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, following the approval by the Honorable Loretta Preska of the Southern District of New York (Southern District) of a joint motion filed this summer by the union andthe Department of Justice (DOJ).
The filing issued on June 17 sought to amend the Final Order established in 2015 and the original Consent Decree policing the union. In 1989, the Southern District and the Teamsters entered into an agreement to eliminate organized crime influence within the union and ensure fair, democratic, member-driven elections. Over the past 37 years, the Teamsters have conducted nine elections and successfully eliminated corrupt elements from the union.
Since the election of Sean M. O'Brien as Teamsters General President in 2021, the Teamsters have built a new system of rigorous checks and balances in which every member complaint is investigated, and when appropriate, referred to legal authorities. O'Brien was re-elected to a second term as General President this summer at the Teamsters 31st International Convention.
In her ruling granting the motion, Judge Preska cited agreement by former federal judge Barbara Jones (ret.) -who has served as the Independent Review Officer monitoring the union -that the Teamsters indeed have "developed the institutional tools, processes, and procedures necessary to adequately detect, investigate, and resolve instances of major corruption."
"True history has been made today for the Teamsters Union that begins a new chapter of self-governance and organizational independence to benefit all rank-and-file members and elected leaders," O'Brien said. "This is the end to the longest monitorship of any union, corporation, nonprofit, or public entity in the history of the United States. Our efforts over the past four years to create a culture of vigilance in our union have proven that we can police our own. The controls in place in the Teamsters today to operate a strong, transparent, and progressive union are more stringent than any labor organization in the country."
Judge Preska in her ruling reiterated that any concerns of potential corruption in the Teamsters or any union should always be referred to the U.S. Department of Labor and the DOJ -and that the court has no intention of being an indefinite monitor. "Generalized concerns regarding the Teamsters should be directed to the Teamsters management or these agencies, not this Court," Judge Preska concluded.
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/2026/09/u-s-district-court-grants-end-to-37-year-federal-monitorship-of-teamsters-union/
Gloria Steinem played key roles championing farm workers since the '60s
KEENE, California, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- The United Farm Workers issued the following news release:
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Gloria Steinem played key roles championing farm workers since the '60s
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Gloria Steinem was known for many things. Less known was her dedication and central roles in publicizing United Farm Workers' boycotts, marches and strikes during the 1960s and the decades that followed.
Working for New York magazine, Steinem couldn't persuade her editors to let her cover political subjects that interested her. She was relegated to the "girl ghettos" of food and fashion. So she volunteered
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KEENE, California, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- The United Farm Workers issued the following news release:
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Gloria Steinem played key roles championing farm workers since the '60s
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Gloria Steinem was known for many things. Less known was her dedication and central roles in publicizing United Farm Workers' boycotts, marches and strikes during the 1960s and the decades that followed.
Working for New York magazine, Steinem couldn't persuade her editors to let her cover political subjects that interested her. She was relegated to the "girl ghettos" of food and fashion. So she volunteeredwith "La Causa," the farm workers' cause, and with Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign. She was attracted to La Causa in part by its leaders' commitment to Gandhi's teachings of nonviolence. She worked closely with the UFW's Marion Moses, a nurse (and later a physician) sent from Delano to New York to fund raise and help organize the union's boycott of California table grapes.
Moses lived at Steinem's home. The two women became friends, working closely together for the UFW, often all night. Her devotion to the farm workers turned at times into full-time efforts and later part-time ones.
Steinem joined picket lines outside New York supermarkets selling grapes. "I was working as a writer and volunteering in political campaigns, but I had never spoken in public, much less shouted on a picket line," Steinem recalled. "As we passed out flyers about low wages, dangerous pesticides and unsanitary working conditions in the fields, supermarket bag boys were sent out to harass us with taunts like 'Honey, I'd like to press your grapes.'"
When UFW leaders came to New York in 1968 she used her press skills and contacts to set up interviews with reporters and arrange television appearances to get word out about the cause. The next year Steinem got reporters from Time and Life magazines to meet with UFW leaders. She helped produce a story that made it onto the cover of Time.
She convinced Look magazine to publish an interview only after a long struggle. The publisher feared the loss of prospective advertisers such as Sunkist. Later, Steinem learned the farm worker article got in only after an editor threatened to quit. When the story appeared, Look did indeed lose some advertisers.
Steinem worked hard and tapped all of her relationships to help organize the landmark benefit concert for the UFW at Carnegie Hall in 1969, headlined by Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary. It raised $30,000, including donations from Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Jackie Kennedy, Woody Allen and others.
That year, Steinem was asked to help generate news coverage for a big farm worker march from Coachella to Calexico through the Southern California desert. Discouraging media interest was the triple-digit heat and the long distances from major media markets. She feared "this historic event is like a tree falling in the forest with no one to hear."
She knew only celebrities or prominent political supporters would attract the media. Steinem flew across country to L.A. "I am picked up by a union guy in his battered car, and we drive through the night to catch up with the marchers," she recounted. "In the distance, on an asphalt road stretching like a ribbon through the desert, I finally see hundreds of workers and their families. They are carrying the swaying image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, their [red-and-black-eagle UFW] banners shimmering in the heat waves like a mirage."
Then, "from gas stations and motels along the march route, I make calls to celebrities in [the UFW's] name." She got turned down by many. First, Reverend Ralph Abernathy, Dr. King's successor, said yes. "After more calls, I get word that Senators Walter Mondale [and] Ted Kennedy [agreed to] show up" as marchers approached the Mexican border at Calexico. It all convinced reporters to sign on. The rally became national news.
Gloria Steinem continued aiding the farm workers, offering support into the 1990s and beyond. Current UFW staff fondly recall Steinem lending her celebrity and participating in delegations to supermarkets and politicians in support of the UFW into the late 1990s.
The United Farm Workers learned of her passing with genuine sadness. She selflessly dedicated herself to La Causa through many of its toughest times.
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Original text here: https://ufw.org/gloria-steinem-played-key-roles-championing-farm-workers-since-the-60s/
Casino Teamsters Launch Strike at Encore Boston Harbor
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Casino Teamsters Launch Strike at Encore Boston Harbor
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(EVERETT, Mass.) - More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor, represented by Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26, have been forced to go on strike after the company refused to bargain in good faith for a new contract.
On Thursday, August 20, Teamsters voted 97 percent to authorize a strike if a fair contract wasn't reached.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Casino Teamsters Launch Strike at Encore Boston Harbor
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(EVERETT, Mass.) - More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor, represented by Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26, have been forced to go on strike after the company refused to bargain in good faith for a new contract.
On Thursday, August 20, Teamsters voted 97 percent to authorize a strike if a fair contract wasn't reached.Encore Boston Harbor Teamsters are demanding a contract that delivers better wages, stronger benefits, and enhanced protections on the job.
"Encore management has pushed our members to the brink because they thought they could take our labor for granted," said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. "If Encore wants its casino running, it needs the workers who make it run. And the Teamsters are standing up and fighting back."
The group includes 211 Teamsters who work in the warehouse, horticulture, call center, cage cashiers, limo drivers, dispatchers, traffic attendants, valet and guest experience attendants. They are crucial to Encore's operations as a five-star resort.
"We make Encore a world-class resort that generates enormous profits because of our hard work," said James Atkins, lead gardener and chief steward at Local 25. "We didn't want to strike but we won't accept a contract that blatantly disrespects our labor. We're on the picket line and will stay out as long as it takes to get a fair deal."
Encore took in $847 million in Boston last year, yet management refused to come back to the table and offer any meaningful improvements, even after the strike authorization vote.
"Encore slow-walked negotiations and played games with our members, and now they're going to see how big of a mistake that was," said Thomas G. Mari, President of Local 25. "When a company refuses to respect the workers who make its profits possible, we shut it down. The Teamsters don't cross picket lines and won't be intimidated."
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/2026/09/casino-teamsters-launch-strike-at-encore-boston-harbor/
Bimbo Bakeries Teamsters Overwhelmingly Authorize Strike
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Bimbo Bakeries Teamsters Overwhelmingly Authorize Strike
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) - Members of Teamsters Locals 170 and 633 at Bimbo Bakeries have voted by an overwhelming 98 percent to authorize a strike. The more than 200 Teamsters in sales and warehousing work throughout New England.
"Every day, these workers put in the hard work that makes Bimbo the success that it is," said Jeff Padellaro, Director
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Bimbo Bakeries Teamsters Overwhelmingly Authorize Strike
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) - Members of Teamsters Locals 170 and 633 at Bimbo Bakeries have voted by an overwhelming 98 percent to authorize a strike. The more than 200 Teamsters in sales and warehousing work throughout New England.
"Every day, these workers put in the hard work that makes Bimbo the success that it is," said Jeff Padellaro, Directorof the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 633. "Management has refused to offer a fair contract, and our members have had enough. We are prepared for a work stoppage if the company fails to come back to the table to negotiate a fair deal."
"Our members have been clear that they will not settle for anything less than a fair contract," said Shannon R. George, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 170. "They are simply asking for area standards, and the company has refused. If a strike occurs, it will be because Bimbo's management has left these workers with no other choice."
The overwhelming strike authorization comes after weeks of negotiations during which the company refused to offer area standards or real wage adjustments. Management has also continuously dragged out negotiations and failed to bargain in good faith.
"We're proud of the work we do for Bimbo and know that the work we do keeps these facilities running," said Jason Morin, a shop steward at Bimbo Bakeries and member of Local 633. "We just want a contract that allows us to provide for our families. No one wants to strike, but we're tired of management's continued disrespect."
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/2026/09/bimbo-bakeries-teamsters-overwhelmingly-authorize-strike/
AFGE Endorses North Carolina's Jamie Ager for Election to Congress
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE Endorses North Carolina's Jamie Ager for Election to Congress
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AFGE says Ager understands the value of public service and fighting for working people
WASHINGTON -The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Jamie Ager for election to the U.S. House representing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District in the 2026 elections. The general election is Nov. 3.
A lifelong Western North Carolinian, farmer, small
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE Endorses North Carolina's Jamie Ager for Election to Congress
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AFGE says Ager understands the value of public service and fighting for working people
WASHINGTON -The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Jamie Ager for election to the U.S. House representing North Carolina's 11th Congressional District in the 2026 elections. The general election is Nov. 3.
A lifelong Western North Carolinian, farmer, smallbusiness owner, and environmental advocate, Ager has dedicated his career to strengthening local communities, supporting working families, and fighting for policies that create economic opportunity throughout Western North Carolina.
"Jamie Ager understands the value of public service and the importance of standing up for working people. AFGE is proud to endorse his campaign because we know he will be a strong advocate for federal employees, organized labor, and the families who keep our communities running every day," AFGE District 4 National Vice President Christine Surrette said. "I encourage voters across North Carolina's 11th Congressional District to support Jamie Ager on Election Day."
Nearly 85,000 federal employees live in North Carolina - 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 48,000 federal employees in District 4, which includes Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/b797974f347443e6a03f128480ae865f.aspx
