Featured Stories
NEA: From Merger to Movement - A Legacy of Keeping Hope Alive
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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From Merger to Movement: A Legacy of Keeping Hope Alive
Celebrating 60 years of partnership with the American Teachers Association
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Sixty years ago, in a dimly lit Miami Beach convention center--during a time of nationwide racial turmoil--two men, both educators, contemplated the words on the historic documents they were about to sign. President R. J. Martin, leader of the American Teachers Association (ATA), an organization representing teachers of color during a time of legal segregation, and
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WASHINGTON, July 8 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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From Merger to Movement: A Legacy of Keeping Hope Alive
Celebrating 60 years of partnership with the American Teachers Association
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Sixty years ago, in a dimly lit Miami Beach convention center--during a time of nationwide racial turmoil--two men, both educators, contemplated the words on the historic documents they were about to sign. President R. J. Martin, leader of the American Teachers Association (ATA), an organization representing teachers of color during a time of legal segregation, andRichard Batchelder, president of the National Education Association (NEA), were about to take the unprecedented step of joining their two prominent, national organizations together.
After signing the documents, both men rose to their feet. The crowd that had assembled to witness the new beginning began to sing, and The Battle Hymn of the Republic rang out wall to wall. History had been made. Together, they would fight for the improvement of our nation's public education system. The annual NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards were born out of that merger, and today, and each year since the merger, NEA has proudly honored leaders in the justice and civil rights movement at this event, which is taking place in Denver, Colorado ahead of the NEA's Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly.
"With the stroke of a pen, the National Education Association and the American Teachers Association took a bold stand against racial segregation and inequality and merged into one NEA," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "That merger united Black and White educators in the fight for equal respect, equal access, and equal opportunity, and gave rise to the inclusive, powerful advocate we are today. The legacy endures as we mark the 60th anniversary of the merger, but the work is not done. Discrimination and inequity, coupled with direct attacks on the nation's public education system, continue to threaten the promise of a quality education for every child, and NEA will not rest until justice and opportunity are truly universal."
After the historic signing, the two became one in the name of public education. The annual NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards are inextricably linked to the merger and today, this inspirational program recognizes the exceptional people and organizations that have expanded educational opportunities for students who have been traditionally marginalized, and those who have advanced and expanded human and civil rights in their communities.
This moment is a celebration to acknowledge progress in the movement towards justice nationwide, and to lift positive impacts on the education of all students no matter their gender, ZIP code, or place of birth, and celebrate leaders in racial and social justice and human and civil rights.
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/merger-movement-legacy-keeping-hope-alive
[Category: Union]
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Kathy Hochul for Reelection as Governor of New York
NEW YORK, July 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Kathy Hochul for Reelection as Governor of New York
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New York - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Kathy Hochul for her reelection campaign for governor of New York, on behalf of the more than 20,000 members living in New York State.
"Throughout her time in office, Governor Hochul has time and again justified our faith in her and consistently supported increases in state arts funding to make New York a national
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NEW YORK, July 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Kathy Hochul for Reelection as Governor of New York
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New York - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Kathy Hochul for her reelection campaign for governor of New York, on behalf of the more than 20,000 members living in New York State.
"Throughout her time in office, Governor Hochul has time and again justified our faith in her and consistently supported increases in state arts funding to make New York a nationalleader," said Al Vincent, Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "Through her support of initiatives from the critically important Broadway tax credit to legislation that will provide public funding to support arts nonprofits across New York State, Governor Hochul is helping build a strong live arts economy in New York. We look forward to more important leadership in her next term that bolsters the live entertainment industry and supports its workers."
Governor Hochul offered the following statement:
"I am honored to earn the backing of the Actors' Equity Association, representing the talented performers and stage managers who keep New York's theater industry second to none. Whether it's securing better working conditions for performers, helping cultural organizations grow and thrive, or supporting and strengthening the good-paying union jobs that power this industry, we've accomplished a great deal together. I'm proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Actors' Equity to ensure New York remains the capital of theater and the arts."
Equity also endorsed Governor Hochul in 2022.
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/2026/07/08/actors-equity-association-endorses-kathy-hochul-for-reelection-as-governor-of-new-york
Union Video Game Workers Fight for Rights Amidst Xbox Layoffs
WASHINGTON, July 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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Union Video Game Workers Fight for Rights Amidst Xbox Layoffs
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NATIONWIDE - Microsoft eliminated an initial wave of 1,600 jobs across its Xbox division, including hundreds of union video game workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
"When Microsoft sought to grow its video game division, corporate executives made an agreement with video game workers and their union, CWA, to respect their right to organize for a new day for workers across
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WASHINGTON, July 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Communications Workers of America posted the following news release:
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Union Video Game Workers Fight for Rights Amidst Xbox Layoffs
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NATIONWIDE - Microsoft eliminated an initial wave of 1,600 jobs across its Xbox division, including hundreds of union video game workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
"When Microsoft sought to grow its video game division, corporate executives made an agreement with video game workers and their union, CWA, to respect their right to organize for a new day for workers acrossMicrosoft's video game studios," said Claude Cummings Jr., President of CWA. "Although our union signed neutrality agreements with Microsoft, we have been extremely disappointed by a company that has slow-walked our members at the bargaining table, making CWA members wait for the protections of a union contract. But make no mistake - whether our members have a contract in hand, or are still at the bargaining table, CWA members at Xbox have the power and protection of union membership. When Microsoft decides to treat the workers who built Xbox as expendable, it should know who they're dealing with. This is not just a fight with the thousands of workers across Xbox; it's a fight with each and every member at CWA -hundreds of thousands of people strong."
"As Microsoft restructures, the workers powering its biggest franchises deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items," said Derrick Osobase, Vice President, CWA District 6. "It is our CWA members who make the games that make Xbox valuable. Today's layoffs decimated the teams at id Software, Bethesda Game Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios, legendary studios whose employees brought us games like Doom, Quake, Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. The layoffs that occurred this week will lower the quality of these iconic games and make them less fun to play with longer delays in releases, ultimately just hurting the players and driving down revenue for Microsoft."
"Our union will take all necessary legal and contractual action to defend our members and their rights," said Mike Davis, Vice President, CWA District 2-13. "We will demand immediate bargaining - over fair severance, over vendor-contract decisions, over internal placement so that qualified employees can move into open roles, and over recall rights. That's the difference a union makes. Organized workers have a seat at the table on the decisions that affect their lives and families, and that includes layoffs. Workers without a union are left to accept whatever cards they are dealt by management for any given decision."
"These workers put their hearts and souls into creating best selling video games people around the world loved," said Carmel Smyth, President of CWA Canada. "We hope their talent and dedication to excellence is recognized and respected by one of the world's richest employers."
Across Microsoft's Xbox division, more than 3,500 workers have chosen to form unions with CWA since 2022, following Microsoft's agreement to a neutrality framework that allowed workers to make that choice freely, without fear of retaliation or coercion. Xbox's best-selling games can now boast union-represented labor, including household video games like The Elder Scrolls, Diablo and Overwatch.
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Original text here: https://cwa-union.org/news/releases/union-video-game-workers-fight-rights-amidst-xbox-layoffs
National Nurses United has rescinded our endorsement of Graham Platner
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, July 7 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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National Nurses United has rescinded our endorsement of Graham Platner
*. As a union of registered nurses that advocates for the dignity of all human beings and represents a predominantly female profession, we cannot support a candidate when there is any question about whether that person has harmed, harassed, or assaulted another individual.
We hope that justice and truth prevail. We will never stop fighting for the ideals and goals that our endorsement represented: a vision
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, July 7 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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National Nurses United has rescinded our endorsement of Graham Platner
*. As a union of registered nurses that advocates for the dignity of all human beings and represents a predominantly female profession, we cannot support a candidate when there is any question about whether that person has harmed, harassed, or assaulted another individual.
We hope that justice and truth prevail. We will never stop fighting for the ideals and goals that our endorsement represented: a visionfor a healthy society where the needs of working people are prioritized over the profits of corporations and billionaires -including guaranteed health care for the country through a Medicare for All system.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/national-nurses-united-has-rescinded-our-endorsement-of-graham-platner
NEA Members Elect New Leaders to Champion Public Education Nationwide
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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NEA members elect new leaders to champion public education nationwide
Delegates elect national president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer at annual Representative Assembly
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Nearly 6,000 delegates representing educators from every state and territory have chosen new national officers to lead NEA, the nation's largest labor union, during the union's 105th Representative Assembly (RA).
Delegates elected Princess R. Moss, an elementary school music teacher from Louisa County, Virginia, as
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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NEA members elect new leaders to champion public education nationwide
Delegates elect national president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer at annual Representative Assembly
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Nearly 6,000 delegates representing educators from every state and territory have chosen new national officers to lead NEA, the nation's largest labor union, during the union's 105th Representative Assembly (RA).
Delegates elected Princess R. Moss, an elementary school music teacher from Louisa County, Virginia, aspresident; Noel Candelaria as vice president; and Robert Varela Rodriguez as secretary-treasurer through NEA's democratic election process, reflecting the collective voice of nearly 3 million educators and education support professionals across the country.
A longtime advocate for students, educators, and public schools, Moss previously served as NEA vice president and secretary-treasurer. She is a past president of the Virginia Education Association, where she helped advance collective bargaining rights and increase investment in public education. Nationally recognized for her leadership on public education, educator advocacy, and racial and social justice, Moss has served on numerous education and nonprofit boards and was appointed by two Virginia governors to statewide education leadership roles. She holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Mary Washington and a master's degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Virginia.
"It is an honor to serve as president of the National Education Association. I step into this role inspired by the dedication of the millions of educators who show up every day for their students and communities," said President-elect Princess Moss. "Together, we will continue fighting for the resources, respect, and professional voice educators deserve because when we invest in public education, we invest in the future of every student. I look forward to building on our union's proud legacy and working alongside our members to ensure every student, in every ZIP code, has access to a high-quality public education."
Vice President-Elect Candelaria, a special education teacher and former teacher's aide from El Paso, Texas, rose from the classroom in the Ysleta Independent School District to become secretary-treasurer of the National Education Association, the nation's largest professional organization. His path to national leadership included serving as president of the Ysleta Teachers Association, followed by three years as vice president and then president of the Texas State Teachers Association.
"I am honored and humbled to serve as Vice President of the National Education Association. Public education changed my life, and educators opened doors that transformed my future. Now it's our turn to ensure every student--regardless of their ZIP code, race, or background--has that same opportunity. Together, we will build the power to defend public education, advance racial and social justice, and ensure every educator has the respect, resources, and voice they deserve. Because when educators are empowered, students, families, and communities thrive."
Secretary-Treasurer-Elect Rodriguez is a special education teacher in California's San Bernardino City Unified School District with 17 years of experience teaching at the elementary and middle school levels. First elected to the NEA Executive Committee in 2018, he previously served on the NEA Board of Directors, Budget Committee, and the California Teachers Association Board of Directors. He has also been an active member of the NEA Hispanic Caucus and NEA-LGBTQ+ Caucus. Rodriguez holds a bachelor's degree in science and a master's degree in education from California State University, San Bernardino.
"Sound stewardship is an act of commitment to our members and our mission. I accept this responsibility with gratitude and resolve, dedicated to ensuring that every student--regardless of race, ZIP code, or economic status--has access to the excellent public education they deserve. The trust of this membership is a privilege I will honor every day I hold this office."
The newly elected officers will assume office on September 1 and will lead the union's work to strengthen public education, ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, and champion the educators and education support professionals who make that possible every day.
This year's Representative Assembly brought together nearly 6,000 NEA members representing the full breadth of public education professionals, including classroom teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, school counselors, librarians, school nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, higher education faculty, retired educators, and aspiring educators. Delegates convened in Denver from July 3 to July 7 to shape the future direction of the union and public education.
As public education faces mounting challenges and unprecedented attacks, these leaders will take office with a shared commitment to defending the dignity of every student, supporting every educator, and ensuring that every child--regardless of race, background, ZIP code, or circumstance--has access to opportunity. Together, they will lead NEA members in building a stronger, more just future through the transformative power of public education.
The RA is the world's largest democratic body and the top decision-making body for NEA's nearly 3 million members. Every year, local unions elect and send thousands of delegates from around the U.S. to draft, debate, and adopt policies that set the course for the future of the NEA.
For more on President-Elect Princess Moss: https://www.veanea.org/princess-moss-wins-nea/
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-members-elect-new-leaders-champion-public-education-nationwide
[Category: Union]
Bazooka Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
WASHINGTON, July 7 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Bazooka Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(SCRANTON, Pa.) - Over 60 workers at Bazooka's Ring Pop facility in Moosic, Pa., represented by Teamsters Local 229, have ratified a strong new contract. The three-year agreement delivers a 15 percent wage increase, more affordable health care, improvements to the Teamsters pension plan, a stronger vacation structure, increased shift differentials,
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WASHINGTON, July 7 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Bazooka Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
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Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(SCRANTON, Pa.) - Over 60 workers at Bazooka's Ring Pop facility in Moosic, Pa., represented by Teamsters Local 229, have ratified a strong new contract. The three-year agreement delivers a 15 percent wage increase, more affordable health care, improvements to the Teamsters pension plan, a stronger vacation structure, increased shift differentials,and enhanced profit-sharing language.
"This contract is a major win for the hardworking men and women at Bazooka," said Joe Secor, Vice President and Business Agent of Local 229. "Their labor is crucial to producing Ring Pops, one of the company's most iconic products. I'm proud of the unity and determination this group showed throughout negotiations."
Teamsters at the Bazooka facility perform critical work across production, maintenance, shipping, packaging, and quality control operations that keep the business running and products moving to customers nationwide.
"I've been at this plant for over 20 years, and I'm glad we were able to secure such a strong contract," said Bernie Hoover, a worker at Bazooka and steward with Local 229. "This is going to make a real difference for us and our families. It's a proud moment for all of us who have built our lives around this work and in this town."
Headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Teamsters Local 229 represents over 1,000 members in a half dozen industries across Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit teamsters229.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/07/bazooka-teamsters-ratify-strong-contract/
Ascension blocks Wichita nurses from returning to work after one-day strike
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, July 7 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Ascension blocks Wichita nurses from returning to work after one-day strike
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Registered nurses at two Ascension hospitals in Wichita, Kansas, are outraged today as Ascension management has locked them out for days following nurses' one-day strike on July 6. The nurses at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and St. Joseph hospitals, who are represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), say the move is an obvious retaliatory punishment for
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, July 7 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Ascension blocks Wichita nurses from returning to work after one-day strike
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Registered nurses at two Ascension hospitals in Wichita, Kansas, are outraged today as Ascension management has locked them out for days following nurses' one-day strike on July 6. The nurses at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and St. Joseph hospitals, who are represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), say the move is an obvious retaliatory punishment forstriking.
"There's no reason we can't go into our hospitals today and take care of our patients," said Courtney Callum, RN in the emergency department at St. Joseph. "We might actually get a taste of safe staffing that way. Instead, Ascension management has decided to punish us for striking for patient and staff safety."
Nurses at the two hospitals struck Monday over longstanding concerns about patient and staff safety at their facilities and Ascension management's refusal to address this issues in on-going contract bargaining.
"We need Ascension to listen to us and work with us on implementing easy solutions," said Ann Vittitow, RN in the emergency department at St. Francis. "Instead, they are punishing us for standing up for our patients, our co-workers, and ourselves. We're demanding safe hospitals and responsible management, and Ascension is working against us, not with us, on making that happen."
RNs at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and St. Joseph unionized in 2022 and 2023, and won a historic first contract in 2024. NNOC/NNU represents nearly 1,200 nurses at St. Francis and St. Joseph hospitals.
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/ascension-blocks-wichita-nurses-from-returning-to-work-after-one-day-strike
