Featured Stories
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Betty McCollum for United States Congress
NEW YORK, Sept. 24 -- Actors' Equity Association, a labor union that says it represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Betty McCollum for United States Congress
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Chicago - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Betty McCollum's reelection campaign for the United States House of Representatives (MN4), on behalf of more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Betty McCollum serves constituents in and around the Twin Cities, one of the
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 24 -- Actors' Equity Association, a labor union that says it represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, issued the following news release:
* * *
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Betty McCollum for United States Congress
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Chicago - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Betty McCollum's reelection campaign for the United States House of Representatives (MN4), on behalf of more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Betty McCollum serves constituents in and around the Twin Cities, one of themost vibrant theatre markets in the country, and she knows the value the arts industry provides," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "As a member of the House's Interior Committee, she helps oversee public arts funding, and we are so excited to partner with her as she continues to advocate for policies that expand job opportunities for arts workers."
Rep. Betty McCollum said:
"I'm honored to receive the support of Actors' Equity Association in my re-election campaign in recognition of my support for safe, high-quality working conditions, good-paying jobs with strong benefits, and the right to collectively bargain for their members. As an Interior-Environment appropriator, I will continue working to protect and strengthen federal funding for the arts community so Actors' Equity Association members can continue to bring thrilling and captivating entertainment to audiences across the country to enjoy."
Equity's public policy priorities include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, stronger federal and state arts funding, a prevailing wage in the arts, a strong minimum wage, universal federal health care, tax fairness , racial justice, gun violence prevention and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
The move marks Equity's first endorsement for a political candidate in the state of Minnesota. Equity's ongoing list of 2026 candidate endorsements can be found here (https://actorsequity.org/news/endorsements).
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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
September 23, 2026
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Original text here: https://actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/09/23/actors-equity-association-endorses-betty-mccollum-for-united-states-congress
[Category: Union]
New Bipartisan Bill Vital to Ensuring Railroad Safety, AFGE Says
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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New Bipartisan Bill Vital to Ensuring Railroad Safety, AFGE Says
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Sens. Peters, Justice introduce legislation to help Federal Railroad Administration address recruiting and retention challenges
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees is urging lawmakers to support new bipartisan legislation that is needed to address persistent shortages of federal workers who are critical to ensuring the safety of our nation's railroads.
Rail safety
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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New Bipartisan Bill Vital to Ensuring Railroad Safety, AFGE Says
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Sens. Peters, Justice introduce legislation to help Federal Railroad Administration address recruiting and retention challenges
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees is urging lawmakers to support new bipartisan legislation that is needed to address persistent shortages of federal workers who are critical to ensuring the safety of our nation's railroads.
Rail safetyinspectors and specialists with the Federal Railroad Administration enforce federal safety laws across about 160,000 miles of track and at thousands of hazardous materials facilities. Yet the federal government's current pay and classification system pays these critical workers less than employees doing comparable jobs at other agencies and limits their advancement opportunities - resulting in persistent recruitment and retentional challenges for the agency.
A new Senate bill (S. 5450) introduced Tuesday by Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) would address these structural issues by raising the journeyman grade for FRA railroad safety inspectors from GS-12 to GS-13 and for railroad safety specialists from GS-13 to GS-14. The changes would amount to increasing maximum annual salaries for these positions by nearly $20,000.
"This bill would address a fundamental flaw in federal rules that prevent railroad safety inspectors and specialists from advancing beyond their entry pay levels - resulting in many leaving the agency for higher paying jobs elsewhere once they've been trained," AFGE National President Everett Kelley said. "Without these structural changes, the Federal Railroad Administration is hamstrung and can't retain the employees it has invested time and money to recruit and train."
The FRA reached a staffing peak last year only to see 11 inspectors leave within eight months for jobs paying higher wages.
"Our members who serve as railroad safety inspectors and specialists enforce federal safety standards, conduct inspections, investigate accidents, and help protect workers, communities, and the national rail network every day," AFGE Local 2814 President Scott Hoose said. "Ongoing recruitment and retention challenges at the FRA weaken the agency's ability to provide strong oversight. Addressing pay is a practical and necessary step toward building and sustaining the workforce required for effective safety enforcement."
Hoose thanked Senators Gary Peters and Jim Justice for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the legislation.
"By tackling compensation for these critical safety positions, the senators are taking meaningful action to help the FRA recruit and retain the skilled professionals essential to overseeing railroad safety across the country. Fair pay is vital to attracting experienced talent and keeping qualified inspectors and specialists in federal service, rather than losing them to higher-paying opportunities elsewhere," Hoose said.
"I appreciate the bipartisan approach shown by Senators Peters and Justice. Railroad safety is a shared priority that crosses party lines. AFGE Local 2814 looks forward to continued progress on this legislation and stands ready to support efforts that give the FRA the tools and personnel needed to keep America's railroads safe."
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/0cb7480685d74143a8f04f109cb9ad23.aspx
National Nurses United endorses Angie Nixon to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 23 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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National Nurses United endorses Angie Nixon to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate
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National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members, today announced its endorsement of Angie Nixon from Florida for the U.S. Senate. If elected, Nixon will join nurses in our fight to take on the billionaire class and deliver for workers, abolish ICE, and guarantee comprehensive health care through Medicare for All.
"Angie
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 23 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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National Nurses United endorses Angie Nixon to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate
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National Nurses United (NNU), the largest union of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members, today announced its endorsement of Angie Nixon from Florida for the U.S. Senate. If elected, Nixon will join nurses in our fight to take on the billionaire class and deliver for workers, abolish ICE, and guarantee comprehensive health care through Medicare for All.
"AngieNixon is a proven fighter, and the leader Floridians deserve," said NNU President Jamie Brown, RN. "In her role as state representative and union organizer, Angie took on corrupt billionaires and corporate-backed politicians to deliver strong workplace protections, access to healthy food, and affordable childcare. Nurses are ready to get to work to elect Angie so that together we can fight for progressive policy wins that will transform our health care system and build an economy that benefits all working people."
"I am honored to earn the support of National Nurses United, a union that has been on the front lines of the fight for bold, progressive change," said Angie Nixon. "Our nurses experience every day the failings of a health care system that puts profit over patients. Together with NNU, we will pass Medicare for All, take on the billionaire class, and abolish ICE."
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 Angie Nixon and working closely with her 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-angie-nixon-to-represent-florida-in-the-us-senate
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Betty McCollum for United States Congress
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
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Actors' Equity Association Endorses Betty McCollum for United States Congress
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Chicago - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Betty McCollum's reelection campaign for the United States House of Representatives (MN4), on behalf of more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Betty McCollum serves constituents in and around the Twin Cities, one of the most vibrant theatre markets in the country, and she knows the value
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Actors Equity Association issued the following news release:
* * *
Actors' Equity Association Endorses Betty McCollum for United States Congress
*
Chicago - Actors' Equity Association's National Council has voted to endorse Betty McCollum's reelection campaign for the United States House of Representatives (MN4), on behalf of more than 51,000 actors and stage managers working in live entertainment.
"Betty McCollum serves constituents in and around the Twin Cities, one of the most vibrant theatre markets in the country, and she knows the valuethe arts industry provides," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "As a member of the House's Interior Committee, she helps oversee public arts funding, and we are so excited to partner with her as she continues to advocate for policies that expand job opportunities for arts workers."
Rep. Betty McCollum said:
"I'm honored to receive the support of Actors' Equity Association in my re-election campaign in recognition of my support for safe, high-quality working conditions, good-paying jobs with strong benefits, and the right to collectively bargain for their members. As an Interior-Environment appropriator, I will continue working to protect and strengthen federal funding for the arts community so Actors' Equity Association members can continue to bring thrilling and captivating entertainment to audiences across the country to enjoy."
Equity's public policy priorities include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, stronger federal and state arts funding, a prevailing wage in the arts, a strong minimum wage, universal federal health care, tax fairness, racial justice, gun violence prevention and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
The move marks Equity's first endorsement for a political candidate in the state of Minnesota. Equity's ongoing list of 2026 candidate endorsements can be found here.
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
September 23, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/2026/09/23/actors-equity-association-endorses-betty-mccollum-for-united-states-congress
Teamsters Extend Picket Lines to Additional Coca-Cola Facilities
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Extend Picket Lines to Additional Coca-Cola Facilities
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(INDIANAPOLIS) - Teamsters at Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc. in Anderson, Ind., have extended their unfair labor practice (ULP) strike to additional company operations. Over 300 Teamsters in Akron, Toledo, and Twinsburg, Ohio, exercised their individual legal and contractual right to refuse to cross the extended picket line, effectively shutting down the company's Ohio operations.
"The company has been
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Extend Picket Lines to Additional Coca-Cola Facilities
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(INDIANAPOLIS) - Teamsters at Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc. in Anderson, Ind., have extended their unfair labor practice (ULP) strike to additional company operations. Over 300 Teamsters in Akron, Toledo, and Twinsburg, Ohio, exercised their individual legal and contractual right to refuse to cross the extended picket line, effectively shutting down the company's Ohio operations.
"The company has beenfailing to seriously bargain with our members, and we aren't going to stand for it," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "As long as management refuses to offer a fair contract, we will remain on the picket line. Teamsters around the country have Local 135's back, and these extended picket lines prove our solidarity is as strong as ever."
Nearly 50 drivers and merchandisers were forced to strike after the company failed to bargain in good faith. Local 135 members are demanding management come to the table to negotiate a fair contract with serious offers on wages, affordable health care, and with no unilateral changes to the status quo, including their lawful right to not cross or work behind a Teamsters picket line.
"These workers have made it clear that they won't settle for an agreement that does not respect what they are worth," said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135. "With the support of hundreds of their Teamsters brothers and sisters, our members are prepared to continue their work stoppage until they get a fair deal. Management needs to stop their games and get people back to work."
"Coca-Cola Consolidated continues to put unserious offers on the table," said Mark Morris a merchandiser at Coca-Cola Consolidated and member of Local 135. "They should be ashamed of the health care and short-term disability they provide workers. No one should have to come in while recovering from an injury. We will continue to strike until we get a fair deal."
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/teamsters-extend-picket-lines-to-additional-coca-cola-facilities/
National Nurses United endorses Justin Pearson for Tennessee's 9th District
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 22 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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National Nurses United endorses Justin Pearson for Tennessee's 9th 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, today announced its endorsement of Justin Pearson for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District. Pearson has spent his life fighting for justice for his community, including holding polluters and corporate-backed politicians accountable. If elected, he will bring that same bold leadership
... Show Full Article
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Sept. 22 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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National Nurses United endorses Justin Pearson for Tennessee's 9th 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, today announced its endorsement of Justin Pearson for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District. Pearson has spent his life fighting for justice for his community, including holding polluters and corporate-backed politicians accountable. If elected, he will bring that same bold leadershipto Congress.
"NNU is proud to endorse State Representative Justin Pearson for U.S. Congress," said NNU President Jamie Brown, RN. "Whether it is taking on oil companies threatening the water supply in Memphis, Trump-backed politicians who want to silence the Black vote through redistricting, or tech oligarchs building toxic data centers, Justin is ready to fight for his community. Nurses are ready to stand beside Justin to elect him to Congress."
"I am grateful and humbled by this endorsement from National Nurses United," said State Representative Justin Pearson. "My grandmothers worked in nursing so this profession is near and dear to my heart. I appreciate the vital care nurses provide and support NNU's work to strengthen safe patient staffing and patient-care protections. Like NNU, I support expanding Medicare to everyone and look forward to working with them to bring home the victory in November and make Medicare for All a reality."
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, guaranteeing comprehensive health care to everyone through Medicare for All, and the abolishment of ICE. 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 Pearson 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-justin-pearson-for-tennessees-9th-district
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 5 California Candidates for Election to U.S. House
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 5 California Candidates for Election to U.S. House
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AFGE says candidates will support federal employees and their vital work
LAKEWOOD, Calif. -The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of five candidates for election to the U.S. House representing California in the 2026 elections. The general election is Nov. 3.
The newly endorsed candidates are:
* Mike McGuire (CD-1), president
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 5 California Candidates for Election to U.S. House
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AFGE says candidates will support federal employees and their vital work
LAKEWOOD, Calif. -The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of five candidates for election to the U.S. House representing California in the 2026 elections. The general election is Nov. 3.
The newly endorsed candidates are:
* Mike McGuire (CD-1), presidentpro tempore of the California State Senate and the first rural Democratic leader to hold that post in more than a century.
* Dr. Richard Pan (CD-6), a pediatrician who secured $90 million in new federal funding for California's emergency responders and helped keep Sacramento's fire stations open during a budget crisis while representing the city in the California State Senate.
* Aisha Wahab (CD-14), a state senator who worked with AFGE Local 1260 to pass legislation protecting federal employees from eviction during government shutdowns.
* Jacqui Irwin (CD-26), former mayor of Thousand Oaks and member of the California State Assembly who chaired the assembly's Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
* Marni von Wilpert (CD-48), who served as counsel on the House Committee on Education and Labor and helped write the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
"AFGE needs candidates that support the vital work of federal employees and understand that our workplace rights are crucial in helping federal employees provide the best services to the country," said AFGE District 12 National Vice President Mario Campos. "Jacqui Irwin, Mike McGuire, Dr. Richard Pan, Aisha Wahab, and Marni von Wilpert will help lead the way in ensuring that federal employees are given the dignity and respect they deserve by members of Congress."
AFGE previously endorsed 39 current members of Congress for reelection to their seats representing California ahead of the statewide primary.
More than 255,000 federal employees live in California - caring for veterans, supporting the military, ensuring the safety of our food and air, 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 82,000 federal employees in District 12, which includes Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/7ba4d1e5820c4a3589b4b1c056ebdc1b.aspx
