Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
Featured Stories
Nurses demand Supreme Court put an end to attacks on patients' reproductive health care decisions
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 8 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Nurses demand Supreme Court put an end to attacks on patients' reproductive health care decisions
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As the legal battle continues over access to Mifepristone, commonly known as the abortion pill, National Nurses United (NNU), the nation's largest union of registered nurses, demands an end to what nurses say is "an all-out class war against health care for women." On May 4, the Supreme Court restored nationwide access to mifepristone by mail, pausing until at least May 11 a lower-court
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 8 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Nurses demand Supreme Court put an end to attacks on patients' reproductive health care decisions
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As the legal battle continues over access to Mifepristone, commonly known as the abortion pill, National Nurses United (NNU), the nation's largest union of registered nurses, demands an end to what nurses say is "an all-out class war against health care for women." On May 4, the Supreme Court restored nationwide access to mifepristone by mail, pausing until at least May 11 a lower-courtruling in Louisiana v. FDA that had restricted it.
In the following statement, continuing NNU's ongoing fight for reproductive health care justice, nurses demand that national access to mifepristone and all abortion services be restored long term :
"As patient advocates, nurses have an obligation to resist unjust laws that put the health and safety of our patients in jeopardy. Mifepristone has been proven safe and effective by hundreds of studies over the past 20 years, and we will not stand by and let individual states or the Supreme Court ignore that science. We will not accept a world in which our patients have no bodily autonomy and nurses have to fear for our patients' lives or for our own licenses and livelihoods because of the criminalization of scientifically proven, medically necessary care. As a union made up of predominantly women, we are both the patients and providers, and profoundly harmed by government interference in our personal medical decisions. Abortion is health care -period.
When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, health care decisions that were once made between our patients and their health care providers were put into the hands of individual states like Louisiana, where elected officials (who are not medical clinicians) pushed through strict abortion bans. But nurses know that making lifesaving health care illegal does not lessen our patients' need for that care. Because mifepristone was available to our patients through the mail, countless lives have been saved, including in states with restrictive abortion bans.
We will not allow elected officials in states like Louisiana to now claim they have somehow been harmed by our patients finding ways to continue to make their own private health care decisions. Nurses demand that when the Supreme Court's temporary stay ends on Monday, the court rule in the interest of saving lives across the United States. Mifepristone must remain accessible in the long term.
Further, nurses demand an end to the broader far-right project to advance an all-out class war on gender justice in health care. While we fight attacks on reproductive health care, we were appalled to see the Department of Justice recently issue more than 20 subpoenas to health care providers nationwide, demanding the private medical records of minor patients who have received gender affirming care. The medical evidence overwhelmingly supports the safety and efficacy of gender-affirming care, and elected officials with no medical background should not be making medical decisions.
Every person deserves to live in a healthy society, with Medicare for All and more. Nurses will continue fighting to demand elected officials focus on improving our patients' lives and access to health care, not on investing in warfare abroad, and in culture wars here at home to advance their own political careers."
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/nurses-demand-supreme-court-put-an-end-to-attacks-on-patients-reproductive-health-care
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Morgan McGarvey for Reelection to Congress
WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Morgan McGarvey for Reelection to Congress
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AFGE says McGarvey fights for working families and all Kentuckians
INDIANAPOLIS - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Rep. Morgan McGarvey for reelection to the U.S. House representing Kentucky's Third Congressional District in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is May 19, and the general election is Nov. 3.
A native
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WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Morgan McGarvey for Reelection to Congress
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AFGE says McGarvey fights for working families and all Kentuckians
INDIANAPOLIS - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Rep. Morgan McGarvey for reelection to the U.S. House representing Kentucky's Third Congressional District in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is May 19, and the general election is Nov. 3.
A nativeof Louisville, McGarvey earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and a law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law. He served as a special assistant attorney general in Kentucky among other jobs before being elected to the Kentucky State Senate in 2012. He was elected minority leader in 2018, becoming one of the youngest leaders in any state legislature, before launching his successful campaign for the U.S. House in 2022.
Rep. McGarvey fights for public education, organized labor, reproductive rights, and Kentucky's working families - while building relationships with his colleagues in both parties to pass legislation that helps and protects Kentuckians every day.
"AFGE has no better friend in Congress," AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott said. "Congressman McGarvey uses his role on House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to fight for a strong VA for our veterans and federal workers. On top of his 100% AFGE voting record, Congressman McGarvey always shows up for AFGE at rallies to drive support or just showing up to engage with our members at various events."
While serving in the state legislature, McGarvey wrote and passed 18 bills into law, including the first insurance mandate in state history to assist low-birthweight babies, laws to protect victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, and enabling Louisville's only historically Black college and university to lower tuition costs for its students and restart its teacher training program.
Nearly 35,000 federal employees live in Kentucky - 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 47,000 federal employees in District 6, which includes Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/c1dfd400f69a443b9a3b968e256a7af2.aspx
AFT's Weingarten on the Virginia Supreme Court's decision overturning redistricting referendum results
WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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AFT's Weingarten on the Virginia Supreme Court's decision overturning redistricting referendum results
AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement in response to the Virginia Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Commonwealth's April 21 special election on redistricting.
"The Virginia Supreme Court's decision puts politics over the will of the people. A vote cast by millions across the Commonwealth should supersede other redistricting efforts by state
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WASHINGTON, May 8 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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AFT's Weingarten on the Virginia Supreme Court's decision overturning redistricting referendum results
AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement in response to the Virginia Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Commonwealth's April 21 special election on redistricting.
"The Virginia Supreme Court's decision puts politics over the will of the people. A vote cast by millions across the Commonwealth should supersede other redistricting efforts by statelegislators. But here, when the voters decide to redistrict, they are told they can't by the very same court that allowed the issue to move forward. And when Republican-led state legislatures change the rules mid-election, even suspending elections or ignoring tornado warnings to disenfranchise Black voters, that's allowed. This is a signal that something is wrong in America. The people of this country should be allowed to decide who represents them, not a mid-decade gerrymander started by a president afraid that his policies are so unpopular he would lose a congressional majority."
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Original text here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/afts-weingarten-virginia-supreme-courts-decision-overturning-redistricting-referendum
UAW: Working-Class Voters Send One of Their Own to Lansing With Chedrick Greene Victory in Michigan's 35th Senate District
DETROIT, Michigan, May 7 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news:
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Working-Class Voters Send One of Their Own to Lansing with Chedrick Greene Victory in Michigan's 35th Senate District
Chedrick Greene has won the race for Michigan's 35th State Senate District, delivering a major victory for working families and strengthening pro-worker power in the Michigan Legislature.
Union members across the region mobilized in the final weeks of the campaign, with volunteers gathering at UAW Local 699 to knock doors and speak directly with fellow union members about the importance
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DETROIT, Michigan, May 7 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news:
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Working-Class Voters Send One of Their Own to Lansing with Chedrick Greene Victory in Michigan's 35th Senate District
Chedrick Greene has won the race for Michigan's 35th State Senate District, delivering a major victory for working families and strengthening pro-worker power in the Michigan Legislature.
Union members across the region mobilized in the final weeks of the campaign, with volunteers gathering at UAW Local 699 to knock doors and speak directly with fellow union members about the importanceof electing someone who understands working-class issues because they've lived them.
"This victory shows what happens when working-class people organize and show up," said Steve Dawes, UAW Region 1D Director. "Union members talked to their neighbors, their coworkers, and their communities because they know Chedrick Greene will be on the side of working people in Lansing. The working class sent one of our own to the State Senate."
Greene's victory is expected to reinforce labor-backed priorities in the Legislature, including protecting union jobs, expanding economic opportunity, and defending collective bargaining rights.
Supporters said the result sends a clear message that the working class is a decisive force in Michigan politics.
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Original text here: https://uaw.org/working-class-voters-send-one-of-their-own-to-lansing-with-chedrick-greene-victory-in-michigans-35th-senate-district/
[Category: Union]
TWU Activists Takes the Hill
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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TWU Activists Takes the Hill
More than 150 TWU activists and officers lobbied on Capitol Hill on May 5 to build support for federal legislation that would benefit union members and their families - including a bill that would allow all overtime earners to pay less in federal income taxes.
Teams of TWU members and officers from locals across the country swarmed through the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate office buildings for scheduled meetings as part of this year's
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WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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TWU Activists Takes the Hill
More than 150 TWU activists and officers lobbied on Capitol Hill on May 5 to build support for federal legislation that would benefit union members and their families - including a bill that would allow all overtime earners to pay less in federal income taxes.
Teams of TWU members and officers from locals across the country swarmed through the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate office buildings for scheduled meetings as part of this year'sthree-day Legislative & Committee on Political Education Conference. They were armed with talking points highlighting the merits of the "No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act." The legislation would extend eligibility for a new federal tax exemption pertaining to overtime income to an additional 3 million workers, including more than 100,000 TWU members.
"This is a top priority for us," TWU International President John Samuelsen said. "We are laser-focused on the economic security of our members, and this legislation would save working families thousands of dollars a year."
TWU International President John Samuelsen, (photo above, left) kicked off the conference by addressing participants. International Executive Vice President Alex Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer Jerome Lafragola, and Administrative Vice President Mike Mayes (photo above, right) joined TWU's member lobbyists on Capitol Hill. (Conference photos can be found on the TWU's Flickr page )
The One Big Beautiful Bill that Congress passed last year included a provision exempting hourly workers from paying federal income taxes on a portion of their overtime earnings: up to $12,500 for single filers and up to $25,000 for married couples filing jointly. This could mean up to $6,000 in savings. The portion of overtime earnings exempt from taxes is the premium: the "extra" half that is added to the base hourly rate. For someone with a base hourly rate of $30, the premium for one hour OT would be $15.
But the bill was poorly drafted. It relied on an outdated federal definition of overtime dating back to 1938. While most hourly workers qualify, the flawed language in the BBB excludes scores of workers in the airline, railroad, trucking, and delivery industries from eligibility for the benefit.
"It's extremely important that we talk to members of Congress and their staff, here in Washington and in their home districts," TWU International Executive Vice President Alex Garcia said. "This is why we need a strong COPE program with TWU members contributing and participating - so we can bring about changes that will improve their lives."
Congress members need to be educated and prodded, International Secretary-Treasurer Jerome Lafragola said.
"The only way you can get anyone to do anything in politics is to advocate on your behalf. Basically, you're educating elected officials on the issues that affect you and your daily work life and advocating for or against a certain action."
Before heading to the Hill, activists spend a full day attending workshops and informational presentations on all the TWU's top legislative priorities, as well as a discussion on labor and politics featuring President Samuelsen and Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania.
Legislative and COPE Conference is a joint event of the TWU Government Affairs Department and COPE.
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Original text here: https://www.twu.org/twu-activists-takes-the-hill/
NFFE Demands Congressional Action to Stop Dismantling of U.S. Forest Service
WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The National Federation of Federal Employees issued the following news release:
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NFFE Demands Congressional Action to Stop Dismantling of U.S. Forest Service
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Washington, D.C. - Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) sent a letter to Congress urging elected officials to uphold their oaths to the Constitution and prevent the dismantling of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
NFFE President Erwin sent the open letter in response to the Trump Administration's announcement of a so-called realignment plan, which is not only reckless,
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WASHINGTON, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The National Federation of Federal Employees issued the following news release:
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NFFE Demands Congressional Action to Stop Dismantling of U.S. Forest Service
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Washington, D.C. - Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) sent a letter to Congress urging elected officials to uphold their oaths to the Constitution and prevent the dismantling of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
NFFE President Erwin sent the open letter in response to the Trump Administration's announcement of a so-called realignment plan, which is not only reckless,but also illegal according to the FY 2026 appropriations law. The letter argues allowing the plan to be implemented amounts to Congress conceding that its laws, appropriations, and oversight responsibilities can be ignored at will.
"This dismantling creates a clear pathway for transferring federal lands to state and private control without the consent of Congress or the American people," the letter reads. "Federal stewardship ensures balanced use: conservation, recreation, and responsible economic activity.
"Make no mistake: If this 'reorganization' is carried out, that balance will be lost. The American public- your constituents -should expect:
* Reduced access to public lands, including favorite hunting and recreational areas
* Increased privatization and commercial exploitation of public assets
* Loss of protections for natural resources held in trust for future generations
"No administration has the authority to give away public assets. That authority rests with Congress and, ultimately, with the American people it serves."
The letter also illustrates how wildfire and emergency response will be hampered, as the ecosystem of support personnel will collapse due to the plan's workforce disruption. Costs to the American public will skyrocket as the agency will be forced to rely on expensive contractors and overstretched state and local cooperators.
NFFE is demanding that Congress:
* Immediately halt all reorganization activity until statutory notification and approval requirements are met.
* Conduct oversight hearings to determine the legal authority, funding sources, and impacts on congressionally mandated programs.
* Direct a Government Accountability Office investigation into the cost, legality, and workforce impact of this action.
* Refer potential violations of appropriations law and the Anti-Deficiency Act to the appropriate oversight bodies, including criminal referrals as needed.
"The bottom line is that Congress must do their jobs," said NFFE National President Erwin. "We view this as not just a policy disagreement that will result in the collapse of the Forest Service as we know it, but also a breach of the Constitution. President Trump is blatantly attempting to ignore the appropriations laws his own party passed. Congress must stand up for their authority and protect the public lands of the American people."
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Original text here: https://www.nffe.org/press-release/nffe-demands-congressional-action-to-stop-dismantling-of-u-s-forest-service/
ATU Applauds Governor Sherrill and New Jersey Department of Labor for Adopting Strong Worker Classification Regulations
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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ATU Applauds Governor Sherrill and New Jersey Department of Labor for Adopting Strong Worker Classification Regulations
New Jersey - New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development delivered a big victory for New Jersey workers in adopting new regulations clarifying the ABC test for determining worker classification, says the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) in applauding the move. The regulations, which take effect
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 7 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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ATU Applauds Governor Sherrill and New Jersey Department of Labor for Adopting Strong Worker Classification Regulations
New Jersey - New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development delivered a big victory for New Jersey workers in adopting new regulations clarifying the ABC test for determining worker classification, says the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) in applauding the move. The regulations, which take effectOctober 1, 2026, give workers and employers clear, enforceable standards for distinguishing between employees and independent contractors.
Worker misclassification is one of the most persistent forms of wage theft facing working people today. When employers deliberately label employees as independent contractors, workers lose access to unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, paid family leave, earned sick days, overtime protections, and the right to organize. These new regulations close the loopholes that bad-faith employers have long exploited to undercut both their workers and the law-abiding businesses that compete against them.
"For too long, companies have gotten away with calling workers independent contractors on paper while treating them like employees without any of the protections that come with that status," said ATU International President John Costa. "Governor Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Labor are putting workers first, and we applaud them for it. These regulations give working people the clarity and protections they deserve, and they send a clear message that misclassification will not be tolerated in New Jersey."
ATU represents over 10,000 transit workers across New Jersey and over 200,000 throughout North America. Our members are on the front lines of worker misclassification in the growing microtransit and paratransit sectors and know firsthand what's at stake when companies evade their legal responsibilities.
The new regulations build on decades of court decisions and synthesize guidance from the New Jersey Supreme Court, providing both businesses and workers with the clarity needed to apply the ABC test correctly from day one. The ATU is particularly encouraged that the regulations protect legitimate independent contractors while targeting the willful misclassification that has cost the state an estimated $500 million annually in lost payroll tax revenue.
"Workers are not a line item. They're the backbone of every transit system in this country, and they deserve every protection the law can offer," Costa said.
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Original text here: https://www.atu.org/media/press/2026/atu-applauds-governor-sherrill-and-new-jersey-department-of-labor-for-adopting-strong-worker-classification-regulations
