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Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television & Radio Artists: TAKE IT DOWN Act Notice-and-Removal Obligations Now Effective
LOS ANGELES, California, May 20 -- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued the following news release:
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TAKE IT DOWN Act Notice-and-Removal Obligations Now Effective
SAG-AFTRA and Partners Unite to Continue the Fight Against Nonconsensual Digital Replication and Urge Passage of the NO FAKES Act
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With the TAKE IT DOWN Act's notice-and-removal protections now in effect, SAG-AFTRA, American Medical Association, Artist Rights Alliance, Association of Talent Agents, Black Music Action Coalition, Center for Countering Digital Hate, Creative
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, May 20 -- The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) issued the following news release:
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TAKE IT DOWN Act Notice-and-Removal Obligations Now Effective
SAG-AFTRA and Partners Unite to Continue the Fight Against Nonconsensual Digital Replication and Urge Passage of the NO FAKES Act
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With the TAKE IT DOWN Act's notice-and-removal protections now in effect, SAG-AFTRA, American Medical Association, Artist Rights Alliance, Association of Talent Agents, Black Music Action Coalition, Center for Countering Digital Hate, CreativeArtists Agency, Deep Media, Human Artistry Campaign, Loti AI, Motion Picture Association, Music Artists Coalition, National Association of Voice Actors, Recording Industry Association of America, Songwriters of North America, Surreal AI, SuperBam, Survivors & Tech Solving Image Based Sexual Abuse, United Talent Agency, Vermillio and William Morris Endeavor, have united to celebrate this critical milestone in the fight against nonconsensual digital replication and to urge Congress to continue its work.
Enacted on May 19, 2025, the TAKE IT DOWN Act required covered platforms to establish a process through which an identifiable individual can request removal of a nonconsensual intimate visual depiction. Upon receiving a valid request, the platform must remove the content within 48 hours and make reasonable efforts to identify and remove known identical copies. Those removal obligations became effective today.
Effective enforcement of notice and takedown frameworks depends on the ability to surface violative content as it emerges. While the TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes critical removal obligations, the act of identifying nonconsensual imagery, unauthorized digital replicas and related harms across all layers of the web remains a significant challenge for victims and rightsholders. Advances in AI now make it possible to proactively surface a wide range of harmful content, strengthening the impact of notice-based regimes and reducing the burden on individuals.
This marks an important step forward for victims of nonconsensual intimate imagery and AI-generated sexual deepfakes. However, the harms of nonconsensual digital replication extend far beyond sexualized content.
SAG-AFTRA and partners urge Congress to build on the foundation started by TAKE IT DOWN by passing the NO FAKES Act. The legislation expands the protections against Non-Consensual Intimate Images (NCII) to include instances of fraud, commercial misappropriation and performance replacement. Under the No Fakes Act, online services receiving qualifying notice must remove or disable access to unauthorized digital replicas as soon as technically and practically feasible, address matching re-uploads and notify right holders and uploaders.
There is a growing group of companies focused on technology solutions for voice and likeness protection and we believe this can be done. NCII detection, monitoring, and takedown systems demonstrate that scalable identification and enforcement of these harms is both technically feasible and already underway.
The urgency to take further action is growing. Unauthorized replicas are being used for scams, exploitation, false endorsements and the replacement of human performance. Every day without effective notice and takedown remedies puts victims, medical professionals, performers, creators and consumers at risk and in danger, particularly when harmful content remains undiscovered and allowed to spread across fragmented online ecosystems.
"Today we celebrate a landmark victory. For the public and for our members at SAG-AFTRA, this is a powerful safeguard against one of the most dangerous threats posed by artificial intelligence. We are grateful to every coalition partner who fought alongside us to reach this moment. As the trillion-dollar tech industry sharpens its attack on consumers, workers and the public at large, we must take the next giant policy leap to protect our lives and our interests. We must immediately pass the No Fakes Act to enshrine into law our individual right to our voice, image and likeness," said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin.
"The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a crucial first step, but it is only the beginning. Congress must enact the NO FAKES Act to close the gaps that leave performers, creators and all of us vulnerable to fraud, exploitation and unauthorized performance replacement. Every day we delay is another day abusers exploit these loopholes. The time to take the next step is now," said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.
"The American Medical Association urges Congress to act quickly to establish strong safeguards against AI-generated impersonations of physicians. This threat is no longer theoretical. Scammers and bad actors currently use deepfake technology to prey on patients, promote dangerous or unproven treatments, and damage physician credibility. Without clear federal protections and accountability, these deceptive and fraudulent practices will continue to erode public confidence in healthcare and put patient safety at risk," said American Medical Association Chief Executive Officer John Whyte, MD, MPH.
"As the helpful tools of the TAKE IT DOWN Act go into effect, we look forward to the next step in the battle against unauthorized deep fakes: enactment of the NO FAKES Act. The Artist Rights Alliance stands ready to fight alongside our partner organizations and Capitol Hill allies for swift passage of NO FAKES, a critical bill that will stop the scourge of exploitative digital replicas and protect individuals from predatory AI practices," said Artist Rights Alliance Executive Director Jen Jacobsen.
"The May 19th effective date for the TAKE IT DOWN Act's notice-and-removal obligations is a landmark victory for the artists our members represent and the integrity of the entertainment industry. For too long, digital predators have used nonconsensual deepfakes to harass and exploit talent, leaving victims with little recourse as their images proliferated across the web. By mandating that platforms remove this harmful content within 48 hours, we are finally putting a stop to the 'delay and devastate' cycle that has traumatized so many. Ultimately, we must continue this momentum to urge passing the federal NO FAKES Act which is so vital for protecting the livelihoods of artist/creators everywhere," said Association of Talent Agents President Stuart K Robinson.
"Passing the TAKE IT DOWN Act sends an important message that privacy, identity, and human dignity still matter in the digital age. But this moment also exposes how much further we still have to go. The same technology capable of creating opportunity is also being used to exploit people, replicate artists without consent, and profit from deception at scale. We cannot keep reacting after the damage is done. We need laws that match the speed and reality of this moment. That means moving aggressively toward stronger protections for creators, performers, and consumers before the line between what's real and what's manufactured disappears completely," said Black Music Action Coalition Co-Founder, President and CEO Willie "Prophet" Stiggers.
"The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a strong first step in protecting against AI-enabled abuse, but Americans still lack full protection against AI-enabled impersonation and fraud. CCDH research shows Meta is allowing shocking deepfakes of beloved public figures like Oprah to trick seniors into clicking on scams. Not only do individuals deserve to control their own likeness, users should be able to trust the images appearing in their feeds. Congress needs to pass the No FAKES Act to give people meaningful control over their identity and protect consumers from the growing wave of deception," said Center for Countering Digital Hate CEO and Founder Imran Ahmed.
"CAA stands firmly alongside SAG-AFTRA and our industry partners in celebrating the implementation of the TAKE IT DOWN Act's vital protections. This milestone represents a meaningful advancement in safeguarding the rights of artists against the misuse of their identities and bodies of work. However, as technology evolves, so do the threats, and the passage of the NO FAKES Act is essential to address the broader spectrum of consequences caused by nonconsensual digital replication. We urge Congress to move swiftly to put strong protections in place to protect artists from unauthorized use of their image and work," said Creative Artists Agency CEO and Co-Chairman Bryan Lourd.
"Frameworks like the TAKE IT DOWN Act are a massive victory. However, the challenge remains that rightsholders and individuals have to find the violations themselves. This forces performers, creators, and everyday people to repeatedly hunt down their own stolen likenesses - a process many find traumatic and revictimizing. At Deep Media, we focus on proactive detection to stop this cycle. Our AI identifies digital harms automatically, preventing the secondary trauma suffered by victims needing to continuously rediscover their own stolen content. If the NO FAKES Act is going to fulfill its promise, policymakers must pair these powerful legal tools with robust proactive detection infrastructure," said Deep Media Vice President of Product Ally Madrone.
"As creators our voice and likeness are vital parts of our craft, our careers and the foundation on which we connect with others. The direct impact of rising harmful AI deepfakes forces a need to expand guardrails with real solutions, adding to the TAKE IT DOWN Act. That's why the Human Artistry Campaign has long advocated alongside a growing coalition pushing for the NO FAKES Act, which would give all individuals a right to these core qualities only they deserve to have. With bipartisan support in both the Senate and House, we strongly believe this legislation can and should move forward now," said Human Artistry Campaign Senior Advisor Dr. Moiya McTier.
"The TAKE IT DOWN Act was a good start, but it's clear that the threats on digital likeness go much further than its scope and the technology for creating them has improved dramatically since it was passed. We're now at a point where creators, platforms, agencies and policymakers are all starting to recognize the same missing protections. The NO FAKES Act is the crucial next step in creating clear rules and real enforcement that people can rely on when their likeness is used without permission," said Loti AI CEO and Founder Luke Arrigoni.
"The Motion Picture Association continues to support the NO FAKES Act, which thoughtfully establishes federal protections against abusive and deceptive uses of digital replicas while respecting creators' First Amendment rights and freedoms," said Motion Picture Association President and CEO Charlie Rivkin.
"TAKE IT DOWN works. NO FAKES will work too. Let's pass it before another artist wakes up to find their voice for sale without their permission," said Music Artists Coalition Executive Director Ron Gubitz.
"The implementation of the TAKE IT DOWN Act is a major victory and an encouraging sign that Congress is taking the harms of unauthorized AI-generated content seriously. It shows that meaningful protections are possible and that platforms can act quickly when people are being exploited online. For the voice acting community, the NO FAKES Act is the critical next step. NAVA strongly supports passing this legislation that gives performers and everyday individuals the ability to protect their voices, likenesses and identities from unauthorized AI replication. As these technologies rapidly evolve, we need clear federal protections that put consent, transparency and human creativity first," said National Association of Voice Actors President and Co-Founder Tim Friedlander.
"The TAKE IT DOWN Act importantly recognized the urgency of removing nonconsensual digital replicas as a vital protection for Americans. We applaud that foundational notion garnering broad support in Congress, from the Administration, creative communities, child protection groups and tech. And now with the same alignment and fervor, it is time to pass the NO FAKES Act. This landmark legislation builds on voice and likeness safeguards against all AI deepfakes and clones while offering real action when those rights are violated, without inhibiting innovation," said Recording Industry Association of America Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier.
"SONA is proud to stand alongside this coalition at a moment of real progress. The TAKE IT DOWN Act lays important groundwork, and the NO FAKES Act is critical to ensure creators have clear, enforceable rights against unauthorized digital replication as these technologies continue to evolve," said Songwriters of North America Attorney, Co-founder and Board Member Dina LaPolt.
"At SuperBam, we've spent nearly a decade protecting creators' intellectual property rights. As AI has rapidly reshaped the media landscape, the tools available to creators and consumers to manage and understand distributed content have failed to keep pace. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is an important first step for copyright and likeness rights holders. Congress must now advance the NO FAKES Act to ensure platforms are accountable in the age of AI," said SuperBam CEO and Founder Rian Bosak.
"The implementation of the TAKE IT DOWN Act marks a critical shift from awareness to enforceable protection. Survivors of image-based sexual abuse should not bear the burden of endlessly tracking and reporting their abuse online. Effective notice-and-removal systems, paired with proactive detection technologies, are essential to preventing ongoing revictimization in the digital age. At STISA, we believe this milestone is an important foundation and urgently needed to address the full spectrum of nonconsensual digital replication," said Survivors & Tech Solving Image Based Sexual Abuse Co-Founder and General Manager Caroline Humer.
"We need to protect our clients' rights, livelihoods and creative identities as AI and digital replication technologies continue to evolve. UTA believes that innovation and consent must go hand in hand. We're proud to stand alongside this coalition in support of the NO FAKES Act, which represents an important step toward establishing meaningful, enforceable protections against exploitation, fraud and the unauthorized use of voices, likenesses and performances," said United Talent Agency CEO David Kramer.
"Right now, AI companies, social media companies, and scammers are profiting from unauthorized use of music artists', creators', and everyday people's voices and faces without authorization or compensation. The NO FAKES Act builds on the TAKE IT DOWN law and establishes what should be obvious: your identity is yours to control. We need nationwide likeness protection that sets the terms for the people, not the platforms," said Vermillio Co-Founder and CEO Dan Neely.
"AI can create incredible opportunities for artists and audiences alike, but protections have to keep pace with the technology. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is essential in protecting our clients and the public from harmful and exploitative content online. The next important step is passing the NO FAKES Act to safeguard our clients' voice, likeness, and identity in the age of AI. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership on these issues and look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers as this conversation moves forward," said William Morris Endeavor Co-Chairman Christian Muirhead.
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About SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.
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Original text here: https://www.sagaftra.org/take-it-down-act-notice-and-removal-obligations-now-effective
[Category: Union]
NALC launches learning management system
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO National Association of Letter Carriers issued the following news:
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NALC launches learning management system
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NALC is excited to announce the launch of a new online learning management system (LMS) designed to deliver training to union representatives and members across the country. As explained in the March edition of The Postal Record, NALC has been developing the LMS in conjunction with Vocalmeet, a company that helps organizations like NALC build online education programs.
In addition to the development of the LMS, NALC has also
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO National Association of Letter Carriers issued the following news:
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NALC launches learning management system
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NALC is excited to announce the launch of a new online learning management system (LMS) designed to deliver training to union representatives and members across the country. As explained in the March edition of The Postal Record, NALC has been developing the LMS in conjunction with Vocalmeet, a company that helps organizations like NALC build online education programs.
In addition to the development of the LMS, NALC has alsobeen working on the creation of a standardized Informal Step A Training program to help shop stewards represent members on the workroom floor. The modules created for this program vary in length from 15 to 60 minutes and cover a variety of subjects NALC members and union representatives will find helpful. These modules include:
* National Agreement modules, which explain the articles of the contract. Some are covered in multiple modules.
* How to Grieve modules, which explain how to take the contractual language and file a successful grievance.
* Grievance Procedure modules, which explain how a steward can use the grievance-arbitration process effectively.
* General Education modules, which include other subjects a shop steward may need to be effective in their job.
The nationwide rollout of the LMS begins May 19 and will continue until every member is able to log in and begin taking these classes. Access to the LMS will be turned on by region based on the following schedule:
* Tuesday, May 19-Regions 4, 11 and 12
* Tuesday, May 26-Regions 6, 8 and 15
* Tuesday, June 2-Regions 2, 5 and 9
* Tuesday, June 9-Regions 1 and 3
* Tuesday, June 16-Regions 7, 10, 13 and 14
Once access to the LMS is added for your region, you can enter by first logging into the Members Only portal of the NALC website. Once you log into Members Only, the LMS is found in the Members Menu. Simply bring up the menu on your device and select "Learning Management System" from the drop-down menu. You will be automatically directed to the LMS website, where you can view all the modules available and begin taking classes.
Starting July 1, NALC will begin adding new modules every two weeks, so members should log in regularly to view the new content.
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Original text here: https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/nalc-launches-learning-management-system
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Rob Bresnahan and Brian Fitzpatrick for Reelection to Congress
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Rob Bresnahan and Brian Fitzpatrick for Reelection to Congress
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AFGE says Bresnahan and Fitzpatrick always stand with federal workers
CORAOPOLIS, Pa. - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Reps. Rob Bresnahan and Brian Fitzpatrick for reelection to the U.S. House representing Pennsylvania in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is today, May 19, and the general election
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Rob Bresnahan and Brian Fitzpatrick for Reelection to Congress
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AFGE says Bresnahan and Fitzpatrick always stand with federal workers
CORAOPOLIS, Pa. - The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Reps. Rob Bresnahan and Brian Fitzpatrick for reelection to the U.S. House representing Pennsylvania in the 2026 elections. The statewide primary is today, May 19, and the general electionis Nov. 3.
Rob Bresnahan, 8 th Congressional District
Rep. Rob Bresnahan represents Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District, home to Tobyhanna Army Depot and thousands of federal workers across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since taking office, he has emerged as one of the most active freshman Republicans in Congress on federal workforce issues, spearheading the discharge petition that forced a House floor vote on the Protect America's Workforce Act to restore federal collective bargaining rights, voting to pass the bill, and co-leading the Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act to bring correctional officer pay in line with other federal law enforcement agencies.
"Rob Bresnahan took a courageous stand to defend federal collective bargaining and has fought every day for the pay and dignity of correctional officers, VA staff, SSA workers, and TSOs across our region. That's why AFGE named him Outstanding New Member of Congress at our 2026 Legislative Conference," AFGE District 3 National Vice President Phil Glover said. "AFGE District 3 is proud to endorse him for re-election."
The endorsement reflects Bresnahan's record on the issues that matter most to AFGE members in Northeastern Pennsylvania: leading legislation to correct Wage Grade pay at Tobyhanna Army Depot, advancing a 35 percent pay raise for Bureau of Prisons employees at USP Canaan, pushing for better staffing at VA and SSA, and opposing TSA privatization in Scranton. Bresnahan also was an original cosponsor of the House version of the Shutdown Fairness Act to ensure federal workers are paid during government shutdowns.
Brian Fitzpatrick, 1 st Congressional District
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick represents Pennsylvania's First Congressional District and co-chairs the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, where he has emerged as one of the leading Republican voices in Congress for America's federal workforce. A former FBI agent who knows firsthand what public service demands, Fitzpatrick introduced the Protect America's Workforce Act to restore federal collective bargaining rights after the Trump administration's executive order stripped them away, and he was the first member to sign the discharge petition that forced a House floor vote.
"When the Trump administration came after federal collective bargaining rights, Brian Fitzpatrick didn't flinch. He introduced HR 2550 to restore them and was the first to sign the discharge petition to force a vote. He has consistently championed the FAIR Act, the Saving the Civil Service Act, and the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to defend the pay and dignity of every federal worker," AFGE District 3 National Vice President Phil Glover said. "AFGE is proud to endorse Brian Fitzpatrick for reelection, and we're going to send him back to Washington to keep fighting alongside us."
The endorsement reflects Fitzpatrick's record across the federal workforce agenda. He has long championed the FAIR Act to deliver a real pay raise for federal employees, cosponsored the Saving the Civil Service Act to block Schedule F, and cosponsored the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to secure TSOs the contract protections they have earned. Fitzpatrick also is an original cosponsor of the House version of the Shutdown Fairness Act, which guarantees federal workers are paid during government shutdowns. Congressman Fitzpatrick was honored at AFGE's 2026 Legislative Conference with the Outstanding Dedication to Federal Employees award.
More than 66,000 federal employees live in Pennsylvania - 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 33,000 federal employees in District 3, which includes Delaware and Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/8e052c2111154cda8036c62b34be9cc8.aspx
Governor Spanberger Double Crosses Workers with Veto of Bargaining Rights Bill
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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Governor Spanberger Double Crosses Workers with Veto of Bargaining Rights Bill
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The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) is slamming Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for vetoing historic legislation which would have given half a million public workers in Virginia, including over 1,000 mass transit workers, the right to unionize.
"While on the campaign trail, Governor Spanberger invoked her grandfather's union membership to claim that she was one of us. She has
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO Amalgamated Transit Union issued the following news release:
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Governor Spanberger Double Crosses Workers with Veto of Bargaining Rights Bill
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The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) is slamming Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for vetoing historic legislation which would have given half a million public workers in Virginia, including over 1,000 mass transit workers, the right to unionize.
"While on the campaign trail, Governor Spanberger invoked her grandfather's union membership to claim that she was one of us. She hassince shown us her true colors. When it really counted, history will reflect that Governor Spanberger stabbed us in the back," said ATU International President John Costa. "The Governor had an opportunity to repudiate union-busting in Virginia by passing this legislation and giving workers and their unions a foothold where there was none before. Instead, she has shamefully shown that when the choice has to be made, she will not hesitate to double-cross us."
In multiple jurisdictions across Virginia, supermajorities of transit workers have signed union cards to join the ATU, but their local governments have refused to honor their will to join a union. The Governor had a chance to right this wrong and guarantee these hard-working public servants the same union rights that millions of other workers across the country enjoy.
Governor Spanberger claimed in bad faith that the collective bargaining bill went too far and didn't accommodate the concerns of a group of mayors who have always opposed union rights. If she was truly interested in promoting a collaborative bill, however, she would have worked with the legislature and raised her concerns during the drafting process. Instead, she withheld such feedback, and after the legislature moved the bill forward, she chose to gut the measure by sending back a weak substitute bill to the legislature.
The ATU applauds the rest of the Democratic caucus for fighting to bring this legislation to the Governor's desk in the first place, particularly co-sponsors Senator Surovell and Delegate Tran. "Spanberger's veto is a setback to these unorganized workers who currently have few rights on the job," Costa continued. "This will not be the end of this saga. However, the ATU and the rest of the labor movement will continue to organize and fight for union rights in the Commonwealth of Virginia."
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Original text here: https://www.atu.org/media/press/2026/governor-spanberger-double-crosses-workers-with-veto-of-bargaining-rights-bill
Coca-Cola Teamsters Ratify Strong New Agreement
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Coca-Cola Teamsters Ratify Strong New Agreement
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(ST. LOUIS) - A group of over 35 workers at Heartland Coca-Cola have voted by an overwhelming 90 percent margin to ratify a new agreement. The service equipment workers are represented by Teamsters Local 688.
"This new agreement is a big win for these workers," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Coca-Cola Teamsters Ratify Strong New Agreement
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Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org
(ST. LOUIS) - A group of over 35 workers at Heartland Coca-Cola have voted by an overwhelming 90 percent margin to ratify a new agreement. The service equipment workers are represented by Teamsters Local 688.
"This new agreement is a big win for these workers," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference."The strong improvements highlight the power of our members when their solidarity is strong and they're ready to fight. They should be proud of the gains they have won."
The five-year agreement delivers an 18 percent wage increase, lowers health care costs, and protects retiree health care. The contract also ensures that workers receive a doubled shift differential.
"I am proud of the commitment our staff and the rank-and-file negotiating committee put into securing this contract. It was only through their collective voice at the bargaining table that they were able to win this agreement," said Chris Tongay, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 688.
"This is a solid contract that contains the highest annual raises in my 28 years at this company," said Steve Stock, chief shop steward and a service technician at Heartland Coca-Cola. "We knew what we wanted and negotiations were productive and quick. Our nearly unanimous vote shows overwhelming support for this contract that honors our hard work."
Teamsters Local 688 represents workers in the St. Louis area. Their mission is to negotiate member benefits and compensation, oversee workplace safety, and fairly arbitrate disputes in the workplace to maintain member satisfaction.For more information, go to 688online.org.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/05/coca-cola-teamsters-ratify-strong-new-agreement/
BLET Teamsters & Union Coalition Win Historic Strike at LIRR
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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BLET Teamsters & Union Coalition Win Historic Strike at LIRR
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(NEW YORK) - Teamsters with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and their union coalition have reached a tentative agreement with Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to end the carrier's first strike in over three decades. The agreement provides workers with raises that maintain their standard of living while strengthening work rules and improving benefits.
"BLET Teamsters and their brothers
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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BLET Teamsters & Union Coalition Win Historic Strike at LIRR
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(NEW YORK) - Teamsters with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and their union coalition have reached a tentative agreement with Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to end the carrier's first strike in over three decades. The agreement provides workers with raises that maintain their standard of living while strengthening work rules and improving benefits.
"BLET Teamsters and their brothersand sisters across four other unions just showed this entire country what worker solidarity looks like in action," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "These union railroaders made it clear from the start they would not accept a deal that shortchanged them and undercut their standard of living. For three long days they bravely withheld their labor on picket lines across the New York metropolitan area. Every worker in America is reminded of what can be achieved through courage and conviction to fight for a better way of life."
Thousands of workers from five unions were forced to strike by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) refusal to offer them a fair contract. BLET Teamsters and their coalition partners set up picket lines at major LIRR hubs immediately after midnight on Saturday, May 16.
"This victory was won by union members who stood their ground and refused to be pushed around," said Mark Wallace, President of the BLET and the Teamsters Rail Conference. "Our coalition showed the MTA that railroad workers will fight for the respect, pay, and protections we've earned. Their unity and determination forced this railroad to finally deliver a fair agreement."
"BLET Teamsters and our coalition brothers and sisters made countless sacrifices as we bargained in good faith for a new agreement. After years of negotiations, we've finally received an agreement that reflects the value our members bring to this railroad," said Kevin Sexton, Vice President of the BLET. "It is heartbreaking that the MTA made our communities and our passengers pay the price for their mismanagement. We thank the people of New York for their patience and support."
The coalition spent years bargaining with the MTA for a new agreement. The process included two Presidential Emergency Boards that ruled in favor of the unions. In that time, workers went without raises as inflation ate away their standard of living.
"We are pleased to see this strike come to a close. BLET Teamsters and our coalition did everything in our power to avoid going to the picket line. But the MTA and the LIRR left us with no other option," said Gil Lang, General Chairman of the BLET's LIRR General Committee. "It's hard to describe how proud I am of my brothers and sisters for sticking together to win this fight. Our entire coalition displayed an unmatched level of solidarity. And we now have a fair agreement to show for it."
The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in America, with 300,000 daily passengers. The Teamsters represent over 500 of the LIRR's locomotive engineers.
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/2026/05/blet-teamsters-union-coalition-win-historic-strike-at-lirr/
AFT's Weingarten Slams Fake 'Freedom Foundation' Report
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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AFT's Weingarten Slams Fake 'Freedom Foundation' Report
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AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement exposing an error-riddled document from a far-right activist group released today:
"The so-called Freedom Foundation has spent decades collecting tens of millions of dollars in dark money to attack teachers and their unions. These extremists, funded by undisclosed and unaccountable billionaires, have one mission-to silence the voice of workers.
"Today,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 19 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Teachers issued the following news release:
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AFT's Weingarten Slams Fake 'Freedom Foundation' Report
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AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement exposing an error-riddled document from a far-right activist group released today:
"The so-called Freedom Foundation has spent decades collecting tens of millions of dollars in dark money to attack teachers and their unions. These extremists, funded by undisclosed and unaccountable billionaires, have one mission-to silence the voice of workers.
"Today,they published a purported analysis of union expenses that is so wrong on the facts as to be embarrassing even for them. They claim that legal fees for a 2024 court case in New Hampshire defending teachers' right to teach and students' right to learn are somehow related to my book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, published last year. They flagrantly misrepresent the duties of a communications consultant for the union. They decline to acknowledge that all proceeds from the book are shared equally with the AFT. For the Freedom Foundation, the truth is no obstacle-the only thing I'm surprised about is that it took them so long.
"Educators need people making the public case for them and for the essential work public schools do to prepare our students for their lives and the nation they will inherit. This group trashes those values every day-and then attacks us for fighting back.
"The Freedom Foundation, by embarking on this fact-free fishing expedition eight months after the book's release, with a shameless assist from another anti-union, anti-teacher vehicle, the New York Post, has only proven the need for the ongoing, vigorous defense of educators, public education and democracy-and that Fascists Fear Teachers."
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Original text here: https://www.aft.org/press-release/afts-weingarten-slams-fake-freedom-foundation-report
