Unions
Here's a look at documents from unions
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CommonSpirit Health named to 'Dirty Dozen' list of employers that put profits over safety
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 22 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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CommonSpirit Health named to 'Dirty Dozen' list of employers that put profits over safety
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Today CommonSpirit Health has been named to the " Dirty Dozen 2026 " list by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), a national organization dedicated to strengthening workplace health and safety. The annual list from NCOSH names 12 companies whose disturbing disregard for safety includes repeated and serious violations of workplace safety laws and a history
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 22 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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CommonSpirit Health named to 'Dirty Dozen' list of employers that put profits over safety
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Today CommonSpirit Health has been named to the " Dirty Dozen 2026 " list by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), a national organization dedicated to strengthening workplace health and safety. The annual list from NCOSH names 12 companies whose disturbing disregard for safety includes repeated and serious violations of workplace safety laws and a historyof ignoring known hazards.
CommonSpirit registered nurses represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) call for urgent changes at the Catholic hospital chain after its inclusion on NCOSH's annual and infamous list. Among nurses' most pressing concerns are unsafe staffing, workplace violence, and aggressive anti-union tactics that undermine patient care and worker safety.
Nurses say CommonSpirit Health is betraying its mission of "improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable," by refusing to address nurses' concerns and prioritizing profits before patients. The nonprofit health system reported more than $1 billion in profits in 2025 and paid its former and current CEOs a combined $36.6 million in 2024.
"It is devastating that CommonSpirit is on the Dirty Dozen list, but it confirms what we are seeing at our St. Joseph Health hospitals in Brazos Valley, Texas," said Evan Epps, RN in the critical care unit at St. Joseph Health College Hospital in College Station. "Security is inadequate and puts our patients and our nurses at risk. We also have ongoing fruit fly and fly infestations. This is unsanitary and completely unacceptable."
Nurses from California to Texas have raised their concerns about workplace violence at CommonSpirit facilities. In addition, OSHA records show a pattern of safety failures at CommonSpirit-affiliated facilities, including dozens of confirmed violations in California and Nevada for a lack of respiratory protection, formaldehyde exposure hazards at a Houston hospital, and failures to protect workers from chemical and other hazards in Seattle.
In December 2025, nurses voted to join NNOC in response to troubling conditions at CommonSpirit hospitals in Texas, including five St. Joseph Health facilities in Brazos Valley: St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital in Bryan and St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital in College Station and three critical access facilities -St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital in Caldwell, St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital in Navasota, and St. Joseph Health Madison Hospital in Madisonville. The nurses just began bargaining for their first contract.
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/commonspirit-health-named-to-dirty-dozen-list-of-employers-that-put-profits-over-safety
Wichita nurses announce plan to picket on May 1 for patient safety and safe staffing
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 22 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Wichita nurses announce plan to picket on May 1 for patient safety and safe staffing
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Nurses at Ascension Via Christi St Francis and St Joseph in Wichita, Kan., gave notice to their employer on April 21 that they will hold an informational picket on May 1 to protest the administration's refusal to address RNs' deep concerns about patient care and safe staffing, announced National Nurses Organizing Committee//National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU).
Despite making historic gains
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 22 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Wichita nurses announce plan to picket on May 1 for patient safety and safe staffing
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Nurses at Ascension Via Christi St Francis and St Joseph in Wichita, Kan., gave notice to their employer on April 21 that they will hold an informational picket on May 1 to protest the administration's refusal to address RNs' deep concerns about patient care and safe staffing, announced National Nurses Organizing Committee//National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU).
Despite making historic gainsin their first contract, nurses at Ascension continue to see unsafe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and preventable security lapses during an era of increasing risks for health care workers.
Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and St. Joseph nurses have been in negotiations since March for a new contract with little to no movement on key issues. The RNs urge management to invest in nursing staff and agree to a contract that provides:
* RN-to-patient staffing improvements
* Security infrastructure to protect patients and staff
* Nurse unity across Wichita
"Many of our units are understaffed most shifts," said Brooke Oberly, RN in the oncology unit at St Francis. "Ascension must do more to staff the hospital."
Who: Registered nurses at Ascension Via Christi St Francis and St Joseph
What: Informational picket for patient safety and a fair contract
When: Friday, May 1, 8 a.m.
Where: St. Francis Hospital, public sidewalk on Murdock and St. Francis streets
"The hospital must do more to protect patients and staff. Dangerous weapons find their way into the hospital all the time," said Carol Samsel, RN in the critical care unit at St. Joseph. "This month, a live grenade was found in a patient room. We need a weapons detection system now."
NNOC represents more than 1,200 nurses at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and St. Joseph.
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/wichita-nurses-announce-plan-to-picket-for-patient-safety-and-safe-staffing
Air Ambulance Crews in Nevada and California Unionize with the TWU
WASHINGTON, April 22 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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Air Ambulance Crews in Nevada and California Unionize with the TWU
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Flight nurses and flight paramedics who carry out dramatic high-risk rescues in northern Nevada and California voted overwhelmingly today, April 22, 2026, to join the Transport Workers Union of America. (photo attached)
The air ambulance crews - who respond by helicopter and small plane to medical emergencies in remote, hard-to-reach areas, including alpine ski trails and desert highways - said they decided
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WASHINGTON, April 22 [Category: Union] -- The Transport Workers Union of America issued the following news release:
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Air Ambulance Crews in Nevada and California Unionize with the TWU
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Flight nurses and flight paramedics who carry out dramatic high-risk rescues in northern Nevada and California voted overwhelmingly today, April 22, 2026, to join the Transport Workers Union of America. (photo attached)
The air ambulance crews - who respond by helicopter and small plane to medical emergencies in remote, hard-to-reach areas, including alpine ski trails and desert highways - said they decidedto unionize to seek better pay, benefits, and respect from their employer, REMSA Health.
"These critical first responders no longer have to fight their callous and dismissive bean-counting bosses alone," Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen said. "The 165,000-member-strong TWU will fully engage to help them secure a first contract that improves their lives and livelihoods."
One flight nurse said the emergency responders saw unionizing as the only way to get management to listen to them.
"We have been ignored when it comes to any executive-level decision making on things that directly affect us and the patients that we care for," the nurse said. "We have had zero say."
The flight nurses and flight paramedics have grown increasingly frustrated that their compensation and benefits do not reflect the level of responsibility, risk, and experience required for the job. In many cases, their benefits even fall short of what other employees in the same organization receive, despite their roles requiring far more education, experience, training, and certifications. Flight crews operate in one of the highest-acuity environments in healthcare, managing critically ill and injured patients while performing complex procedures in the confined, high-risk setting of an aircraft thousands of feet above the ground.
TWU International Organizing Director Angelo Cucuzza said REMSA Health wasted time and money on a campaign to dissuade workers from joining the TWU.
"REMSA's union-busting actions failed miserably during this campaign," Cucuzza said. "I hope, for their sake, the consultants they hired were on a contingency basis. The rehashed garbage they put out brought more workers to the TWU's side, proving once again the boss is usually the best union organizer."
The new TWU workgroup operates four helicopter bases, one fixed-wing base, and one critical care transport ambulance in Nevada and California. The pilots are represented by another union.
REMSA provides ground emergency services for Washoe County, Nevada. Care Flight is its air ambulance division
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Original text here: https://www.twu.org/flight-nurses-and-parmedics-join-the-twu/
AFSCME's Saunders: It's time to sign this collective bargaining bill and give Virginia's public service workers a voice on the job
WASHINGTON, April 22 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) issued the following news release:
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AFSCME's Saunders: It's time to sign this collective bargaining bill and give Virginia's public service workers a voice on the job
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WASHINGTON - AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Virginia General Assembly rejecting the substitute bill submitted by Gov. Abigail Spanberger gutting Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263:
"The Virginia legislature did the right thing today. More than half
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) issued the following news release:
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AFSCME's Saunders: It's time to sign this collective bargaining bill and give Virginia's public service workers a voice on the job
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WASHINGTON - AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Virginia General Assembly rejecting the substitute bill submitted by Gov. Abigail Spanberger gutting Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263:
"The Virginia legislature did the right thing today. More than halfa million public service workers have waited long enough for a voice on the job and a seat at the table.
"When Governor Spanberger's substitute threatened to gut those rights, legislators heard from workers and they stood firm. That's what leadership looks like.
"Now, Governor Spanberger has a chance to do right by Virginians, as she promised. Sign this bill as passed. Don't leave workers behind. Help us build a stronger Virginia by empowering the people who keep it running. The General Assembly sent a clear message. We are asking the governor to honor it.
"AFSCME will never stop fighting for the rights of Virginia's public service workers, and we will not rest until every one of them has the freedom to collectively bargain for the life they deserve."
AFSCME's 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations -from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers -AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.
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Original text here: http://origin-afscme.bytrilogy.com/press/releases/2026/its-time-to-sign-this-collective-bargaining-bill-and-give-virginias-public-service-workers-a-voice-on-the-job
Nurses put Oroville Hospital on 'RED ALERT' status
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 22 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Nurses put Oroville Hospital on 'RED ALERT' status
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April 25 community event with free food and wellness checks will focus on nurses' Vision for a Healthy Society
Oroville Hospital registered nurses, who are members of California Nurses Association (CNA) and its parent union National Nurses United (NNU), will hold a rally and community event on Saturday, April 25 to demand long-term solutions to keep Oroville Hospital open and advance their Vision for a Healthy Society.
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SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 22 [Category: Union] -- National Nurses United issued the following news release:
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Nurses put Oroville Hospital on 'RED ALERT' status
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April 25 community event with free food and wellness checks will focus on nurses' Vision for a Healthy Society
Oroville Hospital registered nurses, who are members of California Nurses Association (CNA) and its parent union National Nurses United (NNU), will hold a rally and community event on Saturday, April 25 to demand long-term solutions to keep Oroville Hospital open and advance their Vision for a Healthy Society.
Oroville Hospital, which receives more than 85 percent of its net patient revenue from Medicaid and Medicare, faces significant financial challenges as a result of the federal budget bill (H.R. 1) passed last year. Access to health care and poverty are notable issues for residents of Butte County. As a result of the H.R. 1 cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, they are expected to have less support and access to health care.
"Oroville is a crucial health care resource for our community, many of whom come through our doors in life or death emergencies," said Eric Smith, RN at Oroville Hospital. "Their timely, life-saving care is now under threat because of the federal government. Unless we come together to reverse the cuts, quality of life in Butte County and rural communities in northern California will continue to decline."
What: Oroville Hospital nurses 'RED ALERT' rally and community event
When: April 25, 2026 | Free wellness checks from 11 a.m.; free tacos and live music featuring the Stevie Cook Trio and Las Hijas de Maria from 11 a.m.; program/rally begins at 12 p.m.
Where: Oroville Hospital | 2700 Olive Hwy, Oroville, CA 95966
Speakers and guests include: NNU President Cathy Kennedy, RN; CA Senator Mike McGuire, Butte County Supervisor Tami Ritter; Gridley Councilmember Catalina Sanchez; President of North State Labor Federation Justin Meyers; Director of Hmong Cultural Center of Butte County Seng Yang
Oroville Hospital is also in the midst of a bankruptcy crisis. While CNA members are hopeful that an appropriate buyer will emerge to help alleviate the $200 million bond debt, this will not mitigate the funding shortfall expected from H.R. 1.
The April 25 event is part of NNU's RED ALERT tour, which is travelling to communities facing a drastic reduction in the quantity and quality of health care services as a result of H.R. 1 - the budget bill that cut more than a trillion Medicaid and Medicare dollars to give billionaires tax breaks, militarize immigration enforcement, and fund endless wars abroad. NNU researchers have identified more than 600 nonprofit and community hospitals in a similar position to Oroville.
Smith, RN continued, "Nurses condemn the funneling of our health care dollars into tax cuts for the wealthy and war on innocent people both in our country and abroad. Northern Californians need more health care resources. We need protections against wildfires and climate change. We need more affordable housing. In a country as wealthy as the United States, we can build the pillars of a healthy society so all of us can enjoy safe, healthy, and comfortable lives, not just the millionaires and billionaires."
The patients Oroville Hospital nurses serve will undoubtedly be hit with a double punch as H.R. 1 is slated to cut SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) by $186 billion dollars over the next ten years.
"Two million veterans live in this state. One of every seven live in rural areas," said Veteran Action Group, which will be at the Oroville Red Alert event. "Oroville Hospital has provided community care and emergency care and supportive care to those who have honorably served our country. When it's gone it's gone and veterans will suffer. We are an activist organization. Our focus is the oath we all wore to: to protect and defend the United States and our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Now our domestic enemies consist of the current administration, bent on destroying our way of life, including our beloved Oroville Hospital. How many hospitals could be built and staffed with two billion dollars, the cost of one day of this immoral, illegal, catastrophic war?"
More information on the financial vulnerability of Oroville Hospital and potential impacts to patient care are available here.
'RED ALERT' tour offers the union nurse vision for how to make America healthy:
In response to H.R. 1 and the unprecedented attack on public health, NNU - the nation's largest union of registered nurses - will be taking their alternative vision for a healthy society directly to the patients and working-class communities they serve. The 'RED ALERT' tour aims to build the power and community support needed to save more than 600 vulnerable nonprofit hospitals from slashed services or closure.
To date, RED ALERT has visited communities in Glendale, Oceanside, and Alameda in California.
"Nurses reject the deadly agenda of the billionaire class and their Republican puppets," said NNU President Mary Turner, RN and resident of Minneapolis, Minn. "We're taking the wheel and bringing our vision for a healthy society directly to patients and communities who will bear the brunt of Republican policies. We invite everyone who has felt abandoned by the political system to join us and build real working-class solidarity."
Senator Bernie Sanders has released comprehensive tax proposals to change the U.S. tax system and raise trillions in revenue, which NNU strongly endorses to keep hospitals and health services accessible, eventually guarantee health care for all through Medicare for All, and build the pillars for a society that takes care of everyone's needs, including affordable housing, education, and unionized living-wage jobs. He also recently introduced, alongside Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17), the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act, which would establish a five percent annual wealth tax on billionaires and invest the revenue in working families, including reversing the H.R. 1 Medicaid cuts, and expanding Medicare to include vision, hearing, and dental.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/nurses-put-oroville-hospital-on-red-alert-status
AFSCME's Saunders: It's time to sign this collective bargaining bill and give Virginia's public service workers a voice on the job
WASHINGTON, April 22 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) issued the following news release:
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AFSCME's Saunders: It's time to sign this collective bargaining bill and give Virginia's public service workers a voice on the job
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WASHINGTON - AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Virginia General Assembly rejecting the substitute bill submitted by Gov. Abigail Spanberger gutting Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263:
"The Virginia legislature did the right thing today. More than half
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 22 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) issued the following news release:
* * *
AFSCME's Saunders: It's time to sign this collective bargaining bill and give Virginia's public service workers a voice on the job
*
WASHINGTON - AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Virginia General Assembly rejecting the substitute bill submitted by Gov. Abigail Spanberger gutting Senate Bill 378 and House Bill 1263:
"The Virginia legislature did the right thing today. More than halfa million public service workers have waited long enough for a voice on the job and a seat at the table.
"When Governor Spanberger's substitute threatened to gut those rights, legislators heard from workers and they stood firm. That's what leadership looks like.
"Now, Governor Spanberger has a chance to do right by Virginians, as she promised. Sign this bill as passed. Don't leave workers behind. Help us build a stronger Virginia by empowering the people who keep it running. The General Assembly sent a clear message. We are asking the governor to honor it.
"AFSCME will never stop fighting for the rights of Virginia's public service workers, and we will not rest until every one of them has the freedom to collectively bargain for the life they deserve."
AFSCME's 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations -from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers -AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.
***
Original text here: http://origin-afscme.bytrilogy.com/press/releases/2026/its-time-to-sign-this-collective-bargaining-bill-and-give-virginias-public-service-workers-a-voice-on-the-job
IAM Union-Championed Legislation to Correct Railroad Retirement Benefits for Working Retirees Introduced in U.S. Senate and House
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, April 22 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
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IAM Union-Championed Legislation to Correct Railroad Retirement Benefits for Working Retirees Introduced in U.S. Senate and House
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The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is enthusiastically supporting the newly-introduced, bipartisan Railroad Retirement Fairness Act in the U.S. Senate and House to correct Railroad Retirement benefits for working retirees.
The Railroad
... Show Full Article
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, April 22 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
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IAM Union-Championed Legislation to Correct Railroad Retirement Benefits for Working Retirees Introduced in U.S. Senate and House
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The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is enthusiastically supporting the newly-introduced, bipartisan Railroad Retirement Fairness Act in the U.S. Senate and House to correct Railroad Retirement benefits for working retirees.
The RailroadRetirement Fairness Act has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and in the House by U.S. Reps. Deluzio (D-Pa.) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas).
Outdated Last Pre-Retirement Non-Railroad Employment (LPE) rules currently penalize railroad retirees and their spouses long after they've earned their retirement benefits. Established almost 90 years ago, the policy no longer reflects the realities of the modern workplace, yet it still reduces hard-earned benefits for railroad retirees and their spouses for taking modest side-jobs or even providing essential caregiving.
Unlike workers covered by Social Security, railroad retirees sometimes face steep Tier II penalties (up to a 50% reduction) even after full retirement age. This creates an unfair system that treats railroaders differently than every other retiree in the country that wants or needs to work after retirement.
The genesis for this legislation came from former IAM Local 1284 President Dave Tackett. Tackett is a locomotive machinist at Amtrak's Wilmington, Del., shops and also serves as an elected New Castle County Councilmember. When Tackett went to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) to discuss his upcoming retirement scenario, the Board informed him that he would face a steep cut to his Tier II benefits - all because of the modest W-2 wages he earns as a public servant and the outdated LPE deduction rule.
This didn't sit well with Tackett. Why should his railroad retirement benefits be docked simply because he serves as a local elected official? Instead of accepting this, Tackett approached Sen. Coons, who agreed with his analysis of the fundamental unfairness, and then engaged with the IAM Union and Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) Legislative Departments to begin efforts to eliminate this outdated provision.
"It just didn't make any sense - and I thought to myself, 'if this is happening to me, how many other railroaders and their spouses are getting treated unfairly?'" said IAM Rail Division member Dave Tackett. "I'm grateful to our elected officials in Washington, D.C. for understanding this fundamental unfairness, and for championing the LPE's removal."
Currently, the LPE deduction discourages most part-time work, limits retirees' ability to fill labor shortages, and punishes families when spouses or caregivers earn even modest income.
LPE rules require complex legal interpretation, causing inconsistent decisions and unnecessary administrative burden for both retirees and the RRB. The original justification for the restrictions no longer applies.
"When our union talks about our members getting active in their own advocacy, this is exactly what we're talking about," said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. "Democracy is not a spectator sport - you have to engage and fight for what's right. And Brother Tackett's efforts to eliminate this unfair, outdated provision serves as a perfect example of democracy in action."
"We are grateful to Senators Coons and Hawley, as well as Congressmen Deluzio and Nehls, for introducing the Railroad Retirement Fairness Act to address this outdated policy," said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. "Their work brings long overdue attention to an issue that affects retired railroad workers and their families. Their bipartisan effort represents an important step toward restoring fairness and modernizing the Railroad Retirement system."
"It's not uncommon today for railroaders or their spouses to have side jobs: be it working the score board for their local high school football games, picking up a shift at Target, or being a local public servant," said Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) National President Matt Hollis. "Railroaders work all kinds of jobs to make ends meet - and that should have zero bearing on their hard-earned benefits when they finally retire from the railroad. It's past-time for Congress to fix this unfair deduction, and our union is proud to help push for the LPE's removal."
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Original text here: https://www.goiam.org/news/imail/iam-union-championed-legislation-to-correct-railroad-retirement-benefits-for-working-retirees-introduced-in-u-s-senate-and-house/
AFGE President Kelley Calls on Congress to Fund DHS Prior to Exhaustion of Emergency Funds
WASHINGTON, April 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE President Kelley Calls on Congress to Fund DHS Prior to Exhaustion of Emergency Funds
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DHS claims emergency funding will run out in May; AFGE urges congressional action
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is calling on Congress, again, to pass a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security and end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
In a letter to House lawmakers, AFGE National President Everett
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 21 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO American Federation of Government Employees issued the following news release:
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AFGE President Kelley Calls on Congress to Fund DHS Prior to Exhaustion of Emergency Funds
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DHS claims emergency funding will run out in May; AFGE urges congressional action
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is calling on Congress, again, to pass a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security and end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
In a letter to House lawmakers, AFGE National President EverettKelley specifically urged the passage of H.R. 7147, as amended by the Senate,the long overdue compromise to fund DHS which was passed unanimously by the Senate on April 20.
Kelley pleaded with lawmakers stating that "failure to pass this bipartisan compromise before Friday, April 24 guarantees that Transportation Security Officers, civilian Coast Guard employees, and FEMA professionals will go unpaid unless the administration steps in, as it did last month."
AFGE is grateful to the administration for paying DHS workers who went unpaid for more than a month; however, it is Congress' job to ensure that agencies are properly funded and workers are paid. Congress holds the power of the purse, and today they need to use that power to fund DHS and pay its employees.
AFGE has deep concerns about the impact to worker livelihoods and government services if Congress fails to act. Today, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the department will run out of emergency funds to pay employees' salaries the first week of May.
"This week the House has the opportunity to demonstrate its bipartisan support of the hardworking professionals of DHS who serve the public with dedication, respect, and excellence, including Transportation Security Officers who ensure our nation's commercial airlines are the safest in the world," Kelley continued in the letter. "Surely House leaders can find 40 minutes this week for the House to consider H.R. 7147."
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Original text here: https://www.afge.org/link/61e018601fff42498eda53eb0eb99c09.aspx
