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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Gary Lam Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Gary Lam For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Gary Lam of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). As Local 891's first assistant editor, Gary Lam started his career with IATSE in 2001. He is in his third term as the co-chair of the Editing Department and is currently on the Negotiations Committee for Local 891. Lam is actively involved in the training initiatives in his local, which focus on reaching younger and less-experienced nonunion workers to help sharpen their skills and set them up for success in the entertainment industry. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/06/2022 - 11:00 — May 6
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Economy Gains 428,000 Jobs in April; Unemployment Steady at 3.6% Economy Gains 428,000 Jobs in April; Unemployment Steady at 3.6% The U.S. economy gained 428,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate remained steady at 3.6%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continuing strong job creation numbers are a clear sign that the worker-friendly policies implemented by President Biden are having a positive impact on working people. In response to the April job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
But the share of Black men who are employed also climbed in April to 64.7% from 64.1 in March. This shows how the unemployment rate can be misleading on whether the labor market is tight. Workers who face hiring frictions are sensitive to actual hiring to get into the search. 2/2 — William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
And as @abhabhattarai reported, older Americans who face the friction of age discrimination in hiring, are coming back out of retirement to rejoin the labor force. There is more slack in the labor market than the unemployment rate is showing. 2/2 https://t.co/39O7fHKaUL — William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
Fortunately, the share of the unemployed who have been unemployed more than 27 weeks is declining. The long term unemployed are very heterogenous, this not a simple case of less educated and younger workers. But, it shows how tough the labor market remains for many Americans. pic.twitter.com/aRE0fqS4Da — William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
Women gained 278,000 of April's payroll gain, and made relative gains in the higher wage sectors of mining and durable goods manufacturing. and in the public the sector. Women are half the workforce, so the labor market recovery has to include them. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/y8BrSVfwTN — William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
Of the 6.29 million people who stepped into the labor force in April from March, 4.72 million found jobs, a success rate of 75%. And of those 6.39 million who landed employment in April from March, those 4.72 million from not in the labor force were 74%. Watch the LFP carefully. pic.twitter.com/FDn9Q0VEwL — William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
The modest wage growth is a key reminder as @joshbivens_DC has pointed out: prices are being driven by supply shock induced non-labor costs and companies taking bigger price mark-ups boosting higher profits. Don't blame the labor market for inflation. 2/2 https://t.co/PKFdrxy4cM— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
The continued slow recovery in employment at the sate and local government level is very disturbing. It is like governors are trying to defund schools, libraries, recreation departments, colleges. We are having the wrong "defund" debate taking place. @AFTunion @AFSCME pic.twitter.com/rwGU8jfhZH— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
To put the employment drag of the public sector shown in today's #JobsReport in perspective, not only are we seeing a defund the schools movement keep employment down, we are keeping the pay of teachers down, too. https://t.co/RmUCti7QId— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
The payroll employment numbers for February and March were both updated and lowered in this @BLS_gov April #JobsReport down 36,000 in February and 3,000 in March. It means the numbers of net firm creation is close but a tiny bit rosy. It also means job gains are not accelerating.— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) May 6, 2022
Last month’s biggest job gains were in leisure and hospitality (+78,000), manufacturing (+55,000), transportation and warehousing (+52,000), professional and business services (+41,000), financial activities (+35,000), health care (+34,000), retail trade (+29,000), wholesale trade (+22,000) and mining (+9,000). Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including construction, information, other services and government. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for teenagers (10.2%), Black Americans (5.9%), Hispanics (4.1%), adult men (3.5%), adult women (3.2%), White Americans (3.2%) and Asian Americans (3.1%) showed little or no change over the month. The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed in April and accounted for 25.2% of the total unemployed. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/06/2022 - 10:01 — May 6 -
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NABTU Secures Landmark Offshore Wind Project Labor Agreement Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NABTU Secures Landmark Offshore Wind Project Labor Agreement Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story. Earlier today, there was a major victory for America’s pro-union clean energy future. During a press conference at the AFL-CIO headquarters, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and Ørsted signed a project labor agreement (PLA) to construct the company’s U.S. offshore wind farms with America’s union workforce. Members of the Biden–Harris administration, including Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, took part in the celebration. The first of its kind in the United States, the National Offshore Wind Agreement (NOWA) sets the bar for working conditions and equity, injects hundreds of millions of dollars in middle-class wages into the American economy, creates apprenticeship and career opportunities for communities most impacted by environmental injustice, and ensures projects will be built with the safest and best-trained workers in the country. Authorized by 15 international union presidents and their local affiliates, the NOWA covers all of Ørsted’s contractors and subcontractors that will perform offshore wind farm construction from Maine down to Florida. This PLA is a significant milestone because it creates an example for offshore wind and other clean energy firms to follow: one where labor standards, environmental protection and good business practices can and should go hand in hand. As AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler remarked, “This is what it looks like to put the words ‘high-road labor standards’ into action.” This high-caliber agreement for working people and the planet reminds us that clean energy jobs can and will be good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs. Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/06/2022 - 09:36 — May 6
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Every Week is Teacher Appreciation Week: In the States Roundup Every Week is Teacher Appreciation Week: In the States Roundup It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter. Alaska AFL-CIO:
We are closer than ever to restoring a defined benefit pension retirement for public safety officers. Take action today by emailing members of Senate Finance and requesting they pass HB 55 out of committee and onto the floor of the Senate! #akleg #1u https://t.co/CLhgMLKWvx— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 4, 2022
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:California's labor movement KEEPS GROWING! Welcome to the #UnionStrong family, housestaff at @KeckMedUSC!#1u @cirseiu https://t.co/HfU5oTdMPB— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) May 4, 2022
Colorado AFL-CIO:Listen to President Jaramillo’s interview with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler! https://t.co/z8WDunSaUv— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) May 3, 2022
Connecticut AFL-CIO:ICYMI, workers at FuelCell Energy in Danbury voted #UnionYES! Justin Mates, a system operator at the company, said the vote means “the voice of the dedicated workers, who showed up every day during COVID, was heard today.” https://t.co/VPFgzKgcp6— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 3, 2022
Florida AFL-CIO:The Florida Legislature recently passed legislation that would end the special status of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The Florida AFL-CIO and @rtemplin mobilized against this threat to Central Florida taxpayers and union workers.https://t.co/2cBhOd8Xfj— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) May 3, 2022
Indiana State AFL-CIO:“He truly was labor's priest. He dedicated his life to bringing the labor movement and the faith community together…from the grape fields of California in the Modesto valley to the coal fields of Harlan County, Kentucky."https://t.co/TuHxIFnHM9— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) May 4, 2022
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:Cannibis Reform Iowa’s laws on cannabis laws are woefully outdated as we fall behind the majority of other states. The Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO supports the nonpartisan Campaign for Sensible Cannabis Laws to modernize medical usage,... https://t.co/SSDsXDMAWU— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) May 4, 2022
Maine AFL-CIO:Retiring @steelworkers 4-9 President Pat Carleton discusses how to build trust & solidarity among Maine papermakers in an age of political polarization & how they built international solidarity through exchanges with South African workers in the 1990s. https://t.co/sYVw4XE45Q— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 5, 2022
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:Contact your Senator NOW and ask them to vote YES https://t.co/TCQfTdCSbu— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) May 5, 2022
Michigan State AFL-CIO:📣ENDORSEMENT ALERT!📣 In her 7 years representing Michigan in the halls of Congress, @DebDingell has proven her commitment to working people a hundred times over, and the MI AFL-CIO is proud to announce our endorsement for her race in Michigan's 6th Cong. District! #Labor2022 pic.twitter.com/vNslDqTJTM— Michigan AFL-CIO 💉💪 (@MIAFLCIO) May 4, 2022
Minnesota AFL-CIO:Get the details on how essential workers can get their bonus pay from the state. https://t.co/4vEe5RruZi #1u #MakeItRight— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 3, 2022
Missouri AFL-CIO:Building on the efforts of BUD STL, the Missouri Apprentice Ready initiative will create similar construction industry entry points in Kansas City and Springfield with training! Learn more and apply here: https://t.co/Oj8pdEdZr2 pic.twitter.com/RlRXwGNnOu— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 2, 2022
Nevada State AFL-CIO:Exec. Secretary Treasurer Susie Martinez on the NV State AFL-CIO 2022 Statewide Endorsements:“Nevada’s labor movement is eager to begin getting the word out about our worker endorsed candidates. Working people deserve a voice at our state capitol & in the halls of congress.” pic.twitter.com/JLbyaFmixd— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 28, 2022
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:pic.twitter.com/9wQ2WS4RPh— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) May 5, 2022
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:We are incredibly proud of the workers, our affiliates, and our allies for making New Jersey the best state in the country for organized labor.Thank you @AFLCIO President @lizshuler for recognizing our success, and special thanks to @GovMurphy for his incredible partnership. #1u pic.twitter.com/nGrk5HTBlL— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) May 3, 2022
New York State AFL-CIO:"I look forward to being part of a team committed to addressing climate change in a way that will result in the creation of good, family-sustaining jobs utilizing a highly skilled workforce." -NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento. https://t.co/wuXkVRZSwP— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 3, 2022
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:Workers, advocates say Charlotte is ripe for more employee unions to form https://t.co/uxIeMJ87uu via @devnabose @theobserver #1u— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 4, 2022
Ohio AFL-CIO:Hey @UnionDrip, thanks for calling out @Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz for his #unionbusting. Thought you may like this video from the @DropkickMurphys supporting the baristas organizing with @SBWorkersUnited pic.twitter.com/2Oj4Y5FSfV— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) May 5, 2022
Oregon AFL-CIO:She’s got our back, let’s have hers. Join us on Saturday in Portland to knock doors for Christina Stephenson for Labor Commissioner! https://t.co/eJbEfK901b— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 5, 2022
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:🚨 New @LaborVisionRI episode!🚨 Host @AutumnElissa sits down w Lori DiMatteo of @liveunitedri & Jocelynn White of @BooksAreWings to talk about this year’s Children’s Book Drive!The Book Drive ends May 25th!Learn more about how to get involved here: https://t.co/T06q8VMDRf pic.twitter.com/RzErNLSITm— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) May 5, 2022
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:This game has become too common in recent years. Lawmakers' constituents deserve an honest, transparent legislative process. "People are paying more and more attention these days — and they are trying to hide what they are doing up here." #TNLeg #1u https://t.co/XbXuSX9hLo— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) May 3, 2022
Texas AFL-CIO:This is a major win for working people. Thank you @AndyBrownATX and @AustinAFSCME for fighting for Travis County employees. #1u https://t.co/1PC721ZNvC— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 5, 2022
Virginia AFL-CIO:It's #WorkersMemorialDay. Today we remember those who lost their lives while on the job. Together we pray for the dead, and continue to fight like hell for the living.#1u pic.twitter.com/06MdnxqOTf— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) April 28, 2022
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:Reproductive rights - including abortion - are workers’ rights. Period. https://t.co/6x5XxwyoDT— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 3, 2022
West Virginia AFL-CIO:“I don’t know that it’ll ever happen but it would be my hope that one day, one year down the road, when it comes to April 28 that we don’t have to have this event because there won’t be a single name to read.” https://t.co/KPJmtN3faa— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) April 29, 2022
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:Collective bargaining can become a vehicle through which joint solutions to productivity, safety and health, scheduling, and workplace governance can be devised and effectively implemented. https://t.co/88PYUSQ8FT— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 4, 2022
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/05/2022 - 14:00 — May 5 -
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Sabrina Liu Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Sabrina Liu For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Sabrina Liu of the United Steelworkers. Sabrina Liu founded the Pittsburgh chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) in 2019 after years of hard work. As an immigrant herself, she dedicates her time to helping other immigrant workers fight back against oppression and unfair and unsafe working conditions. In 2020, she helped increase census responses, turned out votes in crucial states for the presidential election and organized efforts to distribute financial assistance during the pandemic. Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/05/2022 - 11:00 — May 5
AFL-CIO Blog
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Gary Lam
- Economy Gains 428,000 Jobs in April; Unemployment Steady at 3.6%
- Service + Solidarity Spotlight: NABTU Secures Landmark Offshore Wind Project Labor Agreement
- Every Week is Teacher Appreciation Week: In the States Roundup
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Sabrina Liu