September 4, 2023 – Labor Day Edition
THERE IS POWER IN A UNION!
Contact all members of Congress:
- By phone: (202) 224-3121
- By email: democracy.io
- By US mail: Representatives / Senators
- By fax: Representatives / Senators
- By Resistbot: Resist.bot
Contact White House or other federal agencies:
- FAIR CONTRACT FOR THE AUTO WORKERS
The contract covering 150,000 UAW workers at the “Big Three” US automakers expires on September 14th, and union members have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if the auto companies don’t offer a satisfactory deal. These workers agreed to deep cuts to wages and benefits during the Great Recession, sacrificing to save the industry – and years later, their wage and benefit levels are still there, even with Stellantis, GM and Ford back to generating billions. They’ve made a quarter-trillion in North American profits in the last decade, and CEO pay is up 40% in four years – compared to just 6% for regular workers, who are working more and longer shifts at a more intense pace. The United Auto Workers union is pushing for wage increases equivalent to the CEOs, a 32-hour workweek, the restoration of traditional pensions and retiree health benefits, an end to wage and benefit tiers, a reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments, stronger job security, and assurances the transition to EVs will be unionized. Let’s show UAW some support by reaching out to our senators and thanking them if they’re one of the 28 who urged the Big Three to support a just transition to electric vehicles during contract talks, and push them to speak up if they’re not. We can also use this toolkit to call the CEOs to let them know we stand with the autoworkers, sign the UAW’s letter to the CEOs in support of the workers here, and sign up for updates from the UAW on ways to help here. - TELL THE SENATE TO CONFIRM GWYNNE WILCOX TO ANOTHER TERM ON THE NLRB
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has been the site of some of the biggest victories for working people of the Biden Administration, culminating in their recent decision in the Cemex Construction Materials Pacific case – a ruling that companies that neither voluntarily recognize a union or file a petition seeking an election for one when approached will be ordered to recognize and bargain with that union, as well as companies that commit unfair labor practices during the election process. However, they’re now faced with a major obstacle towards doing their job, as Board member Gwynne Wilcox’s term as just expired. Without her on the board, the NLRB will be without an official quorum, unable to step in and protect workers from union busting and corporate wrongdoing. President Biden has put Wilcox, the first and only Black woman to serve on the NLRB since its inception in 1935, forward to the Senate for confirmation for a second term. Let’s reach out to our senators using this tool from More Perfect Union and push them to vote to approve Ms. Wilcox as soon as possible.
- STOP HUNGER ON THE PICKET LINE
This summer, workers have joined some of the largest, most high-profile labor actions America has seen in years, and gotten real results in the process. But they’ve paid the price for it, and our lawmakers have noticed. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has introduced the Food Secure Strikers Act (S.2553) to allow workers on strike to collect SNAP benefits, so folks don’t have to choose between fighting for fair conditions at work and putting food on the table. Let’s contact our members of Congress and urge them to support this legislation.
- NEXT DAY OF ACTION FOR STARBUCKS WORKERS
The first national Starbucks Workers Union allies day of action was a huge success, with events at more than 300 stores in 32 states. Now the union is planning on keeping up the pressure for better pay, consistent hours, better benefits and respect from corporate with another customer day of action this fall. If we’re interested, let’s join in the September 5th planning call for this event, and let’s all sign up to be notified of more ways to show solidarity with these workers in our area here.
- SUPPORT STRIKING WRITERS… WITH SWAG
With the writers’ strike entering its 19th week, strikers are facing two challenges: money running short and a lack of clean pro-WGA t-shirts to wear as they picket. Writers Guild member Tripper Clancy has found a way to address both problems, setting up WGAStrikeShirts.com to sell WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike paraphernalia with 100% of the net proceeds going to a mutual aid fund for entertainers. Let’s consider showing solidarity by purchasing a pro-WGA t-shirt for ourselves, or donating directly to the Entertainment Community Fund.
STATE-SPECIFIC ACTIONS
- CA – UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FOR STRIKING WORKERS
With less than two weeks to go in the California legislative session, pro-labor Democrats are making a late push to allow striking workers in our state to draw unemployment benefits. Similar measures are already law in New York and New Jersey, and would be of great benefit as the summer of strikes rolls on. The California Chamber of Commerce and Farm Bureau are rallying against this proposal, so let’s make our voices heard too. Let’s contact our legislators and Governor Newsom and tell them to support this effort. - ME – ABANDONING THE FARM WORKERS IS NOT AN OPTION
The state legislature failed to overturn Governor Janet Mills’ veto of a bill that would ensure farm workers in Maine earn no less than the standard $13.80/hour minimum wage and make them eligible for certain overtime protections under state law. Governor Mills has issued an executive order creating a stakeholder group charged with crafting a compromise bill, but clearly this effort will require a harder push. Let’s contact our legislators and the Governor to express our disappointment with this failure and to demand they show real urgency in ensuring farmworkers get the wages they deserve and the right to unionize.
AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS
- LAST WEEK’S WINS
We’re in this battle for the long haul, so it’s important to acknowledge the victories we’re earning along the way. Here’s a summary of some of the best news from the last week from our friend and ally Jessica Craven at Chop Wood, Carry Water, including workers at a Dunkin’ in Cincinnati filing for a union election, a vineyard company in California paying out more than $300,000 to workers it punished for organizing, and a new Biden Administration proposed rule that would make 3.6 million more U.S. workers eligible for overtime pay.
