WASHINGTON, DC– Workers across the country have stood up in the past month to fight for better wages and working conditions.
Workers Put Their Foot Down and Organize: Last month, 650 podiatrists throughout New Jersey joined the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), adding to the approximately 4,600 podiatric medical professionals represented by OPEIU nationally.
Engine Manufacturing Workers Take Off With Union Win: More than 450 employees of Alcoa Howmet Castings & Services will join the United Steelworkers after a vote last month to organize. The victory of workers capped off their ten-year effort to form a union at the Hampton, VA based manufacturing facility.
Adjunct Faculty Organize in Pennsylvania: Earlier this week, adjunct faculty at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pennsylvania voted to join the American Federation of Teachers. The more than 800 faculty members are responsible for the majority of classes taught at the college and will join 70,000 part-time faculty members currently represented by AFT.
Workers Make a Living Making Peanuts: Last month, 80 workers at a peanut shelling plant owned by agri-business giant Archer Daniels Midland voted to join The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union in Alabama. The workers beat back a strong anti-union campaign.
Marine Base Contractors Win Organizing Battle: Approximately 130 workers for EMI Services, LLC at two Marine Corps bases in North Carolina voted to join the International Association of Machinists last month. The workers, who include maintenance and support staff, electricians, and truck drivers, joined IAM for better job security and a greater say in the workplace.
Obama Administration Proposes Big Wages Win for Workers: Last month, the Obama administration proposed sweeping changes to the nation’s overtime rules that would raise the threshold to qualify from $23,660 to $50,440. If enacted, the rule could raise wages for approximately 5 million Americans.
Montgomery County Workers Stay Healthy, Win Big: Last month, the Montgomery County, MD County Council unanimously passed a measure to mandate paid sick leave for workers. Since 2008, sixteen cities and four states have passed legislation ensuring workers the right to paid sick leave.
Portland, ME Scores Raising Wages Victory: Last week, the Portland, ME City Council voted to increase the city’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour starting January 1st, 2016. Workers will get an increase in 2017, and future minimum wages will be tied to inflation. The council also voted to double wages for tipped workers, increasing their wages from $3.75 an hour to $6.35 an hour as of January 1st.
California Employees Can Now Rest Easy Under New Law: On July 1st, California’s ‘Healthy Workplace, Healthy Family Act’ took effect, allowing workers in California access to paid sick leave.
Contact: Anthony DeAngelo (202) 637-5018