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This week's Labor Dispatch was written by Esau Gutierrez, our Training Specialist. Esau immigrated to the United States at the age of nine. His father, a public school custodian, and mother, a hotel housekeeper saw first hand the importance of unionized labor in improving the lives of working families. This sparked a passion in Esau to become involved in labor advocacy and community organizing. He has worked with UNITE HERE Local 49 where he fought casino hotel decertification, organizing citizen workshops and political campaigns including Reno 2018 and Georgia runoff election in 2020. Which then led him to become a Labor Representative for the California School Employees Association (CSEA).

You didn’t choose to have high blood pressure, constant migraines, chronic illness, debilitating pains, or a transplanted organ. Millions of working class Americans find themselves, day in and day out, relying on their prescription medications to maintain and/or improve their health. And yet, here in the United States, we find ourselves with a uniquely American issue: more than nine million Americans find themselves rationing their prescription medicine every year (C.D.C.).

There are many things I am proud of when it comes to being a Naturalized citizen of the United States. My parents were able to fight for a fair shake through hard work, and my siblings and I were able to take advantage of a public and higher education system that allowed us to enter the labor market with the knowledge necessary for our fighting chance. I am proud to say that I have been able to grow and see my family and community make strides towards progress. Unfortunately, healthcare has always been a major obstacle in the road to such betterment and progress.

I have shared how I saw my family and community navigate life in constant fear and mistrust of the healthcare system. There are countless tales out there of friends, family, and loved ones who chose not to get something checked out by a doctor in fear of a massive bill, later turning out to be something much worse. I grew up seeing my mother go periodically without her insulin or my father shaking his head and scrunching his face at the idea of seeing a doctor for months or years at a time. All because it was either artificially difficult, not possible, or out of fear of a debilitating bill.

Millions of Americans think about what the future of healthcare looks like because the current state of U.S. healthcare is not sustainable, comprehensive, or in the least bit humane. Thankfully, Congressman Ruben Gallego has his finger on the pulse. An original provision of President Joe Biden’s ‘Build Back Better’ bill, the ‘Lower Drug Costs for Families Act’, would penalize prescription price hikes above the 2016 market rate, even for those with employer insurance, as so many of us have. Essentially, what that means is that it would punish drug companies for price gouging.

Healthcare in the United States is a many-headed Hydra, and the ‘Lower Drug Costs for Families Act’ seeks to address one of the many heads it rears; corporate greed in pricing. While there are many examples of outrageous prescription price hikes, there are just as many stories where necessary prescriptions are no longer accessible because of those price hikes. Thanks to the ‘Lower Drug Costs for Families Act’ being introduced by Congressman Gallego, if a drug's price is increased more than the 2016 rate, the manufacturer will be penalized, hoping to curb corporate greed in pharmaceutical price hikes. 

Speaking from the viewpoint of an immigrant child of a union home, I know Labor is strong when we are strong. The health of our families, friends, communities, and loved ones is and should be paramount, and first on our minds. The beauty of the Labor movement is that we not only know that, but we act on it. We fight for better, and we will stand hand in hand until we get it done and go from there. Thank you to Congressman Ruben Gallego for taking this fight to the halls of the legislature, and thank you to the millions of strong men, women, and persons in the labor movement who push the fight in the direction of progress.

Click HERE to read more about the bill.

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Virtual Event: AFL-CIO for Biden TOMORROW

President Biden has invested in infrastructure, strengthened workers’ rights, protected our retirements, boosted Buy American rules, helped families through a pandemic, lowered prescription costs and more.

Working people helped to elect him in 2020, and we’re gearing up to do it again. We’re hosting a Labor for Biden member event with the president himself tomorrow in Philadelphia.

Will you tune in?

When: Saturday, June 17, 2 p.m. ET

Union Plus Father's Day Discounts

One of the top gifts fathers say they'd like for Father's Day is to spend the day doing something special with their families. That's why we're thrilled to offer exclusive discounts so your members can enjoy memorable experiences without breaking the bank. If you are a union member and looking for ideas for what to do this Father's Day, tap into your Union Plus discounts and:

• Get out of the house and enjoy a concert, game, or other exciting event
• Tread Dad to fun movie outing
• Spend the day at an amusement park, zoo, or museum

The Federal Trade Commission Must Stop This Kroger-Albertsons Mega-Merger!

Kroger is trying to merge with supermarket giant Albertsons, which would combine two of the nation’s five largest grocery chains and consolidate more than 5,000 grocery stores in 48 states under one behemoth corporation. Kroger-Albertsons would be a monopoly nightmare for consumers and workers. Prices at the grocery store would get even higher for the vast majority of Americans.

Happy Pride Month: What Does Your Union Mean to You?

The labor movement is intersectional. This means we fight for all working people—no matter the gender, race, ethnicity or any other identity. Those identities intersect with your own identity as a worker, as a parent, as a sibling. LGBTQ+ workers face retaliation and fear getting fired for standing with their co-workers. It’s hard for workers to see the very same corporations that celebrate pride turn around and hire anti-union-busting consultants and deny their workers the promise of a union contract.

That’s why, this Pride Month, the AFL-CIO wants you to share what your union means to you.

2023 MALF Andy Ward Scholarship Packet AVAILABLE NOW!

Since 2002, the Maricopa Area Labor Federation has awarded the Andy Ward Scholarship to three applicants who are union members or the dependents of union members to help with the educational or vocational expenses.The awards this year will be in the amount of $2,000, $1,000, and $500, to applicants.

The essay, cover sheet, and application are due by close of business on July 5th, 2023. Please send them to the MALF Education Committee Chair, AFT Arizona President Ralph Quintana, at [email protected].

Enhance Your Labor Leadership Skills at the Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School

This program is recognized as the premier training platform for labor leadership development in the Western United States. The curriculum is comprehensive and dynamic, designed to help you develop essential skills and knowledge to become a stronger, more informed activist in your workplace. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with labor leaders from diverse unions, locals, and states to share experiences and build on successful strategies. This enlightening experience delivers exceptional value, and we encourage you to register today for this unparalleled opportunity to enhance your leadership skills.

Where: Montana Tech University in Butte, Montana

When: Sunday, July 9th through Friday, July 14th, 2023

Join the Arizona AFL-CIO Labor Book Club

Our goal is to explore the history, impact, and ongoing struggle of the labor movement. This is an open community event, inviting union members, potential members, and anyone interested in the labor movement to come together and discuss books that highlight the lives of workers and the many facets of unionized labor.

Don't miss out on the fun; we hope to see you there, and be sure to spread the word!

Julie Su Needs Your Help!

We know Su is the right person to support America’s workers. She’s never backed down from a fight when workers’ fundamental rights are on the line—and with your help, we’re not backing down either.

The problem? Well-heeled lobbyists and corporate special interests are spending big to block Su's confirmation because they know she puts working people first. Workers deserve a labor secretary who will fiercely defend us. 

Call your senators now and tell them to vote to confirm Julie Su as secretary of the Department of Labor. 

Join Unemployed Workers United to Empower Tenants!

Request to Speak at Legislative Committee Meetings

Sign up and 'Request to Speak' to weigh in on bills directly with State Representatives and Senators during our Legislative Committee Meetings every Friday at 9:30 AM!

2023 Legislative Committee Meeting Alerts

Complete this form to be up on a list to get updates and alerts on the 2023 Legislative Session.

For additional questions, contact our Political Director; Joe Murphy at [email protected] 

Union Events and Action

We want to uplift what you are doing for our members and our community!

Please fill out all the required information to have your Local's event uploaded to our Arizona AFL-CIO website or featured in our next Labor Dispatch. If you have any questions please reach out to Alina Cordoba, Communications & Operations Director at [email protected].

What's on the Horizon for Working Women? 

"The AFL-CIO's first woman president Liz Shuler shares what's on the horizon for working women and all workers." 

Senate Passed Resolution Undermines Direct Democracy While Claiming to Promote It

"SCR 1015 allegedly solves this embattled reality by demanding 10% approval from each legislative district on initiatives, essentially making it impossible for Arizona Citizens to put anything that could cause slight controversy on the ballot. It's a muzzle meant to keep the legislature running the way it is without inviting or being informed by direct input from the people it serves. On paper, it's a good faith effort to promote statewide buy-in on ballot measures. In reality, SCR 1015 is a wolf in sheep's clothing, claiming to enhance democracy while stabbit it in the back."

ALF-CIO Votes to Endorse President Biden for Re-Election

"The General Board of the AFL-CIO—representing 60 unions and more than 12.5 million workers—voted today to endorse President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for re-election in 2024. The endorsement vote marks the earliest the AFL-CIO has ever voted to endorse in a presidential election, triggering an unprecedented mobilization that will engage millions of working people over the course of nearly 17 months on the Biden–Harris record of transforming the economy to one that works for all. "

'It's Gonna be a Hot Labor Summer'--Unionized Workers Show up for Striking Writers

"On Monday in New York City, the Writers Guild of America rallied outside Amazon studios, buoyed by the leader of the country's largest labor union, the AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million American workers, including postal workers, mine workers and those in the entertainment industry. "

TEAMSTERS Oppose Kroger-Albertsons Merger

"The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is formally opposing the merger of The Kroger Company (NYSE: KR) and Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) currently under review at the Federal Trade Commission. The Teamsters represent more than 22,000 members across both companies’ stores, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants nationwide.  "

15,000 Southern California Hotel Workers Vote to Authorize A Strike 

"More than 15,000 Southern California hotel workers have voted to authorize a strike as they bargain for a $5-an-hour pay hike, more affordable health care, a secure pension plan and “safe and humane” workloads. Nearly all — or 96% — of room attendants, cooks, dishwashers, front desk agents, servers and food service workers represented by Unite Here Local 11 voted Thursday, June 8 to approve a walkout that could happen as early as the July 4 weekend.”

Biden Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su Engaged in Tense West Coast Port Contract Negotiations

“President Biden’s Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su is in current communication with labor and port management representatives in an effort to help broker a deal at a time of rising tensions at ports up and down the West Coast. Su, who served as secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency until 2021, has longstanding relationships with both sides, and is helping to maintain communication at the bargaining table and move towards a final contract between the International Longshore & Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime Association. "

Arizona Attorney General Opinion Backs Prevailing Wage 2 Months After Phoenix Repeals Ordinance

“Two months after Phoenix City Council repealed its prevailing wage ordinance over concerns it violated state law, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said cities, counties and towns are free to pass the regulation. The opinion, issued Thursday, is a win for progressive City Council members in Phoenix and Tempe and local labor leaders who support the regulation as a way to ensure non-unionized workers are paid on a level playing field."

LUCHA and Working Families Party Join Forces in Arizona to 'Empower Workers'

“A coalition led by one of Arizona’s most prominent progressive community outreach organizations and a growing, working-class political party launched a new effort last month to ensure the state elects voices who represent the needs of the community—and they’re starting in Tucson. Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) and the Working Families Party announced a formal partnership in May, kicking off the announcement with the endorsements of Tucson city councilmember Lane Santa Cruz and Mayor Regina Romero."

Here's A List of All Arizona Bills Gov. Katie Hobbs Has Vetoed So Far 

“Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs inherited Janet Napolitano’s veto stamp when she took over the Ninth Floor — the last Democratic governor in Arizona to face a GOP-controlled Legislature. And she’s using it. On April 18, Hobbs shattered the veto record set in 2005 by fellow Democrat Janet Napolitano — and then legislative session isn't over yet. Here are all the proposed measures Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has vetoed in the 2023 session so far."

'Despair and Extreme Anger': At Roundtable, Rep. Ruben Gallego Hears Impact of High Drug Costs

“Americans are struggling to make ends meet as they bear the brunt of high inflation. Adding to the burden is the soaring cost of a basic item rising even higher than inflation, that can have catastrophic consequences if forgone: prescription drugs. While other countries around the world also are dealing with inflation, the United States is unique in the sense that it is the only industrialized country that does not guarantee health care and pays approximately double the cost of prescription drugs than comparable countries."

Congressman Ruben Gallego Roundtable on the Lower Drug Costs for Families Act 

Pride Month

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If you'd like to promote an event for your union in our weekly newsletter, fill out our submission form or email AZ AFL-CIO  Communications & Operations Director Alina Cordoba at [email protected]