john, 

In 1992, a hydroponic tomato grower from Holland started a company in Wilcox, AZ, called Eurofresh. There, they operated 80 acres of hothouses where workers worked year-round, growing and harvesting tomatoes and cucumbers. In 1999, the workers there had grown tired of the mistreatment and exploitative practices and started looking for help from local unions. The dilemma was that since 1972, it was almost impossible to organize farmworkers in Arizona because of a change in the labor laws that unfairly gave jurisdiction to the very powerful growers throughout the state. The classic ‘fox watching the henhouse’ scenario! The United Farmworkers had moved on to other states, and for many of the workers, it seemed hopeless.

UFCW Local 99 was one of the unions that responded by sending as many of their Spanish-speaking organizers as they could to help the workers. There were several hundred workers there, many of whom lived in Mexico and worked every day in Wilcox; many lived in the surrounding areas of Wilcox and Douglas; and many lived in what was essentially company housing, dilapidated mobile homes in the desert near the hothouses.

After two weeks of being on strike without receiving their last paychecks, the union organizers led the workers to the hothouses to get the checks they were due. As they entered the grounds, security closed and locked the gates behind them, sending the workers into a panic. In the meantime, security at the company called law enforcement to respond. As luck would have it, the state of Arizona was holding military-type maneuvers in the area in preparation for ‘Y2K’! There possibly could have been mass arrests at the scene, but for the quick reaction and response by UFCW Local 99 and then Arizona State Attorney General Janet Napolitano, it could have spelled disaster! The union was able to negotiate with the Attorney General a situation that allowed the workers to get their checks and leave the premises immediately while four of the union’s lead organizers were arrested and transported to the Safford jail, where they were detained with a reporter from a local Tucson newspaper.

Upon interviewing the organizers during their time together in jail and publishing a great article the next day, at least the readers in Southern Arizona were able to learn about the plight of the local farmworkers. And during the organizing program, the union learned that the laws that had been changed to make it practically impossible to organize farmworkers in Arizona pertained to ‘seasonal’ workers! As I noted earlier, these workers picked tomatoes ‘year-round. The union took full advantage of this opportunity and was able to, within a year, win the ‘union’ election and negotiate their first contract, successfully organizing the first farmworkers in Arizona since Cesar Chavez!

For all of the amazing work by the union, the commitment and sacrifice of those union organizers, and the courage and determination of the workers who went on a ‘wildcat’ strike to demand justice and dignity in the workplace. It could have all been derailed with mass arrests, incarcerations, and deportations if not for the cooperation and commitment of the State Attorney General, who labor supported and worked to get elected, for times such as these!

Elections matter! This is why we worked so hard for Governor Hobbs, Secretary of State Fontes, and Attorney General Mayes. And it’s why the AFL-CIO has endorsed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, our most worker-friendly President and Vice President in our lifetimes, for re-election in 2024. Elections matter!

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Arizona Pride at Work Meeting

Please join us for a meeting of Pride at Work, the Arizona AFL-CIO's Constituency organization for the LGBTQ+ community. 

When: Thursday, July 13, 6 p.m. 

Where: Teamsters Local 104, 1450 S. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009

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.

"Tenants Know Your Rights" Workshop - Hosted by Unemployed Workers United

Join Unemployed Workers United for their virtual workshop, where you will be joined by a Phoenix Community Legal Services attorney to answer any questions you have about tenant rights!

When: Tuesday, June 27th, 6PM

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!

Petition: Pass the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is landmark worker empowerment, civil rights and social justice legislation. It is an essential part of creating an economy that works for everyone. 

If we want to build up worker power, our outdated labor laws must keep up with the times. If you think we need to protect working people, take 30 econds to add your name in support of the PRO Act 

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. 

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].

My Friend Harvey Milk Celebrated Hope. This Pride Month, Union Provide It 

"In these dangerous times for LGBTQ+ people, a union contract is a line of defense against discrimination and abuse." 

This Juneteenth, We Are at War Over Our Right to Teach Black History

"The truth is illegal. That's what Black history teacher Valanna White realized at a routine, back-to-school meeting in August 2021. Tennessee had just banned teaching "critical race theory" in public schools. Now, if she or any other teacher dares to mention systemic racism in class, even during lessons on Black history, their licenses can be suspended or revoked."

Big Union Crowd Says It Is Starting Now on 2024 Election Campaign

"Interrupted repeatedly by chants of “Let’s go Joe!” and “Four more years!” from an energized crowd of 1,500-2,000 unionists, Democratic President Joe Biden welcomed the endorsement of almost all of the nation’s unions at a rousing speech in Philadelphia. It was the earliest presidential endorsement in AFL-CIO history."

Hotel Workers Fighting For New Contract Rally Near LAX; 2 Councilmembers Arrested

"Hundreds of hotel workers fighting for more livable wages rallied near LAX on Thursday as a June 30 contract expiration date looms. Members of Unite Here Local 11 surrounded Century Boulevard, blocking traffic to the airport. Los Angeles City Councilmembers Hugo Soto-Martinez and Nithya Raman were among those arrested. Soto-Martinez released a statement showing his support for union workers.”

UPS Workers Authorize Teamsters Union to Call Strike

"United Parcel Service workers have authorized their union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, to call a strike as soon as Aug. 1, after the current contract expires, the Teamsters announced Friday. The Teamsters represent more than 325,000 UPS employees in the United States, where the company has nearly 450,000 employees overall. The union said 97 percent had voted in favor of strike authorization."

Starbucks Union Says Workers at More Than 150 Stores Will Strike Over Pride Decor

"Some organized Starbucks  stores will strike across the U.S. starting Friday in Seattle after the coffee giant and the union representing baristas publicly clashed over claims that the company was not allowing Pride month decor in cafes. The union, Starbucks Workers United, said more than 150 stores representing nearly 3,500 workers have pledged to join the strikes, which will take place over the next week. More than two dozen additional stores are voting on strike authorizations and the count could rise to nearly 200 stores by the end of the week, the union said."

Employees Of The Museum of Science and Industry Form A Union 

“Workers at the Museum of Science and Industry voted to form a union, continuing a string of victories by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in the Chicago area. The staff will join AFSCME Council 31, which has been granted powers to represent staff from the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum and other cultural institutions for the past 18 months. The voting took place within two groups of employees of the Museum of Science and Industry. Anders Lindall, spokesman for Council 31, said the larger group voted 79-26 in favor of unionization. He said the National Labor Relations Board reviewed the count late Saturday."

Arizona House Democrats Elect Rep. Lupe Contreras as Minority Leader 

“Arizona House Democrats elected new leadership Wednesday, with Avondale Rep. Lupe Contreras taking over the top role. Contreras, who represents District 22, succeeds Andrés Cano as the minority leader. Cano stepped down to attend graduate school at Harvard."

More Than $28.4M Investment Coming to Arizona to Connect Rural Arizonans, Businesses, and Farms to High-Speed Internet

“A total of $28,485,976 will be invested in rural Arizona broadband from the bipartisan infrastructure law led by Senator Kyrsten Sinema and shaped by Senator Mark Kelly. The funding will benefit two broadband projects connecting individuals, businesses, and farms to high-speed internet – with a $3.5 million grant coming to Coconino County and a $25 million grant coming to La Paz County from Sinema and Kelly’s law."

Gov. Katie Hobs Issues Executive Order to Limit Prosecutions Related to Abortion

“Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has taken action to limit abortion-related prosecutions as the one-year anniversary approaches of the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. An executive order Hobbs signed June 22 gives state Attorney General Kris Mayes the power to handle any attempted county prosecution under state abortion laws, bans state agencies from assisting investigations for alleged violations in other states and bans extradition of people accused of violating other states' abortion laws."

Navajo Nation Declares Widespread Medicaid Scam in Arizona a Public Health State of Emergency

“A widespread Arizona Medicaid scam that has left an unknown number of Native Americans homeless on the streets of metro Phoenix is being declared a public health state of emergency by the Navajo Nation as fraudulent sober living homes lose their funding and turn former residents out onto the streets. The emergency declaration was issued late last week by the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management and signed this week by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, according to documents posted on the Facebook page of the tribe’s Operation Rainbow Bridge, which was created to deal with the scam’s effects on its enrolled members."

A. Philip Randolph Institute at The Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Event

Pride Month

Thank you for reading the Arizona Labor Dispatch! Can you help us grow our readership by sharing our sign-up form? 

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]