John, 

A significant milestone in economic policy- the one year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act! Read on as we reflect on the past year's progress. Below is a statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA):

"One year ago today, President Biden signed into law legislation that revolutionized our economy and put us on the path to a worker-centered clean energy future. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has already proven to be a massive victory for the clean energy transition, growing the U.S. workforce and enhancing our nation’s energy security. This transformative legislation that puts working people first has already had an outsized impact on manufacturing and construction investments across the country.

The IRA also made health care more affordable to millions of Americans, by reducing the cost of prescription medications and ensuring that our seniors would not have to choose between paying for their refills or rent. And this was accomplished by finally updating our broken tax system to require the most profitable corporations to pay their fair share.

This is only the beginning. The IRA already has created more than 170,600 new clean energy jobs, and by 2030, it will result in nearly 1.5 million more while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 40%. Now it’s time to finish the job. We’re committed to partnering with the Biden administration to ensure that every job created by these historic investments in America is a good union job that will transform our economy for generations to come."

Click here to view statement online. 

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Arizona AFL-CIO 11th Annual Labor Day Luncheon

We invite you to join us for our Labor Day Luncheon on Friday, September 1st at the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak! We offer a variety of table sponsorship options and individual ticket options.

We kindly request that you provide us with the names of attendees once you have made your purchase. If you have any questions please contact our Communications Director, Alina Cordoba at [email protected]. 

Union Community Fund- Disaster Relief for Maui & Big Island

The wildfire devastation in Hawaii has killed dozens of people and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina on the island of Maui. Our union family needs our help. Please consider donating to the Union Community Fund and the Hawaii AFL-CIO Community Services Program/Hawaii Employees Lifeline Program. 

How to Win HUGE Cash prizes from Union Plus

The 2023 Union Plus Labor Day campaign is here! The Unions Power America Contest is kicking things off, running through July 26. Union Plus is awarding $140,000 in cash prizes, including a $40,000 grand prize. The past few years have been hard for workers—so we want to help hardworking union families dream big.

Union Plus wants to hear your stories—of going above and beyond for others and powering your communities, workplaces and families. Members can nominate themselves to win, or people can nominate any current or retired union member in their life to win by sharing their inspiring stories.

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. 

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].

A Merger That's Good for Workers and Consumers 

"After an exhaustive review by regulators in the United States and across the globe, Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard is on track to close later this year. The European Commission approved the transaction in May, the Federal Trade Commission has suspended its administrative challenge, and negotiations are underway with the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority. " 

Why The Hollywood Strike Matters to All of Us

"Over the last decade, the entertainment industry has shifted away from legacy distribution models like film and television and embraced a streaming-first model. The move has been a lucrative one, bringing billions of dollars in revenue to the industry. But those profits haven’t reached working actors and writers. Some 87% of actors earn less than $26,000 per year; many writers have to work second jobs to make ends meet. And so, for the first time since 1960, members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) are on strike simultaneously — and Hollywood has effectively shut down."

Who are 'Scabs'?: Nonunion Writers and Actors Working Amid the Strikes

"Amid a historic double strike in Hollywood, picketing entertainers and their supporters have turned a critical eye on a small group of nonunion members who are still on the job, derisively called “scabs” by some. When the Writers Guild of America went on strike in May and many members of its screen actor sister union followed suit two months later, virtually all U.S. television shows and films halted production. Some on-screen talent, including soap opera actors and broadcast journalists, have not had to strike, but have faced criticism for working when thousands of their colleagues are forgoing paychecks.”

The United Auto Workers Union Wants Member to Authorize a Strike Against Ford, GM, and Stellantis

"The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is preparing to up the ante in its contract negotiations with the “Big Three” automakers—Ford, GM, and Stellantis—and will vote next week on authorizing strikes against the Detroit trio. UAW president Shawn Fain said over a Facebook livestream yesterday (Aug. 15) that discussions at the bargaining table have been “too slow,” and that “the clock is ticking.” The union’s contracts with the automakers are set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 14. "

California Gave America McDonald's. Now It Could Serve Up Fast Food Unions

"A decade long quest to organize fast food workers is culminating in the state that gave America McDonald’s and Taco Bell. A protracted showdown between labor unions and major restaurant chains has extended into the final weeks of California’s legislative session this month, with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office tiptoeing into a battle that could transform a multibillion dollar industry and recharge the American labor movement — in an effort to help the clashing parties reach an agreement."

Move or Quit: Grinder Dictates New Office Rules Amid Union Drive

"Two weeks after employees filed to organize, the company told some they had to change cities or would lose their jobs. It said the plan had long been in the works. "

Illinois Casinos Can Now Hire Convicted Felons for Nongaming Positions

“Pritzker on Friday signed Senate Bill 1462, a bill that amends the Illinois Gambling Act to allow individuals with certain felony convictions to apply for nongaming positions at state-licensed casinos. SB 1462 was authored by state Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) and state Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) in conjunction with Unite Here Local 1, a leading hospitality and gaming union in the Land of Lincoln. "

One Year In, Here's How the Inflation Reduction Act Has Helped Arizona

“The law ensured that 41,000 Arizonans were able to keep their health insurance, reduced the cost of insulin for over 28,000 seniors, and incentivized several manufacturers to invest in the state and create more clean energy jobs."

Gov. Hobbs, Mayor Gallego Join Effort Spotlighting Issues Facing Public Workers

“Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego joined members and leaders of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees on Friday sounding off on issues impacting public service workers in Arizona. "

Teamstres, CWA Picket American Airlines 

“Passenger service workers at American Airlines who are members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) – International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Association held informational pickets yesterday at airports in Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Dallas; Houston; Los Angeles; Miami; Philadelphia; Phoenix; St. Louis; Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. "

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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]