John, 

Yesterday on September 14th, 2023 , I released the following statement, "Arizona AFL-CIO Stands in Solidarity with the United Auto Workers": 

The Arizona AFL-CIO representing over 200 local unions and 165,000 union members stands in solidarity with the United Auto Workers (UAW). In the event of a strike grocery workers, electricians, postal workers, nurses, truck drivers, and many others from across our state are ready to join the picket line wherever needed, including in Yucca, Arizona where members of UAW Local 509 work at Stellantis Proving Grounds.

Auto workers built our middle class and deserve a fair contract. In the first half of 2023 alone, the "Big Three" pocketed $20 billion, adding up to an estimated $250 billion over the past decade. It's only fair that the workers who made those profits possible are given what they rightfully deserve. 

The Arizona AFL-CIO, Area Labor Federations, and affiliated unions stand united with UAW as they negotiate a fair contract. 

Click here to view statement in our website. 

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

SAG-AFTRA Phoenix Strike Rally

Take part in the Pride Parade! 

AFL-CIO Virtual Training: How to Organize Your Workplace

Are You 'All In' with UAW Members?

Union contracts for 150,000 International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) members at the Big Three automakers expire Sept. 14. It will take the unity and strength of every UAW member, union, community and political ally to win what autoworkers and every worker deserves. The Big Three have made extreme profits over the past decade. Workers deserve fair pay and the Big Three can afford it. You can show your support.

Stand with Fellow Union Members: Tell the FTC to STOP the Kroger Albertsons Megamerger

Kroger and Albertsons grocery stores are pushing for a corporate merger that could give them nearly unchecked control over food prices and supply chains in many communities. 

The effect on workers would be huge—one megacorporation would control the wages and benefits of essential workers who made sure American families were able to access food and other necessities throughout the pandemic.

We can stop this merger to help American families and workers.

Make your voice heard today by sending a message to the Federal Trade Commission in opposition to this proposed merger.

2023 Hall of Honor Induction of El Monte Thai Garment Workers

El Grito Celebration

Arizona Labor Book Club Meeting- October

Unfortunately, our September Labor Book Club meeting will be postponed this month

Join us in October via Zoom for a fun and engaging conversation regarding this month's book, The Great Stewardess Rebellion by Nell McShane Wulfhart, and also vote on November's book of the month!

NEXT MEETING: October 5th, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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. 

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].

How Unions Put More Money in the Pockets of Black Folks

"Over 100 years, unions have helped Black families move into the middle class with increased wages and better working conditions."

Working Class Still Under Attack

"Every Labor Day, without fail, there is no shortage of hypocrites and charlatans offering wishes of a happy holiday and pledging fealty to the working people of America, even as they vote to degrade and dismantle the working class."

UAW Strike Begins Against The Big Three Automakers 

"The United Auto Workers union launched a historic strike Friday against all three of Detroit’s biggest automakers after its contracts expired, with the first picket lines beginning at a Ford plant in Wayne, Mich., a General Motors plant in Wentzville, Mo., and a Stellantis plant in Toledo."

Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks on the Senate's Inaugural AI Insight Forum

"Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor on the Senate’s upcoming AI Insight Forum on September 13^th.."

'McDonald's Wouldn't Pay Sick Leave:' Asheville Workers, AFL-CIO Rally for More Rights

"Hundreds of pro-union workers — from nurses to McDonald's employees — gathered Sept. 7 in Asheville’s Pack Square Park to rally for health care justice and workers' rights."

CWA Files Amicus Brief in Support of Microsoft- Activision Merger, Citing Positive Impact on Labor Market for Game Workers 

"Microsoft’s binding agreement with CWA to allow Activision-Blizzard employees to freely organize unions effectively counters potential employer market power over workers "

A Minnesota Meat Processing Plant That is Accused of Hiring Minors Agrees to Pay $300K in Penalties

"A meat processing company in Minnesota on Friday agreed to pay $300,000 in penalties after an investigation found it employed children as young as 13 to work in hazardous conditions, such as operating meat grinders, while they worked overnight shifts and longer hours than allowed by law."

Flagstaff minimum wage to increase in 2024

“Workers earning the minimum wage in Flagstaff can expect a 60-cent raise at the start of 2024 because of a city rule that mandates the minimum wage increase annually based on cost of living increases."

Department of Labor Recovers $22.5 Million for ESOP

“The Department of Labor has recovered $22.5 million from an employee stock plan’s former trustee, Reliance Trust Co., for its overpayment for a recreational rental company’s stock after a federal judge in Arizona approved a consent judgment. "

Mexican Independence Day 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrating in Phoenix

“Celebrated on Sept. 16, the day is typically observed with an "El Grito" ceremony, mirroring the battle cry issued by Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810, calling for townsfolk to rise up against Spanish rule. Of the more than 30% of Latinos in Arizona, at least 89% are of Mexican origin, according to data from the UCLA Latino Policy Institute. Most are from Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Hidalgo, Guerrero, Mexico City and Oaxaca, according to the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix."

Phoenix Breaks Heat Record as City Hits 110F on 54th Day This Year 

“Saturday’s temperature had triggered an excessive heat warning across Arizona as lows were expected to range between 80F and 86F."

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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]