john, 

As we step into the month of November, it's a moment of deep reflection. This month is a time to honor the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Indigenous people of the Americas. Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to pay tribute to the Indigenous people who have called this land home for centuries and to acknowledge their contributions to our state, our nation, and the world.

The roots of this month's recognition dates back to 1990, when President George H.W. Bush declared November "National American Indian Heritage Month." The month-long celebrations were a result of efforts by leaders from the American Indian and Alaska Native communities who recognized the importance of preserving and promoting the unique culture, traditions, and histories of Indigenous people.

Arizona, in particular, holds a special place in the celebration, as our state is home to 22 distinct tribal nations, each with its own distinctive history, languages, traditions, and contributions. From the strength of the Navajo Nation to the rich artistic traditions of the Hopi Tribe, the diversity of Arizona's Indigenous people is truly remarkable. Which, by extension, have shaped the history of our great state.

From agriculture and medicine to art and storytelling, the knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous communities have left an ineraseable mark on the fabric of our society. We encourage you to learn more about the history, culture, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous people. By doing so, we not only honor the past but also support efforts to create a more equitable future for all.

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Tell the Department of Health and Human Services: We Need Safe Staffing Now

The Biden administration has proposed a historic new rule that would establish a minimum staffing standard in nursing homes for the first time. The nursing home industry is spending big to prevent this rule from being finalized.

Submit your comments supporting a strong rule by Nov. 6, 2023.

UFCW 99 Woman's Network 9th Annual Bowling for Backpacks - Nov. 8th

Last year they raised record donations, providing backpacks and school supplies to our members in need. Whether you'd like to participate as an individual or put together a team of friends this event is all about coming together for a fantastic cause. 

To register or get more information, please contact MALF Chair, Teresa D'Asaro at (602) 251-0433 or [email protected]

Stand in Solidarity with Maximus Workers on Nov. 9th

Join us on November 9th in solidarity with Maximus workers nation wide who are fighting for better pay, affordable healthcare and the right to form a union. These dedicated workers who help millions access health coverage, are demanding a living wage of $25 per hour and the freedom to organize without fear of retaliation. Let's deliver a message of unity and support their cause! 

📅 November 9, 2023

⏰Beginning at 7 AM

📍 Maximus, 2411 W. Peoria, Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85209

Other ways you can support the strike? 

1. Let Maximus workers know you have their backs by sending letters to TWO of the decision makers who could address many problems at Maximus; Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.
2. Donate to their Solidarity Fund! This fund helps ensure that Maximus workers across the country won't have to miss a bill when they make the tough decision to walk off the join on strike.

AZ AFL-CIO Upcoming Training: Young Workers Common Sense Economics - Nov. 16th

Facilitated by our Training Specialist, Esau Gutierrez, this event is your opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the economic challenges faced by young workers. We will delve into how the current economic system isn't in their favor and shed light on the influence of corporate CEOs and billionaires on their lives.

Through this training, we'll discuss the power of collective action, including voting, volunteering, organizing, and activism, to reshape the rules of the economy in their favor.

📅 November 16, 2023

⏰3 PM to 4:30 PM 

💻 This is a virtual event via Zoom, you will receive the link once you RSVP

2023 MALF Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser on Nov. 18th

 Every year, the Andy Ward Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to individuals in the union or their dependents who are looking to further their studies. Come and contribute to this fundraiser! Sponsors have the opportunity to receive custom cornhole boards as a token of appreciation.

When: Saturday November 18, 2023

Where: NALC George T Russell, Branch 576 - 3720 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85053

Instead of proposing a budget that supports working people, creates good jobs and protects families, some extreme Republican politicians plan to push an extreme agenda that threatens the wages, health care, education and safety of workers and our families. These extremists are threatening to shut down the government—putting our economy in peril and hundreds of thousands out of work—if they don’t get extreme cuts that could heap even more hardship on our families, just to funnel our hard-earned dollars to the wealthy, big corporations and political donors.

COSHCON23: the National Conference on Worker Safety and Health

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, Dignity by Fire: Dismantling Arizona's Anti-Immigrant Machine by Randy Parraz, and also vote on December's book of the month!

NEXT MEETING: November 30th, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

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].

The Media's Coverage of Striking Hotel Workers Needs to Change

"But the volume and consistency of the coverage always pales in comparison to that received by the writers and actors. For instance, a search of The New York Times website for the writers' or actors' strikes yields a plethora of articles, including ones that simply inform us that talks are progressing. In contrast, I counted less than a dozen articles about the hotel workers."

Sister Story: Kaylyn Snow

"Local 276 (Victoria, British Columbia) sheet metal worker Kaylyn Snow describes herself as a firecracker, a team player and someone who loves to “get put on the harder tasks … and get it done with pride.” And after six years in the trade, she says there’s still never a dull moment on the job."

Workers Want Unions: How States Have Strengthened Worker Power in 2023

"Unions and collective bargaining increase workers’ democratic voice; raise wages and build wealth; and improve conditions for all workers. It should be no surprise that nearly 70 percent of Americans support unions, and support is especially high among younger generations. Despite the fact that workers want and need unions, decades of weakened labor law has eroded workers’ ability to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. Yet, states have significant authority to build power for working people."

What the U.A.W Won

"The six-week rolling strike by members of the United Auto Workers union seems to be at an end. After making deals with Ford and Stellantis last week, U.A.W. leaders reached a tentative agreement with General Motors on Monday, opening the way for a full return to work. Although some details of the agreements haven’t yet been made public, it’s clear that the U.A.W. has achieved a historic victory for its members. Capitalizing on the industry’s high profits, a tight labor market, and support from President Biden, the union forced the Big Three automakers to make big concessions not just on wage rates but in other areas, too."

Studios Said to See Progress in Talks with Striking Actors 

"Following several productive days at the negotiating table, Hollywood studios are growing optimistic that they are getting closer to a deal to end the 108-day actors’ strike, according to three people briefed on the matter. These people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the labor situation, cautioned on Sunday that some issues remain unresolved with the actors, including protections around the use of artificial intelligence technology to create digital replicas of their likenesses without payment or approval. But other knots had started to become untangled, the people said."

Wage Theft of More Than $400,000 from Oakland Hotel Workers Is Largest Claim in City History 

"The Radisson Hotel, located on Edes Avenue less than a mile south of the Oakland Coliseum, failed to pay the correct minimum wage rates to its housekeepers, front desk staff and other employees between July 2019 and April 2020, according to the city’s Department of Workplace and Employment Standards."

Biden Issues U.S 'First AI Executive Order, Requiring Safety Assessments, Civil Rights Guidance, Research on Labor Market Impact

"While law enforcement agencies have warned that they’re ready to apply existing law to abuses of AI and Congress has endeavored to learn more about the technology to craft new laws, the executive order could have a more immediate impact. Like all executive orders, it “has the force of law,” according to a senior administration official who spoke with reporters on a call Sunday."

Southwest Airlines Faces More Labor Fines in Arizona, Bringing Total to More Than $400K 

“The workers are all aircraft mechanics. They say they got write-ups and/or warnings in their personnel files for taking sick time that they had earned. The warnings said the workers were taking excessive absences and that further absences may result in termination. "

Hobbs Issues Executive Orders, Allocates $2.3M in COVID-19 Relief Funding for Arizona Elections

“Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday announced three new executive orders aimed to make voting easier, and $2.3 million in coronavirus relief funding as a down payment toward changes recommended by her elections task force. The funding comes from Arizona's share of the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal coronavirus relief package. It will fund an elections fellowship program to train and recruit election workers, and provide temporary staffing for counties ahead of next year's election. The funds will help maintain the state's voter registration database, pay for security and poll worker recruitment, and support other election initiatives."

Tucson-based Asarco, Unions Back to Bargaining Table 

“Asarco, which is owned by Grupo Mexico, operates the Mission Mine in Sahuarita and the Silver Bell Mine near Marana, the Ray Mine and Hayden smelter in central Arizona; and a refinery in Amarillo, Texas. The Asarco union members have been working without a new contract since 2020, when they returned to work after a nine-month strike over pay and allegations of unfair labor practices by the company."

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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]