John, 

This week marks a celebration of growth, learning, and opportunity—it's National Apprenticeship Week! Union apprenticeships play a pivotal role in developing a highly skilled workforce while offering a pathway to success for working individuals.

National Apprenticeship Week serves as a vibrant reminder of the profound impact that union apprenticeships have on employers and the workforce alike. Picture a journey where working people not only earn a living but also acquire valuable skills through paid work experience and classroom learning, paving the way for a successful future.

Union apprenticeships span across diverse industries, including hospitality, the care economy, cybersecurity, construction, and advanced manufacturing. The individuals contributing to these sectors are the architects of our future, building the foundations for progress and innovation. It's crucial for us, as a labor movement, to recognize and promote the value of registered apprenticeships as a gateway to securing and fulfilling union jobs.

In our pursuit of strengthening the middle class, it is imperative that we spread the word about the benefits of registered apprenticeships. These programs not only elevate the skills of the workforce but also contribute significantly to financial stability. Let's continue to raise awareness about how these apprenticeships are a driving force behind the success of the middle class.

Key Statistics Highlighting the Impact:

• $80,000: The average starting salary after completing a registered apprenticeship.
• 90%: The percentage of apprentices who stay on the job after completing their apprenticeship.
• $300,000: The lifetime earning advantage of an apprentice graduate compared to their peers who don’t complete an apprenticeship

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, let's recognize and amplify the incredible contributions of apprenticeships to our workforce and communities. Together, let's build a future where opportunities abound for all.

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

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

AZ AFL-CIO Upcoming Training: Young Workers Common Sense Economics - December 1st

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

⏰10 AM to 11:30 AM 

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

COSHCON23: the National Conference on Worker Safety and Health

Arizona Labor Book Club Meeting- November

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].

Bernie Sanders: US Should Back Union Movement 'To Save the Middle Class'

"If the US is “going to save the middle class” then Democrats and Republicans must come together to back the newly resurgent labor movement, Bernie Sanders told the Guardian this week ahead of a Senate hearing on the benefits of unions. Sanders is holding a Senate health, education, labor and pensions committee hearing on Tuesday with US labor leaders on the state of the US labor movement and efforts to rein in corporate greed in America. The hearing comes after a wave of successful strike actions by workers and as Congress once again considers legislation that would empower union organizing."

The Labor Department Looks to Fulfill Biden's Promise to Disabled Workers 

"But one group has not reaped the benefits of labor’s growing power: workers with disabilities. Despite many strides for people with disabilities, in what is an incredibly degrading relic from the pre-World War II era, the United States still allows employers to pay people with disabilities below the minimum wage."

AFL-CIO President to Detroit Casinos: 'Quit Gambling With Their Workers' Livelihoods'

"AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined hundreds of Detroit casino workers chanting, “The people united will never be defeated” at Motor City Casino during a Wednesday evening rally as their strike nears the one-month mark."

Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally

"Worker empowerment is essential to the advancement of sustainable economic growth, inclusive international development, human rights, democratic resilience, fair competition, and growing a strong middle class in the United States and abroad.  Labor rights are also key to our national and economic security and to an effective foreign policy."

Starbucks Workers Plan Walkout During Red Cup Giveaway Day 

"Thousands of unionized Starbucks workers plan to walk off the job on Thursday to press their demands for contract negotiations and spotlight their complaints over staffing and scheduling issues. The stoppage coincides with an annual Starbucks promotion, Red Cup Day, in which customers receive bright-red reusable cups if they order a holiday-themed beverage, like a Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. The union representing the striking workers, Starbucks Workers United, has said events like Red Cup Day force employees to handle more orders than usual but without sufficient staffing."

REI Accused of Dozens of Labor Law Violations at Unionized US Stores 

"REI, the camping and outdoor sports equipment retailer, was accused on Wednesday of dozens of violations of US labor law at eight retail stores that have unionized since last year. Workers at stores in New York, California, Chicago and Boston, among others, filed a total of 80 complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking to force the company to bargain with their unions. The complaints claim that REI has retaliated against pro-union workers, restructured jobs and changed working conditions without input from the unions, as well as stalled bargaining with unions that won elections at the stores."

Cornell Grad Student Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Unionize 

"The new union—Cornell Graduate Students United, affiliated with the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE)—will represent all master’s and doctoral students at the Ithaca, Cornell Tech (Roosevelt Island) and Geneva campuses who are teaching assistants, research assistants, graduate assistants or graduate research assistants."

Tucsonans Urge Rep. Juan Ciscomani to Avoid A Government Shutdown 

“A nonpartisan group of Tucsonans held a rally Monday urging District 6 Representative Juan Ciscomani to vote in favor of a bill avoiding a government shutdown."

These 5 House Republicans from Arizona Voted Against Bill to Keep Federal Government Open 

“Reps. Andy Biggs, Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, Debbie Lesko and David Schweikert of Arizona were among the 93 Republicans who voted against the measure. Just two House Democrats opposed it."

Study Uncovers Reality of Workers Facing Hunger and Homelessness at Sky Harbor Airport

“A report published by Worker Power Institute in partnership with the Grand Canyon Institute, finds that a majority of food and beverage workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport experience food and housing insecurity, and make significant sacrifices–such as foregoing medical care and car maintenance–just to survive."

Gov. Hobbs Announces $1.25M Investment to Arizona Apprenticeship Programs 

“The announcement comes during National Apprenticeship Week. It’s a celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education and government leaders host events to showcase the success and value of registered apprenticeship."

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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]