john, 

What a momentous week this has been here in Arizona, especially in the realm of labor and workforce development! This Monday marked the commencement of the 2nd Regular Session of the 56th Legislature, where Governor Katie Hobbs delivered her impactful second State of the State Address. In her address, Governor Hobbs outlined crucial priorities that directly contribute to the betterment of our state’s workforce. Emphasizing the strength of Arizona’s economy and abundant opportunities resonates deeply with the labor community.

Governor Hobbs proudly highlighted the achievements of 2023, with over fifty-six thousand jobs created, bringing in a staggering thirty-two billion dollars in foreign investment. Translating to more opportunities for working people in Arizona. The Governor worked diligently with the Arizona Commerce Authority, which has successfully attracted high-tech and advanced manufacturing businesses, providing high-quality jobs to our workforce.

Receiving a standing ovation from members on both sides of the aisle, Governor Hobbs passionately called for continued investment in our public schools and increased wages for educators. We applaud her for emphasizing the need for accountability for the ESA voucher program and asserting that every child, no matter their background, deserves an education. Additionally, she is taking action to provide opportunities for Arizonans to succeed through investments in Future48 and the Build It AZ Apprenticeship Initiative, doubling the number of apprentices in the trades and preparing individuals for future industries such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and aerospace. These initiatives promise not only higher education but also access to child care and high-speed internet for our rural and tribal communities.

Addressing the pressing issue of soaring housing prices in the state, Governor Hobbs announced the Arizona Is Home Mortgage Assistance Program. This initiative aims to enhance homebuyer assistance for rural communities, allowing families of four earning seventy-five thousand dollars a year to purchase and qualify for affordable homes. While acknowledging that this won’t solve the statewide crisis, it stands as an effective measure to bring stability and promote equity in the working class.

Among the significant victories this week, the passage of Prevailing Wage Ordinance, is a monumental achievement for our state and its tradespeople. The passage vote, not only in Phoenix, but a unanimous one for the city of Tucson on the same day, is proof of its importance. Starting July 1st, construction companies working on city projects exceeding $4 million or more in Phoenix and $2 million or more in Tucson will be required to pay employees union-level wages and benefits. As Phoenix City Councilwoman stated on Tuesday, “By passing a prevailing wage today, we are sending a clear message that we value our labor force and recognize their available contributions to our city’s growth and prosperity."

The policies and actions taken this week align with the principles and values that the Arizona AFL-CIO holds dear. As we advocate for the well-being and rights of our workers, we recognize the significance of these measures in creating a stronger, more inclusive labor force in our state. The commitment to workforce development, the emphasis on fair wages, and the dedication to addressing housing challenges collectively contribute to creating a supportive environment where the working class can thrive and prosper. This week’s achievements set a positive trajectory for this year.

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

2024 Legislative Committee Meeting Alerts - Starting Friday, Jan. 12th

Join us every Friday at 9:30 AM via Zoom to get updates and alerts on the 2nd Regular Session of the 56th Legislature. Click on the button below and complete the form. 

For additional questions, contact our Political Director, Joe Murphy at [email protected].  

2024 AZ AFL-CIO Day of Action at the Capitol - Monday, February 19th! 

Join us! This event allows union members to make their presence known in the legislature and advocate for the issues that matter most to working families in Arizona.

We will have a special guest speaker and offer two workshops! Click on the button to RSVP as an attendee!  

We are currently looking for volunteers for the event, if you would like to participate in making this event successful, please click on the following link and fill out the Google Form. You will be contacted with more information: https://bit.ly/3voc1aZ

*Lunch Provided*

Arizona MLK Day Celebration 2024

We are joining A. Philip Randolph Institute - Phoenix Chapter this year for the Phoenix #MLK Celebration! Come by the booth to learn more about #APRI and how you can become a member. You will also have a chance to win some great prizes!

If you are located near or around the Tucson area, join the Pima Area Labor Federation in the MLK Day Celebration March to Reid Park starting at 8 AM. 

2024 Union Plus Scholarship - Deadline January 31st

For it's 33rd year, the Union Plus Scholarship Program is gearing up to review thousands of applications from inspiring current prospective college, university, and technical or trade school students. The program has awarded ov er $5.4 million in educational funding to more than 3,800 students from union families since 1991. Last year, the program awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 205 students representing 41 unions! 

Click the button below to learn more and access the application. 

Join us on Tuesday, February 13, at more than 30 airports for a worldwide day of action and picketing event.

More information to follow! 

Flight Attendants across the industry are fighting to raise the standards for our career. More than two-thirds of the U.S. Flight Attendants are in contract negotiations right now, including red-hot contract fights at American, Alaska, Air Wisconsin, United, Omni, Southwest, Frontier, PSA, Mesa, and more.

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].

One Year In, Arizona's Universal School Vouchers Are A Cautionary Tale

"They’re a costly form of welfare for the wealthy that hurts rural and low-income students. They provide no educational accountability and lead to state-funded discrimination."

The 'Year of Labor' in 2023 Was Just the Beginning - Liz Shuler

"When people ask me why the labor movement just had its most dynamic and successful year in a generation, I tell them about workers like Alicia — people whose lives changed because they stood together with their co-workers. For all the talk about macro trends and economic factors, the driving force behind the “Year of Labor” was simple: Being in a union makes your life better."

16,000 CWA-IBT American Airlines Members Ratify Agreement 

"Passenger service workers at American Airlines, jointly represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA)-International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Association, have voted by a three-to-one margin to ratify a groundbreaking, five-year agreement."

Beyond Yoga Just Settled California's Largest Case of Wage Theft Against Garment Workers 

"Beyond Yoga was worth $400 million in 2021, when it was purchased by Levi Strauss. Its leggings retail for about $100. Like many brands, the company relies on garment-sewing contractors to stitch together its products. In the US, such contractors pay workers as little as $1.58 an hour in the most egregious cases."

Biden Renoninates Julie Su for Labor Secretary After Senate Declined to Confirm Her for Ten Months

"Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., applauded Biden for sticking with Su and argued she's more than proved her acumen since taking on the job in the acting role and earlier as deputy labor secretary earlier in the Democratic administration."

Las Vegas Hospitality Worker Unions Set Feb. 2 Strike Deadline

"Unions representing hospitality workers in Las Vegas said on Monday they will ask their 7,700 members to go on a strike on Feb. 2, if they do not have a labor contract by then. The Culinary Workers and Bartenders Unions are engaged in contract negotiations with 21 casino resorts in Las Vegas. The unions warned that they might launch targeted strikes sooner at individual properties if contract negotiations break down ahead of the strike deadline."

Detroit Bus Drivers to See $3 An Hour Raises, Bonus Increases Under Revised Pact

"DDOT bus drivers will see an immediate $3 per hour wage increase under a new memorandum of agreement between the city and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, which was negotiated after Duggan reopened the contract 18 months early."

Phoenix Passes Prevailing Wage Ordinance Amid Threats of Legal Action

“Construction companies working on city of Phoenix projects of $4 million or more will be required to pay employees market-level wages starting July 1."

Hobbs Wants Arizona to Give Down-Payment Help, Mortgage-Rate Relief

"In her second State of the State address, the Democratic governor said she wants to expand down-payment assistance and mortgage-rate relief for families making 80% or less of an area median income. She said that figure for Phoenix would mean any family making less than $75,000 would qualify."

$900M Movie Production Capus to Anchor Proposed Complex in West Valley

“'The studio complex is expected to create thousands of on-site and film industry related jobs," project documents noted. "It is also anticipated to be a major driver for the larger Belmont development, along with advancing the growth of regional tourism and transportation infrastructure.'"

Insulin Prices Plunge for Arizonans due to Biden's American Rescue Plan

“As of Jan. 1, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk—which make up roughly 90% of the market—are all officially offering price caps and savings programs to lower the cost of some of their most widely-used insulin products to only $35 per month."

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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]