John, 

Today, I want to take a moment to shine a light on two incredible women who've been making a real difference in our community: the Chair and Co-Chair of the Maricopa Area Labor Federation (MALF), Teresa D'Asaro and Dawn Schumann. 

Meet Teresa D'Asaro: 

Teresa D’Asaro is a fourth-generation union member and recent retiree from UFCW Local 99. Originally from Yuma, Arizona, Teresa got her start in the labor movement in 1992 as a rank-and-file union member at a Smith’s grocery store in Torrance, California. In 1994, she moved to Mesa, Arizona, and became a shop steward. Then shortly after, she was recruited by her union rep to work as a Special Project Union Representative (SPUR), signing up new members to join Local 99 across Arizona. In 1997, she was officially hired as a Union Rep and over the next 27 years, she worked her way up through the union as a Field Coordinator, Field Director, and Community Outreach Director. Following her retirement in December 2023, Teresa has continued to be a champion for working Arizonans through her role as Secretary-Treasure on the Executive Board of the UFCW International Women’s Network and as Chair of the Maricopa Area Labor Federation. Teresa will continue her leadership role and has joined community organizations to continue to make a difference.

Meet Dawn Schumann: 

Dawn Schumann's journey into union activism began in 2015, when she officially joined the Teamsters after spending years volunteering with Teamsters Local 104. Since becoming part of MALF in 2016, Dawn's commitment has only grown stronger, leading her to become Co-Chair in 2018. Additionally, she serves as the President of Pride at Work, Arizona Chapter. 

Since becoming the Co-Chair for the MALF and also serving as the Policital Director and Lobbyist for Teamsters Local 104, Dawn has worked closely with all unions within the AFL-CIO. She has been an active member of the Legislative Committee, ensuring that the concerns of unions are heard and addressed by elected officials. For Dawn, the opportunity to endorse candidates and hold them accountable for their actions is a privilege she holds dear. As the President of P@W, she will continue to fight for all members of the LGBTQIA+ family, especially in the workplace.

She is happily married to Karla Schumann, and they call Phoenix home along with their beloved fur babies, Sedona and Bisbee. With seven children and seven grandchildren, family is precious to them both. When they're not working, you'll likely find them exploring national parks or spending quality time with their loved ones. 

Celebrating Their Accomplishments with MALF: 

Under the leadership of Teresa D'Asaro and Dawn Schumann, MALF has achieved remarkable milestones. Their efforts have improved the lives of innumerable workers and their families, from setting up the Andy & Dorothy Ward Scholarship to planning entertaining events like the Cornhole Tournament. Furthermore, MALF's participation in county and city elections demonstrates their dedication to promoting laws that put the rights and welfare of workers first.

Furthermore, their continued commitment to commemorating Workers' Memorial Day acts as a moving reminder of the sacrifices made by employees and the continuous struggle for better working conditions.

Teresa D'Asaro and Dawn Schumann exemplify the spirit of solidarity and advocacy that defines the labor movement in Arizona. Their unwavering commitment to empowering workers, promoting inclusivity, and fighting for social justice inspires us all. As we honor their remarkable contributions, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more just and equitable future for all workers.

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Retirement Advisers Should Be Required to Act in Customers' Best Interests

Hardworking Americans lose billions of dollars every year from bad retirement advice, and unbelievably, retirement advisers are not required to act in their customers' best interests. 

Your House and Senate members are hearing from the Wall Street smear machine, but they need to hear from working people like you. Will you take two minutes to call your members and urge them to support a strong fiduciary rule? 

Protect Unemployment Benefits in Arizona- Say NO to HB2592

A concerning bill that threatens unemployment benefits to Arizonans. HB2592 proposes cutting the number of benefit weeks for unemployment insurance (UI) recipients in Arizona. If passed, this bill will amplify housing instability, hunger, and economic insecurity. 

Write your Representative today uring them to vote NO on HB2592. 

Tell the White House to Stop the Raid on Postal Workers' Pensions

For more than 52 years, U.S. Postal Service (USPS) workers have unfairly had their retirement funds raided by the U.S. government—resulting in more than $90 billion in unjust expenses to the USPS. We need your help to send a message to the Biden administration to do the right thing for postal workers.

Tell Congress: Renew ACP and Keep Families Connected! 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) currently helps nearly 23 million households access high speed broadband, providing $30 per month to qualify families for affordable internet access. This mean more families online, and more jobs for CWA members. But funding is running out. Unless Congress acts NOW to renew ACP, the program will end by April 2024.

Tell Congress to support the bipartisan ACP Extension Act, support good job, and keep families connected! 

2024 NALC Branch 1902's Wheely Good Cause: Sip & Support for MDA!

$5 Per Ticket Entry or $20 for 5 Tickets 

Each ticket purchased contributes to the cause, aiding research and assistance for those living with Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, and related Neuromuscular Diseases. Join NALC 1902 in raising funds for a noble cause while having the chance to wheel away a treasure trove of beverages. Cheers to charity and making a meaningful difference! 

24th Annual Arizona Cesar E. Chavez + Dolores Huerta March & Rally

The Arizona César E. Chávez + Dolores Huerta Holiday Coalition invites you to join! They will have Danza Xochipillo Centeotl, local organizations, vendors, local union speakers, elected officials, and community leaders!   

Starting at Pueblo High School, march down Veterans Blvd., to S. 6th Ave, ending at Rudy Garcia Park! Shuttles provided from  8:00 AM to 8:30 AM 

Arizona AFL-CIO Building Bridges: Free Citizenship Fair 

Join us in facilitating the process of obtaining citizenship for the more than 200,000 eligible Arizonans! The Arizona AFL-CIO is proud to offer the first Citizenship Fair in which applicants will be helped in the process of completing their paperwork and submitting their applications with the help of our amazing Labor affiliates and community partners. Please feel free to share and distribute this flyer and/or information about this Citizenship fair to potentially interested members/individuals/communities! 

2024 Legislative Committee Meeting Alerts - AZ AFL-CIO 

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].  

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].

America's Most Powerful Union Leaders Have a Message for Capitol

"I sat down with four of America’s top union leaders — Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO (the federation of US trade unions); Claude Cummings, president of the Communications Workers of America; Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers; and Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, to talk about what’s happened and where they go from here."

Advancing Women in Construction Club at ASU Encourages Women to Break Barrier

"In the male-dominated field of construction, women have historically been underrepresented. Despite advancements in gender equality in various industries, the construction sector continues to struggle with gender diversity. "

Dept. of Labor, OSHA Fine Atlanta Business for Safety Violation at Chemical Plant

"An Atlanta chemical manufacturer faces nearly $290,000 in fines from the federal government after officials found close to 70 serious safety violations at its facility, the U.S. Department of Labor announced. Violations included fall hazards and potential exposure to cancer-causing chemicals."

Spotify's Unionized Staff Reaches Tentative Deal, Including 5.7% Pay Hike

"One week after their previous contract expired, union members at The Ringer and Spotify Studios – formerly Gimlet Media and Parcast – have both reached tentative agreements with Spotify on new collective bargaining agreements. The tentative deals, reached after more than two months of bargaining, call for pay increases that average 5.7%, which union staffers point out is higher than the rate of inflation. It says they also made gains on severance, won new protections for employees who are on visas, and secured “groundbreaking” safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence."

Patagonia Workers in Reno Store Vote to Join Union 

"The associates at a Patagonia store in Reno, Nev. have voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 711, marking the first successful unionization effort at a Patagonia store. Along with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), the UFCW has been making inroads at other outdoor retailers recently, organizing nine REI locations across the U.S. with the RWDSU and five Vertical Endeavors climbing gyms in Minnesota. "

Biden Says U.S. Steel Must Remain Domestically Owned and Operated

"Biden called United Steelworkers International (USW) President David McCall on Thursday "to reiterate that he has the steelworkers' back," the White House said. The union welcomed Biden's position. "Allowing one of our nation's largest steel manufacturers to be purchased by a foreign-owned corporation leaves us vulnerable when it comes to meeting both our defense and critical infrastructure needs," McCall said in a statement. "The president's statements should end the debate: U.S. Steel must remain 'domestically owned and operated.'"

About 600 Workers Unionize at Microsoft-Owned Activision

"About 600 workers at Activision Publishing, the video game maker owned by Microsoft, are unionizing, forming the largest video game workers’ union in the United States, the Communications Workers of America said on Friday. Microsoft recognized the union after the vote count was finalized."

Sky Harbor Food and Beverage Workers Authorize Strike, Could Walk Off Jobs 'any day'

“Workers with HMS Host, the largest operator of airport concessions at Sky Harbor, voted unanimously to authorize the strike over wages, pensions and staffing."

Union: Arizona Educators Want Higher Pay for Themselves and Other School Staff

“'Teachers with Arizona’s public school labor union — the Arizona Education Association — say they do need better pay, but disagreed on the discipline and on who needs the raises. The push to raise teacher salaries is something that Republicans and Democrats agree is important this year. Teachers are paid lower in Arizona than in most states, and, according to Horne, about 2,300 leave the state every year."

Arizona Teamsters Ratify Republic Services Contract

"Members of the Arizona-based Local 104 chapter of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at Republic Services’ North and East Yards have ratified their first collective bargaining agreements with the Phoenix-based waste company.The new four-year contracts include a 19 percent wage hike, enhanced training pay, a 135 percent hourly rate for vacation, sick leave, holidays and language protections for safety and seniority rights."

The City of Tucson Plans to Construct Its First Bus Rapid Transit System

"The City of Tucson is currently in the middle of developing the first segment of its Bus Rapid Transit project, one that will connect the Tohono Tadai Transit Center and Tucson Mall to the Ronstadt Transit Center and Downtown Tucson. The city’s first step is the north segment, a five-mile portion of the planned 15-mile transit corridor."

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