John, 

As we prepare for yet another summer in Arizona, we take comfort in the fact that labor as a whole has achieved a major victory for worker safety in Phoenix. It is important to acknowledge the critical role that unions played in the Phoenix City Council's March 26th adoption of the Heat Ordinance. In a unanimous vote, employers are to provide access to rest, shade, water and air conditioning, as well as training on recognizing signs of heat stress.

Here's a message from National COSH, who tirelessly collaborated with our unions to achieve this milestone:

"We are excited to share a VICTORY for workers in Phoenix! After suffering through an unprecedented 31 days of 110+ degree outdoor temperatures last summer, Phoenix workers knew they needed to demand heat protection and we knew we had to support them. In partnership with SEIU, National COSH supported Sky Harbor Airport Workers with heat safety and know your rights training, filing an OSHA heat complaint, and advocating for municipal protections.

Now, their efforts to demand change have begun to pay off. Last week, the Phoenix City Council passed an ordinance mandating city contractors and subcontractors provide heat protections for workers. The ordinance was supported by the Sky Harbor Airport Workers and several labor allies. This is a HUGE win for our 2023 COSH Worker Power Team-Building Award winners and their allies.

This victory kicks off our work supporting similar campaigns across the country.

Can you help us continue this important work by donating to support our Summer of Heat Action campaign? There are thousands of workers who are killed, injured or suffer heat illness every year yet there is still no OSHA standard for heat. In this absence it is imperative that workers receive the training and support they need. Please donate today to help us fund this critically important work.

Thank you for all you do to support workers." 

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Support Union Sister, Cecilia Valdez' ICA Nomination 

Add your name to a letter to the Arizona Senate in support of Cecilia Valdez's nomination to the Industrial Commission of Arizona. 

Please sign by Monday, April 8th at 5PM!

Tax Day Reminder: File Your Taxes for Free with Direct File!

As residents of Arizona, we are among the lucky few in 12 states allowing eligible taxpayers to file their taxes online directly with the IRS—for free with a service called Direct File.

People can use Direct File if they meet this year’s eligibility requirements. 

This is a great new way to save working families money. We hope you’ll check it out and tell your friends and family!

Visit our Union Members at the Phoenix Film Festival -  TODAY April 5th 

Stop by the Phoenix Film Festival for their Industry Night. From 6PM to 11PM where you can visit our Union Production Coalition Members and IATSE 336 and SAG-AFTRA's booths! 

Location: Harkins Scottsdale 101, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ

Time: 6PM- 11PM 

AFA-CWA Day of Action at Sky Harbor 

Their system-wide Day of Action will carry our solidarity across the globe and provide over 14 opportunities at bases and satellite bases to join their informational picket line in support of our future.

RSVP, mark your calendars, press your uniforms, pop on your RED AFA pin, and we will see you soon!

Protect Tipped Workers: Oppose SCR 1040 NOW! 

Tipped workers across Arizona face a critical threat to their livelihoods, and they urgently need your support. SCR 1040 poses a grave danger, casting a shadow over the financial security of these hardworking individuals.

In 2016, voters approved The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act (Proposition 206), a vital step toward ensuring fair treatment for all workers, including tipped employees. SCR 1040 now looms, potentially eroding the hard-won progress of fair compensation for workers.

We urge you to take action now by writing to your legislators. Stand in solidarity with tipped workers by opposing the SCR 1040. Your voice matters, and together, we can protect the rights and dignity of hardworking individuals who rely on tips to make ends meet.

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. 

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].

Liz Schuler Wants AI to Reinvigorate the Labor Movement 

"The head of one of America’s most storied labor organizations sees changing technology as a great risk — and great opportunity."

'A Fishing Accident Blinded Me but I was Forced to Keep Working': Abuses Faced by Workers Who Catch Our Fish

"Labor groups and government officials are pushing to rein in rampant abuses of workers in the fishing industry, where migrant laborers are frequently subjected to slavery and violence from employers."

A New IRS Program Is Helping Its First Users File Their Income Taxes Electronically. And It's Free

"The project, known as Direct File and launched by the IRS on a limited basis in 12 states this tax season, is in its pilot phase. Starting this week, it is available for eligible users to start their returns at any time after earlier being available only during certain hours."

Larry Itliong Unity Park in Delano Will Honor the Central Valley Farmworkers' Movement

"In September 1965, Itliong led Filipino grape workers to strike for better conditions. 8 days later, he was joined by Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and the National Farmworkers Association."

U.S. Finalizes Rule Requiring Two-Person Crews on Freight Trains 

"The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it had finalized a new rule that will require the nation’s largest freight railroads to maintain their current staffing of two crew members per train, settling a contentious issue between organized labor and the industry. Federal regulations had not previously specified a minimum crew size, but the nation’s largest freight railroads typically have two workers on each train, an engineer and a conductor. The industry’s adoption of efficiency measures known as precision scheduled railroading had stoked fears among workers that freight rail companies would move to reduce their crews to one person per train as a way of further cutting costs."

'They are Breaking the Law': Inside Amazon's Bit to Stall A Union Drive 

"Facing an insurgent campaign which threatened to unleash a wave of unionization across its vast workforce, Amazon stands accused of reaching for dirty tricks. Workers who tried to organize inside its warehouses claim the technology giant orchestrated an illegal counteroffensive, using scare tactics and spreading misconceptions. Nearly two years have passed since workers in Staten Island, New York, voted to form its first US warehouse union. As the Amazon Labor Union took its battle nationwide, the company scrambled to ensure it did not suffer the same crushing blows."

Teamsters Call for Nationwide Boycott of Molson Coors Amid Labor Dispute

"Some 420 members of Teamsters local 997 in Texas have been on strike for more than a month at Molson Coors' Fort Worth brewery after negotiators failed to reach an agreement on a new three-year contract for workers."

Restaurant Association Appears to Be Behind 'Save Our Tips' Advocacy Group

“The Arizona Restaurant Association appears to be behind an organization that is advocating against raising the minimum wage, as well as promoting a Republican measure that would ask voters to let businesses pay employees who work for tips 25% less than minimum wage. The legislation would amend the Arizona Constitution to include language that would allow business owners to cut the pay of their tipped employees.  The strike-everything amendment to Senate Concurrent Resolution 1040 passed out of the House Commerce Committee along party lines last month. Those who spoke in favor of the measure said it is in direct response to a ballot initiative currently gathering signatures that would increase the minimum wage for all workers to $18 an hour."

19 Arrested During Food Service Worker Protest at Sky Harbor Airport 

“Community organizers, union workers, airport staff and other supporters were blowing whistles, banging on buckets, shouting and holding signs demanding investigative action by the city of Phoenix on what they say are the racial disparities faced by Black and Latino food service workers at the airport. Several protesters were later arrested by police when they stood in a nearby crosswalk and occupied an intersection.'

Steven Spielberg's First Movie, 'Firelight,' Celebrates 60 Years Since Its Phoenix Premiere 

"Michael Barnard, the Phoenix Theatre Company’s artistic director, said when Spielberg visited the theater in 2018, he called “Firelight” the most difficult movie he’s ever had to make and thanked his father, Arthur Spielberg, for doing much of the heavy lifting."

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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]