John, 

We are excited to announce the upcoming 2024 Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School, scheduled to convene in Golden, Colorado, from July 7th to 13th. Building upon the success of previous years, this event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for labor leadership development and activism.

For those unfamiliar, as the only remaining regional labor school in the nation, Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School is renounced as the most comprehensive and dynamic program for labor leadership in the Western United States. Whether you're a seasoned union member or just beginning your journey in labor activism, the skills and knowledge gained throughout the week will undoubtedly strengthen your impact in the workplace and beyond. 

Courses at this year's school include a wide array of topics crucial for labor activists. From Labor History I & II to Labor Law I & II, from Contract Costing to Collective Bargaining I & II, attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills in various aspects of labor relations. Additionally, courses such as Communications, Grievance & Arbitration, Internal Organizing, Labor Leadership, Legal Rights of Public Employees, Staying Out of Trouble with the DOL, Steward Training, and Political Engagement for Union Members will provide invaluable insights and tools for effective advocacy and representation.

As we reflect on the success of last year's school hosted in Butte, Montana, we are reminded of the invaluable connections made and the enriching classes attended, led by expert instructors. One particularly popular class from last year was "Political Engagement for Union Members," facilitated by political directors from Idaho and Montana. The lessons learned in this session underscored the importance of active engagement in shaping labor policies and advocating for workers' rights.

As we look forward to the 2024 Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School in Golden, Colorado, we invite you to join us for a week of learning, collaboration, and solidarity. Mark your calendars and click on the button below for more information and registering for this year!

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Rally for Cannabis Workers! 

Since 2010, they've been the backbone of our communities, serving patients and customers with dedication. Now, as the industry booms into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, it's time to ensure these workers aren't left behind. Rally with us on 420 for justice, safer working conditions, fair wages, and dignity on the job. Details below:

WHERE: Curaleaf Camelback, 1040 E Camelback Rd Ste A, Phoenix, AZ 85014 WHEN: 10 AM - 12 PM

MALF's 2024 Workers' Memorial Day Breakfast

Each day, more than 340 workers are killed and more than 6,000 suffer injury and illness because of dangerous working conditions that are preventable. 

Join the Maricopa Area Labor Federation to honor Arizona workers who passed away due to work-related injury or illness in 2023. 

WHEN: April 26th, 2024 at 9:00 - 11:00AM 

WHERE: Teamsters Local 104, 1450 S. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009

AFL-CIO Governance, Education, and Training - Spring 2024

Click on the button below to access a list of over ten virtual and in person trainings that the National AFL-CIO is offering this spring! 

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!

How Critical Is the ACP to Americans? 

Access to the internet is crucial in today's interconnected world. The Affordable Connectivity Program has been a lifeline for millions, but its funding is about to dry up in just TWO WEEKS. Without it, many will have to choose between the internet and other essentials. We can't let that happen. Contact Congress today and urge them to fund the ACP to ensure everyone stays connected!

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].

Remembering the Racist History of 'Right-to-Work' Laws 

"Michigan became the first state in decades to repeal its right-to-work laws, which stifle workers by making it harder to collectively bargain for their wages, benefits and working conditions."

Ski Patrollers Explain Why They Support Unionization

"The conversation around ski patrol unionization efforts has heated up this season, with patrol teams across North America rallying for better pay and benefits."

'No Way': US Labor Watchdog Refuses to Bow to SpaceX, Amazon and Starbucks 

"The US’s top labor lawyer has said her agency will not “succumb” to Amazon, Starbucks and SpaceX’s attempts to legally challenge the National Labor Relations Board and its ability to enforce federal labor law."

Biden Delivers Remarks on the Care Economy

"Biden highlights the critical contributions of care workers and caregivers, underscoring the need for affordable care services, paid family leave, and equitable tax policies."

Lawsuit Says Atlantic City Casino Workers are Exposed to Harmful Secondhand Smoke 

"Smoky, hazy gambling floors have long been part of the Atlantic City casino experience for some people. But on Friday, the United Auto Workers and another group filed a lawsuit against New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and the state’s health commissioner claiming that a loophole in state law exposes casino workers to health problems from secondhand smoke."

Underage Teen Workers Did 'Oppressive Child Labor' for Tennessee Parts Supplier, Feds Say 

"A tennessee company is the latest hit with child labor violations. Tuff Torq, which makes parts for John Deere and others, 'subjected to 10 children to oppressive child labor,' the Labor Department said."

Want a 32-Hour Workweek? Give Workers More Power. 

"German labor history has some tips on how the US could reduce its workweek."

Arizona Labor Unions Host Successful Citizenship Fair, With More in the Works 

“Dozens of union members filled the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)  Local 86 hall in Phoenix on Saturday, March 30, for the Arizona AFL-CIO’s inaugural citizenship fair, where nearly two dozen applicants worked with immigration lawyers and union volunteers to fill out applications for naturalization. The Painter’s Union is one of over 50 unions that work with the AFL-CIO to build solidarity among workers across industries."

Workers at Downtown Phoenix Hotel Strike During Final Four 

"According to a statement from Marriott, approximately two-thirds of those scheduled to work at the Sheraton downtown came to work on Saturday."

Arizona Supreme Court Rules a Near-Total Abortion Ban from 1864 Is Enforceable 

“The ruling is on hold for 14 days, and voters will likely have a chance to weigh in on an ballot measure enshrining abortion rights in the state's constitution this fall."

Biden Deploys $6.6B to Boost Global Chipmaker in Key Swing State

“The Biden administration announced a $6.6 billion grant on Monday designed to commit the world’s top chipmaker to mass-produce its next generation of microchips in Arizona."

Thank you for reading the Arizona Labor Dispatch! Can you help us grow our readership by sharing our sign-up form? 

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]