John, 

The Arizona AFL-CIO stands in solidarity with our Sisters and Brothers of the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC).

For over 50 years, the Arizona State Building and Construction Trades Council has proudly served Arizona’s construction labor unions. Now representing 20,000 members, the Council collaborates with its affiliates, labor partners, and contractors to cultivate and grow an exceptional construction labor force.

The passage of prevailing wage policies in Arizona marked a significant victory for workers' rights, ensuring fair compensation for those involved in publicly funded projects. These policies guarantee family-sustaining wages and prevent contractors from undercutting bids with cheap labor, thereby supporting both the workforce and the quality of infrastructure development.

Read their following statement titled, ‘Arizona Building Trades Council Expresses Disappointment Over Ruling Against City’s Prevailing Wage Policy’:

The Arizona Building Trades Council (AZBTC) stands united in expressing deep disappointment following the recent ruling by Arizona Superior Court Judge Bradley Astrowsky against the city’s prevailing wage policy. This decision undermines the hard work and dedication of our skilled union construction workers who contribute to building our vibrant communities.

Prevailing wage policies are essential for ensuring fair compensation for workers on publicly funded projects. By guaranteeing family-sustaining wages and preventing contractors from undercutting bids with cheap labor, these policies support both workers and the quality of our infrastructure.

AZBTC Business Manager Solomon Galyon emphasized, “In an age of high inflation, it’s essential that cities and counties put workers first.” The prevailing wage policy not only protects workers but also promotes equal pay for equal work, benefiting women and people of color disproportionately impacted by wage disparities. Further, prevailing wage is already the law for federally funded projects.

While we respect the legal process, we urge the city to continue supporting prevailing wage policies that uplift working families and appeal to the Arizona Court of Appeals. AZBTC remains committed to advocating for fair wages, apprenticeship programs, and quality workmanship.

Read the full statement here. 

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Apply for the Andy Ward Memorial Scholarship! 

Applications for the Andy Ward Scholarship are now open! Encourage union members and their dependents affiliated with the Maricopa Area Labor Federation (MALF) to apply and seize this valuable opportunity for educational advancement. 

Want to Support the Andy Ward Scholarship Fund? Consider Donating! 

Your contributions will significantly impact the lives of our Brothers and Sisters. Engaging and educating our members and their children within the labor community is crucial for shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

Apply To Become A Member of One of Governor Hobb's Boards & Commissions 

If you are interested on how you can apply to become a member of one of Governor Hobb's Boards & Commissions, please click on the button below and fill out the form to receive one-on-one help with one of our staff members! 

Apply to the 2024 session of the Worker Power Leadership School from July 7 - August 3 in Phoenix, AZ! 

A collaboration between Worker Power and UNITE HERE Local 11, the hospitality workers union in Southern California and Arizona, the Leadership School brings together the best traditions of union organizing, worker education, and political campaigning.   

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!

AZ AFL-CIO 2024 Candidate Endorsements 

Mark your calendars for Arizona's Primary Election on July 30th and General Election on November 5th! 

The Arizona AFL-CIO has just released endorsements for Congressional and Senate candidates. Stay tuned for Additional Endorsements coming your way by June 2024. 

Endorsements will be updated on our website: https://azaflcio.org/2024-candidate-endorsements

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].

Why I Skipped College to Be an HVAC Tech 

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Closer Look at How Unions Change Workers' Lives for the Better

"Even though labor law stacks the deck against workers trying to unionize, unions are workers’ most powerful tool to advocate for themselves and their colleagues. Unions raise workers’ wages and benefits, increase job stability, offer training programs to boost skills, and push for critical safety improvements. Simply put, labor law must make it easier for workers to join a union because unions empower workers with limited resources to grow the wealth they need to retire, fund their children’s education or buy a home."

Alaska Airlines Reaches Tentative Labor Deal with Flight Attendants

"Alaska Airlines and its 7,000-member flight attendants union reached a tentative labor deal late Friday, concluding talks that lasted more than a year and a half. Terms of the deal have not been released, though the union called it a “record contract.” The deal likely contains a significant pay raise, which has been a common demand across the airline industry and sought by unions whose members in some cases have not seen a pay increase in years."

Bushel Boy to Pay $200k in Back Wages, Damages to Migrant Workers 

"Owatonna-based tomato grower Bushel Boy will pay nearly $200,000 in back wages and damages to 94 employees following an investigation into unpaid overtime, state officials announced Monday."

U.S Department of the Treasury, IRS Release Final Rules to Ensure Good-Paying Clean Energy Jobs, Expand Clean Energy Workforce

"Rules provide clarity and certainty for prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act and ensure clean energy jobs are good paying jobs."

Gwen Mills Elected President of UNITE HERE, First Women to Lead the Union in its 130-Year History 

"Under Mills, UNITE HERE will double down on new union organizing, take on tough industrial campaigns, and expand political organizing program in key battleground states ahead of 2024 election."

Project 2025 Would Undo the NLRB's Progress on Protecting Workers' Right to Organize 

"Workers are winning a greater percentage of NLRB-overseen union elections than at any point in the past 15 years as Biden administration appointees help protect workers' right to organize—but a conservative policy plan offers a blueprint for eroding the NLRB's ability to protect organizing workers."

Minimum Wage Increase Backers Sue Restaurant-Backed Ballot Measure Cutting Pay for Tipped Workers 

“The measure, which was brought to the legislature by the Arizona Restaurant Association, would allow restaurants to pay tipped workers 25% less than minimum wage. After being previously voted down in the Senate, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1040, also known as the “Tipped Workers Protection Act,” finally passed on June 12, one of the jam-packed last days of this year’s legislative session, by a vote of 16-12, with only Republicans voting in favor."

Arizona Judge Rules Against Phoenix, Tucson Prevailing Wage Laws 

"Just days before prevailing wage ordinances were set to take effect for city construction projects in Phoenix and Tucson, an Arizona judge ruled in favor of contractor groups who challenged the laws, finding the ordinances violate state law."

'Life-Altering Day:' 15,000 Arizonans Qualify for New Streamlined Citizenship Process

“The process revisions for citizenship focus on simplifying the process for spouses of US citizens by allowing them to stay with their families while their application is processed. Previously, applicants were often required to travel to their country of origin for an unspecified amount of time, separating them from their partner, their children, and their home."

Valley Tempe Streetcar Received $16 Million USDOT Grant to Aid Mesa Expansion

"As a part of its annual RAISE program giving grants to infrastructure projects across the nation, the USDOT awarded the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority $15.94 million to improve the Valley Metro Streetcar that runs in Tempe around the Arizona State University campus."

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