John, 

As we gather momentum heading into a pivotal election season, I had the privilege of attending the Democratic National Convention (DNC), where the power and solidarity of the labor movement were front and center. It was inspiring to witness our values, our struggles, and our dreams for a fair and just society resonate so profoundly on the national stage.

Vice President Kamala Harris's acceptance of the Democratic nomination for President was a historic moment, not just for our country but for all working people. In her powerful address, she laid out a bold vision that places the rights and freedoms of working families at the heart of her campaign, a vision that AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler described as "ushering in a new era of opportunity for all working people."

Statement from President Liz Shuler:

"Tonight, following Vice President Kamala Harris's acceptance of the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement:

One word defined the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC): union. From the union labor that made this event possible to the 20 percent of delegates who were union members to the labor champions on the stage throughout, it's clear that working people are the backbone of the Harris-Walz team. Tonight, Kamala Harris capped this year's union-strong DNC with an electrifying address to accept the Democratic Party nomination, showing that protecting the fundamental freedoms of working people will be the top priority of her historic presidency. Vice President Harris set a bold agenda that centers the hopes and aspirations of everyday Americans, builds on our progress, and ushers in a new era of opportunity for all working people.

This election, working people face a choice between a candidate who walked picket lines shoulder-to-shoulder with striking workers and a candidate who crossed them. It's a choice between a working people's agenda for a better future and a billionaire's Project 2025 agenda that would tip the scales for corporate CEOs. It's a choice between a partner in the most pro-union administration in our lifetimes and a shameless union buster.

Union members never back down from a tough fight—and with our contracts, health care, retirement, and unions on the line, we're fighting harder than ever to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Tomorrow, the work continues to mobilize at job sites and in communities across the country to elect Vice President Harris and our union brother Governor Walz. Make no mistake: this election runs directly through America's union halls. We know that the economy Harris and Walz will build is union-made. With labor accounting for 20 percent of voters in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, the blue wall—and their election victory—will be too."

Read the full statement online here.

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

AFA-CWA Unleashing Our Power Rally 

Fight Attendance are holding a system-wide Day of Action to show United Airlines management that they will do whatever it takes to get the industry-leading contract they deserve. They cannot afford to wait for improvements! 

This action will carry solidarity across the globe and provide over 14 opportunities at bases and satellite bases to join the informational picket. Mark your calendars and wear red! 

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Time: 9:00AM - 10:30 AM 

Location: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 3, NW Corner Desert Garden 

2024 AZ AFL-CIO Labor Day Luncheon 

Join us for an inspiring event to celebrate the achievements of workers and the benefits of belonging to a union.This year's theme is "It's Better in a Union," highlighting the positive impact of collective bargaining and solidarity in the workplace.

Event Details:

️Friday, August 30, 2024

⏰Registration Begins @ 9:00 AM - Program Begins @ 11:00 AM

Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, 7767 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020

Business Casual

Important: This year registration and ticket purchases will be done by completing a form. We ask that if you are sponsoring a table or purchasing multiple tickets, you have a list of the names of those who are attending ready to input. All payments can be made via PayPal, check, or cash and sent to our office at 3117 N. 16th St., STE 200, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Registration closes on Friday, August 23, 2024.

If you are unable to attend, but would still like to donate, please do so here: PayPal Donation Link

Support Striking Workers at AT&T Southeast 

AT&T is refusing to engage in good faith negotiations for a new contract! They made over $16 billion in profits in 2023 and is set to receive millions form the federal government to build high-speed internet connections to every business and household and their workers are a big part of this success! 

CWA has been at the bargaining table since june without any progress. They have filed unfair labor practice charges against them. Click on the button below to add your name and tell AT&T to show them the respect they deserve and get serious!

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! 

Union Plus - Unions Power America

Unions Power America returns with the “thank you” of a lifetime – $50,000 + a bucket-list trip to Spain, courtesy of Collette!

Enter a stand-out union member you know (or yourself) and they could win these giant “thank you’s” OR the other $90,000 we've got in our pocket to give away!

Money and trips aren’t everything, BUT they’re a darned good way to show appreciation to the people making us proud to be UNION!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to U.S. residents; 18+; current or retired union members in good standing with a union nationally affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The Contest is not open to the general public. Ends 7/30/24. Void where prohibited. For Official Rules & complete eligibility details visit https://unionplus.click/unionspoweramerica. Sponsor: Union Privilege.

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].

The GOP's Efforts to Repeal the Clean Energy Plan Are Anti-Worker and Will Hurt Arizona 

"As a union member, I know the difference a good-paying, pro-worker job can make. I am proud to be a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which has been advocating for high safety standards, family-supporting wages, and industry-leading benefits for its members since 1891."

Union Work Helps Arizona Firefighters Serve You Better. It's A Mistake to Nix It

"Release time isn't about giving a few union workers a cush job. It ensures public safety workers have the tools to respond quickly when you need help."

AFL-CIO Celebrates Women's Soccer Players Association's Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement

"Today, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced their historic new collective bargaining agreement, which ensures free agency for all players, revenue sharing on top of salaries, important health and safety protections, and other provisions that will help create a more equitable League. For the first time ever in American professional sports, this contract also eliminates the draft, empowering athlete workers to have a real say over their futures."

Culinary Union Reveals Tentative Labor Agreement with 2 Strip Casinos 

"Culinary Local 226 said Tuesday it has reached a tentative labor agreement with the operators of The Venetian and Palazzo, a major step toward the first union contract for more than 4,000 hospitality workers at the two Las Vegas Strip casino-resorts. Members must ratify the four-year collective bargaining agreement in a vote that will be scheduled soon, according to the union."

CIRB Moves Strike or Lockout Deadline at CN and CPKC to August 22

"Workers’ right to strike had been temporarily suspended pending today’s decision by the CIRB. This effectively robbed the union of leverage. Absent the threat of a work stoppage, neither company had been willing to compromise or show any flexibility in their demands. With this decision, if a negotiated settlement cannot be reached, the earliest a work stoppage at CN and CPKC can occur is August 22nd, at 00:01.The Teamsters will provide 72 hours advance notice in the event of any strike action. The union’s focus remains on negotiating in good faith and reaching agreements at the bargaining table. Whether or not that is possible is entirely up to CN and CPKC."

Mar-Jac Reaches Settlement with DOL Following 16-Yea-Old Worker Fatality 

"The US Department of Labor (DOL) and Mar-Jac Poultry reached a settlement amounting to $164,814 in fines following an incident involving a 16-year-old boy who suffered a fatal work injury, according to the DOL. According to an investigation, conducted by the DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mar-Jac’s poultry processing plant in Hattiesburg, Miss., failed to use required safety procedures that could have prevented the teenage worker from fatally getting caught in a machine in July 2023."

Oregon Workers' Union Rejects Kroger, Fred Meyer Proposal 

"The UFCW Local 555 is rejecting a proposal from Kroger, Fred Meyer, and Quality Food Centers (QFC) after a fourth bargaining session Monday for workers in Oregon.Fred Meyer called it's offer to the Local 555 a historical offer, investing $37-million in wages with an up to 17-percent increase over the three-year contract."

Heat Ordinance Passed by Pima County Is First of Its Kind in Arizona

“After months of work, Pima County has finally passed the first-ever county extreme heat plan. 'I am very proud that Pima County is the first county in arizona to adopt a heat safety ordinance', said Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Adelita Grijalva."

Mesa GOP Mayor Cites John McCain's Motto as He Urges Republicans to Vote for Harris 

“Mesa GOP Mayor John Giles, in a prime-time slot at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, made his plea to the Republicans watching to leave tradition behind and vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. Giles was the odd man out as he walked on stage in a purple tie, a nod to Arizona’s battleground status. It’s one of the largest political stages he’s stood on."

SCOTUS: Arizona May Require Proof of Citizenship on State Voter Forms, At Least for Now

"Lower courts had blocked enforcement of a 2022 law, but a split Supreme Court said the law can be enforced while litigation continues."

Two Years In, the Inflation Reduction Act is Lowering Healthcare Costs and Creating A Clean Energy Jobs Boom in Arizona 

"The Inflation Reduction Act ensures that 41,000 Arizonans were able to keep their health insurance, reduced the cost of insulin for over 28,000 Arizona seniors, and incentivized manufacturers to invest in the state and create more clean energy jobs."

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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]