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Today, we take a moment to recognize the remarkable contributions of Rasean Clayton, Organizing Specialist at the Arizona AFL-CIO. Rasean's  journey in the labor movement has been driven by a deep belief in the power of collective action, defining himself with the words, "Solidarity is the most important word in the working class." 

As a proud Navy Veteran and longtime union organizer, Rasean's commitment with the labor movement began in November of 2018 when he joined the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 7050 during a new employee orientation at an AT&T Call Center in Mesa, AZ. His leadership potential quickly became evident; he served as Chair of the local's Political Committee before being elected as Executive Vice President of Local 7050.

Currently, Rasean continues his work as an Organizing Specialist while also serving as President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute of Phoenix; an AFL-CIO Constituency Group of African-American trade unionist. This role allows him to advocate for social, labor, and economic justice through both legal and administrative channels at the state and federal levels. Additionally, his recent election as the Equity Moderator of the Arizona Democratic Party underscores his dedication to fostering equitable representation. 

Rasean exemplifies a leadership style grounded in passion and commitment. He stands firmly on the frontlines, demonstrating that labor is not just present but thriving. His unwavering dedication to empowering working families across Arizona is evident in every initiative he undertakes.

With extensive experience as an organizer, shop steward, and political activist, Rasean understands the transformative power of collaboration between labor leaders, lawmakers, and community advocates. His efforts have helped pass critical legislation at the city, state, and federal levels to protect workers' rights and ensure equitable treatment for all. He is passionate about building bridges between labor and the broader community, ensuring that the voices of working people resonate across Arizona.

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Sewing Solidarity: A Virtual Meeting w/ Garment Worker Activists

Young female textile workers have been fundamental to the fight for workplace protections in both the American and International labor movements from the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in NYC and the Bread and Roses strike led by Lowell "Mill Girls" to the Bangladesh Safety Accord.

Now CLUW is partnering with Asian garment worker unions again to help hold Nike accountable. This virtual event brings together women in the US labor movement and union garment workers from South and Southeast Asia who are organizing to hold Big Fashion accountable. 

Event Details:

Date: Monday, February 24, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM MST

Location: Virtual via Zoom 

Click on the button below to join!

Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Virtual Meet and Greet

The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) is starting a chapter in Arizona! They will be having their first virtual meet and greet and invite you to join! During the meeting you will will hear from guest speakers including National CLUW President, Sister, Elise Bryant,  review bylaws and discuss volunteer opportunities. 

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM MST

Location: Virtual via Zoom 

*Please invite two guests to join with you

Arizona AFL-CIO Building Bridges: Free Citizenship Fair

The Arizona AFL-CIO is prepared to host another Citizenship Fair, where applicants will receive free assistance from dedicated volunteer attorneys in completing their N-400 applications and preparing their paperwork for submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

This is open to union members, their families, and friends. We would like to confirm 30+ applicants before finalizing time and location for the workshop. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Arizona AFL-CIO's Training Specialist, Esau Gutierrez at [email protected]. 

Click HERE to download, share, print English and Spanish Flyers. 

68th Annual Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School (GCRMLS)

Registration is now open! This year GCRMLS will be coming to Las Vegas, Nevada July 6 - July 12, 2025.

Founded in 1956, GCRMLS is the only remaining regional labor school in the nation! It is a renowned educational program dedicated to providing high-quality labor education to union members, activists, and leaders all while being able to share real life successes, challenges, and best practices around the labor movement.

For further information, you can visit the GRCMLS website at gcrmls.org.

Central Arizona VITA Network

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS-sponsored program that helps low-to-moderate income (less than $67,000) folks file theit tax returns for free! This program is run through non-profit organizations and cities like City of Phoenix, A New Leaf, Mesa United Way, and Tempe Community Council. All volunteers are trained and IRS-certified to prepare an accurate return that gets you every $ you deserve.  

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].

AZ AFL-CIO's Book Club: A New Chapter Begins! 

We're back—and better than ever! The Arizona AFL-CIO Labor Book Club is now  formatted as an end-of-the-month book review, offering fresh perspectives on thought-provoking reads that resonate with our movement. 

Join Our Weekly Meetings

Join us every Friday at 9:30 AM via Zoom as we prepare for the upcoming 2025 Legislative Committee Meetings. This is an important opportunity for union members to learn about the key issues and topics that will be discussed during the 1st Regular Session of the 57th Legislature.

Stay informed and engaged as we navigate the legislative landscape together and ensure that our voices are heard in the decision-making process.

This Week's Update:  

Want to Live Longer? Consider Joining A Union

"Unions also tend to push for more egalitarian and protective policies which might have downstream health consequences. And, unions tend to foster community and social connection — you’ll see union picnics at many of the Twin Cities’ decent-sized parks every summer — and even marital stability, all of which are well-established predictors of mortality. We therefore set out to assess the extent to which union membership can help explain disparities in mortality."

Unprecedented Solidarity Needed Now in Philadelphia 

"Philadelphia AFL-CIO President Daniel Bauder urges 'unprecedented solidarity' to defend workers' rights and ensure justice durina a national political moment that threatens the livelihoods of Philadelphians."

Keystone Resort, CO, Reaches Tentative Agreement with Ski Patrol Union

"Keystone Resort, Colorado, and the Keystone Ski Patrol Union (KSP) are pleased to announce that they have reached a new tentative agreement through May 31, 2027. The Union’s bargaining committee is unanimously endorsing ratification by its unit with a vote scheduled to conclude by 7:00 p.m. on February 22. Together, the resort and union are looking forward to a great rest of the season."

New Hampshire House Once Again Reject Right-To-Work Legislation 

"The state House of Representatives voted, 200-180, on Thursday to indefinitely postpone House Bill 238, which would have turned New Hampshire into a right-to-work state and prohibited collective bargaining agreements from requiring employees join or contribute to a union."

Alaska State workers Rally at the Capitol, Calling for Salary Transparency and Pension Plan 

"The Alaska State Employees Association filed a lawsuit this week seeking to compel the release of a statewide salary study, which they say is essential to union wages and a stable retirement."

Air Traffic Controllers Union to Analyze FAA Firings' Impact on Safety

"The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) is reviewing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its workforce reductions amid concerns about air safety following the deadliest crash in decades last month near Washington."

IAM Becomes First National Labor VSO

"Recognition as a Veteran Services Organization gives the union the opportunity to more formally support and advocate for veteran members."

As Federal Workforce Cuts Beggin, Coconino County Working to Learn More of the Impact

"For Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen, updates have come in a variety of ways -- be it through traditional means of news media such as the Arizona Daily Sun or social media sources. Very little, however, has been made clear from the source of the cuts themselves, whether that be specific positions eliminated or a total number at each of the county’s federal partners."

Senator Mark Kelly Tackles Tariff Impacts with Arizona Dairy Workers in Tempe Visit

"In a recent visit to a dairy facility in Tempe, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly took a moment to step away from the political discourse and sit with the actual workers who feel the economy's pulse through the veins of their daily labor."

How Mrs. White Build a Phoenix Soul Food Institution and Living Monument to Black History

"From celebrities to neighbors, each person who has visited Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe is a piece of the mosaic that, when put together, makes up the rich history of a restaurant that's been serving home-cooked soul food since 1964. And at the center of it all is the White family, and Mrs. Elizabeth White herself."

House Passes Article V Measure to Limit Congressional Terms 

"The Arizona House of Representatives is calling for a convention of states to amend the U.S. Constitution and add term limits to Congress. In a narrow and bipartisan vote Wednesday afternoon, the House passed HCR4041 in a 31-28 vote, which would add Arizona to the list of nine state legislatures that have already called for an Article V Convention solely for congressional term limits. The measure must still pass in the Senate.  A convention of states is an alternative way to amend the U.S. Constitution, although it’s never been done. Constitutional amendments have historically been approved by a two-thirds vote in Congress."

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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]