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This week, over 150 union members, allies, and community leaders gathered at the Arizona State Capitol for our Arizona AFL-CIO Day of Action—a powerful day rooted in solidarity, economic and social justice, and the collective strength of a strong, inclusive labor movement.

We were proud to host two vital workshops: Common Sense Economics: Immigration and a timely presentation from the Arizona Heat Standards Coalition, reminding us what’s at stake and why our advocacy matters. We continue to push for policies at every level that protect working families—policies like affordable healthcare, strong social safety nets, and dignified workplace protections.

The extreme policies, executive orders, and rhetoric from this administration—both at home and abroad—stand in direct opposition to the core values we fight for every day as union members. But we remain undeterred. In fact, today made it clear: we are more committed than ever.

We were inspired by our keynote speaker, President Bryant Preston of the Colorado AFL-CIO and Secretary-Treasurer of IATSE District 5, who reminded us, "There's more power in a union hall than there is in a board room... The momentum is real. We have to keep it going. We have to push harder, stand taller, fight smarter."

We also heard from Justine Medina—a fierce Amazon worker, organizer, and leader with IBT Local 1—who played a historic role in organizing the first successful union election at Amazon in U.S. history. And we were honored to have Cecilia Valdez, Chair of the Pima Area Labor Federation, who continues to mentor and uplift so many of us in the labor movement.

A heartfelt thank you to our event sponsors: Bank of Labor, Ullico, American Income Life, Southwest Service Administrators, and Bright Now! Dental. Your support helps power this movement.

To all who showed up—thank you. To all who continue the fight—Solidarity Forever.

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Coalition of Labor Union Women - Upcoming Meeting 4/17

CLUW invites you to join its second meeting on Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 PM. We encourage your participation as they move forward with the important steps of nominations, elections, and planning our future activities and actions for our chapter.

Agenda:

• Greater Arizona County Region Application Signing Party Details
• AFL-CIO Path to Power Training Opportunity/Labor/Community Updates
• Raúl Grijalva Memorial Acknowledgment 
• Spotlighting Highlights from April 5th “HANDS OFF” action
• Open discussion about CLUW future membership meeting dates & times

CLUW - Share Your Action

The Greater Arizona County Region CLUW Chapter wants to celebrate your impactful actions since their last leeting, including April 5th's "Hands Off" Day.

Share your photos and brief stories (with dates!) no later than Tuesday, April 15th, with Vonda Wilkins at [email protected] to be featured at our virtual meeting on Thursday, April 17th, at 7:00 PM.

AFSCME & Allies Town Hall

Take Action: Tell Lawmakers to Restore Federal Bargaining Rights Now

On March 27, the Trump administration took its most blatantly anti-worker, anti-union action yet: an executive order stripping the right to organize from hundreds of thousands of federal workers at more than 30 agencies. Now representatives in Congress have introduced the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would overturn Trump’s executive order.

We are asking every single American who cares about the fundamental freedom of all workers to join a union to call their member of Congress right now. Click the button below or dial 844-896-5059.

Collecting Stories About Heat

The Heat Standards Coalition, is collecting stories about how Arizonans are affected by heat. Rising temperatures in Phoenix makes it harder to do our jobs, get to the places we need, and access valuable resources. We want to launch a heat ordinance offering more protections for workers and residents alike. Please help us by sharing your story of how you are affected by heat!

⤵️Click on the button below and fill out the form or Email [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions.  

Arizona Needs Reliable Internet Service & Good Jobs

$42 billion in public funding for internet infrastructure is on the line, and we need your voice! While CWA members have fought for investments in reliable fiber broadband that create good, union jobs, satellite company CEOs are pushing to redirect these funds to unreliable satellite services. Satellite internet lacks the necessary speeds, employs fewer workers, and has a short lifespan that leads to repeated investments. 

⤵️Click on the link below and tell Governor Hobbs and the Arizona State Broadband Office to stand up to pressure to redirect funds to unreliable satellite internet service and continue to create good, union jobs by investing in reliable, high-speed fiber internet. ⤵️

FREE State-Registered Apprenticeship — Line Cook Training for Your Members & Community

The Hospitality Training Academy (HTA), in collaboration with UNITE HERE, is offering an 8-week, no-cost Line Cook Training Program in Phoenix, which leads directly to union jobs with benefits. This program is now officially recognized as an Arizona State-Registered Apprenticeship Program.

HTA has a strong history of preparing individuals for success in union jobs, offering fair wages, dignity, and opportunities for career advancement in the hospitality industry.

Who is this for?
✅ Anyone aged 18 or older
✅ Proficient in English with a reading level of at least 10th grade
✅ Interested in starting a career in a growing industry

Why it matters:
This apprenticeship serves as a vital pathway to help workers escape poverty and secure stable, union-backed careers. With your support, we can reach individuals in your community and membership who are ready for this opportunity.

Next steps and details:
UNITE HERE will be hosting informational sessions soon, and only those who attend will be eligible to enroll. Please share the attached flyer with your members, their families, and neighbors to help spread the word.

Urge House Members to Cosponsor the "Protect America's Workforce Act"

Send a message to your member of Congress to stand up for federal workers.

Every Member of Congress depends on hardworking federal workers in their states and districts to deliver the services their constituents depend on.

Take action NOW to urge House members to cosponsor H.R. 2550, the "Protect America's Workforce Act."

Upcoming Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Meetings & Events

📅 Next LCLAA Meeting
Date & Time: April 9 | 6:00 PM

Location: 1021 S 7th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85007 Time: 

May Day—International Workers’ Day—is a time for action! Across the world, workers take to the streets to demand justice, dignity, and fair wages. This year, LCLAA is mobilizing to stand up against anti-immigrant policies, fight for worker protections, and demand a better future for all working families.

Join us as we march in solidarity with unions, worker organizations, and community allies. We need every voice, every worker, and every ally to make our message clear: Arizona will not stand for attacks on our communities!

📅 LCLAA Annual Cinco de Mayo Mixer
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025

Location: UNITE HERE Offices, 1021 S 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join them for our Annual Cinco de Mayo Mixer, a chance to celebrate their culture, strengthen your relationships, and continue building power together. This is an opportunity to connect, strategize, and enjoy good company as we prepare for the battles ahead.

26th Annual Joe Standley Golf Tournament - May 23, 2025

The Arizona Building Trades Council (AZBTC) invites you to join their annual fundraising event that supports Labor's Community Service Agency (LCSA).

LCSA is a nonprofit arm of the AFL-CIO, and provides human services to Arizona's most vulnerable populations since 1974. Your participation will directly support affordable housing, transportation assistance, and financial aid support to those in need.  

➡️Click HERE to download/print flyers.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rebekah Friend at (602) 622-5361 or [email protected]. 

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. 

📖This Month's Book: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

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.

Unions Will Endure Despite Attacks, from Iowa to D.C.

"Workers know that no matter where they work, fair wages, safe working conditions, dignity on the job are worth fighting for."

Our Dignity As Working People Is Worth Fighting For

"Immigrant workers. Black workers. Indigenous workers. Other workers of color need us. Trans workers. Public workers. Young workers, who are trying to preserve and form their unions, need us. In this moment working families need our labor movement to stand up and fight."

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: "This Is A Generational Moment!"

"AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond delivered remarks at the 2025 United Steelworkers (USW) Convention in Las Vegas this week. The theme of this year’s gathering is “All in on Solidarity,” an overarching message that reflects the difficult and demanding political landscape the labor movement is currently facing."

AFSCME and Union Partners Join with Members of Congress to Reintroduce Bill to Expand Workers' Freedoms

"As workers face unprecedented attacks despite support for labor unions remaining at near-historic highs, the bipartisan Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is needed to protect and expand the freedom of public service workers to collectively bargain."

Senator Mark Kelly Supports Federal Minimum Wage Increase to $17

"According to a press release from Kelly’s office, nearly one in four workers in the U.S. currently earns less than $17 per hour. Analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) estimates that over 22 million workers would see increased wages by 2030 if the legislation is enacted."

Austin-based Union Makes Strides Against AI Replacement of Workers

"The fear of AI replacement is not uncommon, according to a 2023 American Psychological Association survey conducted about work in America. Nearly 38% of United States workers are worried AI may assume control of some or all of their job duties."

Huge Crowds Gather in "Hands Off" Rallies Nationwide in Protest of Trump Administration

"Tens of thousands of protesters mustered in cities and towns across the country on Saturday to sound off against the Trump administration's cuts to the federal government and its policies."

Arizona Federal Workers Protest Trump Administration's Executive Orders That Target Them

"Arizona federal workers and union leaders rallied in Phoenix on Friday to speak out against the Trump administration’s actions towards the federal workforce. Attendees are hoping lawmakers will successfully challenge the executive branch."

NOAA Cuts Could Hamper Forecasts for Haboobs, Monsoons, and Wildfires in Arizona, Raising Extreme Weather Heat

"'If there is an increased chance of rain or strong winds, we have to cancel or postpone concrete pours,' said BC Smith, spokesperson for the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Arizona Local 394 union."

As DOGE Cuts Hit Arizona Veterans, Gallego Pushes Back with Freeze on Trump's VA Nominees

"Veterans account for 6% of the U.S. population but 30% of all civilian federal workers. And even as veterans lose their jobs at higher rates, President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting push is squeezing the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is likely to impact access to medical care, disability payments, higher education and housing."

ASU Advocacy Group Draws Attention to Exploitation of Migrant Farmworkers

"Dominguez co-founded the Arizona Labor Trafficking Outreach Project in 2021 to provide proactive outreach and resources to day laborers and farm workers. He said there is limited support available for victims of labor trafficking compared to other forms of trafficking and a higher risk for migrants."

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]