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John, |
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The AFL-CIO’s “It’s Better in a Union: Fighting for Freedom, Fairness & Security” bus tour rolled through Arizona, highlighting the strength of organized labor and the importance of workers’ voices. With three stops -- Window Rock, Phoenix, and Tucson, this tour reminded us all of the power of community and solidarity.
Window Rock: Uniting for Indigenous Rights
Our first stop was in Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation, the largest Indigenous reservation in the United States. Here, we set up tables to discuss the benefits of union membership. It was inspiring to witness unions from Arizona and New Mexico come together for this meaningful event. This event was special as it was the first of its kind focused on the benefits of union membership for Indigenous families. Speakers such as Ervin Jackson from the Nal-NiSHii' Federation, Mine Workers (UMWA) International Representative Justin Tsosie, and Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren shared their valuable insights and experiences.
Phoenix: Standing Up for Accountability
Next, we headed to Phoenix for a press conference where a diverse group of labor leaders, AFSCME members, retirees, and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes gathered to express their concerns. They called out Reps. David Schweikert and Abe Hamadeh for their votes supporting President Trump's budget bill, which jeopardizes essential services for many Arizonans. Public sector workers who keep Arizona running spoke out about the local impact of funding cuts to hospitals, nursing homes, schools and other services. Approximately 360,000 people in Arizona could potentially lose their health care coverage
Tucson: Taking Action Together
The third and final stop of the bus tour brought us to Tucson. Although Congressman Juan Ciscomani has been reluctant to engage with constituents, Tucson workers, together with members of the Pima Area Labor Federation, participated in a postcard drop and public action. This effort aimed to draw attention to Ciscomani’s support for Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which threatens essential services for many families. Before the postcard action, we held a robust discussion moderated by Pima County Supervisor Andres Cano. The panel included Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, AFGE Local 2391 Vice President Omar Algeciras, Anakarina Rodriguez from Care in Action, and Henry Trejo from SACA. They discussed how Ciscomani’s backing of this legislation has led to cuts in essential services like Medicaid and SNAP, which many Tucson residents depend on. These cuts disproportionately impact immigrant communities and veterans who rely on these programs to make ends meet.
As the AFL-CIO Bus Tour continues its journey across the country, the energy and solidarity demonstrated during our Arizona stops remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. These moments of connection instill hope and inspire us to keep fighting for our rights. Together, we can build a stronger community that works for everyone. The future looks brighter when we stand united and support one another.
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Fred Yamashita Secretary-Treasurer Executive Director |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIONS |
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Nonviolent Direct Action Training (Tucson)
on August 12th join Worker Power for an interactive session that equips participants with the principles and practical tools of non-violent direct action. Rooted in a rich history of social change, the training will cover strategy, group dynamics, creative protests methods, and how to stay grounded and safe during action. |
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Join the AZ Alliance For Retired Americans & Honest Arizona to Protect Social Security
Join as they are hosting "Silver Sit-Ins" on Thursday, August 14th, in both Phoenix & Tucson to call out Reps. Schweikert and Ciscomani for turning their back on seniors and voting to cut the Social Security benefits we earned.
Get more information by clicking on the links below⤵️
📍PHOENIX - https://www.mobilize.us/allianceforretiredamericans/event/821644/ 📍TUCSON - https://www.mobilize.us/allianceforretiredamericans/event/821647/ |
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AZ AFL-CIO's 13th Annual Labor Day Lunch
You are cordially invited to this year's Labor Day Luncheon with the theme, "It's Our Time: Standing in Solidarity." Event Details: 🗓️Friday, August 29, 2025 📍Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, 7767 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020 ⏰Program Begins @ 11:00 AM 👚Attire: Business Casual Ticket Prices & Sponsorship Options:
🎥 Want to see what last year’s luncheon was all about? |
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I Support Boeing Workers on Strike in St. Louis
3,200 highly-skilled IAM Union members at the Boeing facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill. voted on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, to reject a modified four-year labor agreement with Boeing and are now on strike.
Boeing has already enacted a contingency plan using non-union "replacement workers." IAM District 837 members on strike with Boeing deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation's defense.
Sign this solidarity pledge to show your support for the IAM Union members on strike, standing up for the value of their work and contribution to the company's huge success. |
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CALL: Sign the Discharge Petition and Pass the Protect America's Workforce Act
We have the votes we need to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act in the House of Representatives. And we have a new way to get this bill to a vote.
Congress can do it with a tool called a “discharge petition,” which bypasses all the political procedures and shenanigans and brings a bill quickly to the floor for a vote. But to make it happen, every single member of Congress who says they support America’s unions must sign that discharge petition right now.
It’s time to restore federal workers’ collective bargaining rights. Call your member of Congress—Republican or Democrat—and urge them to sign the discharge petition for the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550) right now.
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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]. |
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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. 📖 August's Book of the Month: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson About this book: In 'The Devil in the White City,' Erik Larson masterfully brings to life the events of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair by intertwining the experiences of architect Daniel H. Burnham and serial killer H.H. Holmes. Burnham faced immense challenges, including the death of his partner, while successfully creating the iconic "White City" for the fair, featuring notable figures like Buffalo Bill and Thomas Edison. Meanwhile, Holmes, who constructed a sinister hotel near the fairgrounds, exploited the event and his charm to lure numerous victims, showcasing the contrasting allure and darkness of 19th-century Chicago. |
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OPINION |
What Labor Unions Want Is What Our Colorado Communities Need
"Unions like Colorado WINS don’t just fight for paychecks and pensions, we fight for and support our fellow Coloradans ."
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IATSE 415 Wins In Arizona
"The International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, or IATSE, Local 415 in Arizona has had several successful union drives this year where workers unanimously voted to be represented. Labor radio spoke with Ian Fritz, the business agent for IATSE Local 415, about the successful organizing campaign and the unique needs of those working in the live entertainment industry."
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NATIONAL NEWS |
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AFL-CIO Condemns Union-Busting at Veterans Affairs
"Every American who cares about the fundamental freedoms of working people should be outraged by this attack on workers’ ability to speak out and stand up at the VA."
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State Labor Federations Band Together Against Trump's Redistricting Scheme
"States including Florida, Missouri, and Ohio could be targeted next by the Trump Administration if mid-decade redistricting efforts succeed in Texas. Meanwhile, leaders in California, Illinois, New York, and Washington have vowed to fight the redistricting scheme."
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Now Park City Mountain's Bike and Trail Workers Want to Form a Union
"After seeing the success of the ski patrol union in last winter's strike, the resort's summer employees are trying to follow suit."
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Seattle Painters Fired After Winning Their Union
"IUPAT calls on labor community to support workers who are standing up for themselves against wage theft and retaliation."
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REI Agrees to New Union Bargaining Plan, Backpay Wage Increases
"In a joint press release Friday, REI, based in Issaquah, and the union bargaining committee said they had agreed to establish a “national bargaining structure to inform store-level collective bargaining agreements” for its 11 unionized stores, including one in Bellingham."
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Working Conditions for Phoenix Sky Harbor Airline Catering Workers Spark Protest
"Last month, Phoenix officials accused airport catering vendor LSG Sky Chefs of violating the city’s heat and safety ordinance. A city inspector reported that some of the company’s trucks did not have functioning air conditioning. On Thursday, dozens of LSG Sky Chefs workers gathered outside Terminal 4, marching and chanting while holding signs."
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Sen. Kelly Warns Trump Administration Is Already Cutting Social Security
"Kelly spoke about Social Security, Medicaid and other social programs that are facing big cuts during Tucson town hall of about 100 people hosted by the Arizona Alliance of Retired Americans and Advancing Arizona, a political advocacy group."
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AFSCME Members Hold Arizona Lawmakers Accountable for Budget Votes at AFL-CIO Bus Tour
"The “It’s Better In a Union” tour bus made a stop in Phoenix on Wednesday for a press conference where labor leaders, AFSCME members, retirees and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes called for Reps. David Schweikert and Abe Hamadeh to be held accountable for their votes in favor of President Trump’s disastrous budget bill."
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'Unforgettable:' Friends Honor Construction Worker Killed in Goodyear Accident at Vigil
"Baquera, 44, was killed on July 28 after becoming trapped in a 6- to 7-foot trench near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. He was buried under dirt while working at the site."
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Thank you for reading the Arizona Labor Dispatch! Can you help us grow our readership by sharing our sign-up form? |
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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] |
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