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John, |
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I am thrilled to share the exciting news that Roxanne Brown has been elected as International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) — a well-deserved recognition of a leader whose work has consistently elevated the voices of working people across this country and around the world. She will be sworn in on March 1, 2026, becoming the first woman and first black woman ever elected to lead USW.
I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Roxanne through her role on the AFL-CIO’s National Executive Council. Roxanne is one of those leaders who never forgets who she’s fighting for. In her role at the USW, she’s spent more than two decades standing up for working people on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures, and even before the United Nations. Whether it’s pushing for stronger defense procurement laws that protect union manufacturing jobs or making sure environmental and energy policies include good jobs at their core, Roxanne has always put workers first.
Her leadership helped shape the American Clean Energy and Security Act and inspired climate measures that protect both our planet and our livelihoods. She’s a founding steering committee member of the BlueGreen Alliance, a longtime advocate with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and in 2023, TIME Magazine named her one of the 100 most innovative leaders driving climate action.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in White Plains, New York, Roxanne brings a global perspective and a fierce dedication to fairness, equality, and opportunity. She’s exactly the kind of leader our movement needs in this moment — visionary, compassionate, and grounded in solidarity.
On behalf of the Arizona AFL-CIO, I want to congratulate Roxanne on her well-earned election and thank her for continuing to show what it means to lead with integrity and heart.
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Fred Yamashita Secretary-Treasurer Executive Director |
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UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIONS |
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Participate in #PostYourPremiun - Saturday, November 1st
Have you checked your premium increase?
Tomorrow, November 1st open enrollment begins. The Trump Administration and allies in Congress have refused to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. You can help show the scope of the coming health care crisis and how the administration’s intentional failure to act is about to break our health care system.
Here's how you can #PostYourPremium:
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Solidarity Support for Union Members Impacted by the Gov. Shutdown
In the spirit of union solidarity and mutual aid, we are asking local unions, community partners, and individual members to contribute monetary donations to help support these workers and their families. With these donations, the Arizona AFL-CIO will be working with Labor's Community Service Agency, which will provide gift cards that allow affected union members to purchase food and essential supplies they need most.
You can support in two ways:
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CALL: Stop the Shutdown and the Cuts to Working Families
Across the country, federal workers are struggling to pay bills without their paychecks. And President Trump and his allies in Congress still seem to have no interest in getting to work funding the government and fixing the health care crisis.
Meanwhile, time is running out for millions of working people and their families. Governors nationwide are sounding the alarm that SNAP, the federal food assistance program, will run out of funding in two weeks. That means more than 42 million Americans, including some 1.2 million veterans, are about to lose their food assistance.
Working people, seniors and kids across the country will go hungry because of the Trump shutdown.
Please take a minute to make a call to House Speaker Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Thune, and your senators and representative today. Make a call now: 844-896-5059 or click here to call. Tell them to fund the government, fix the health care crisis and put working people first. |
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15th Annual NALC Arizona Golf Tournament – Benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Join NALC Arizona Merged Branch 1902 for their 15th Annual Golf Tournament on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Tee times start at 8:00 AM at Ahwatukee Country Club (12432 S. 48th St, Phoenix, AZ).
This 4-player scramble is limited to 120 golfers. Entry is $75 for veterans and $100 for non-veterans.
Checks payable to: Arizona Merged Branch 1902 For more info, email [email protected]. |
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WNBPA Players Deserve a Higher Salary and Better Working Conditions
Last October, WNBA players opted out of their 2020 collective bargaining agreement to demand higher salaries, a real revenue share system, better working conditions and improved player benefits. Now, after months of stalling negotiations, the WNBA and team owners continue to ignore player demands and jeopardize the future of women’s professional basketball. Will you send an email to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other stakeholders? Click on the button below to send a letter⤵️ |
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Help Send CLUW AZ to the National CLUW Convention
The National CLUW Members in Arizona have re-formed — a significant milestone after many years. Because our new collective is still in formation, we cannot yet fundraise or open a bank account until our officers are sworn in at the CLUW National Convention this November.
With your help, we can send at least 13 members to represent our state at the CLUW 23rd Biennial Convention in San Diego, November 9–11, 2025. Your contribution will help cover registration, travel, and lodging for members who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Or, if you prefer to contribute by check, please make it payable to our fiscal agent, CWA Local 7050, and mail to: CWA Local 7050 For questions or to coordinate a pledge, contact Vonda Wilkins, Interim Vice President, at 602-301-0861 or [email protected]. |
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Vote Yes on Prop 50
Our union family in California are asking for our help turning out the vote in favor or Prop 50. Click on the link to sign up to help phonebank!
Yes on Prop 50 will allow us to protect California and their families. |
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Jan. 15–18, 2026, MLK Civil and Human Rights Conference
The civil rights and labor movements have a long, storied history of working together to secure a better future for workers. And every year, we come together with union members and civil rights activists at our AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference, where we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and strengthen the bond between both our movements. Right now, our democracy is under threat, and our solidarity is more important than ever. |
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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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OPINION |
Why You Should Care About Native American Heritage Month
"Native American Heritage Month became federally recognized in 1990 and has profound significance. It provides an opportunity to educate the public about the diverse tribal nations, acknowledge historical and ongoing challenges faced by Native communities, and celebrate their accomplishments and enduring spirit. It is crucial that we recognize this month not only in San Diego but across the nation."
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Government Betraying Workers During Shutdown
"The IBEW stands with every federal employee and contractor left wondering how they will pay their bills, feed their family, and survive. Know that you are more than pawns in this game of political brinksmanship; you are America’s working class — the builders, the maintainers, the protectors. You are the true patriots, serving your country with honor, even as your country’s leaders fail to serve you."
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NATIONAL NEWS |
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AFL-CIO Announces Alex Rias as New Director of Civil, Human and Women's Rights
"Rias most recently served as chief of staff and senior counsel for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division, where he coordinated litigation, shaped stakeholder engagement and worked to safeguard civil rights. Prior to the DOJ, he was vice president of equitable justice at the National Urban League, advancing national policy and campaigns on jobs, justice, health, housing and education."
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Judge Extends Order Barring the Trump Administration from Firing Federal Workers During the Shutdown
"Federal agencies are enjoined from issuing layoff notices or acting on notices issued since the government shut down Oct. 1. Illston said that her order does not apply to notices sent before the shutdown."
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Minneapolis Teachers Vote to Authorize Strike
"The Minneapolis Federation of Educators had announced late Monday that 92 percent of its members cast ballots in the multiday vote, and of those — 92 percent were in favor of putting the option of a strike on the table."
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IAM Union District 837 Members Reject Boeing's Latest Offer as Company's Refusal to Offer Fair Contract Continues to Threaten Military Readiness
"The IAM Union’s pre-ratified offer would add roughly $50 million over four years — about half the cost of a single F-15 fighter jet that IAM Union members produce — yet Boeing continues to reject it while watching its defense programs fall behind schedule. Boeing has paid its last two CEOs approximately $100 million in golden parachutes."
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The Truth Behind Your Clothing's 'Made in Guatemala' Label
"What happens inside these garment factories, known as “maquilas” throughout Central America, is largely hidden from public view – even though they employ tens of thousands of workers and are crucial to Guatemala’s economy."
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Hobbs to Distribute $1.8M in COVID Funds to Aid Food Banks Amid SNAP Cuts
"In a prepared announcement on Oct. 29, the governor said $1.5 million of that will be divided up among food banks across the state which are expected to be hard hit once the benefits dry up."
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'Stop playing with our lives': Arizonans Urge Lawmakers to Protect ACA Subsidies
"Nearly 400,000 qualified Arizonans get help each month for health insurance through premium tax credits from the federal government as part of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, which is private health insurance that includes federally-funded subsidies."
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Here's Why You Might See Picketing Outside a Phoenix Starbucks. What to Know
"Workers at a north Phoenix Starbucks scheduled a rally on Wednesday, Oct. 29, as part of the surge of union actions calling for improved pay, hours and working conditions. The rally is one of dozens happening across the country this week as Starbucks Workers United begins a strike authorization vote. The union says the vote will determine whether members want to strike if contract talks with Starbucks do not progress."
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"A lot of power in this room": Veterans Gather for Town Hall with Democratic Politicians in Tucson
"For most of the night, the politicians listened as veterans stood up to speak, one by one. Some worried about their VA healthcare and federal layoffs. Others shared thoughts on current events or recounted their years in the service. The room was emotional; testimonies brought tears to people’s eyes. “This feels like an AA meeting,” one speaker remarked."
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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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