John,

This week marks a painful anniversary for many working Arizonans as we remember the severe, nationwide outbreak of COVID-19. As we all reflect on that difficult, disturbing time, I wanted to highlight some of the work that we have done to uplift working people throughout the pandemic.

Our readers know that when the COVID-19 pandemic began, those who were affected most immediately were frontline workers. People who worked in healthcare, food service, retail, and other essential industries kept our communities running each day, despite the unprecedented public health risk and insufficient public health response from our leaders in government.

Galvanized to elect leaders that prioritized the health, safety, and economic prosperity of working Arizonans, we mobilized in unprecedented numbers to elect Senator Mark Kelly and President Joe Biden on the promise of Building Back Better. Immediately, the Biden Administration went to work to guide the American Rescue Plan (APR) through congress in order to get working people the support they needed to survive the global health crisis. 

One year ago today, the American Rescue Plan was signed into law and to date, the APR has been instrumental to our continued recovery from the economic fallout of COVID-19. Over the last year, the APR created 6.7 million jobs, reduced the unemployment rate from 6.4% to 3.8%, provided 4 million families with rental assistance payments, subsidized 100% of health care premiums for COBRA-eligible individuals who lost their job or had their hours reduced, and distributed 200 million vaccines to fight COVID-19, just to name a few of its accomplishments. 

Although the accomplishments of the Biden Administration have provided unprecedented federal support to working people and their families, we must continue to push for our leaders in Washington to pass key pieces of the President’s pro-worker, pro-family agenda including and especially the PRO Act and the Build Back Better framework. 

I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you all as we continue our collective fight for economic justice for all working people.

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

2nd Annual MALF Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser
 
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Maricopa Area Labor Federation Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser is back!

Join MALF on March 19th from 10am to 2pm for cornhole, food, live music, and raffle prizes. All 2022 sponsors will receive a custom cornhole board, which will come painted with a logo of their choosing. For tournament participation, sponsorship information, and more, click the button below.

LCLAA and UFCW 99 to Host Union Power Training

Join the Arizona Labor Council For Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and UFCW 99 on April 2nd at 10 AM for an in-person membership sign-up training. Seating is limited, so please register ASAP. Must be vaccinated to attend.

Support Unionizing Starbucks Workers across the Valley

Starbucks workers at four stores in Phoenix Metro area are unionizing! You can support workers at the following stores by ordering a drink and asking the worker to write "Union Yes" on your cup:

• Scottsdale & Mayo [7000 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix]
• 7th Street & Bell [17045 N 7th St, Phoenix]
• Crimson & Southern [1222 S Crismon Rd, Mesa]
• Indian School & 107th Ave [10585 W Indian School Rd, Avondale]

The One-Year Anniversary of the American Rescue Plan

"COVID-19 has drastically impacted our country over the past two years, resulting in a devastating loss of life, jobs, and economic security for millions of Americans. Despite the dire health and economic implications of the pandemic, the labor market and economy have recovered at a record pace, far outperforming any expectations even a year ago. A successful recovery doesn’t happen magically but as a direct result of bold public investments that center working people, their families, and their communities. The American Rescue Plan (ARP), passed in March 2021, accomplished precisely that, infusing targeted investments at the national, state, and local level to help mitigate the worst economic and health impacts of the pandemic..."

The Postal Service Reform Act Passes the Senate & Will Become Law

"In a historic moment, the Senate passed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 on March 8 with a vote of 79-19. The House passed the bill last month with a vote of 342-92. The legislation will now go to President Biden’s desk, where he will sign it into law. The enactment of Postal Reform marks a turning point in the fight to protect and strengthen the people’s public Postal Service.

'It is not an exaggeration to say that this bill is one of the most critical pieces of postal legislation in modern history — the struggle to win Postal Reform has been 15 years in the making,' said [APWU] Legislative and Political Director Judy Beard.

'The passage of this legislation, on a strong bipartisan basis, is a monumental victory for postal workers, the wider postal community, and the communities we are proud to serve,' said APWU President Mark Dimondstein. “This legislation strengthens the public Postal Service, a national treasure that has connected us for over 250 years.'”

MLB reaches labor deal agreement with players union

"Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association have agreed to a tentative deal on a new collective bargaining agreement, two sources with knowledge of the situation told CNN, ending a monthslong lockout. According to a source, the deal is subject to ratification by the entire union and they hope to have it ratified quickly. The source tells CNN that players would report to spring training within the next few days..."

Democrats are assembling a reworked Build Back Better Bill, hoping to persuade Manchin to back it as an anti-inflation measure

"NBC News reported on Monday that Democrats and White House officials were working together to rebrand the package as a way to help families struggling with rising inflation in the US, an aim also touted by Manchin. They hope the renewed focus could persuade him to back a less expensive version of the package. According to initial reports, the reshaped bill does not include measures like child tax credits, which many Democrats approved of but Manchin opposed..."

First lady Jill Biden just made a trip out West. Here’s what she said

"During her visit to Arizona on Monday and Tuesday and Nevada on Wednesday, Biden promoted her husband’s record and 'building a better America' plan outlined during the State of the Union address to fight inflation. In Arizona, the first lady toured Intel’s Ocotillo Campus in Chandler, which partnered with local Maricopa County community colleges to provide workforce training programs paid for by the American Rescue Plan Act President Joe Biden signed last year..."

Arizona Senate votes down bill to audit every election

"The Arizona Senate on Wednesday voted down a plan to require the state auditor general to conduct an exhaustive review following every election. It was one of four election bills that failed on Wednesday because they had insufficient support from Republicans, and Democrats were united in opposition. Three others were killed on Monday as the Legislature culls the dozens of election bills Republicans introduced this year, many in response former President Donald Trump’s lies and conspiracy theories claiming the 2020 election was marred by widespread fraud..."

Two Americas: Phoenix’s redlining legacy

"In Phoenix, the hazardous designation or redlining was reserved for areas south of Van Buren Street: the only part of the city where Black, Mexican, Asians were allowed to live. Poor white people also lived in redlined areas immediately north of Van Buren according to map descriptions. The rough boundaries were Interstate 17 to the west and south; Van Buren St to the north; and Sky Harbor Airport to the east. The neighborhood falls within a larger area now known as Central City Village..."

Two Maricopa Area Labor Federation-Endorsed Candidates Elected to Tempe City Council

On Tuesday, MALF endorsed candidates Jennifer Adams and Berdetta Hodge won their elections to serve on the Tempe City Council.

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