john,

As we are gearing up for Labor 2022, it could not be more clear, the work we have ahead of us.  The attacks on voting rights, personal freedoms and the right to organize are attacks on working families and our Unions will be on the frontlines standing and fighting to protect workers! 

The 29^th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention brought clarity and commitment to Building a Movement to Meet the Moment.  We will build internally, starting with One-On-One conversations, listening to our Union Members to better understand what their concerns and priorities are.  We will take up the issues that help improve their lives and the lives of their families.  We will utilize the resources provided by the National AFL-CIO, starting with the funding to hire a Full Time Union Organizer, to work with local affiliates, meeting the Members where they are at, whether it be on worksites, Apprenticeship Halls, job trainings, or Union Meetings.

We will work with our local affiliates, Local Union Coordinators, release staff, volunteers and Working America to register and educate voters on the important issues for organized labor and Union Members, starting with the hiring of a full time Campaign Manager to run our statewide program.  We continue to work with our partners on Arizona Wins Table as well as other Union affiliates on their political campaigns and GOTV.

As we work to get Union friendly, Union committed representatives elected, we know first hand the importance of accountability, and what happens when there is no accountability.  Our approach is evolving to reflect the membership and the importance of building Worker Power that translates into political power.  And this will not happen if we do not continue to organize workers, like young workers are showing us everyday across the country, at Amazon, at Starbucks, at Cannabis Dispensaries, at Tech companies, and internally as well!  This is how we will build Worker Power, and it doesn’t happen without YOU!

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Arizona AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast

After a two year hiatus it is my honor to invite you to join the Arizona AFL-CIO as we celebrate Labor Day with a breakfast on Friday, September 2nd, 2022. Yet again we find Arizona the center of attention of national politics; as always, with your support, we will deliver for Arizona’s working people.

For more information, please email [email protected]. Sponsorships are available for your local to take part; checks can be made out to the Arizona AFL-CIO, or we can take payments via paypal at the link below.

Labor in the Pulpit 2022

Last year, members of the Arizona labor community took part in Labor in the Pulpit over Labor Day weekend, where we spoke with faith communities about our shared values. This year, we’re hoping to reach more people than ever, from even more traditions, and we proudly invite you to take part by signing up below.

Sign up to volunteer for Labor 2022

The Labor 2022 program is where union members contact other union members about the importance of voting for Arizona's Labor's endorsed candidates. We know that when we have these important conversations with voters, we can win elections. By talking to union households about our shared values, we can elect champions for Arizona's workers and in turn, make real progress for working people. Sign up today to join our Labor 2022 program.

"Proud Union Home" Signs

Don't leave all your union pride at work and make sure to bring some home! The Arizona AFL-CIO will soon make available yard signs that confidently state "Proud Union Home" in order to make sure you state an advocate for unions even after work. We appreciate all your support and home you bring your union pride home!

UAW President Ray Curry: ‘Fight Inflation by Stopping Price Gouging, Not Blaming Wages’

“Every time we go to the gas station or supermarket, we are reminded that prices are on the rise as inflation takes a bigger chunk out of our paychecks. The inflation rates are the highest they have been since the early 1980s.  Inflation is not only a problem in our country as prices are rising all around the globe. The U.S. inflation rate has almost quadrupled over the past two years, but in many countries, it has risen even faster. Per Pew Research Center reports, ‘annual U.S. inflation in the first quarter of this year averaged just below 8.0%—the 13th-highest rate among the 44 countries examined.’ As comparison, Canada has recorded their highest inflation rates ever.”

Court orders Curaleaf Arizona owner to offer job to fired budtender 

“A corporate entity that owns marijuana dispensaries throughout metro Phoenix is under a federal court order to offer a job to a former budtender who sought to form a union.  But the parent company of Curaleaf Arizona could still prevail in the unfair labor practices case awaiting review by a federal agency.”

Uber and Transport Workers’ Union strike agreement on gig economy employment standards 

“Ride-sharing giant Uber and the Transport Workers’ Union have struck a landmark agreement on proposed employment standards and benefits ahead of expected new gig economy regulation from the Albanese government.”

Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Chicago Federation of Labor Denounces Community Violence

“On Friday, the Chicago Federation of Labor’s (CFL’s) Civil Rights and Human Relations Committee stood with union members and community partners to denounce the violence that has been terrorizing the community. According to reports, the city has experienced hundreds of shootings and homicides since the start of the year.”

A World-Beating Solar-Storage Project is Transforming the Oil-Rich California Desert

“The world's largest combined solar and energy storage project is under construction by members of Bakersfield, Calif., Local 428.  When finished in early 2023, the Edwards Sanborn energy project will produce nearly a gigawatt DC from solar photovoltaic panels and store energy with 2,400 MWh of lithium-ion batteries. The first phases, including nearly 800 megawatts of solar generation, opened at the end of 2021.  A decade ago, nearly all renewable energy projects were generation only, and although IBEW contractors were very successful in bidding the work, large projects didn't always translate into large numbers of journey-level work. Times have changed.”

More than 140,000 Amazon drivers to be repaid nearly $60 million in alleged withheld tips 

“Over 140,000 Amazon drivers are being repaid nearly $60 million in tips that the company allegedly withheld from them, the Federal Trade Commission announced Tuesday.  The FTC and Amazon reached a settlement in February, with the company agreeing to pay more than $61.7 million, the full amount the tech giant allegedly withheld which will be used by the FTC to compensate Amazon Flex drivers.”

Curaleaf Dispensary workers become first in Arizona to vote yes for union 

“‘Budtenders’ at a Curaleaf Dispensary voted 13-to-6 in favor of unionizing on Thursday, becoming the first cannabis workers in Arizona to join the Cannabis Workers Rising movement, according to a press release.  Organized by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 99 (UFCW 99), the workers at the Midtown location on 2918 N. Central Ave. filed an election petition on April 20 this year.”

'Huge for the state': Arizona takes rare step of spending big to address nursing shortage crisis  

“A rare infusion of tens of millions of dollars for nursing education in Arizona could help funnel new nurses into the profession and chip away at the state's health care workforce shortage. At least that’s what state lawmakers and the governor hope in directing significant dollars toward new Arizona-trained nurses.”

Shortages, fire dangers snuff out July 4th fireworks displays 

“Fourth of July fireworks are an annual tradition — but also a yearly concern, especially for states in the West facing drought conditions, which are prime for sparking wildfires. For the rest of America, inflation and the continued supply chain crisis may keep some cities dark this holiday weekend.”

Amazon fears labor shortage, no one wants to work in the company anymore 

“At first glance everything is fine and everything seems to be running smoothly for Amazon, For example, the company of the American multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos has officially launched Amazon Prime Air, his aerial delivery service. In fact, Amazon has also welcomed its innovative worker robots into its warehouses for the first time. But maybe Jeff Bezos’ company should focus a little more on people. An internal message from the group highlights an important point: by 2024, the company could face a major labor crisis in America.”

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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  Executive DirectorFred Yamashita at [email protected]