john,

As we patiently await the election process to play out, certification, recounts and final results, we anticipate a new era in Arizona politics, one where Labor truly has a place at the table, that workers will have a voice beyond our Collective Bargaining Agreements. A voice to be taken seriously, that will strengthen our rights as workers and union members in Arizona!

Labor is already working to make sure this will happen as representatives from the AZ AFL-CIO and multiple unions serve on elected candidates’ transition teams helping to determine appointments on important cabinet and committee positions.

Leaders from unions are meeting to strategize around legislation and policy that can be introduced to protect and further the interests of Arizona’s working families, the right to vote, public education, worker safety, a woman’s right to choose, water preservation and the environment, affordable housing and the right to form or join a union!

None of this will happen without Labor speaking and standing up for ourselves, we take nothing for granted and we will not be taken for granted! This election, labor worked harder, stood up taller than we’ve ever had before in Arizona. Whether it was PAC money, boots on the ground and driving our members out to vote, with the margin of victory in most of the races in Arizona, there is no doubt that Labor made the difference between winning and losing!

So, be proud of what we have accomplished, but roll up your sleeves because the real work is just beginning. The work of holding our electeds accountable, responsive and committed to improving the lives of Arizona’s working families, every day they are in office!

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

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Kelly and Hobbs' Victories Could Lead to Positive Changes in State Policy

"The midterm elections brought some good news for supporters of abortion rights, immigrants, environmental activists, and union members among other groups, with Democrats Mark Kelly and Katie Hobbs winning key races in the state. These wims signal potential improvements in the lives of ASU students. Kelly and Hobbs will protect labor laws, ensure that abortion will not be outlawed completely in the state of Arizona, and prevent higher-education cutbacks."

The Senate Just Gave LGBTQ Americans a Reason to Breathe Easier 

“In my most vulnerable moments, I have pictured having to tell my young child that his moms’ marriage is no longer recognized. I imagined choking back tears and reminding him that it doesn’t mean he is any less loved or protected. I envisioned telling him that our family is just as important as any other family – including ones with one mom and one dad. Thankfully, Congress just ensured I will not have to have that conversation with my child anytime soon."

Senate Voters To Avert Rail Strike- But Denies Railroad Workers' Request for 7 Paid Sick Days 

“The Senate approved a new contract between railroad companies and labor unions on Thursday in a last-minute vote, ahead of a December 9 deadline that could trigger a nationwide railroad strike and severely hamstring the economy—but Senators rejected the unions’ demands for paid sick leave."

ALEC Has Half the Legislative Members It Claims 

"The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) grossly overstates the number of state lawmakers who are members of the organization, internal documents obtained by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) show. For years, ALEC has claimed on its website that it is “comprised of nearly one-quarter of the country’s state legislators,” yet the secretive group has never disclosed its members’ names nor the actual number of legislative members.   There were 7,383 state lawmakers as of 2021, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. If almost 25% of those were actually registered with ALEC, its membership would total roughly 1,845. But ALEC records show that it had only 897 members in early 2020, less than half of what it claims."

After Right-to-Work's Anniversary in Arkansas, Fayetteville Starbucks Becomes the State's First Location to Unionize 

“Arkansas' right-to-work law turned 78-years-old on Nov. 7, and a little over a week after its anniversary, a Fayetteville Starbucks became the first location in the state to unionize. Although right-to-work effects how unions function, other factors like deindustrialization impacted the state's labor movement."

Alabama Coal Miners Begin Their 20th Month on Strike 

"Hundreds of coal miners in Brookwood, Ala., reached a milestone Thursday: They 've spent 20 months on strike. That's well past the six-week average for strikes, according to Bloomberg Law. The miners believe it's the longest strike in Alabama's history. They have continued demanding their employer, Warrior Met Coal, restore the pay and benefits that were cut in 2016 as a cost-saving measure to keep the mines from shutting down."

Tentative Agreement Reached to Give UC Researchers Higher Wages Amid Strike 

“University of California postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers have reached a tentative labor deal that union officials said Tuesday includes higher wages and cost-of-living increases, but they won't yet return to work in solidarity with some 36,000 graduate student workers who remain on strike.”

Rural Arizona Country Certifies Midterm Election Results After Judge's Order

“Officials in rural Cochise County, Arizona, on Thursday certified the results of the county’s midterm elections – ending a high-stakes confrontation with state officials over the county’s failure to sign off on election results by the legal deadline. The 2-0 vote came shortly after a judge ordered the county’s three-member board of supervisors to certify the results by 5 p.m. local time.”

Road Closures Planned for Saturday's APS Electric Light Parade  

"The 35th Annual APS Electric Light Parade takes to the streets of central Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. Residents and attendees should plan ahead for scheduled street closures and vehicle restrictions in the area surrounding the parade route. "

Judge Mull Whether Arizona's 1864 Abortion Ban can Co-exist with 50 Years of Laws Regulating Abortion

“The future of abortion access in Arizona remains in limbo after a three-judge panel in Tucson heard arguments Wednesday on the validity and application of a near-total ban from 1864 — and whether it can coexist with a 15-week ban passed this year.  The Arizona Court of Appeals took on the case after a trial judge in September removed a nearly 50-year-old injunction blocking the Civil War-era abortion ban, effectively reinstating it and threatening abortion providers across the state with 2 to 5 years in prison, after the U.S. Supreme Court stripped Americans of the constitutional right to abortion.  Planned Parenthood of Arizona appealed that ruling, and judges heard arguments in the case on Wednesday."

The 2022 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide

“The Alliance for American Manufacturing is thrilled to present the ninth annual Made in America Gift Guide, featuring gift ideas from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Our team worked hard to select an eclectic mix of companies that haven’t been featured on this list before. There are a variety of products at a variety of price points, so there’s something for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

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