John,

The Arizona AFL-CIO is committed to building power for working people, whether it’s with one of the affiliated local unions or community ally groups, we know that a worker’s voice in the workplace must be amplified beyond the job or the union hall. Building worker power means, having a seat at the table where decisions are made affecting the lives of working families, from local school boards to the White House and everywhere in between!

As the labor federation coordinating much of the ongoing efforts in supporting union members and all workers to build worker power, we are constantly challenged to find common ground in our efforts to do the best for the most. Politically, this requires identifying and working to elect worker-friendly candidates and then if successful, holding them accountable.

Because of the makeup of the state legislature in Arizona, much of Labor’s efforts have been playing defense to defeat attacks on workers, voting rights, education, and many of our community allies. However, during the last few cycles with a narrower margin in both the House and the Senate, there have been some labor victories, like the Film Bill, benefitting members of several unions in Arizona, led by the Teamsters Local 104.

Another example is the recent announcement by two major grocery chains of an impending merger. Between the two companies, they account for nearly half of the state’s grocery sales. As is in the case in most mergers of this nature, there are serious ramifications for consumers, workers, and the public at large. This is where ‘building worker power’ comes into play. Less than two weeks ago, the new Arizona State Attorney General, Kris Mayes announced her office was launching an investigation into the proposed merger. Says Attorney General Mayes, “In addition to skyrocketing prices, the proposed merger raises questions about the potential for store closures that could force food deserts that disproportionately affect minority communities.”

Having Labor support in her run for office, the commitment Mayes made to working families was to keep in mind how the laws of Arizona should be enforced; fairly and not only in the interest of the rich or corporations. It also gave access to working families, where there was none since Attorney General Napolitano was in office in 2002.

UFCW Local 99, representing close to 25,000 members, most of whom work in Arizona and many of them in the retail grocery industry, is using this access to protect the interests of their members and the jobs they work in. Monitoring the merger, which will directly affect their members, and working with the AG’s office will not only help protect their members but also benefit the well-being of consumers and the communities these stores currently serve.

With the popularity of unions the highest it’s ever been at 70%, we must act now to capitalize on this moment. Union members must be educated and activated, labor must continue to build a diverse and inclusive movement. More union members should run for public office and with a continued commitment, we will build Worker Power!

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Day of Action Volunteers Needed!

Monday April 24th, 2023, Arizona AFL-CIO will be hosting it's Day of Action at the Capitol and are looking for volunteers during and leading up to the event.

DOL Grants Webinar: Learn About Resources Available this Year

The Department of Labor administers many grants that aim to connect, protect, train, support, and empower workers and job seekers.

Join virtually on February 28th at 10 AM ET to learn more about applying for grants and upcoming opportunities.

Petition to Abolish Grad Fees NOW!

The graduate student employees of Northern Arizona University, call upon the Graduate College and university administration to take immediate action and eliminate student fees for all graduate employees. Charging essential employees of the university fees on the premise that they are students first directly contributes to the financial insecurity and vulnerability of members of this community. Furthermore, NAU administration is capricious and inconsistent in how it determines us students versus workers. Remission of fees for student employees would not only alleviate financial instability, but would also begin to establish clearer communication between administration and graduate student employees across campus.

Add your name if you agree! 

Request to Speak at Legislative Committee Meetings

Sign up and 'Request to Speak' to weigh in on bills directly with State Representatives and Senators during our Legislative Committee Meetings every Friday at 9:30 AM!

2023 Legislative Committee Meeting Alerts

Complete this form to be up on a list to get updates and alerts on the 2023 Legislative Session.

For additional questions, contact our Political Director; Joe Murphy at [email protected] 

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].

Panel: Unions Are The Road To Good Jobs For Black Workers 

"On the 55th anniversary of the Memphis Sanitation Strike, Fred Redmond — the nation’s highest-ranking African American to ever serve in the labor movement — hopes to “unleash a new era of economic prosperity for Black workers."

What You Probably Didn't Know About the Role of Black Miners in U.S. History 

"From the mid-1700s, enslaved workers in the coal pits of Richmond, Virginia, were among the first to work in America's commercial coal mines. Thrown into harsh labor conditions and exploitation, some of these miners managed to acquire skills and knowledge that would eventually give rise to a Black-led mining culture.."

Soccer Association Joins AFL-CIO, Adding To Sports Union Roster 

"The Major League Soccer Players Association has decided to formally affiliate with the AFL-CIO, the country’s largest labor federation and players union announced Thursday. The MLS Players Association joins six other professional sports unions the AFL-CIO counts as affiliated members. It comes just three weeks after the WNBA Players Association announced they would join the federation and five months after the Major League Baseball Players Association did the same."

Thomas Donahue, 'Legendary' Labor Leader, Democracy Advocate, Dies at 94

“Thomas R. Donahue, the second in command to Lane Kirkland, president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O. for 16 years, died on Saturday in Washington, D.C. He was 94. He was suffering from several health issues and was hospitalized on Thursday after a fall, his wife, Rachelle Horowitz,* told The Times."

Unionized HarperCollins Employees Are Back to Work After A 3-Month Strike

“Unionized HarperCollins workers returned to work on Tuesday, in many cases opening their inboxes and corresponding with their supervisors for the first time since walking out three months ago. For many of the more than 250 unionized employees, the agreement ratified on Feb. 16 between their union, Local 2110 of the U.A.W., and the publisher was a victory: It included a raise and some guaranteed overtime for the employees at the lower end of the wage scale.”

Food Safety Company Pays $1.5M After DOL Finds Child Labor Violations

"Wisconsin-based Packers Sanitation Services Inc. paid $1.5 million in civil money penalties after a U.S. Department of Labor investigation found that at least 102 children were employed at meat processing facilities in violation of federal child labor laws, the agency said in a press release Friday."

FedEx Pilot Union Inches Closer to Strike With Unanimous Approval for Authorization Vote 

"The union representing FedEx pilots unanimously approved a strike authorization vote last week, according to a Wednesday press release. Contract negotiations between FedEx management and the FedEx Express Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association International have stalled, with no future talks scheduled, the release said."

'It's Huge': Starting April 1, More Than 650,000 Arizonans Could Lose Medicaid Coverage 

“The latest numbers show 2.5 million Arizonans are enrolled in the state's Medicaid program, which is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. And AHCCCS leaders as of February had identified more than 25% of current enrollees, or an estimated 674,460 people, who are at risk of getting kicked out of the program over the next year as the state agency reviews cases in a process often called redetermination or "the unwinding process..'"

Arizona Bills Seeks Shorter Trains to Cut Crossing Wait

“If you’ve been stuck for minutes or hours waiting to get across railroad tracks, Arizona lawmakers are moving to provide relief.

Legislation approved Friday by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure would limit the length of trains going through the state to 8,500 feet."

Governor Hobbs Vetoes Tax Cut Bill for Landlords

“'I appreciate the legislature's interest in addressing raising housing costs, particularly for renters," the Governor said in a letter. "Lowering costs for Arizona families is a priority of my administration. Unfortunately, this bill suffers from two important defects at this time.'"

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