News

Liz Shuler Elected AFL-CIO President

The AFL-CIO Executive Council today elected Liz Shuler, a visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, to serve as president of the federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold the number two office. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO.

In Memoriam: Richard L. Trumka (1949-2021)

Our brother and leader Richard Trumka passed away on August 5, 2021, at the age of 72.

AFL-CIO Unveils Executive Paywatch Report

2020’s growth in pay inequity between workers and CEOs confirms the “executive base salary reductions” touted during the COVID-19 crisis were just lip service, per this year’s AFL-CIO Executive Pay

Union Plus Launches New Retiree Healthcare Program

This month, Union Plus launched a new Retiree Healthcare Program in partnership with Anthem and the AFL-CIO Mutual Benefit Trust.

Union Plus and the AFL-CIO are proud of this innovative program that provides comprehensive health care options to Medicare-eligible retirees through two Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield group Medicare Advantage plans designed exclusively for retired union members (and their spouses/partners). These group plans feature enhanced benefits compared to what members could purchase for themselves through the individual insurance market.

Union Plus Expands Hardship Benefits for Union Members

Union Plus offers a variety of hardship benefits to union members and our families, including grants for eligible union members who participate in certain Union Plus programs. An expansion of hardship benefits took effect on July 1, 2021. The trustees for the AFL-CIO Mutual Benefit Fund updated hardship grant eligibility for job loss, furlough, strike, disability, hospital and disaster relief to have a greater positive impact on union families.

2021-2022 NWPA ALF Scholarship Winners Announced

Traditionally, the NWPA Area Labor Federation offers 3 scholarships each that result from our essay contests for the coming school year. The NWPA  ALF Scholarship goes to a high school senior graduating in 2021. The David A Bielski Scholarship goes to a post-secondary student. and the Dr. David Ferster Scholarship goes to a Graduate Student.

Passing the Baton

In 2015, the NWPA ALF reestablished the Labor Day Parade in Erie, PA with the help of many union coordinators, labor leaders, activists, and volunteers. It has been an incredible community event that has helped educate the public about unions and build Solidarity within the broader Labor movement. We thank every person who helped in any way.

Faith Leaders Affirm Support for the PRO Act

Relying on their respective faiths that mandate justice for working people, more than 390 religious leaders have joined together to support the PRO Act. At a news conference yesterday, the members of the Interreligious Network for Worker Solidarity presented a national letter calling for this landmark labor law reform.

Union Plus Everyday Discounts Subsidize Summer Fun

As the country reopens and more and more families return to their favorite summer activities, there’s never been a better time to tap into Union Plus’s everyday discounts, many of which are powered by Abenity. Union members save up to 37% on movie tickets at your choice of national chains, up to 63% on your favorite hotels, and get huge discounts on admission tickets to water and theme parks, tourist attractions and tours.

VP Harris, Labor Secretary Walsh Meet with Union Members in Pittsburgh

Vice President Kamala Harris and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh (LIUNA) participated in a roundtable with union members at the Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 5 hall in Pittsburgh. Harris and Walsh are heading up a new task force focused on collective bargaining and organizing rights and they went directly to the source—working people.

A Majority of Voters Support the PRO Act

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act has the support of the majority of likely voters, according to a new poll from Vox and Data for Progress.

The act, a sweeping labor rights bill, would strengthen unions through overriding Republican-led “right to work” state laws, which impede unions’ abilities by allowing workers to join without paying dues. It would also penalize companies that restrict union activity, and would bestow independent contractors — such as drivers for Uber and Lyft — with the right to organize and collectively bargain.