Cincinnati
AFL-CIO
Labor Council
March 2023

**"Working for a Living" Monthly Newsletter is switching from the last Saturday of the month to the first Saturday of the month. See you again on Saturday, May 6th.**
This Month With AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler
America’s workers are tired of working longer hours with fewer resources and fed up making less during a time of rising costs.

Working people are standing together in our unions and taking action to fight back.

This week, tens of thousands of teachers joined school support workers on a three-day strike in Los Angeles in the fight for a living wage.

Members of Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), staged a walkout of Hearst Magazines to demand a fair contract.

And Starbucks workers and their allies took action across the country to demand Starbucks respect its employees’ right to organize.
The labor movement in Michigan has come one step closer to restoring the rights of working people and repealing “right to work” in the state.

The state Senate voted on Tuesday to repeal the law after the state House did so last week.

When the final vote was taken, hundreds of union members at the state Capitol erupted in supportive cheers in the Senate gallery and the adjoining hallways.

This is what happens when we elect union members to the halls of power. We fight and we win for working people.
Mid-month, I spoke in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

I implored the senators to protect the rights of working people. To hold union-busting corporations accountable.

And most importantly, to pass the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act to take the important first step toward fixing our broken and outdated labor laws.

I was joined by other labor leaders; you can watch and read all of our testimony here.
In the beginning of March, Labor leaders and workers joined a bipartisan group of members of Congress on Capitol Hill to reintroduce the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

The PRO Act would strengthen protections for workers’ right to organize a union and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions.

Unions have our highest approval rating in more than 50 years. But broken labor laws are inhibiting working people from coming together in greater numbers.

This legislation would empower millions of Americans to stand together and ensure hardworking people are getting our fair share of economic growth.
Let's Hear It For Our Sisters! How Women are Rejuvenating The Labor Movement
By Brian Griffin, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council and Chair, City of Cincinnati Civil Service Commission

As we battled our way through the COVID pandemic, a new term was coined: “Essential Workers.” According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, essential workers are those who conduct a range of operations and services that are typically essential to continue critical infrastructure operations. Critical infrastructure is a large, umbrella term encompassing sectors from energy to defense to agriculture.
Understandably, the term essential refers to systems and functions that keep our country safe and our economy moving ahead. What many of us still do not realize is that during the pandemic, and to this day, the majority of those deemed “essential workers” are women. Furthermore, the majority of those who lost their jobs in the pandemic were women, and the majority of those who faced the greatest threat and consequences of unstable care situations, for their children, their loved ones, and themselves were women. So actually, it should come as no surprise that the majority of those organizing their workplaces are women. 

Over the last ten years or so, approximately 60 percent of newly organizing workers have been women. Women are at the forefront of some of the largest labor movements in years, including the baristas who have unionized over a dozen Starbucks since late 2021, the bakery workers who recently went on strike for four months to secure their first union contract, the call center workers — most of whom are women of color — who went on strike in Mississippi, and the 17,000 Etsy sellers who went on strike to combat transaction fee increases. 

These workplace actions, most in companies and industries where there has never been organizing before, are putting an end to the decades-long disparity that exists between men and women in union organization. The gender gap in union representation is at its narrowest point since the data started being tracked in the early 1980s by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We all know that the Labor movement was fundamentally responsible for the vast majority of what we now consider basic workplace protections; things such as the minimum wage, the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, and adequate workplace health and safety. However, what we may not all be aware of is how study after study shows that unionization actually benefits women more than men, and that the Labor movement is a central voice in advancing policies that are especially important to women, such as paid sick leave and paid family leave policies, both at the state and local levels.

Unions also help close the wage gap related to sex and race by eliminating factors that fuel pay disparity; practices such as secrecy around salaries and societal barriers that discourage women from negotiating pay and benefits. Practices such as pay secrecy, which makes it difficult for women and men to find out whether they are paid fairly, undermines attempts to reduce the gender wage gap, but it is proven that Union Membership represents the most direct pathway to equal pay for women. 

However, by no means are we to take all of this positive movement and declare victory. Working women across the nation still face myriad challenges that demand attention from policymakers, advocates, employers, and foundations. While unionized women enjoy a number of advantages, much more progress needs to be made in order for women to achieve equality in the workforce. The gender wage gap among unionized workers is lower than among nonunion workers, but it does still exist.

Unions, as well as every other organization of workers, must make every effort to promote women’s leadership. Unions must highlight the importance of women’s contributions; provide training on effective ways to mobilize women; encourage and support more women in leadership positions both nationally and locally; create and strengthen mentoring programs for women; provide dedicated space for women to voice their concerns; address women’s priorities by using imagery and language that reflects their experiences; and provide flexible options for involvement by finding creative times and places to while providing support such as childcare.

Women Labor Leaders face daunting challenges, but it is indisputable fact that as the Labor movement struggles to build itself back to the strong social movement it was decades ago, we would do well to redouble our efforts to proactively integrate women into the rank and file, and more importantly into our leadership. Women in the workforce hold the greatest opportunities for worker organizing, and women leaders are the most likely to lead that success. Female leaders’ ideas and strategies are creative and unique—and bringing about surprising results. Purposefully, intentionally vigorously and enthusiastically, the continued incorporation of women into Labor Leadership roles is the single most effective way of reinvigorating a movement still struggling to bring itself back to power.
Save The Date: Worker's Memorial Day Event to Honor Those Who Have Died on the Job on Thursday, April 27th
Register for the Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council's Golf Outing on June 2nd
Local 392 News: Scholarship Opportunities For Members And Their Families and More
By Bill Froehle, Business Manager, Plumbers, Pipefitters & MES Local 392 and President, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council
 
UA Scholarship Fund Information:
We are pleased to announce that the United Association Scholarship Trust Fund is gearing up for the 2023 academic year scholarship awards. Up to 112 scholarships totaling as much as $222,000 will be awarded this year, including 106 for students pursuing undergraduate studies and up to six for students pursuing graduate studies.
 
Scholarships range from $1,500 to $5,000 each. Generally, dependents of UA members who are pursuing a post high school education at an accredited college or university may apply for a scholarship (please see eligibility requirements and award criteria in the detailed instructions found with the application). The deadline for submitting applications is June 6, 2023.
 
Applications may be submitted at https://uascholarshipfund.communityforce.com/ beginning March 31, 2023. The application can also be submitted by mail to Patrick Kellett, UA Scholarship Fund Office, 3 Park Place Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Note that upon logging in, users should be sure to click on the scholarship titled 2023 United Association Scholarship. Paper applications will be available for download at Uanet.org beginning March 31, 2023.
 
Awards will primarily be based on academic achievement and potential, personal achievement, and community involvement. Financial needs may also be considered. Scholarships will be awarded without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Applications will be judged by an independent and impartial Selection Committee, comprised of distinguished
members of the community.
 
The Selection Committee may request information concerning the financial circumstances of applicants and use this information in the award of scholarships. Also, note that because UA scholarships do not automatically renew each year, receiving an award in one year does not guarantee you awards in future years.
 
In addition, six scholarships will be given to “Second Chance” awardees. Those selected will be students whose academic achievement is not the best in their region, but who demonstrate
they want another chance at an education to advance their potential for higher-paying employment.
 e would like to thank everyone for supporting the Fund and look forward to awarding our next round of scholarships to our deserving UA students.
 
Butler County Members
The Butler County Building and Construction Trades Council will be sponsoring the Edwin L. Pence Memorial Scholarship again this year.
 
The Butler County Building and Construction Trades Council will be awarding scholarships to Students at the high schools in the Butler County area.
 
The Edwin L. Pence Memorial Scholarship is open to any high school senior planning to further his or her education after graduation from high school. Each applicant must be eligible for graduation this spring, have a GPA of at least 2.5, and be active in their community.
 
Please contact Business Agent Jerry Back @ the union hall for more information or to receive an application form that must be filled out by the applicant and returned, along with a current grade transcript, to The Butler County Building and Construction Trades Council no later than May 26, 2023. The Selection Committee will make its final decision on May 30, 2023.
 
Scholarship winners and their schools will be notified by mail. “You will need to write a short essay on “How this scholarship will help you in furthering your career”. Indiana Members, (Please read the underlined note)
 
Edwin Marsh Scholarship information:
1)    Scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year will be awarded to up to four (4) applicants who shall be one of the following:
 
ü A high school senior (during the 2022-2023 academic year)
ü A full-time college or vocational training student
ü A building trades union-affiliated apprentice, or
ü A building trade’s union member engaged in furthering his/her education or skills to the benefit of his/her craft and Indiana’s Building Trades Unions.
 
The value of each scholarship is $1,000.00. Each applicant must be a member or dependent child of a member of a local building trades union in good standing with the Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council.
 
2)    The winners will be selected from all entrants who submit a short essay on the yet-to-be-determined topic. Once the topic Is determined, the membership will be advised, and full submission and deadline details provided.
 
3)    Each essay should be between 600 and 1,500 words in length, be typewritten, double-spaced, and follow APA guidelines for the formatting style. The topic of the essay is yet to be determined. We will get you the information as soon as we receive it.
 
4)    Entries MUST include: a cover sheet with the following information: student’s name, mailing address, email address, name of the university, college, or vocational school which he/she plans to attend/name of joint apprenticeship training center currently enrolled/name of building trades local union and continuing education sought or engaged in, his/her relationship to a building trades union member, and the name of the local union of which that person is a member.
 
5)    Entries must be mailed to Edwin Marsh Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council, 150 W. Market St., Suite 805, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
 
6)    Entries MUST be received by the established deadline which will be later this summer. Entries received after will not be considered. We will let you know the deadline as soon as we receive the information.
 
Local 392 Retiree Club:
 The Local 392 retiree club will meet at the Union Hall, lower level on Tuesday, April 11th at 11 A.M. The retiree golf league will kick off April 26th @ 8:30 A.M. and will run through August 30th, 2023, at Neumann golf course on Bridgetown Road. Please arrive between 8 A.M. and 8:15 A.M. All Local 392 retirees are invited to play, this is a pay-as-you-play league, so there is no upfront cost.
 
Congratulations to the following March 1st retirees:
·      Doug Doxsey
·      John Rachford
·      Joe Jacobs
We wish you all many happy years of health and financial security through our union-negotiated pension plan.
 
Union Meeting:
The next union meeting will be on Tuesday, April 4th at 5:30 P.M. at the Local 392 JATC.
 
Obituaries
Local 392 is saddened to report the passing of the following members:
·      Bill Niles (75) on February 12, 2023
·      Richard “Jerry” Hall (83) on March 1, 2023
·      Mark Stark (72) (Owner of Nelson – Stark Plumbing) on March 4, 2023
May They Rest in Eternal Peace.
 
In Solidarity.
There Is No ME In UNION
by James A. Hyden, Executive Secretary, Greater Cincinnati Building & Construction Trades Council
 
During my 28 years in the trades, I have experienced a lot of people who call themselves union members. Most were and are good union members but the ones I will be talking about are the ones who are in the trades for only themselves just for the paycheck and not the greater good.
 
A good union member is the one who will help their union whenever asked. He will take the job, no matter what it is, even if he doesn’t like it, when no one else will. There are certain aspects of all of our trades which are less desirable than others, but they all need to be done.
 
A good union member will look out for the apprentice, and even the probationary member, on their first day and even early on in their career to make sure they don’t get hurt, and God forbid die, and are doing the job the right safe way so they may go home to their families and keep our trades alive.
 
A good union member will attend meetings and participate in them. He will support the will of the majority and the elected officers even if he doesn’t completely agree with them. He will vote on all contracts, elections of officers and by-law changes and if asked he will run for office.
 
A good union member will pay his monthly dues on time. For most trade unions this is about 1 hour’s pay each month. These dues pay the salaries of our officers which represent us and our trade. To look out for our best interest while we do the work in the field.
 
The word UNION doesn’t have “me” in it, only “U” and “I”. Together this sets us apart from our uneducated counterparts and the “UNION member on paper only”. We need to strengthen the brotherhood in our locals and find out why the “On paper only” members feel the way they do and try it fix it. Together we are strong but alone we will surely die. Be Safe.
Minority Workers And Minority Business . . .
By Dave Baker, Business Manager/Financial Secretary, Ironworkers Local 44
 
Over the last few years, we have seen the government and even private industries step up and try to give assistance to minority business. As a result, we have seen some success stories from this effort but the effort falls short in many areas. The biggest of which is the number of minorities who actually benefit from these programs. When a program only focuses on the owners of a company and not the workers at the company the wealth stops at the top. Unless of course you still believe in the bullshit trickle-down economics which Ronald Reagan sold everyone in the 80”s.
 
The focus needs to be on the individual workers and not the individual owners if you really want to see systemic change happen. Most of the large companies within the Cincinnati area were established years ago. These companies were primarily owned by German and Irish immigrants who arrived in the early 1900’s. A lot of the buildings still standing downtown were a result of these companies and the hard work they delivered back then. They are still here because of that foundation they laid 80-100 years ago.
 
Many of the minority contractors do not have this. Which is not their fault because up until at least the 60’s most African Americans were not allowed to have a business let alone find the funding they needed to pull it off. The banks shut them off and so did many of the contracts being awarded. So, I agree we have to do something to even that playing field to a better level.
 
Just for the record, I believe in minority business inclusion in the contracts, but it needs a different approach. The minority business requirement only helps the few who own the company who usually are not the people who are struggling to make ends meet. What is worse is that sometimes fake minority businesses are set up as a way to get around the requirements as well.
 
Just look into what Doug Evans and Evans Landscaping did when they stole millions in minority contracts. It also closes the door on the older companies from even having a chance at certain jobs. What really is needed are requirements for the actual boots on the ground numbers. Requiring the companies to focus on actual minorities on the job is what it will really take to lift people out of poverty level wages. It gives a chance to those who might otherwise not have a chance. Doing this will have an immediate effect on the communities and we will not be waiting on the famous trickle-down to come along.
 
This would give the old companies and the newer companies a chance to perform the work using those minorities not shutting them out because of who the owner is. Whether the owner is a minority or not they can always help with the hiring of minorities and thus the community and the owners can benefit. There is currently nothing set up this way, but I believe we should work on this than keep our current system. Minority workers and not just the minority owners need to be the focus to make it fair to all.
Worksite Program Highlights AFGE Local 2031 and a Legislative Update
By Julien Johnson, Southwest Ohio Political Coordinator

Brothers and sisters, as you know the Ohio AFL-CIO is testing out a new Worksite program the focuses on membership education and building relationships with the state fed, central labor council, locals and members. During the week of March 13-March 17, AFGE local 2031 in collaboration with the Ohio AFL-CIO hosted the largest worksite action thus far. AFGE 2031 had 7 worksites across the Cincinnati CLC jurisdiction and educated multiple members at VA hospitals and VA clinics. The collaborated efforts were so momentous, the National AFL-CIO recognized our AFGE local and Ohio AFL-CIO staff for their efforts on the successful worksite!
 
BIG THANK YOU and Congratulations to: AFGE local 2031, AFGE District 6 Staff, Ohio AFL-CIO Staff and the Cincinnati AFL-CIO!

If you are interested in a short report on the event please contact Julien Johnson

Additionally, If you are interested in hosting your own Worksite Event(s),
Please Contact Julien Johnson jjohnson@ohaflcio.org or Evan Hennessy ehennessy@ohaflcio.org today!
Legislative update:

SB 1: “The Revised Code that are scheduled to take effect December 29, 2023, to continue the changes on and after that date to rename the Department of Education as the Department of Education and Workforce; to create the position of Director of Education and Workforce; and to reform the functions and responsibilities of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.”

  • SB 1 Has passed the Ohio Senate and is currently in the House Economic and Workforce committee. This bill seeks to reform education and take away power from the democratically elected State School Board. This includes changes to regulations for education and workforce development. To follow the bill, click the Link here: https://ohiosenate.gov/legislation/135/sb1

SB 47: “To enact section 4117.091 of the Revised Code to prohibit a public employer from providing paid leave or compensation for a public employee to engage in certain union activities.”

  • SB 47 is still in the Judiciary Committee and has not moved since its introduction. As you know this bill is detrimental to all public employees and, poses a threat to our Union family and our political strength. The Ohio AFL-CIO is currently monitoring the bill and will update you as things change. If you would like to read about the bill or sign up to track the bill please click the link: https://ohiosenate.gov/legislation/135/SB47
An Update on Amazon Labor Union KCVG
By Evan Hennessy, Local Organizing Specialist

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

I just wanted to give you all a quick update on the union drive at Amazon’s CVG hub in Northern Kentucky, which employs roughly 3200 souls who are trying very hard to have a voice on the job.

Last Saturday was the official launch of the union drive. I wanted to thank all of our Brothers and Sisters from various locals who were able to make it out to the rally on the outskirts of the hub. Amazon had a not so subtle, and not routine security presence in place to greet us but we all made our voices heard in solidarity with our Brothers and Sisters at Amazon.

Card collection has begun inside and outside the hub, as well as around the clock handbilling. If you would like to get involved or know someone who would please reach out directly to their organizing committee at kcvgworkers@gmail.com.

And as always if you know of any other worksites attempting to organize who could use the Ohio AFL-CIO’s assistance please have them contact me at 513-602-9581 or ehennessy@ohaflcio.org
 
In Solidarity,
Evan Hennessy, Local Organizing Specialist
Amazon Labor Union KCVG Launches Card Collection Campaign for $30/hr and a Union
By ALU KCVG Organizing Committee

At a rally on Saturday, March 18th workers at the KCVG air hub in Northern Kentucky, Amazon’s largest in the world, announced we’re joining forces with the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) to collect union cards and win a union at KCVG. KCVG workers are demanding a $30/hr starting wage, 180 hours paid time off, and union representation at disciplinary meetings to end favoritism and retaliation. Dozens of Amazon workers rallied in the Air Hub parking lot before we marched down the road to meet a crowd of over 100 union and community supporters.

Griffin Ritze, a leading union organizer at the KCVG air hub, said at the rally: “Nothing moves at KCVG without the workers like us. They want to try to call us a third party and they want to divide the movement. What they did today is send out a text trying to scare people and intimidate people from rallying with their coworkers….but we stood our ground. We’re not gonna let Amazon scare us.”

Amazon executives are going all out to stop our union drive. On March 18th, workers bravely stood against intimidation from both Amazon managers and airport police, who tried to stop the rally. Amazon sent mass anti-union text messages to every worker at the air hub, sent airport police to harass volunteers, set up barricades and security checkpoints at the entrances to the air hub, and blocked community supporters and journalists from accessing the rally. But KCVG workers and the local labor movement stood our ground. Hundreds have continued to express their support, sign up to get involved, and donate.

The union campaign is now in full swing. We and our co-workers are setting up regular tables in the air hub parking lot and garage and we’re collecting stacks of union cards every day. Community and labor supporters are talking to Amazon workers outside the gates and helping to organize the community to support this fight.

Amazon is one of the largest, most anti-union companies in the world. To take on their massive union-busting machine and win, it will take a serious fighting movement, and the unflinching support of the entire labor movement.

The union will not take dues until we win a contract, so our campaign relies on financial support from labor and the community to carry out all our organizing work at this stage. Can you spare $20, $50, $100, or more today for the campaign taking on one of the most powerful corporations in the world? Please also consider passing a solidarity resolution in your local, combined with a donation, to show labor’s support for this fight. 

A victory at KCVG would inspire other workers around the country and be a huge union victory in the heart of “Right to Work” Kentucky. A victory at KCVG, the largest Amazon Air Hub in the world, would be a victory for all workers and unions, and a major step forward in the effort to unionize Amazon everywhere. Please join our fight.
40th Annual Lou Manchise Labor-Management Conference
SAVE THE DATE

40th Annual Lou Manchise Labor Management Conference held at Northern Kentucky University on May 12, 2023.

More information on keynotes and concurrent sessions to come!
Ohio AFL-CIO Pres. Burga: Today is the 112th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Tomorrow marks the 112th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This tragedy stole the lives of 146 women, mostly immigrant teenagers.

The building had only one fire escape, which collapsed during the rescue effort. Long tables and bulky machines trapped many of the victims. Panicked workers were crushed as they struggled with doors that were locked by managers to prevent theft, or doors that opened the wrong way. Only a few buckets of water were on hand to douse the flames. Outside, firefighters' ladders were too short to reach the top floors and ineffective safety nets ripped like paper.
The catastrophe sent shockwaves through the city, beginning in the communities of immigrant workers on Manhattan's Lower East Side, where families struggled to identify their lost in makeshift morgues. Family grief turned to citizen anger as the causes of the fire – including the abhorrent working conditions at the time – were exposed.


The public outcry over what was clearly a preventable tragedy brought a renewed sense of urgency to the labor movement and to other groups working to improve women's and immigrants' rights in the workplace.

Frances Perkins, who became the Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, witnessed the horror from Washington Park, recalling later that what she saw convinced her that "…something must be done. We've got to turn this into some kind of victory, some kind of constructive action." Perkins and other leaders with direct experience of the Triangle fire, like New York Governor Al Smith, soon helped marshal new workplace safety standards into law in the State of New York, setting an example for the rest of the country, including the founding of OSHA.

We must remain vigilant to ensure that workplace safety and compensation laws are enforced and not rolled back while strengthening the right to organize and take collectively action. The recent rail tragedies in East Palestine, Cleveland and other parts of the state are a serious reminder that safety at the workplace and in our communities cannot be taken for granted and of the harmful effects of deregulation that puts profits over people. Let us remember this solemn anniversary by recommitting ourselves to advocating for strong safety standards and strict enforcement for all workplaces.


In Solidarity,

Tim Burga, President
Ohio AFL-CIO
Ramadan Mubarak to Muslim Union Members and Their Families
Muslims from all over the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan, which started on March 22.
 
The labor movement strongly supports the Muslim community in the practicing of their faith without prejudice or discrimination, and is committed to ensuring our country’s founding principles of respect for persons of all faiths. We hope this month will be a time of spiritual blessings for our Muslim union members, their families and the entire Muslim community.
International Women's Day
Women are now nearly 50% of the workforce — yet inequality in the workplace continues. Unequal pay, harassment and discrimination are just some of the abuses women face daily.

But when women stand together, they can demand equality. And a union contract delivers.

We must do everything we can to protect our right to organize, especially from union-busting CEOs like Howard Schultz at Starbucks.
Recently, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, spoke at the Senate, imploring senators to pass labor laws that protect our constitutional right to organize and collective bargaining. The quickest way to equal pay (and equal treatment in every way) is a union contract. And we need laws that protect us and our right to organize.

Watch President Shuler's Testimony (Starts at 11:54)
NABTU Tradeswomen Address Congress For Women In Construction Week
Washington, D.C. – Recently, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) hosted a briefing in honor of Women in Construction Week focused on workforce programs and policy opportunities to increase recruitment and retention of women to trades careers, particularly as the federal government continues implementation of the IIJA, IRA, and CHIPS laws. Tradeswomen, labor leaders, Members of Congress, and Administration officials led the forum and panel discussion. Click here to watch the event recording.

“It was an honor to join amazing tradeswomen on Capitol Hill to tell their powerful stories and personal insights on how government, industry and labor can better support women in construction,” said President McGarvey. “The numbers show that the investments we are making drive real change in both recruitment and retention to build a diverse trades workforce. While the progress that we’ve made is satisfying and we are on the right track, we know we don’t have all the answers. That is why we came to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers. In tandem with these massive federal investments, NABTU will keep working with government and all stakeholders to prioritize these programs, encourage more women to join and succeed in the construction workforce and build the next infrastructure generation.”

"The building trades unions have programs that actually work,” said Vicki O’Leary, a 38 year journey-level Ironworker and Chair of NABTU’s Tradeswomen Committee. “Intentional dedicated women programs, including maternity leave, mentorship and anti-discrimination and harassment programs, are helping us recruit and retain more women in unionized construction. As good as these programs are, we need to do more. The tradeswomen joining our ranks are the first generation of women that have had tradeswomen who have gone before them, and we must do all we can to get this right so they not only go through registered apprenticeship, but they stay in and are fulfilled in the construction trades for their entire career.

The building trades have made great strides to develop a more diverse workforce via apprenticeship readiness and registered apprenticeship programs, doubling the number of women apprentices and jobs in the skilled trades in the last decade and reaching its highest number of unionized tradeswomen ever in 2021. However, women still only account for about 4 percent of the workforce in the skilled trades. The unionized construction sector know that more must be done, especially with the massive amounts of public and private funding for infrastructure projects in every state.

“We want Congress to prioritize women construction workers and understand the barriers for tradeswomen to better support us as we work to grow our numbers in the construction industry,” said Nicole Schwartz, Executive Director of TradesFutures. “We hope our panel helped lawmakers to better understand the value of Registered Apprenticeship, diversity and mentorship workforce programs and the critical pathway that pre-apprenticeship training like Apprenticeship Readiness Programs provide to recruit and retain more women in construction.”
Unions Can Help Women Close The Wage Gap
By Wendy Chun-Hoon and Liz Shuler, Opinion Contributors

On this day, Feb. 12, we recognize “Union Women’s Equal Pay Day,” an important reminder of how empowering more women to form and join unions can advance pay equity for women.

Since 1996, advocates for pay equity for women have observed National Equal Pay Day to spotlight the persistent gender wage gap in America and why fairness demands it be closed. On average, a woman working full-time, year-round in the U.S. must work until March 14 to earn what a man earned the prior year.

How do unions make a difference? Let some facts do the talking. On average, workers represented by unions earn more than those working in nonunion jobs, and union men and women also have more equitable wages compared to each other. Today, 6.5 million women are union members and make up 47 percent of all workers unions represent.

Union representation also has reduced the gender and racial wage gap by nearly 43 percent, compared to the wage gap non-union women face. The narrower these gaps, the greater the wages earned by union women over the course of their careers. Over time, they’ve earned hundreds of thousands of additional dollars and enjoyed greater economic security.

Data clearly show that a woman with a union behind her makes 22 percent more, on average, than a woman fending for herself. Union membership can help ensure pay transparency and equity, and access to benefits such as paid sick days, health insurance, free legal services, professional training and pensions, come with the job.

By electing their leaders, union members democratically choose the people who negotiate their contracts and pave the way for regular wage increases, better job security and ways to address workplace grievances, discrimination and other concerns. They also feel empowered to speak out about pay discrepancies, sexual harassment and safety issues.

Unions empower workers, particularly women and women of color, as they drive organizing campaigns in new areas of our economy. They are leading historic campaigns across the nation: from coffee shops to airports and high-tech to hospitality, women are among the nation’s most determined and successful organizers.

In addition to these victories, unions are working to overcome the single largest measurable cause of the wage gaps: the differences in the jobs people hold. Too often, women and people of color are shut out of highpaying opportunities. Unions help level the playing field by ensuring that workers are not paid less, or excluded from promotions or advancement, simply because of their gender, race or ethnicity.

Unprecedented levels of federal investment through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act will directly create good middle-class jobs that many workers urgently need, especially for women and people of color who are vastly underrepresented in industries such as manufacturing and construction.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are central to the Department of Labor’s and the AFL-CIO’s efforts to create good jobs in the U.S. as federal infrastructure investments arrive in our communities. North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) released their “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives in the Construction Trades” report on Jan. 17, 2023, which finds that union programs are far more effective at recruiting and training more women and racially diverse groups into the construction industry.

Working with the departments of Transportation, Commerce and Energy, we are determined to make sure the Biden administration’s investments produce good-quality jobs with access to paid family and medical leave, the free and fair choice of a union, paid sick days, health care, supportive services, and freedom from gender-based violence and harassment.

So, join us to mark Union Women’s Equal Pay Day and remember how unions are fighting for justice for all workers, and why we need to change history so that women are paid their full and fair wages each and every day.

Wendy Chun-Hoon is director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau. Liz Shuler is the president of the AFL-CIO.
This Women’s History Month, Let’s Close the Wage Gap
Last week we acknowledged Equal Pay Day—the day that signifies the additional days in which a woman has to work in order to earn what a man made in the previous year.
 
The gender wage gap leads to a loss of some $400,000 over the course of a working woman’s career. For women of color, that loss is even steeper.
 
A bill in Congress—the Paycheck Fairness Act—would help close the wage gap by making it unlawful to prohibit employees from talking about their wages, increasing penalties for violating the equal pay provision, and directing the Department of Labor to provide trainings for negotiating compensation and working conditions.
 
It’s beyond time. Women should get equal pay for equal work. Tell Congress to vote YES on the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond Travels to Meet with President Lula in Brazil
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond met Wednesday with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília. Redmond was in Brasília for the Executive Council meeting of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), of which he is the president.
 
Addressing the TUCA affiliates, Redmond and Lula spoke about the need to build inclusive democracies in order to confront the threats to working people across the region. “The restrictions to collective action are silencing workers, especially those who are already marginalized. That is why our unions are on the front lines in the fight to protect and build an inclusive democracy, with racial and gender justice at its heart,” Redmond said.
 
Lula, who was himself a union member and metalworker, began his third term as president of one of the world’s largest democracies in January. His previous administrations are credited with lifting millions of Brazilians out of poverty and challenging the privileges of the powerful elite.
 
“President Lula,” Redmond concluded, “your previous administrations modeled this kind of inclusive democracy. One where workers had the power to shape policies and a collective future—one where their political, economic and social systems delivered for working people. This is what we as the trade union movement want for the region.”
Biden Nominates Julie Su to Become Nation’s Next Secretary of Labor
President Biden nominated Julie Su, the current deputy secretary of labor, on Tuesday to become our nation’s next labor secretary. The AFL-CIO is thrilled with her historic nomination.
 
“Simply put: There’s no one more dedicated and qualified to defend the fundamental rights of working people than Julie Su,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler in a statement.
 
“From her beginnings protecting immigrants and other vulnerable workers, to fiercely combating wage theft and the abuse of low-wage workers in California, to her leadership of the U.S. Department of Labor with Secretary Marty Walsh, Su has distinguished herself as a principled fighter for the basic rights of every worker, no matter where we’re from or what kind of work we do. At this pivotal moment in history, that’s precisely the leadership America’s working people need in our next secretary of labor.
 
“We commend President Joe Biden on this hugely important nomination. Biden realizes the challenges working people face, the opportunities before us and the critical need for the kind of deep expertise and creativity Deputy Secretary Su brings to his Cabinet. This nomination was driven by the administration’s desire to do everything in its power to strengthen workers’ rights, including the freedom to form and join unions.
 
“Julie Su is the right woman, at the right time, for this job. We thank Secretary Walsh for his service to workers and look forward to Su building on his success as secretary of labor.”
Care Can’t Wait Coalition Delivers Petitions to Congress
There are 53 million people in this country who are unpaid caregivers for a loved one. Too often, they are forced to make difficult decisions about their jobs so they can support the people they love.
 
On Tuesday, the AFL-CIO joined other Care Can’t Wait coalition partners and delivered petitions to elected officials demanding Congress to invest in care this year. We need universal paid leave to care for one’s self and loved ones; affordable and available child care; and accessible in-home and community care for seniors and people with disabilities.
 
Care work makes all other work possible, and a better care system will ensure care workers, family caregivers, older adults and people with disabilities aren’t left behind.
Bills to Restore Workers’ Rights, Prevailing Wage Pass Michigan House Behind Labor Testimony
The Michigan House of Representatives this week passed bills to restore workers’ rights and reinstate a prevailing wage law. The bills repeal the “right to work” law passed in 2012 and reinstate the prevailing wage law eliminated in 2018. Testimony from many union members drove the committee hearing that sent the bills to the House floor, where they both passed Wednesday evening.
 
“Today, our pro-worker Democratic majority in the state House took historic action to undo the devastation caused by decades of attacks on workers’ freedom,” said Michigan State AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber (UAW). “Today, our legislative leaders are delivering on the promises they made and putting power back into the hands of Michigan workers.”
 
If right to work is repealed, it will be the first such state legislative action in 58 years. The bills now go to the Michigan Senate, where consideration is expected next week.
U.S Senator Sherrod Brown:
Working For Working People!
Action Tank’s City Council Bootcamp Toolkit is Now Available for Your City or Organization!
Media Contact: Ioanna Paraskevopoulos, ioanna@actiontankusa.org, 202-697-2977

Action Tank is pleased to announce the release of the City Council Bootcamp Toolkit. Our City Council Bootcamp (CCB) Toolkit is a licensed guide available to nonprofits, resident groups, or municipalities who want to start CCB in their cities. The Toolkit includes guidance on every aspect of CCB, from fundraising, to recruiting and selecting students, to partnering with artists, to curriculum, lesson plans, workshop activities, homework assignments, and evaluation.

City Council Bootcamp is a program for engaged residents who are interested in running for city council and/or want a deeper understanding of city government systems and practices to successfully champion impactful policy changes that benefit all residents. Participants engage with speakers representing government administration leadership and subject matter experts, political decision-makers, elected officials and their staff, journalists, council clerks, advocates, community leaders, and others who play critical roles in shaping local policy processes and outcomes. The original program launched in Cincinnati in 2020 amid a wave of media attention and funding support, and has graduated dozens of local leaders.

In its first three years in Cincinnati, the Bootcamp graduates have achieved considerable successes, including:

  • Appointment and reelection to Cincinnati City Council
  • Mayoral appointments (2) to the Cincinnati Accessibility Board of Advisors
  • Successful policy advocacy for Cincinnati’s Equitable Restrooms Ordinance
  • Successful budget process advocacy resulting in a $100,000 line item for worker-owned co-ops
  • Taking office as President of the Cincinnati Charter Committee
  • Election to local precinct executive positions (4)
  • Election to community council presidencies
  • Founding Cincinnati’s first LGBTQ+ center
  • The Toolkit includes detailed guidance on how to start a local CCB chapter, including:
  • Marketing
  • Recruiting and selecting students
  • Raising program funds
  • Speaker selection
  • Incorporating artist-led workshops into the curriculum
  • Detailed lesson plans
  • Detailed runs of show for artist-led workshops
  • Homework assignments and templates
  • Program Evaluation Plans

Organizations interested in using the City Council Bootcamp model to build a local bench of talented civic leaders can contact us to set up a consultation with Action Tank or purchase the Toolkit through our website here.

Action Tank is a nonprofit that partners with artists to research and promote new public policy solutions at the local government level. Find more on Action Tank’s work at www.actiontankusa.org.
Women's Empowerment Luncheon!
Cincinnati NAACP Golf Outing
Date: May 20

Time: 12pm - 4pm

Shotgun Starts at 1:00pm (check-in begins at 12:00pm)

$85/Person or $340/Foursome (includes green fees and cart)

Prizes, Trophies, and GO Bags Awarded
New Webinar Dates: Get Live Medicare Advice on Your Lunch Break
Each month our experts host live webinars to support your team members with Medicare education. Whether they are preparing to move to Medicare at age 65 or exploring their health coverage options while working past 65, our webinars are the perfect place to learn the basics and get answers to their questions.

Check out our upcoming Medicare webinars in April and be sure to share this flyer with your team.
Medicare 101: Understanding Medicare
 
Tuesday, April 4
12 p.m. (Noon) EST
Medicare 101: Understanding Medicare
 
Wednesday, April 12
12 p.m. (Noon) EST
Working Past Age 65 & Medicare
 
 
Wednesday, April 26
12 p.m. (Noon) EST
Arbitrating in the Federal Sector
Seeking to start or expand your labor arbitration practice in the federal sector? This two-day, in-person program is geared toward current FMCS Roster arbitrators needing a greater understanding of unique aspects of arbitration of disputes between federal agencies and their unions. The course will focus on the distinction between federal and private sector practice, with a review of the statutes, regulations, executive orders, and developing changes in direction at the FLRA. Substantial emphasis will be placed on working with case scenarios.
 
Instructors: Arthur Pearlstein, FMCS Senior Mediator and Alan Symonette, Esq.
 
When: Tuesday, March 21 – Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: FMCS Headquarters, 250 E Street SW, Washington, D.C.
(walking distance from L’Enfant Plaza Metro or Federal Center SW Metro)
 
NOTE: Your reservation isn’t complete, nor is your seat reserved, until you’ve remitted payment for the course. If you have difficulty paying online or prefer to pay by check, please email us at fmcs_instititute@fmcs.gov. Call us at 202-606-3627 with any questions.

Virtual Course
April 11-13 and April 18-20, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,500 through March 10; General admission $1,600; Group rates available
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
 
Dealing effectively with conflict in the workplace has become a critical function in public and private organizations. Employers and employees are increasingly turning towards mediation to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Mediation has successfully applied to many types of workplace disputes, including grievances, EEO complaints, superior/subordinate problems, and peer conflicts. This workshop focuses on the mediation process and skills required to be successful. Facilitating difficult conversations, creative problem-solving, interpersonal negotiations, and communication will be covered.
 
Instructors: FMCS Mediators Kevin Hawkins and Brady Roberts
 
This course takes place over 6 DAYS: (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) April 11-13 and April 18-20 for two consecutive weeks. 
Virtual Course
May 9-11, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,000 through April 10; General admission $1,100
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
 
 
This intensive, three-day program is designed to enhance the arbitration advocacy skills of labor relations practitioners. In addition to topical presentations and work through a variety of relevant scenarios, participants will participate in a mock labor arbitration, including witness preparation and conduct of the hearing. 
 
Topics Include:
  • Educating the arbitrator prior to hearing
  • Opening the case with a winning statement
  • Structuring the order of proof
  • Key aspects of discipline and contract interpretation cases
  • Considerations of past practice
  • Making and responding to evidentiary objections
  • Preparing and examining witnesses
  • Seeking and opposing different kinds of remedies
  • Crafting effective closing arguments and post-hearing briefs
Instructors: FMCS Director of Arbitration Arthur Pearlstein and FMCS Mediators TBA
Virtual Course
July 11 - 13 and July 18-20, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,500 through June 11; General admission $1,600; Group rates available
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
 
Develop the negotiation style that’s right for you. This interactive workshop focuses on techniques for 21st century contract negotiations. We'll cover traditional and interest-based negotiations, and will teach participants how to negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
 
Instructors: FMCS Mediators Gemma Lopresti and Leroy Skinner
 
This course takes place over 6 DAYS: (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) July 11-13 and July 18-20 for two consecutive weeks. 
Virtual Course
September 12-14, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,000 through August 12; General admission $1,100
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
 
This intensive, three-day program is designed specifically for labor practitioners in the Federal sector. The course will help practitioners:
  • Understand the most important elements of labor arbitration advocacy in the federal sector
  • Make progress on the path to becoming a highly effective advocate
  • Identify major gaps in knowledge/experience in arbitration advocacy and plan for filling the gaps
Topics include:
  • The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Arbitration in the Federal Sector
  • Principles of Contract (collective bargaining agreement) Interpretation
  • Employee Discipline and “Efficiency of the Service”
  • How to Best Prepare for the Hearing
  • How to Handle the Hearing Itself (Testimony, Documents, Opening Statements, etc.)
  • What Goes Into a Good Post-Hearing Brief (if briefs are to be submitted)
A major emphasis of this program will be a review of substantive and procedural case-handling issues, using hypothetical situations in an interactive format. Participants will also be able to practice their skills. Registrants receive course texts and a specially compiled set of arbitration practice guides.
 
Instructors: FMCS Director of Arbitration Arthur Pearlstein and FMCS Mediators TBA
 
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive an FMCS Certificate of Training.
Virtual Course
September 19 - 21 and 26-28, 2023
Cost: Early bird $1,500 through August 19; General admission $1,600; Group rates available
11:00am - 5:00pm EST
 
Dealing effectively with conflict in the workplace has become a critical function in public and private organizations. Employers and employees are increasingly turning towards mediation to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Mediation has successfully applied to many types of workplace disputes, including grievances, EEO complaints, superior/subordinate problems, and peer conflicts.
 
Instructors: FMCS Mediators Stephanie Collier, Brad Lane, and Kayla Mack 
 
This course takes place over 6 DAYS: (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) September 19-21 and 26-28 for two consecutive weeks. 
Other News For and About Working People:
Cincinnati AFL-CIO
Labor Council
President

Executive Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary-Treasurer
1385 Tennessee Avenue | Second Floor | Cincinnati, OH 45229 | 513.421.1846 | info@cincinnatiaflcio.org | www.cincinnatiaflcio.org