Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Take Action to Build Back Better

There are two jobs bills before Congress, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) and the Budget Reconciliation Bill. The Build Back Better agenda includes both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Budget Reconciliation Bill. Together, both bills will create nearly 4 million jobs and make huge investments in the care economy.

• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) will provide critical funding to repairing Wisconsin’s roads and bridges, replacing our toxic lead laterals, and ensuring every family has access to broadband – all with critical “Made in America” standards as well as labor standards like prevailing wage. The U.S. Senate recently passed the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act with Senator Ron Johnson voting against the bipartisan bill and Senator Baldwin voting in favor.

• The Budget Reconciliation bill represents a $3.5 trillion investment in working families, education, paid leave, child care, clean energy jobs, and expansion of health care access. It also includes labor law enforcement with real penalties -- a key provision of the PRO Act.

The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO fully supports both critical bills. Join us in taking action and urging Congress to pass both bills.

The Build Back Better Agenda will usher in an economy that rewards work, not wealth, by making the ultra-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share, cracking down on tax evasion and closing loopholes. The plan will lower costs for working families while creating long-term growth for our economy.

America’s labor movement fully supports both jobs bills. Click here to email Congress in support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) and the Budget Reconciliation Bill today.

Standing in Solidarity with IATSE Film and TV Crews

Negotiations are set to resume today (October 5) between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Both sides agreed to return to the bargaining table after a nearly unanimous vote by 60,000 IATSE members working in TV and film production to authorize a nationwide strike if a fair contract cannot be reached. This is the first time in IATSE’s 128-year history that members of the union have authorized a nationwide strike.

“The members have spoken loud and clear,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. “This vote is about the quality of life as well as the health and safety of those who work in the film and television industry. Our people have basic human needs like time for meal breaks, adequate sleep, and a weekend. For those at the bottom of the pay scale, they deserve nothing less than a living wage. I hope that the studios will see and understand the resolve of our members. The ball is in their court. If they want to avoid a strike, they will return to the bargaining table and make us a reasonable offer.”

“The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands with our IATSE brothers and sisters whose hard work behind the scenes contributes so much to the cultural life of our nation,” said Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale. “The ninety-eight percent margin by which the strike vote was authorized is a clear indication of the solidarity and resolve of IATSE members. We urge the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to negotiate in good faith to reach a mutually agreeable contract that brings an end to excessive and harmful work schedules and provides fair wages to all.” 

Show your support for IATSE TV and Film Production Workers:

• Sign the IATSE petition calling on AMPTP to make a fair deal with film and television workers.

• Show your solidarity and post on social media with the hashtag #IASolidarity

IATSE members are the working-class backbone of the TV programs, films, and streaming content that provide entertainment to millions around the world. These dedicated workers deserve a fair contract that adequately addresses their concerns for reasonable rest, fair wages, sustainable benefits and provisions that meet the current reality of streaming services.

IATSE members and the labor movement are committed to achieving change that is long overdue in this industry so that all workers can have a safe and sustainable work-life with living wages and dignity and respect on the job.

Wisconsin AFL-CIO Stands with IATSE Film and Television Crews in the Fight for a Fair Contract with AMPTP

(October 4, 2021, MILWAUKEE, WI) – Today, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) agreed to return to the bargaining table. Negotiations resumed following a nearly unanimous vote by IATSE’s 60,000 members working in television and film production to authorize a nationwide strike. It was the first time the union authorized a national strike in its 128-year history. 

 

 

 

Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale released the following statement: 

“The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands with our IATSE brothers and sisters whose hard work behind the scenes contributes so much to the cultural life of our nation. The ninety-eight percent margin by which the strike vote was authorized is a clear indication of the solidarity and resolve of IATSE members. We urge the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to negotiate in good faith to reach a mutually agreeable contract that brings an end to excessive and harmful work schedules and provides fair wages to all.” 

ICYMI: We’ve endorsed Josh Kaul for Attorney General

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is proud to announce our endorsement of Josh Kaul for reelection to Wisconsin Attorney General in 2022.

Josh Kaul has served the people of Wisconsin as Attorney General and will continue to go to bat for working families to protect our rights in the workplace, in society, and in our democracy.

• As Attorney General Josh Kaul fought to ensure Semco workers in Merrill who were laid off without proper 60-day notice received over $650,000 in lost wages.
• Under AG Kaul’s leadership, the Wisconsin Department of Justice held StubHub accountable to consumers ensuring thousands of Wisconsinites can now receive full refunds for events canceled during the pandemic.
• Attorney General Kaul filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Affordable Care Act protecting our rights as patients and supporting public health.
• AG Kaul's administration has pursued cases resulting from the testing of backlogged rape kits, getting justice for survivors and convicting violent criminals.

“From protecting and promoting voting rights, to advancing public health and workplace safety, winning back pay for workers, and fighting for justice for victims of crime, Josh Kaul is a true champion for the people of Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale.

“It’s an honor to have the support of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO in my reelection campaign,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “With my track record of fighting for hard-working Wisconsinites, we know that well-connected special interests are going to try to take the AG’s office back next year. But with support from working families across the state, we can ensure that the Wisconsin Department of Justice continues to stand up for all Wisconsinites.”

Wisconsin union members are proud to support Josh Kaul for reelection as Wisconsin’s Attorney General.

Sign up today to be a part of our political action program at wisaflcio.org/mobilize.