Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Take Action to Protect Frontline Workers

On Tuesday, January 26, Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate passed a Joint Resolution to terminate our state’s public health emergency and end the mask mandate. This dangerous resolution puts frontline workers at greater risk of contracting the coronavirus at work.

Rather than work with Governor Evers to keep Wisconsinites safe, Republicans are once again letting partisan politics hinder our state’s ability to fight this deadly virus.

The joint resolution will be voted on by the Assembly. If passed by both houses, the joint resolution will go into effect. It does not go to Governor Evers for approval or veto.

Click here to send a message to legislators urging them to protect workers and vote no on Joint Resolution (SJR 3 / AJR 4) to end Wisconsin’s mask mandate.

If you’re a health care worker, click here to send a letter calling on the WI Assembly to vote to keep the mask mandate in place and keep our essential workers safe.

Partisan politics has paralyzed our pandemic response. For over nine months, Wisconsin Republicans in the legislative majority have failed to pass a single piece of COVID-19 legislation as Wisconsin families deal with sickness, loss of loved ones, and economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of passing commonsense COVID-19 initiatives to slow the spread and support working families during this unprecedented time, Republicans are choosing to prioritize a dangerous joint resolution to overturn our statewide mask initiative and end Wisconsin’s public health emergency.

Urge your legislators to vote no on this Joint Resolution (SJR 3 / AJR 4) that risks the health of our frontline workers.

Healthcare workers, use this link.

We call on the Wisconsin legislature to put aside all partisan distractions and work with Governor Evers to tackle COVID-19, support our unemployed, and get real relief to Wisconsin families weathering the ongoing health and economic crises.

Joint Resolution to Overturn Wisconsin’s Mask Mandate Puts Frontline Workers at Risk

Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement as the Senate debates a joint resolution to end Wisconsin’s public health emergency and overturn the mask mandate issued by Governor Tony Evers:

“Partisan politics has paralyzed our pandemic response. For over nine months, Wisconsin Republicans in the legislative majority have failed to pass a single piece of COVID-19 legislation as Wisconsin families deal with sickness, loss of loved ones, and economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of passing commonsense COVID-19 initiatives to slow the spread and support working families during this unprecedented time, Republicans are choosing to prioritize a dangerous joint resolution to overturn our statewide mask initiative and end Wisconsin’s public health emergency. This resolution puts frontline workers at greater risk of contracting the coronavirus at work.

Rather than work with Governor Evers to keep Wisconsinites safe, Republicans are once again letting partisan politics hinder our state’s ability to fight this deadly virus.

We call on the Wisconsin legislature to put aside all partisan distractions and work with Governor Evers to tackle COVID-19, support our unemployed, and get real relief to Wisconsin families weathering the ongoing health and economic crises.”

Executive Action to “Buy American”

Great news for Wisconsin workers and American manufacturing! Just today, President Biden signed an executive order to strengthen the federal government’s “Buy American” provisions ensuring that taxpayer dollars go towards purchasing made-in-America goods and services. This executive order will close loopholes that allow agencies to sidestep Buy American requirements and increase the thresholds for domestic content. We know that when America’s workers are given a level playing field, we can compete with anyone.

Working men and women are the backbone of Wisconsin and manufacturing provides thousands of good-paying jobs across our state. Today’s executive order from President Biden helps ensure our future is made in Wisconsin and made in America. For far too long, companies have been able to use loopholes to sidestep “Buy American” requirements. As a result, our taxpayer dollars flew offshore and many of our jobs followed.

Strengthening “Buy American” standards at the federal level is a critical first step in revitalizing our American manufacturing base to help preserve and create thousands of good, family-sustaining union jobs. At a time when many businesses and working people are struggling through the continued global pandemic and its resulting economic downturn, President Biden continues to take bold action to support American businesses, our unions and our nation’s working families.

Add your name to our Workers First Agenda as we continue to call for pro-union policies that support working families and bring social, economic, and racial justice for all.

Biden Appoints OSHA Leader, Calls on Agency to step up for Workers on First Full Day in Office

(January 21, 2021, MILWAUKEE, WI) - Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement as President Biden issues an executive order calling on OSHA to immediately issue clear guidance on keeping workers safe from COVID-19 as well as enforce worker health and safety requirements.

“Wisconsin workers voted for Joe Biden because he pledged to be the most pro-labor, pro-worker President in history. On his first full day in office, President Biden backed up his campaign trail promises by appointing James S. Frederick, a former union safety official with the United Steelworkers, to lead OSHA and issued a long-overdue and badly needed executive order making worker safety a national priority. The executive order on workplace health and safety calls on OSHA to immediately issue clear guidance for workers and employers dealing with a deadly infectious disease in the workplace. Today’s executive order also asks OSHA to step up and do its job to enforce workplace health and safety and hold employers accountable for unsafe working conditions, something that has been lacking since the start of the pandemic.

Since March, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO has been calling for a workplace standard for stronger OSHA enforcement. Keeping workers safe on the job is a critical piece in the fight to beat COVID-19. Today’s order signals a sea change in tactics to protect workers in order to save lives. We look forward to a continued worker-centered approach and a renewed, reinvigorated OSHA, MSHA and entire Labor Department under the Biden Administration.”

President Biden’s Inauguration Jump Starts Once in a Generation Opportunity for America’s Workers

(January 20, 2021 MILWAUKEE, WI) – Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO released the following statement on the inauguration of Joseph Biden as the 46^th President of the United States.

“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Wisconsin working men and women look ahead to good job creation, increased worker safety in the pandemic and beyond, and a worker first policy agenda to empower workers to create a stronger, more fair economy that works for all.

President-elect Biden has already begun the hard work of lifting up America’s working families with strong plans to combat and contain the coronavirus and get immediate relief to Americans struggling. Joe Biden’s economic plan includes lifesaving elements America’s labor movement has been fighting for since the summer including enhanced unemployment insurance, state and local government assistance, direct payments to individuals, COBRA subsidies, an eviction moratorium, expanded paid leave and a long overdue Occupational Safety and Health Administration emergency temporary standard for infectious disease.

Wisconsin union members voted in historic numbers for President Biden and Vice President Harris because we’re ready to work together to rebuild our American middle class with pro-worker policies and key investments in infrastructure and manufacturing.

With President Biden and a pro-labor majority in the U.S. Senate and House, America’s labor movement now has a once in a generation opportunity to work with legislators who have the courage and conviction to take on critical issues facing the American workplace. This will start with the PRO Act so workers who want to form a union can do so freely and fairly, and it includes workplace safety, voting rights, infrastructure investment, racial justice, pensions, paid family leave and more.

When we stand together and push for advancements in our country, we can truly make the difference working people need and deserve so that Americans can care for our families, make ends meet and begin a great effort to build back better so that our country after COVID-19 is a country where work is rewarded, the future is bright for our kids, and there’s liberty and justice for all.”

Celebrate Inauguration Day with #LaborUnity2021

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Wisconsin union members worked around the clock to deliver Wisconsin for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We joined virtual phone banks, wrote postcards, and had vital conversations in our workplaces to educate on the issues and elect pro-worker champions.

Today, we celebrate the victory working people delivered when we showed up to the polls in record numbers, and elected pro-worker, pro-union politicians to lead the executive branch and both houses of the legislature in free and fair elections. Today, also represents restored hope and optimism that we will soon defeat this virus and get back to regular life.

To celebrate this historic moment, we invite you to snap a selfie wearing your union swag during the Inauguration ceremony and share using the hashtag #LaborUnity2021.

Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be sworn in as the 46^th President of the Unites States of America on Wednesday, January 20, at 11:00 a.m. central time. With his inauguration comes a once in a generation opportunity to make advancements and real change for workers. With President Biden and a pro-labor majority in the U.S. Senate and House, America’s labor movement looks forward to working with legislators who have the courage and conviction to take on critical issues facing the American workplace. This will start with the PRO Act so workers who want to form a union can do so freely and fairly, and it includes workplace safety, voting rights, infrastructure investment, racial justice, pensions, paid family leave and more.

Celebrate this moment in history together with your union brothers and sisters by wearing your union gear and sharing a photo to social media using the hashtag #LaborUnity2021.

President-elect Biden has already begun the hard work of lifting up America’s working families with strong plans to combat COVID-19 and get relief to Americans struggling through the continued pandemic. Biden’s economic plan includes lifesaving elements America’s labor movement has been fighting for since the summer including enhanced unemployment insurance, state and local government assistance, direct payments to individuals, COBRA subsidies, an eviction moratorium, expanded paid leave and a long overdue Occupational Safety and Health Administration emergency temporary standard for infectious disease.

Today, let’s celebrate as we look forward to a better day for all working people. When we stand together and push for advancements in our country, we can truly make the difference working people need and deserve so that Americans can care for our families, make ends meet and begin a great effort to build back better so that our country after COVID-19 is a country where work is rewarded, the future is bright for our kids, and there’s liberty and justice for all.

Governor Evers Delivers Pivotal State of the State

2020 has been a challenging, unrelenting year for working families and union members on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tonight, Governor Tony Evers delivered a pivotal State of the State address dedicated to the over 5,000 Wisconsinites we have lost to COVID-19. In his address, Gov. Evers put forth a vision for real relief for Wisconsin’s working families. You can watch the address on the Governor’s social media channels.

During a turbulent time in our nation’s history, Governor Tony Evers has provided commonsense leadership we can count on. Since the very start of the pandemic, Governor Evers has used his authority to put forth pragmatic solutions to keep Wisconsin workers safe, control the pandemic, and support working families to stabilize our economy.

In his 2021 State of the State address, Governor Evers outlined numerous policy items that if enacted will create a better future for us all. The policies we put in place now will determine the extent to which we get our health and economy back, and how quickly.

As we begin a new year and a new legislative session amidst growing partisanship and division that has brought our country to an inflection point, we must come together to repair the massive damage that has been inflicted on the health and economic well-being of the people of Wisconsin.

It’s time for Speaker Vos and Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu and the entire Republican leadership in the Legislature to put partisanship aside and work in tandem with Governor Tony Evers to enact the priorities outlined in tonight’s State of the State. If so, we can help working families weather the interwoven crises of COVID-19, its economic fallout, and long-standing systemic racism to create a better Wisconsin for all. 

President-elect Biden Taps Long-Time Union Member to Lead Department of Labor

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will put America’s workers first as our Secretary of Labor

MILWAUKEE, WI, Jan. 7, 2021 -- Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement on President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination of Marty Walsh to serve as U.S. Labor Secretary:

At a time when America’s working people are facing increased dangers and stresses on the job due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic which has infected and killed thousands as a result of workplace exposure, President-elect Joe Biden has selected a true champion of labor who can get the job done as Secretary of Labor.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has carried a union card for over three decades and knows that strong unions and the freedom to collectively bargain is the engine that drives a successful and equitable American economy. Mayor Walsh knows what it takes to keep workers safe on the job, which includes passing a workplace infectious disease standard. He will prioritize fair wages and a better workplace for all.

President-elect Joe Biden has promised to be the “strongest labor president” in American history. He has begun by selecting an exceptional Labor Secretary in Marty Walsh. Wisconsin’s working people look forward to building back better with investments in manufacturing and infrastructure and to an America where every worker has the freedom to come together in union free of intimidation and fear with the passage of the PRO Act.

Time to End Hyper-Partisan Arson and Restore Democracy and Decency in America

Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement regarding the attacks on the Capitol in Washington D.C. today:

Time to End Hyper-Partisan Arson and Restore Democracy and Decency in America

“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”

That’s the oath of office Senator Ron Johnson took. And that’s the oath he has repeatedly violated. His efforts to spread universally debunked conspiracy theories about the election being stolen and his willingness to join with other Republican members of Congress in obstructing today’s formal, constitutionally mandated tally of the Electoral College vote represent a shocking breach of trust.

Whether Senator Johnson and the others who participated in this political malpractice are motivated by a delusional belief in Donald Trump’s claims of electoral fraud or simply cynical political calculation, they share responsibility for the shocking events in the U.S. Capitol today. Their complicity in this direct assault on our democratic system is as clear as if they joined the rioters smashing windows, ransacking the Capitol, and violating our nation’s most sacred civic space.   

These actions are part of a troubling and toxic loyalty to a political party rather than to the people they were elected to serve. Sadly, at both the state and federal level, too many of Wisconsin’s elected Republicans have consistently placed their personal interests and preservation of partisan power ahead of the needs of the people of our state. 

The threat to our democracy that this brand of hyper-partisanship represents was foreseen by our first president. In his farewell address in 1796, George Washington warned attachment to party over the common good, “agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, and foments occasionally riot and insurrection.”

It’s time for Senator Johnson and other Wisconsin Republicans to free themselves from the grip of the legitimately defeated 45^th president and reflect on the wisdom of our first.

Time to End Hyper-Partisan Arson and Restore Democracy and Decency in America

Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement regarding the attacks on the Capitol in Washington D.C. today:

Time to End Hyper-Partisan Arson and Restore Democracy and Decency in America

“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”

That’s the oath of office Senator Ron Johnson took. And that’s the oath he has repeatedly violated. His efforts to spread universally debunked conspiracy theories about the election being stolen and his willingness to join with other Republican members of Congress in obstructing today’s formal, constitutionally mandated tally of the Electoral College vote represent a shocking breach of trust.

Whether Senator Johnson and the others who participated in this political malpractice are motivated by a delusional belief in Donald Trump’s claims of electoral fraud or simply cynical political calculation, they share responsibility for the shocking events in the U.S. Capitol today. Their complicity in this direct assault on our democratic system is as clear as if they joined the rioters smashing windows, ransacking the Capitol, and violating our nation’s most sacred civic space.   

These actions are part of a troubling and toxic loyalty to a political party rather than to the people they were elected to serve. Sadly, at both the state and federal level, too many of Wisconsin’s elected Republicans have consistently placed their personal interests and preservation of partisan power ahead of the needs of the people of our state. 

The threat to our democracy that this brand of hyper-partisanship represents was foreseen by our first president. In his farewell address in 1796, George Washington warned attachment to party over the common good, “agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, and foments occasionally riot and insurrection.”

It’s time for Senator Johnson and other Wisconsin Republicans to free themselves from the grip of the legitimately defeated 45^th president and reflect on the wisdom of our first.