Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Get Ready to Attend the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Community Services Conference

The annual Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Community Services Conference will be held March 24, 25, and 26 at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club. The conference will open with a plenary/general session at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. Registration will be available that morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. 

Details regarding the registration fee, lodging, and related matters can be found here. 

This conference really is a call to action - with the intent that the education and information provided will allow participants to become more involved in both the labor movement and also within their individual communities. The AFL-CIO Labor Engagement program is about "making the community a better place in which to live, work, raise a family, and retire". It is about mobilizing Union members - through local unions and central labor councils - to address workplace and social justice issues. By building strong partnerships with other community and faith organizations, more can be achieved.

Thursday’s opening plenary session will include the presentation of the Ralph A. Jirikowic Award and the Wisconsin State AFL- CIO Project Award. Over the three days, conference attendees will hear from a variety of speakers. Updates will be given on a number of Labor initiatives, the upcoming spring election, the critical fall election, and much more. 

We are certain that you will find the conference educational and packed with useful information that you can take back to your local unions. Please submit your completed registration form(s) by Monday - March 14, 2022.

 

 

QUESTIONS:

If you have questions concerning the conference or need additional information/clarification, please contact Ann McNeary, AFL-CIO Labor Liaison and Conference Chair, at either [email protected] or 608- 246-4355.

 

SEND FORM AND REGISTRATION FEE TO:

     2022 WI State AFL-CIO Community Services Conference

     c/o Ann M. McNeary, AFL-CIO Labor Liaison 2059 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704

 

 

From the Birkebeiner Race Sign in Hayward: Pass the PRO Act

From the American Birkebeiner race sign in Hayward, Wisconsin, union members are calling on the U.S. Senate to pass the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

Thousands of skiers and ski enthusiasts from around the world are gathering this week in Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin for the American Birkebeiner race. The Birkebeiner race, to be held this year on Saturday February 26, is the largest and one of the longest cross-country ski races in North America. Dating back to 1973, the race is held annually in February. The "Birkie" provides year-round, healthy and active lifestyle events for all ages and abilities.

Members of AFT-WI 8047R pictured above in Hayward at the Birkebeiner race sign this summer put the question right to Senator Johnson asking:  “why won’t Senator Johnson meet with workers? Why is he hiding from his constituents? We’d love to tell him how unions help build our middle class and give people a say in their work life. It’s time for the Senate to pass the PRO Act to build back better with unions.”

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act is bipartisan legislation to update our labor law to better support workers forming and joining unions. The PRO Act passed the U.S. House and needs a vote in the Senate.

Senator Tammy Baldwin is proud a supporter and co-sponsor of the PRO Act.

Senator Ron Johnson refuses to meet with workers to learn about the legislation. We’re keeping the call up to urge Senator Johnson to help workers and support the PRO Act.

The need for the PRO Act has never been clearer. Union support is at a decades high and across our country workers are taking unprecedented levels of action and organizing for better wages, fair benefits, and family-sustaining jobs. The PRO Act would hold employers accountable who break the law and help workers reach a first contract after organizing. It would repeal “right to work” laws—divisive and racist laws created during the Jim Crow era—that lead to lower wages, fewer benefits and more dangerous workplaces and create pathways for workers to form unions, without fear.

Click here to call Senator Ron Johnson and tell him to support the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize PRO Act.

Oak Creek Starbucks Workers: “This is About Respect”

 

Union and community supporters braved the cold on Saturday to support newly organized Starbucks workers and welcome Starbucks Workers United, CMRJB Workers United to the Wisconsin labor movement!

Hannah Fogarty, a barista at the Oak Creek Starbucks, explained some of the reasons why her and her co-workers are forming a union. “This is about respect and physical and financial safety. We want to bargain for safe COVID policies and as workers, we deserve to make a wage where we can have a savings account to fall back on in case of emergencies. We are excited and hopeful. We hope this lets other workers know that you too can form a union and stand up for each other,” said Fogarty. 

 

Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, brought solidarity and let workers know that the Wisconsin labor movement will always have your back. She spoke of new union organizing that is taking place across Wisconsin as workers stand together to demand union rights at work. 

“Together we will win,” said President Bloomingdale. “We are here today to support the workers who are standing up each and every day to have power in their workplace. I want to let the workers that are standing together with Workers United to know that you are coming together with others in Wisconsin, you are coming together with video game workers, education workers, and also your fellow baristas at Colectivo coffee. Organizing is on the move. We are on the move. Unions are on the move."

Union members and young workers were out in force to show solidarity and support Starbucks workers. Across industries, solidarity is strong as workers are speaking up and demanding union rights like never before.

Sydney LeBarron-Fahl, a shift supervisor at the Starbucks in Oak Creek, said she is excited about the organizing drive. “We are standing up for ourselves and our coworkers and all workers at Starbucks. We may be the first store in Wisconsin to organize, but we will not be the last."

Her tips for organizing include, "it’s about talking with your coworkers, staying united, and knowing that a union is possible. We are asking Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson to recognize our union, read our letter, and bargain with us for things like safe COVID polices and fair compensation.”

Starbucks recently rolled out a new website “We are One Starbucks.” The website is quick to mention what Starbucks gets right, but not once among listed benefits are fair wages say Starbucks workers.   

“If things were as open and honest as Starbucks claims, then they would have no reason to fear our union,” remarked Fogarty. “Unionizing our store is about more than any one partner or individual benefit. It means anyone who comes next will be able to join our union and have their voice heard. Someone will always work at Starbucks or McDonalds or Amazon. This is about making our mark on history and fulfilling our responsibility to nurture and inspire the human spirit. We do this by advocating for ourselves and the entire working class.”

Carlos Ginard, Assistant Manager of CMRJB Workers United,  had a message for Starbucks founder Howard Schultz:

“Mr. Schultz, fear will never be a part of respect. Mr. Shultz, intimidation and dignity will never go hand in hand. Today, we are here to welcome Starbucks Workers United to Wisconsin. We are here to show solidarity with these brave workers and let them know we will walk with you through the dark halls of fear. We are here to break down the walls of intimidation. The wave of union organizing will not stop here.” 

 

Just days after the Starbucks rally in Oak Creek, Starbucks workers in Plover, Wisconsin announced their union with Starbucks Workers United, CMRJB and called on Starbucks CEO Johnson and local management to recognize their union. In their letter, workers wrote:

"We are overworked, overwhelmed, underpaid, and are left feeling undervalued. Simultaneously, corporate is seeing record profits, as well as wasting millions on despicable union-busting campaigns across the nation."

Unions are in demand. Workers at over 100 Starbucks stores across our nation have now announced the formation of their union with Starbucks Workers United.

Congratulations and solidarity to the brave Starbucks in Wisconsin and beyond who are organizing for fair compensation, safe workplaces, and dignity and respect at one of the most profitable companies in the world. 

Sign the petition and tell Oshkosh Defense: We Can Build it!

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) awarded the $6 billion contract for the next generation of postal vehicles to Oshkosh Defense, a company with a reputation for tough military trucks built with union labor with just a small number of electric vehicles on order.

But instead of using this opportunity to expand quality jobs under a decades-old union contract, the company plans to refurbish a vacant warehouse in another state and build these vehicles without a commitment to union wages or representation.

Sign the petition now and tell Oshkosh Defense that we can build it!

Let’s Build Back Better and put letter carriers in union-made vehicles that are good for the planet.

Add your name if you agree.

Workers at Second Starbucks in Wisconsin Call for Union Recognition with Starbucks Workers United

Today, workers at the McDill & Crossroads Starbucks location in Plover, Wisconsin called for union recognition from Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson and local management. A majority of workers at the store have signed union authorization cards with Starbucks Workers United, CMRJB Workers United. Starbucks workers at over 100 stores and counting across the country have now called for union rights. Starbucks workers are coming together in union for better wages, safer workplaces, and a seat at the table.

“Union organizing is in demand,” said Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale. “Workers at the McDill Crossroads Starbucks in Plover, Wisconsin are the second Wisconsin Starbucks store where workers are standing united to demand union recognition with Starbucks Workers United, Chicago and Midwest Joint Board of Workers United. Congratulations to the brave Starbucks workers in Plover who are organizing for fair compensation, safe workplaces, and dignity and respect at one of the most profitable companies in the world.”

Workers in Plover sent a letter to Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson expressing why they are forming a union:

"We are overworked, overwhelmed, underpaid, and are left feeling undervalued," reads the letter. "Simultaneously, corporate is seeing record profits, as well as wasting millions on despicable union-busting campaigns across the nation."

WI AFL-CIO Endorses Judge Lori Kornblum for Wisconsin Court of Appeals

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO has endorsed Judge Lori Kornblum for election to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District 2.  Vote Tuesday, April 5. 

“For working people, the choice in the race for the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District 2 is crystal clear,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “Judge Kornblum shares our union values of justice and fairness. Judge Kornblum knows that Wisconsin is stronger when the rights of the people are equally protected under the law. Her opponent Maria Lazar defended Act 10, the centerpiece of former Governor Scott Walker’s anti-union agenda.”

“It is an honor to earn the endorsement of the hard working men and women of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO,” said Judge Kornblum. “For more than 60 years, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO has been a leading voice for workers and working families. Here in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO is helping build stronger, more equitable communities. I look forward to having the Wisconsin AFL-CIO’s support in this critically important election.”

February 26 Rally to Bring the USPS Truck to Oshkosh

UAW Local 578 will be hosting a rally on Saturday, February 26, at noon at 1917 Four Wheel Dr. in Oshkosh to call for the next generation of USPS delivery vehicle to be built union-made in Oshkosh. Stand in solidarity as we join together to call on Oshkosh Corporation to build the next generation of postal vehicles union-made in Wisconsin.

Building the USPS vehicles in Oshkosh is estimated to create over 1,000 good union jobs.

 

WHAT: Rally to Bring the USPS Truck to Oshkosh, Wisconsin

WHEN: 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26

WHERE: 1917 Four Wheel Drive, Oshkosh

 

PARKING: There will be two parking locations to shuttle to the rally. Parking/Shuttle Pickup Area 1, The Bar, at 825 N. Washburn St, Oshkosh WI, 54904. And the Bus-Car Parking/Shuttle Pickup Area 2, Extreme Custom/Rogan's Shoes Parking Lot, 2145 S. Koehler St, Oshkosh WI, 54902. If arriving at a pickup area text (920) 385-6534 with area for pick up.

 

Last year, Oshkosh Corporation was awarded a government contract to build new mail trucks for the U.S. Postal Service. Despite a long history and proud history of successfully building high-quality vehicles for the United States, Oshkosh Corporation announced that the trucks would be built at a location outside of their union facility in Wisconsin.

The UAW, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, and the entire labor movement have been leading the charge for months to build the new USPS truck union-made in Wisconsin. Senator Tammy Baldwin has pledged to do all that she can to bring the trucks and the jobs to Wisconsin.

Unfortunately, Senator Ron Johnson recently announced he would not help to create good jobs in his hometown of Oshkosh in regards to Oshkosh Truck, saying on February 5, “It’s not like we don’t have enough jobs in Wisconsin. [...] I wouldn’t demand that anything be manufactured here.”

Mark your calendars and come out to Oshkosh as we stand together to call for the next generation of USPS vehicles to be built union-made in Wisconsin.

Support Organizing Starbucks Workers in Oak Creek this Saturday

Support newly organized Starbucks workers in Oak Creek this Saturday as we call on Starbucks management to respect the rights of workers and adhere to fair union election principles.

 

WHAT: Rally to Support Newly Organized Starbucks Workers

WHEN:  11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19

WHERE: 8880 S Howell Ave, Oak Creek, WI

 

From coast-to-coast baristas and cafe workers at Starbucks are coming together with Workers United and demanding union rights. In a letter signed by a majority of the Oak Creek cafe’s workers and e-mailed to Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson, the staff expressed resolve in organizing their workplace with the Chicago Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United:

“Wisconsin has a rich and important history in the American labor movement despite former Governor Scott Walker’s historic attack on our state’s unions. We are proudly standing together 11 years later both as Starbucks partners and Wisconsinites to speak up for what we believe in as a store and as a state.”

Join Wisconsin workers in solidarity as we support our organizing brothers and sisters in the fight for union rights and a strong collective bargaining contract at Starbucks.

In 2022 State of the State, Governor Evers Puts Forth Roadmap for a Better Wisconsin with Improved Training and Economic Opportunity for All

Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale released the following statement on Governor Tony Evers’ 2022 State of the State Address on February 15, 2022:

In a refreshing State of the State, Governor Evers provides a clear roadmap for a thriving Wisconsin with good jobs, improved broadband access, career training, key infrastructure investment, healthy communities, and robust economic opportunity for all.

With a focus on supporting the working people of Wisconsin, Governor Evers puts forth in his 2022 State of the State address commonsense policies to help families with rising costs, connect workers with jobs and advance Wisconsin towards a brighter future. By supporting teachers and getting schools the resources they need to thrive, Governor Evers will improve education and create better schools for the next generation. His focus on advancing and improving our infrastructure will create living wage jobs, spur economic development, and build Wisconsin for the future. By expanding emergency medical services, Governor Evers is bolstering the hardworking first responders who provide life-saving care in our communities and ensuring Wisconsinites can have emergency services in our time of need.

In tonight’s address, Governor Evers puts forth real solutions to fix the underlying issues plaguing our economy. Governor Evers’ targeted focus on training and investment in apprenticeship programs will match workers to job openings and create a pipeline of skilled workers in family-supporting careers. By expanding access to broadband and making child care more affordable, we can connect Wisconsinites to economic opportunity in our state.

Thanks to Governor Evers, Wisconsin is currently facing low unemployment and a record state surplus. It’s time to follow Governor Evers’ leadership and lay the foundation for a long-lasting, thriving and fair Wisconsin economy with good economic opportunity and safe, family-sustaining jobs for all.

New Organizing in Wisconsin

On Friday, Starbucks workers in Oak Creek joined the wave of union organizing, filing for a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) union election with Starbucks Workers United and the Chicago Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United. In the last few weeks, workers have filed for union rights at over 75 Starbucks locations in 23 states. From New York to Washington, Florida to Oregon, and now Oak Creek, Wisconsin! Baristas and cafe workers at Starbucks are coming together in union for a better life and a better workplace.

The Oak Creek Starbucks Workers United organizing campaign comes on the heels of a successful union drive at Colectivo Coffee where workers won union rights with the IBEW Local 494. In 2022, Wisconsin workers are organizing new unions including the launch of the Game Workers Alliance Union (CWA) by Raven Software workers in Madison as well as teachers and professional staff at Carmen Schools of Science and Technology who are organizing with the Machinists Union IAMAW.

 

A 2021 Gallup poll found that unions are more popular now than they’ve been in over 50 years, with 68 percent of Americans in favor of unions, including 77 percent of people ages 18 to 34.

“There’s never been a better time to go union,” says Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale. “Unions are for everyone. Every worker should have the freedom to come together in union and collectively bargain at work. Workers are essential for building the wealth of any company and deserve a seat at the table.”

From coast-to-coast workers are standing up and demanding better. The entire labor movement is ready to move forward in solidarity to support union organizing at Starbucks, Raven Software, Carmen Schools, and across all workplaces.