AFL-CIO Daily Briefs: Shuler; CHIPS Act; UNITE HERE; Kentucky AFL-CIO and SIU/AMO

Message from President Liz Shuler

• We need to be at every table creating the next generation of technology because we understand our industries better than anyone.
• Workers want to make sure technology continues to help industries, not take them over. That's why the CHIPS Act is a huge win for working people. It will ensure we can exercise our influence to help shape our workplaces for years to come.
• Let's be clear: The future of work is on the ballot this November. We have less than 100 days until the critical midterm elections. We all know that to really make our vision for the future a reality, we have to elect more leaders who share our values.

CHIPS Act Includes Critical 'Worker Voice' Provisions

The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law today by President Biden, not only boosts domestic manufacturing jobs in critical technology sectors but also mandates for the first time that unions and our members be at the table as the federal government invests billions in innovation research and economic development.

"The science title of this bill boosts critical research funding for the National Science Foundation and other agencies, and directs the foundation to incorporate labor organizations into its 'programmatic work' as stakeholders," said Amanda Ballantyne, the director of the AFL-CIO Technology Institute. "With these changes in law, we will see a different paradigm emerge in the federal research enterprise-one that invites workers and unions into the innovation process and incentivizes federal grant applicants to collaborate with labor and workforce training organizations."

The Technology Institute, launched in 2021 as a recommendation of the AFL-CIO Commission on the Future of Work and Unions, is a hub for development of new strategies, including policy reforms around technology and the future of work. The institute has advocated for a change in how the federal government directs research and economic development investments, Ballantyne said, "with a focus on securing unions as official stakeholders, enhancing good job creation requirements, and using these federal programs to advance critical racial and economic justice objectives."

Casino Workers at Resorts and Golden Nugget Ratify Contract with Historic Wage Increases

Some 1,000 members of UNITE HERE Local 54 at Resorts and Golden Nugget casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, voted 99% "yes" on Thursday to ratify new agreements with their employers. The workers at these two casinos have been standing strong for significant wage increases, better housekeeping workload standards and job protections. Their ratifications mean that now workers at all nine casinos have secured new contracts.

"It's gratifying after long and difficult negotiations for each side to feel that it has been successful," Local 54 President Bob McDevitt (not pictured) told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "The future of the city is secure, the leadership of the industry is sound, and Local 54 will always fight for the rights of workers."

Union Members Answer the Call in Eastern Kentucky

Parts of eastern Kentucky were ravaged by deadly flooding several weeks ago that left dozens dead. Members of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO have been on the ground since then, helping to coordinate relief efforts. On Saturday, members of the United Steelworkers (USW) District 8 responded to the needs of its members and the communities that were affected.

District 8 Director Larry Ray (not pictured) reported that he and District 8 Sub-Director of Kentucky Roger McGinnis (not pictured) helped source tens of thousands of dollars of materials that union members delivered to four different hospitals. Members of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO, the Teamsters (IBT), Laborers (LIUNA) Local 1392, Owensboro Area Building and Construction Trades Council, the Fire Fighters (IAFF), Northern Kentucky Labor Council and the Greater Louisville Central Labor Council helped transport the supplies. "This was just the beginning of the effort to help our affected sisters and brothers as they rebuild," said Ray.

U.S. Coast Guard Recognizes SIU and AMO Members for Saving Sailor

Members of the Seafarers (SIU) and American Maritime Officers (AMO) from the Maersk Peary ship recently received a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Appreciation for their work in rescuing a distressed sailor whose boat capsized last December in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy Capt. Ken Bridgewater presented the crew with the certificate while the ship was at anchor in Honolulu.

"For the Maersk Peary crew, it was an outstanding effort for everyone to be involved in this recovery," Capt. Everett Hatton (not pictured) said at the time. Click here to read his compelling report of the multinational search and rescue operation.

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