AFL-CIO Daily Briefs: Shuler; UAW; Chipotle Union; IBEW and Union Plus

• Message from President Liz Shuler
• Today's decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade is a devastating blow to working women and families across this country. We strongly believe that everyone should have control over their own bodies, including decisions over their personal reproductive health care.
• At a time when we should be focused on expanding equity for all working people, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, this ruling will only deepen racial and economic disparities.
• This is just the latest in a harmful string of attacks on our fundamental rights, including the right to vote and to collectively bargain in the workplace, and points to an alarming trend that other well-settled rights like marriage equality may be taken away.

Postdoc Medical Researchers Win Union with UAW at Mount Sinai

Hundreds of postdoctoral researchers at Mount Sinai's medical school in New York City have voted 317-37 (89.5%) to choose Sinai Postdoctoral Organizing Committee-UAW (SPOC-UAW) as their union and bargaining representative, according to ballots tallied by the National Labor Relations Board. The new unit, which is only the second postdoc union ever established at a private institution, will represent over 500 workers.

"We are so energized by this vote," said Yajing Xu (not pictured), a postdoctoral researcher in neuroscience. "As hard as we worked to win, we know that this is just the beginning. We are confident that our union will be good for us and good for Mount Sinai, and we look forward to meeting them at the table soon to bargain a contract that makes us all stronger."

Chipotle Workers in Maine Seek to Organize First Union at Restaurant Chain

Workers at a Chipotle Mexican Grill in Augusta, Maine, are seeking to form the first labor union at the popular restaurant chain that has locations throughout the country. They filed paperwork on Wednesday to create an independent union, Chipotle United. The move comes a few days after workers at the restaurant walked out to protest unsafe working conditions.

"These workers are demanding safe, adequate staffing at their store," the Maine AFL-CIO tweeted. "Welcome to the labor movement, Chipotle United!"

Sandwich Workers in Seattle Demand Fair Organizing Process from Employer

Workers at Homegrown cafes around the Seattle area are demanding a fair and expedited process from their employer in order to form a union with UNITE HERE Local 8. After submitting their union petition to the company earlier this month, management responded by offering pay raises to some workers without acknowledging workers' desire to join together across the company for a collective voice on the job. So, Homegrown workers gathered themselves and community supporters together to picket the company.

Russell Concha (not pictured), a seven-year employee at Homegrown, explained why he's organizing: "I want the union because I want to make a little bit more money, have more time for my kids, good insurance and vacation pay."

IBEW Members Build One of the World's Largest Solar-Storage Projects

The world's largest expected combined solar and energy storage project is under construction by members of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 428 in Southern California. There are 425 IBEW members on the job, installing more than 110,000 lithium-ion battery modules, which is enough to displace more than 307,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. "Those batteries are a different beast," Local 428 Business Manager Brian Holt said. "They are big, heavy and require extensive knowledge and safety procedures." When finished, the power station will produce enough energy to power 260,000 homes. Click here to read more about how this clean energy project is producing good union jobs.

Union Plus Celebrates an Inspiring AFL-CIO Convention

The Union Plus team is inspired by our experience at the 2022 AFL-CIO Convention. We are grateful to have connected with so many activists and leaders in Philadelphia, and to witness the historic election of President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. The positive energy in the convention center was palpable. Our team particularly enjoyed getting to meet and connect with hundreds of delegates and participants, along with the tremendous union members making it all happen behind the scenes at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Thanks to all who took the time to come learn about our programs, enter our Jeep Sweeps (now closed), register to stay connected and watch our testimonial videos.

Check out the videos we created for the convention on the Union Plus YouTube page-they highlight some of our recent testimonials in the following categories: Education, Mortgage, Hardship and General Benefits.

We're excited to announce the lucky winner of the Jeep Sweeps next week. Another special sweepstakes is coming up later this summer-stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by!

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