AFL-CIO Daily Briefs: Shuler; UFCW; UNITE HERE; LiUNA and CWA

Message from President Liz Shuler

• Fifty years ago, 37 words transformed America: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
• On this 50th anniversary of Title IX, we must not only celebrate the progress we've made, but commit to strengthening and advancing equity for all girls and women, especially women of color, women with disabilities and LGBTQ+ youth who have been left behind by the law.
• Sign the pledge to fight until the full promise of Title IX is real.

Seven Stars Bakery Workers Establish Union with UFCW Local 328

On Tuesday, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328 revealed that the baristas, counter staff, keyholders and restockers employed at every Seven Stars Bakery location in Rhode Island won voluntary union recognition. The announcement follows an organizing campaign that won support from the overwhelming majority of workers at Seven Stars.

"I am so excited about our recognition from the company," said Natasha Brennan (pictured above), a barista in Providence. "All of us love our jobs and love each other. As Seven Stars continues to grow with more locations, we want ourselves and our future coworkers to have better protections, wages and benefits. Unionization ensures this for everyone."

UNITE HERE Members Vote to Authorize Strike in Atlantic City

UNITE HERE Local 54 announced last week that 96% of its members from Caesars, Tropicana, Harrah's, Borgata and Hard Rock casinos in Atlantic City voted to authorize a strike. While the gaming industry took in its highest-ever revenues last year, workers who make Atlantic City's casinos profitable are demanding raises that keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living. The union's negotiating committee set strike deadlines for early July if no agreements are reached.

"We can't wait and hope that the companies will do the right thing," said Nikki Schwendeman (not pictured), a Borgata food server who's been in the industry for 38 years. "They need to know that we're serious about winning the raises we deserve. That's why I joined thousands of other members and voted yes to authorize a strike today."

Janitors at D.C. Veterans Hospital Form Union with LIUNA

About 60 janitors at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C., are now proud members of Laborers (LIUNA) Local 572 after holding a union election in May. They overcame stiff resistance from their employer, who hired a union-busting consulting firm after these workers filed their organizing petition.

"These employees are not being treated like the essential employees that they are," said Dennis L. Martire, LIUNA vice president and mid-Atlantic regional manager. "Realizing that they have the power to make a difference, they used their right to unionize and showed tremendous strength."

Gabbi Pierce Sworn In as First Transgender Member of Minnesota AFL-CIO General Board

Gabbi Pierce, an organizer with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), was sworn in this week as the first transgender person to serve on the Minnesota AFL-CIO General Board. And to have her assume this important leadership role during Pride Month is yet another reflection of our values that embrace all working people who desire an equal voice and dignity at work.

"It's admittedly a little bit intimidating being the only trans person in the room and speaking up," Pierce reflected, "but I'm appreciative to have this opportunity to make sure trans and queer voices are represented."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.