AFL-CIO Daily Briefs: Shuler; Pregnant Workers; Warnock; Boilermakers and NFLPA

Message from President Liz Shuler

• Rail workers are an integral part of the supply chain that makes America's economy run. As essential workers, they showed up day in and day out throughout the pandemic to keep our country moving forward. They deserve good wages, fair treatment and vital protections like paid sick leave.
• We're urging Congress to keep its actions and thoughts firmly focused on these workers and their families. It's now up to our elected leaders to do the right thing.
• Rail companies could do the right thing today and grant workers paid sick leave. But they've refused, putting profits over people. That's how we got here.
• We join rail workers-and all America's workers-in securing paid sick leave, fair scheduling, and the dignity and respect they deserve.

Pregnant Workers Deserve Equal Protection Under the Law

In 2022, pregnant workers can still be fired or sidelined for requesting accommodations that help them stay safe on the job. And employers can still legally discriminate or retaliate against pregnant workers. No worker should be forced to choose between their health and a paycheck.

We must end discrimination against pregnant workers. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will give them the protections they need and deserve. Tell Congress it's time to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and protect pregnant workers!

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Join the Labor Movement's Nationwide Campaign to Re-Elect Sen. Warnock

The Georgia runoff on Dec. 6 is critical to re-electing a candidate who fights for workers: Sen. Raphael Warnock. Warnock has voted to create thousands of good-paying jobs in Georgia, and he fought to protect our hard-earned pensions.

The AFL-CIO, in collaboration with our affiliated unions and the Georgia State AFL-CIO, has organized a virtual phone bank for the Georgia runoff to help win this election. This phone bank will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. ET every day between now and Dec. 6.

We encourage you to participate in this nationwide effort to re-elect Sen. Warnock and secure a clear pro-labor majority in the U.S. Senate. To join union activists in Georgia and across the country on the labor movement's virtual phone bank, simply click here to log into Zoom any time between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET.

Boilermakers Keep Washington's Ferry Fleet Afloat

Seattle is well known for its coffee, the Space Needle, its hipster scene and cool vibes, world-class sports teams and natural beauty, including the famous Puget Sound. At the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility on Bainbridge Island, members of Boilermakers (IBB) Local 104 make sure the Washington State Ferries fleet is in top shape to shuttle passengers throughout the region. And with millions of passengers riding the ferries every year, there is always maintenance work to be performed to ensure the ferry system runs safely and on schedule.

Boilermaker Wendy Bradford (not pictured) described the ferry system like a freeway system that needs to keep commuters moving. "You're cutting, you're fitting, you're calculating, you're welding," she explained. "You're doing everything."

NFLPA Members Lend a Helping Hand for Thanksgiving

Members of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) make a point to pour back into their communities, and that's especially true during Thanksgiving. The union put together an extensive list to give just a sample of the many unique ways current NFL players spread the holiday spirit to families in their hometowns and team cities. The list includes Jonathan Jones (pictured above), the Week 12 NFLPA Community MVP, who hosted a tailgate in his college town of Auburn, Alabama, that raised enough funds to feed 450 families suffering from food insecurity.

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