9.04.23 – Labor Day 2023

Labor Day 2023

Monday, September 4, 2023

Whether it is Writers Guild of America (WGA), or Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) members walking the picket lines in Hollywood and New York City or Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) members in Memphis, working people are coming together like never before. BCTGM Local 390G members have been on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) since June 4. Workers had been working under the terms of their expired contract for more than a year, and the company refused to negotiate a fair contract.

Sound familiar?

According to a recent poll by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO):

• Most Americans support better wages and benefits for Union members: Three-fourths of Americans support “workers going on strike to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” with nearly half saying they strongly support doing so.
• Young people support the labor movement: Voters under 30 strongly support Labor Unions. 88% approve of Unions and 90% support strikes.
• Voters say Unions have a positive impact on workers and on the economy: Over three-quarters believe Unions have a positive effect on safety, pay, hours, job security, and benefits for workers.

Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland speak during a press conference announcing a strike by SAG-AFTRA on July 13, 2023, in Los Angeles.
(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

On August 22, Teamsters voted by an overwhelming 86.3 percent to ratify the most historic collective bargaining agreement in the history of UPS. The five-year contract protects and rewards more than 340,000 UPS Teamsters nationwide, raising wages for full- and part-time workers, creating more full-time jobs, and securing essential workplace protections, including air conditioning. The Union said over 60 changes and improvements were made to the national master agreement, which it called “more than any other time in Teamsters history.”

Just five days ago, American Airlines Flight Attendants sent a solid message to Management that We Are Ready to Strike! Even though we can only strike once released by the National Mediation Board and following a thirty-day cooling-off period, we will not hesitate to request a release to strike if necessary. It has been a Hot Strike Summer for many Unions across the country. Although summer is almost over, fall is right around the corner, and the temperature remains red hot.

APFA National President Julie Hedrick announces the 99.47% ‘yes’ vote to authorize a strike if necessary.
(August 30, 2023, Dallas/Ft.Worth International Airport)

Today, we reflect on those before us who stood up for what was right and fair for the working class. APFA will continue to work within the Labor Movement to support the recent surge in Union support and deliver for those who generate corporate wealth – the frontline workers.