Posts tagged wage
ILLINOIS STILL HASN’T FINALIZED CONTRACT WITH STATE WORKERS
December 18, 2023 // The contract negotiated between the state and AFSCME Council 31 was ratified by members in July. But the final contract has yet to be released, meaning taxpayers don’t yet know how much it will cost them. Little-known government union fact: When government workers ratify a union contract, they don’t necessarily see the exact contract. That’s what happened earlier this year when Illinois state workers ratified a contract between the state and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, the union representing them. The language of the contract itself wasn’t final, but the state and union had agreed to the terms.
Commentary: Expect More UAW Strikes, and Be Prepared
November 21, 2023 // Many sectors could see the impact of labor momentum. Every union should be studying the UAW negotiations and strikes. The circumstances will be different at each company and negotiation, but a more aggressive and strategic approach is likely to be valuable in many contexts. Unions should also look at the UAW ratification process, internal communications, supplier headaches and unionization drives for lessons to emulate and avoid. On the management side, companies – particularly if they are unionized – should expect unions to follow the new playbook. Employers will need to study the lessons as well and prepare for a more confrontational labor environment. Companies other than the D3 should firmly resist the pressure to align their contract expiration and avoid what is likely to be a confrontational spring in 2028. This is only a small example of how companies would benefit from the 360° perspective that game theory and scenario wargaming give in complex and uncertain times.
Stellantis “outraged” after UAW expands strike to Ram 1500 truck plant
October 24, 2023 // Stellantis said in a statement Monday afternoon it was "outraged" at the union's decision after the company's latest offer, which included a 23% wage increase. "Our very strong offer would address member demands and provide immediate financial gains for our employees," the company said. "Instead, the UAW has decided to cause further harm to the entire automotive industry as well as our local, state and national economies.
Unions say they’re “far apart” in talks with Detroit’s three casinos as contract end nears
October 17, 2023 // Another issue is the increasing use of technology in hotels and casinos to replace workers - such as automated check-ins at hotels, and bartending machines that can mix drinks. Winston said the unions want to be part of any discussions with management over whether those technologies are adopted in Detroit casinos.
Detroit casino union employees overwhelmingly vote to authorize a strike
October 3, 2023 // Detroit casino union employees voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike Friday night. The Detroit Casino Council — which represents workers at MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood at Greektown and MotorCity casinos — said 99% voted yes to authorize a strike if a new contract agreement isn't reached by mid-October when the current contract expires. Workers say they sacrificed raises and took on heavier workloads during the coronavirus pandemic after agreeing to a three-year contract extension in September 2020. DCC said workers deserve pay increases now that business is bouncing back.
UAW locals get marching orders for strike against Big Three
September 14, 2023 // At 10 p.m. on Thursday, UAW President Shawn Fain announced three locals were selected to start the strike at midnight. Those locals represent Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio and General Motors Wentzville Assembly Center in Missouri. For the first time in union history all three companies came to the UAW’s Solidarity House downtown Detroit, Fain said. All three automakers have made multiple counteroffers but none of been accepted. Fain says the companies were slow to come to the table at the beginning of negotiations.

California fast food workers to get $20 minimum wage under new deal between labor and the industry
September 12, 2023 // Before the law could take effect, the fast food industry gathered enough signatures to qualify a referendum on the law in the November 2024 election. That meant the law would be on hold until voters could decide whether to overturn it. Furious, labor unions sponsored legislation this year that would have made fast food companies like McDonald’s liable for any misdeeds of their mostly independent franchise operators in the state. Democratic lawmakers also restored funding to the Industrial Welfare Commission, a long-dormant state agency that has the power to set wage and workplace standards for multiple industries.
Op-ed: Workers Rights Won by Unions, From the 8-Hour Workday to Overtime Pay
September 11, 2023 // The overall proportion of unionized workers in the United States remains relatively low, with only one in every 10 workers in the country belonging to a union. But whether you're a union worker or not, you may benefit from policies for which unions have fought long and hard — and they continue to fight. Labor organizing has helped secure everyday benefits that many of us now take for granted. And these efforts have shown people what kind of protections they can hope to secure in the workplace.
Locomotive Manufacturer, Union Agree to End Two-Month Strike
September 6, 2023 //
‘I’m ready to rumble.’ UAW workers march at Labor Day Parade with strike looming
September 5, 2023 // President Joe Biden also spoke about the strike, saying he isn't worried about a strike and said it won't happen. UAW President Shawn Fain was shocked by Biden's comments and said Biden must know something he doesn't. "We just voted to strike by 97% because our members are fed up," Fain said. "I'm ready to rumble for whatever cause, we deserve and are out here to fight for our cause," a worker told us.