That contract protects approximately 47,000 Transportation Security Officers. The plaintiffs include the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFGE TSA Local 1121, the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle, the lawsuit seeks to block this illegal action, which violates the constitutional rights of federal employees and undermines collective bargaining protections. The plaintiffs argue that Secretary Noem’s actions constitute unconstitutional retaliation against AFGE for exercising its First Amendment right to advocate on behalf of federal workers. They also argue that the administration’s actions also violate the Fifth Amendment by stripping TSA workers of vested property rights without due process.

The plaintiffs demand immediate injunctive relief to stop the administration from rescinding the existing contract, eliminating union representation, and stripping workers of their bargaining rights.

“The decision to eliminate collective bargaining rights for TSA is terrible for aviation security and everyone who depends on safe travel,” said Sara Nelson, president of AFA-CWA, representing 55,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines.

“This attack on our members is not just an attack on AFGE or transportation security officers. It’s an assault on the rights of every American worker,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #Labor #AFGE #TSA #CWA #AFACWA

Santa Ana, CA – Más de 200 educadores se manifestaron en la Cámara de Comercio de Santa Ana el martes 29 de enero para protestar contra los recortes presupuestarios y los despidos de hasta 546 empleados.

Maestros de primaria y secundaria, consejeros, especialistas en currículo y trabajadores sociales, así como miembros de sindicatos locales, padres y niños llenaron la cámara. Incluso más personas se vieron obligadas a entrar en la sala de desbordamiento y el pasillo del edificio del distrito.

El mes pasado, el Distrito Escolar de Santa Ana (SAUSD) aprobó un “Plan de Estabilización Presupuestaria” que amenazaba con despedir a muchos de estos trabajadores. El superintendente del distrito, Jerry Almendarez, dijo que la decisión era un sacrificio necesario que no afectaría gravemente a los estudiantes y las familias. Al mismo tiempo, no se consideraron puestos gerenciales para los despidos: Almendarez recibió $447,561 en compensación en 2022, y la agenda de la reunión originalmente incluía un aumento salarial propuesto del 3% y una bonificación única del 3% para él antes de que la reacción de la comunidad cambiara la opinión de la junta.

Irónicamente, a pesar de esta crisis, no fueron los educadores públicos sino los activistas de las escuelas charter los primeros en hablar. Los defensores de Compass Charter School se quejaron del gran tamaño de las clases en las escuelas públicas y elogiaron la enseñanza híbrida y la educación en el hogar, que son modelos poco realistas para las familias de clase trabajadora en Santa Ana. El padre Max Page dijo que se sentía “seguro” al dejar a sus hijos en Compass, insinuando que las escuelas del SAUSD son peligrosas. Todos los estudiantes y maestros de Compass Charter eran blancos en una ciudad que es 77% latina/chicana según los datos del censo de 2020.

Mientras tanto, el maestro de escuela pública Vladimir Benítez dijo en español, “En primer lugar, a todas las familias inmigrantes, ¡los vemos! Los amamos. Estamos aquí para apoyarlos. Sé lo que está sucediendo en sus vidas – mis padres también fueron inmigrantes indocumentados en los años 90 cuando teníamos a Pete Wilson, ¡pero todavía estamos aquí! ¡Y vamos a permanecer aquí!”

Benítez continuó: “Reducir la cantidad de maestros que quieren recortar en este momento histórico – la historia va a ver, ‘¿Qué hicimos?’ Si no sienten vergüenza de recortar los recursos para estos niños, entonces no sé por qué están aquí”.

Los educadores en el salón de desbordamiento vitorearon y exigieron “¡Sin despidos! ¡Sin recortes!” a pesar de las advertencias de la junta para que se mantuvieran en silencio.

La maestra de educación especial Edith Esqueda dijo: “Estoy aquí esta noche como una maestra preocupada, profundamente comprometida con el futuro de nuestro distrito”. A los miembros de la junta y a los superintendentes, les dijo: “Un día ustedes empacarán sus cosas y se mudarán a la siguiente mejor opción; ¡estamos aquí para quedarnos!”

Esqueda dijo: “El corazón de nuestro distrito no está en las oficinas, sino en nuestras aulas donde están todos nuestros estudiantes”.

Los manifestantes en la audiencia sostenían carteles que decían “351 despidos es lo inimaginable”, una referencia al lema del SAUSD “imagina lo inimaginable” que se colocó en los materiales promocionales del distrito este año.

Tanya Guzmán, maestra del SAUSD durante 31 años, dijo: “Mientras reflexionaba sobre la magnitud de las eliminaciones propuestas ante nosotros, no pude evitar reflexionar sobre el tema de ‘imagina lo inimaginable’ para este año escolar. Este tema ha adquirido un nuevo significado al imaginar las consecuencias inimaginables que estos recortes crearán. Es inimaginable que el aprendizaje no se vea afectado por las reducciones propuestas”.

Erica González habló como exalumna y madre del SAUSD, y reforzó los puntos del orador anterior Albert Castillo sobre “los $10.4 millones de dólares anuales que se destinan a los 85 oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana que están en el campus las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana, incluso durante el verano”. Dijo: “SAUSD tiene la tercera agencia de policía escolar más grande de toda California”.

La trabajadora social Luz González habló sobre el apoyo vital que ofrece a los estudiantes, dando ejemplos de la vida real de su trabajo: “La tercera estudiante del día entra a su sesión, confiando sus temores de deportaciones masivas inminentes. ¿Su plan familiar? Sus padres dejarían a su hermana de 18 años a cargo de ella y su hermano de 11 años. Está abrumada y aterrorizada”.

Mirando directamente a Almendarez y en respuesta a los posibles despidos de los trabajadores sociales, preguntó: “¿Cuánto está dispuesto a arriesgar?”.

La presión pública obligó a que la reunión terminara cerca de la medianoche sin una votación sobre los despidos de maestros. La junta programó una reunión especial para decidir sobre el Plan de Estabilización el viernes 31 de enero.

Entre los manifestantes en la reunión se encontraban educadores de SAUSD, miembros de la Asociación de Educadores de Santa Ana (SAEA), miembros del sindicato National Union of Health Care Workers y miembros del Local 9510 de Communication Workers of America (CWA).

#SantaAnaCA #CA #Labor #ImmigrantRights #CWA

Santa Ana, CA – Over 200 educators rallied to the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, January 29 to protest budget cuts and layoffs of up to 546 employees.

Elementary and secondary school teachers, counselors, curriculum specialists and social workers, as well as local union members, parents and children filled the chamber. Even more were forced into the overflow room and hallway of the district building.

Last month Santa Ana School District (SAUSD) approved a “Budget Stabilization Plan” that threatened to cut many of these workers. District Superintendent Jerry Almendarez said the decision was a necessary sacrifice that would not severely impact students and families. At the same time, no management positions were considered for layoffs: Almendarez received $447,561 in compensation in 2022, and the meeting agenda originally included a proposed 3% salary raise and one time 3% bonus for him before community backlash changed the board’s mind.

Ironically, despite this crisis, it was not public educators but pro-charter school activists who were first to speak. Compass Charter School advocates complained about large class sizes in public schools and praised hybrid and homeschool teaching, which are unrealistic models for working-class families in Santa Ana. Parent Max Page said he felt “safe” dropping his kids off at Compass, insinuating that SAUSD schools are dangerous. All of the Compass Charter students and teachers were white, in a city which is 77% Latino/Chicano according to 2020 census data.

Meanwhile, public school teacher Vladimir Benitez said in Spanish, “First of all, to all the immigrant families, we see you! We love you. We are here to support you. I know what is happening in your lives – my parents were also undocumented immigrants in the 90s when we had Pete Wilson, but we are still here! And we are going to remain here!”

Benitez continued, “Cutting the number of teachers that they want to cut in this historical moment – history is going to see, ‘What did we do?’ If you don’t feel any shame for cutting resources to these children, then I do not know why you are here!”

Educators in the overflow room cheered and demanded “No layoffs! No cuts!” despite warnings from the board to be silent.

Special education teacher Edith Esqueda said, “I’m here tonight as a concerned teacher, deeply invested in the future of our district.” To the board members and superintendents, she said, “One day you guys are gonna pack your stuff and move to the next best thing; we are here to stay!”

Esqueda said, “The heart of our district is not in offices, but in our classrooms where all our students are at.”

Protesters in the audience held signs that read “351 layoffs is the unimaginable,” a reference to SAUSD slogan “Imagine the unimaginable” plastered on district promotional materials this year.

Tanya Guzman, a teacher with SAUSD for 31 years, said, “As I pondered the magnitude of the proposed eliminations before us, I couldn’t help but ponder the ‘imagine the unimaginable’ theme for this school year. This theme has taken on a new significance as we imagine the unimaginable consequences that these cuts will create. It is unimaginable that learning will not be impacted by the proposed reductions.”

Erica Gonzalez spoke as an SAUSD alumni and parent, and she reinforced the previous speaker Albert Castillo’s points about “the $10.4 million dollars annually that goes to the 85 Santa Ana Police Department officers that are on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even during the summer.” She said, “SAUSD has the third largest school police agency in all of California.”

Social worker Luz Gonzalez spoke on the vital support she offers to students, giving real-life examples of her work, “Third student of the day walks into her session, confiding her fears of looming mass deportations. Her family plan? Her parents would leave her 18-year-old sister in charge of her and her 11-year-old brother. She’s overwhelmed and terrified.”

Looking directly at Almendarez and in response to potential social worker layoffs she asked, “How much are you willing to risk?”

Public pressure forced the meeting to end near midnight without a vote on teacher layoffs. The board scheduled a special meeting to decide on the Stabilization Plan on Friday, January 31.

Protesters at the meeting included SAUSD educators, Santa Ana Educators Association (SAEA) members, National Union of Health Care Workers union members, and Communication Workers of America Local 9510 members (CWA).

#SantaAnaCA #CA #Labor #Teachers #SAEA #CWA #Layoffs #Feature

Atlanta, GA – In a triumph for organized labor, the historic 30-day strike by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) against AT&T Southeast came to a close on September 15, with workers securing a strong tentative contract agreement. This hard-fought win, covering 17,000 workers across nine southeastern states, represents a significant victory for the labor movement in 2024 and serves as a testament to the power of strikes.

The strike—the longest in the region’s telecommunications history—was called after AT&T refused to bargain in good faith with the union. CWA members from Alabama to North Carolina held their picket lines amid the blistering summer heat. They fought for decent wages, affordable healthcare and a contract that reflected their essential role in maintaining AT&T’s network infrastructure. A statement by CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. emphasized that the determination of the members was essential to achieving this victory.

“I believe in the power of unity,” Cummings said in a union press release announcing the agreement. “The determination of our striking members was remarkable, and CWA members and retirees from every region of our union rallied to support the fight.”

The tentative agreement includes a 19.33% wage increase across the board, with additional raises for Wire Technicians and Utility Operations. Health care costs, a key issue during the strike, will remain stable for the first year of the contract, with premiums decreasing in the second and third years and slightly rising in the last two years.

AT&T’s original bad-faith proposals, which fueled the strike, looked radically different than the provisions announced in the tentative agreement.

Beginning in late June, the company initially offered inadequate 2% raises while proposing steep hikes to health insurance premiums and deductibles, even as inflation surged. This dismissive approach pushed CWA members—customer service representatives, installation and maintenance technicians—to the picket lines to demand fair wages and respect for their essential work.

Throughout the strike, AT&T attempted to maintain operations with unqualified subcontractors and undertrained managers, creating unsafe conditions. Ultimately, the unwavering resolve of the workers forced the company back to the table, securing a victory that delivers substantial wage increases and improvements to healthcare costs.

CWA members and retirees employed a variety of tactics to support picket lines. Union members leafleted at dozens of AT&T Mobility stores, informing customers and the public about AT&T’s refusal to bargain a decent contract and drawing attention to service disruptions. They also circulated a petition calling on AT&T CEO John Stankey to bargain in good faith.

This news comes days after CWA members in California and Nevada voted down an agreement reached with AT&T West. The company and the union have returned to the bargaining table to address the workers’ issues that fueled the no-vote. With news of the victorious strike in the Southeast, union leaders in the West say all options remain on the table.

“We will use all the tools at our disposal to win a fair contract, including a strike if it becomes necessary,” said CWA District 9 Vice President Frank Arce in the West.

The tentative agreement at AT&T Southeast signals a resurgence of fighting unionism and a greater willingness by union workers to use the strike weapon in the United States.

CWA members will now enter a period of reviewing and voting on the tentative agreement. While the full details will be scrutinized in the days ahead, there is no question that this victory belongs to the thousands of workers who stood strong and united, refusing to back down in the face of corporate power.

#AtlantaGA #GA #Labor #Strike #CWA #Feature

The contract between AT&T Southeast and the CWA ended August 3. During negotiations, the CWA pointed out that AT&T has not bargained in good faith. The CWA then filed an unfair labor practice charge. On August 21, federal mediation began between the CWA and AT&T Southeast.

“We have members sitting at the table on our side to negotiate, and they are just sitting there basically doing nothing by themselves, not getting any proposals from the company, getting all their proposals rejected, and nobody can make a decision,” said Adrian Smith, IT systems technician at AT&T.

As CWA union members held signs reading “Honk if you support workers,” passing drivers sounded their horns in support.

“We're talking about fairness nowadays, and we talk about equality. Unions, I think, present that and bring more of that across the board. I think it helps all of us,” said Smith.

#TampaFL #FL #Labor #Strike #CWA

Pensacola, FL – On a humid August morning, the sound of car horns fills the air up and down Davis Highway, each honk a note of solidarity for more than 25 members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 3109. These workers, standing firm outside the AT&T worksite, are part of the largest strike currently unfolding in the United States, a powerful labor struggle involving over 17,000 CWA members across nine southeastern states. Their picket line is just one of four in the far-west of Florida’s panhandle.

The strike was called as a direct response to AT&T's bad faith tactics during contract negotiations, which began in late June. The company not only refused to bargain over mandatory subjects but also failed to send representatives with the authority to make real decisions. Their proposals included insulting 2% raises coupled with extreme hikes to health insurance premiums and deductibles – all at a time of rising inflation. This failure to negotiate seriously pushed CWA members, ranging from customer service representatives to installation and maintenance technicians, to the picket lines, demanding the respect they deserve. AT&T’s response has been to rely on unqualified subcontractors and undertrained managers to keep their network running, a move that has led to unsafe practices and increased risks to workers and the public.

For over two weeks, the workers in Pensacola have stood tall as part of this larger battle, refusing to back down in the face of challenges. Holding signs that declare their resolve — “Honk if you support workers,” “CWA strong,” “The future is yours” and the defiantly optimistic, “AT&T doesn’t know what it’s in for, 2024”—these workers embody the courage of a fighting labor movement.

Not a single CWA worker has crossed the picket line in northwest Florida, a testament to their unity and determination. Every day for several hours, picket lines go up in front of the region’s AT&T worksites, with some operating around the clock.

The impact of this strike is being felt far beyond the picket lines. Customers throughout the Southeast are experiencing extended wait times for service and repairs, a direct consequence of AT&T’s refusal to engage in good faith bargaining. The company’s decision to rely on undertrained managers and contractors to fill the gap left by striking workers has led to several accidents, some resulting in serious injuries. It all highlights the essential role that the skilled, experienced workers at AT&T play in maintaining the safety and reliability of telecommunications services.

The Pensacola picket line has not been without its share of adversity. Early in the strike, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) harassed the workers, with one officer shockingly suggesting that managers trying to cross the line should “just run over” the strikers with their cars. According to some of the strikers, the local union complained directly to the ECSO. But despite this intimidation, the workers have stood their ground and continued marching at worksite entrances.

The Pensacola picket line is part of a broader movement to hold AT&T accountable for its unfair labor practices and refusal to bargain in good faith with the union. CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt has been vocal in urging AT&T to resolve these issues and return to the bargaining table. “We care about our customers and urge AT&T to resolve the unfair labor practices that caused this strike and engage in good faith bargaining so we can get back to work,” Honeycutt stated, underscoring the workers’ commitment not only to their rights but also to the communities they serve.

CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. echoed this sentiment in a statement on Labor Day weekend, emphasizing the union’s unwavering support for the striking workers. “The striking CWA members have our union’s full support, including financial support from our Members’ Relief Fund,” Cummings affirmed. Workers in northwest Florida on the picket line confirmed that they already had begun to receive strike fund relief from the union.

In Pensacola, as in cities across the Southeast, the CWA strike is a powerful reminder of the strength that workers have in withholding their labor. This fight for fair wages, affordable health insurance and better working conditions sends a clear message that solidarity can and will overcome corporate greed.

As the strike continues, the workers on Davis Highway remain resolute. And as the horns of passing cars, trucks and city buses continue to blare in support, one thing is clear: AT&T doesn’t know what it’s in for.

#PensacolaFL #Labor #CWA #feature

New Orleans, LA – On Friday, August 16, the 3rd District of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) stopped work and walked off the job at AT&T after contract negotiations broke down. The previous contract expired on August 3. Picketers across the Southeast were demanding that AT&T negotiate in good faith.

“Our union entered into negotiations in a good faith effort to reach a fair contract, but we have been met at the table by company representatives who were unable to explain their own bargaining proposals and did not seem to have the actual bargaining authority required by the legal obligation to bargain in good faith,” said CWA District 3 Vice President Richard Honeycutt. The CWA District 3 represents 17,000 workers in the southeastern United States.

New Orleans workers held two separate pickets for the second day in a row, with more expected until the dispute over negotiations is settled. About 25 workers held up signs outside the AT&T yard at 7100 Lapalco Boulevard in Marrero, Lousiana, and over 60 were on the march at AT&T's southeastern communications hub at 840 Poydras Street in New Orleans. Pickets started at 7 a.m. and continued until past 2 p.m.

“I do so much, and I would rather some more pay. We are in extreme weather conditions with the heat, and they don't want to give us more pay,” said one worker from the buried service wire crew. New Orleans is one of the muggiest environments in the country with “feels like” temperatures regularly over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during summer.

While the CWA usually calls contained strikes limited to a few days, this strike is different. Because the union called the strike in response to unfair labor practices (ULP) by AT&T, there is no planned end to the strike. Many workers commented on the increasing militancy of unions and were happy to see members of other local unions come out to support. One cited the recent struggle the Teamsters had for their contract as a source of inspiration.

The bargaining is happening in Atlanta, where the negotiators representing AT&T are not authorized to agree to tentative agreements. CWA Local 3410 President Steve Edler defended his negotiators, stating, “People say they're just trying to break the company; we have been bargaining with AT&T for 80 years. This is generational bargaining; this is nothing new to them. No union is making them go broke.”

“This company will brag to their stockholders about their profits, but when we come to the table, suddenly there is no money,” Elder continued. AT&T's official website goes so far as to state that “lower personnel costs in 2023” was one of the driving factors in reducing operating expenses that year.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #Labor #Strike #CWA

Riverview, FL – On November 9, around 60 Maximus call center workers, Communications Workers of America (CWA) members, and community supporters picketed in front of the Maximus call center in Riverview, Florida. The one-day strike called by CWA took place at Maximus calling centers around the country, and advanced demands for $25 an hour, affordable healthcare and an end to anti-union tactics.

“We’re asking for $25 an hour. We’re not asking them to break the bank. They’re making millions out of us,” said Katherine Charles, who has been with the company for nine years. Maximus is a multi-billion dollar federal contractor providing services for Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. The CEO of Maximus, Bruce Caswell, received over $6 million from the company last year, 161 times more than the average call center employee.

The pay discrepancy between Caswell and the workers was felt sharply by those in attendance when two employees shared that they are currently homeless. “I worked at this location for a year and a half, and we were laid off with no warning, even though we were regular full-time employees, and I lost my literal home because of that,” Gabrielle Scurry told the crowd. In June, the Maximus workers went on a one-day strike in response to these layoffs.

61-year-old Mae Best, who is also experiencing homelessness, said, “We have a crisis. It’s not just a local crisis, it’s a national crisis.” Best expressed to the crowd that “now is the time” to organize through this crisis. “People are suffering, people are hungry, people are homeless,” she said.

One of the biggest demands for workers at Maximus is for affordable healthcare, especially considering they work for a company that provides such healthcare in the first place. Employee Steven Mcleary III observed, “It’s quite embarrassing that our healthcare is such shit for a company that handles Medicare and Marketplace. I want to tell everyone ‘I wish I had your insurance’ when I’m on those calls.”

The workers at the Maximus location in Riverview are not currently unionized but are actively seeking to organize despite pushback from the company. CWA shared that Maximus recently called the cops on employees in Florida for simply having a conversation about organizing a union. This union-busting tactic seeks to scare workers from their right to organize, but the workers on the picket line made it clear that they are more afraid of what is at stake if they do not unionize.

“I’m here today, I’ve been with this company nine years and I know I can get fired within the next 30 minutes. I would rather get fired fighting, teaching my children that they’re not supposed to be taking the crap that this company is putting us through and if they fire me because I’m doing this, I’m going to go out fighting and happy because I am making a better future for my kids,” Charles expressed.

With workers striking in Florida, New York, Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Virginia, November 9 marks the largest strike in Maximus history. As Charles said, the workers “want to unionize and we won’t stop until we get it.”

#RiverviewFL #Strike #CWA

Salt Lake City, UT – 50 union members and supporters picketed the AT&T store, May 21, in South Jordan, Utah in support of the Communication Workers of America’s three-day strike. CWA members discouraged AT&T customers from crossing the picket line, asking that they support their fight for good jobs and return tomorrow when the strike would be over. Strikers and supporters had a high energy throughout the rainy day. They played union songs and chanted “No contract, no peace!”

“Rain or shine, we’ll be out here all day!” said Jordan Heaton, a union steward from CWA.

#SaltLakeCityUT #LGBTQ #strike #Utah #CWA