Posts Categorized: AFL-CIO

Kim Mitchell (pictured in red) along with AFL-CIO Secretary Liz Shuler (center) and other attendees of the even on the Hill.

On March 17, the AFL-CIO launched the results of a survey of nearly 25,000 women, including union and non-union members across the country. Over 800 UFCW women retail members participated in the survey. The launch of the survey and the hashtag “#EqualPayEqualSay” arose from working women overwhelmingly calling for equal pay for equal work, more control over their schedules on the job, better quality of life – and the resounding conclusion that their union was the most powerful tool to reach a better life for working women and their families.

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, joined by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) among other elected officials at the press briefing, heard from UFCW Local 400 member and Macy’s worker Kim Mitchell, who spoke about how her union contract won her three weeks’ notice on her work schedule, vacation days, paid sick leave and a pension. Kim called for rights and respect on the job for women who hold full-time jobs, numerous jobs, and care-taking responsibilities that are often overwhelming and exhausting.

The survey revealed overall that 62 percent of working women are the primary breadwinners in their family. And 30 percent spend 30 or more hours a week on caregiving responsibilities. With a very demanding schedule between work and home, over half have four hours or less a week of personal time – only 35 minutes per day.  Retail women in particular identified their top issues as not getting enough hours, unpredictable work schedules and lack of control over their work schedules, with 59 percent of them saying they face unpredictable hours.

When women were asked to pick the social or economic issues they would personally take action on to change, the overwhelming top answer (46 percent) was “equal pay for equal work.”  In this important election year, it is particularly important to understand these top priorities because 75 percent of these working women are planning to vote in the November 2016 election.

Panelist Angela Peoples addresses UFCW staff at the annual Black History Month program

Throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month, the UFCW family has been paying tribute to African American activists and leaders of both the past and present who have contributed to the labor movement, as well as to the civil rights and social justice movements.

On Friday, February 19th, the UFCW International continued its celebration of African American history and culture at its annual Black History Month Program. The program shines a light on many notable historical figures, but this year it focused on the work of Fannie Lou Hamer, a voting and civil rights activist who was instrumental in organizing Mississippi’s Freedom Summer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, among many other things.

The program was led by UFCW International Vice President and Director of the Civil Rights and Community Action Department Robin Williams, who began the discussion about creating equity among all workers of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds; joining forces with other rights movements; getting out the vote; and repairing our broken criminal justice system. During the program, an impressive panel of speakers also discussed these issues that are most prevalent in the fight for civil rights and social justice today. The panelists included:

• Marc Bayard, Associate Fellow and Director of the Institute for Policy Studies’ Black Worker Initiative;
• William Chiang, Membership Coordinator and Policy Analyst for the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO;
• Ademola Oyefeso, Acting Associate Director in the UFCW Legislative and Political Action Department; and
• Maria F. Robalino, Senior Program Specialist for the Civil Human and Women’s Rights of the AFL-CIO.

Entertainment was also provided by Lee Anderson, who works as a digital strategist at the AFL-CIO and sang a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

We are also continuing to highlight UFCW members on our blog who are making a difference in our union and speaking up about why Black History Month is important to them. Our latest post profiles Local 1208 Steward Daniel Garescher, who is inspiring his coworkers at Smithfield Foods in Tar Heel, North Carolina, to be active union members. He also stresses the importance of providing education about black history and civil rights as we continue to fight for social justice today. Read Daniel’s story here, and stay tuned for more Black History Month posts!