Folks,
Greetings from the Burgh, where Payday is slowly getting back into gear as I continue recovering from COVID.
8,000 Grocery Workers Strike at 77 locations in Colorado
Today, 8,500 King Soopers workers went on strike at 77 locations throughout Colorado.
The workers went on strike after rejecting a proposal that would raise workers’ wages to $16 an hour, which the union doesn’t feel is enough.
The company rolled back key union security provisions, allowing them to open non-union stores and hire non-union temp workers in unionized stores.
“We strike because it has become clear this is the only way to get what is fair, just, and equitable for the grocery workers who have risked their lives every day just by showing up to work during the pandemic,” said the union in a statement. “We will continue to be relentless in fighting for our members.”
For a full breakdown, check out this fact sheet put out by the union.
East Baton Rouge Teachers Sick Out
In East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, teachers today have gone on a sickout strike organized by their union over the school, forcing teachers to teach in person.
“We have received reports of entire departments being out, and classes being combined,” the union said in a statement. “In addition, teachers, ancillary, office staff, and other staff are being forced to cover classes, putting the health and safety of educators and students at risk.”
For more, check out The Advocate.
Pitt Spent $3 million on Anti-Union Law Firms
Here in Pittsburgh, an exposé by The Pitt News revealed the University of Pittsburgh paid nearly $3 million to the anti-union law firm Ballard Spahr.
“Part of our motivation in organizing is that we want the Pitt administration to prioritize our campus community and invest in students, faculty and staff rather than squandering resources on things like unnecessary legal fees,” union member Melinda Ciccocioppo told The Pitt News.
For more, check out The Pitt News.
Jewish Museum Workers Unionize
Finally, a big congratulations to my cousin Shaunna Bahssin on her successful union drive at the Jewish Museum.
“Our goal is to create a workplace built upon communication, respect, and integrity, where staff are involved in setting the terms of employment and are allowed to sustainably grow their careers,” the workers wrote in a union mission statement posted on Instagram. “In keeping with our love of the Jewish Museum’s exhibitions, collection, and rich history, the staff is eager to realize a fairer, more inclusive, and more diverse workplace.”
For more, check out Hyperallergic.
Strikes and News Happening Elsewhere
- Seattle Teamsters extend concrete strike to Port of Everett’s 55,000-ton bulk storage cement facility, ILWU longshoremen refuse to cross the picket line, shutting down the port.
- Acme restaurant workers in Carrboro hold a rally amid their ongoing strike against sexual harassment.
- Inspired by Starbucks workers in Buffalo, New Jersey Starbucks workers announce union bid.
- Oregon crisis hotline workers file to unionize with AFSCME, part of a broader trend of workplace activism in the health care space amid the COVID-19 crisis.
- Two AFSCME locals repping 3,500+ Hennepin County (Minneapolis) workers authorize strike.
- Baltimore County is facing a possible bus driver sickout.
- Finally, a Minnesota hospital system asked its workers to volunteer for no pay at the hospital outside of their normal working hours.
Alright, that’s all for today!
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As always, send tips, story ideas, links, and comments to [email protected].
Thanks again for all the support yinz.
Love & Solidarity,
Melk
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