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Our members held a three-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike in response to MDRC Management’s refusal to bargain over 2023 end-of-year raises. MDRC is withholding raises as an illegal, coercive bargaining tactic. For months our union members were told there would be no back pay or retroactivity. None of us have received EOY raises for 2023. It's June 2024. To be clear, MDRC Management has had many opportunities to rectify the harm they caused when they decided not to bargain on end-of-year raises, and at every point, they have refused to make SPWU members whole. In the meantime, our wages are falling behind. We implore MDRC to respond to our strike this week and answer the following: Will you direct the MDRC bargaining committee to bargain now on 2023 end-of-year raises for union members? Will you direct the MDRC bargaining committee to submit a counter-proposal to our May 24, 2024 compensation proposal? Our President Virginia Knox has invited the union to come back to the table to bargain. The union is equally ready and willing to return to the bargaining table, however, we have yet to receive notice that a counter-proposal on compensation will be put forth. Given Dr. Knox's stated openness to bargain and interest in wrapping up this first contract, we look forward to seeing management’s counter-proposal soon. Without a counter-proposal from Management, any offer to meet at the bargaining table is an empty one: Management is refusing to respond to our most recent counter-proposal, and refusing to negotiate separately on 2023 end of year raises without using retroactivity as a bargaining chip. In the meantime, SPWU will continue to stand in solidarity and insist that MDRC addresses the active Unfair Labor Practice charge. MDRC should be aware that we will continue sharing our story not just within MDRC, but also with the public. Many folks are hearing about MDRC for the first time in the context of Management implementing and standing behind illegal bargaining practices and the unfair treatment of union workers. At any time, Management could begin restoring its reputation in the eyes of its peer organizations, many of which are also beginning to organize, and in the eyes of current and potential funders. To share your support, please consider signing this public letter in support of our workers and our strike: https://lnkd.in/ekfCT98S

As the UAW strike enters its 53rd day, the longest strike they've seen in over 25 years, there are debates regarding the longstanding conventions of industrial employment and the evolving attitudes of today's workers. This article raises questions on the power dynamics between large corporations, unions, and their constituents, and how the long-term effects of their decisions will cascade to consumers. An interesting read and topic for discussion.

🚗💼 Breaking: U.S. Auto Strike and Unions in the Age of Green Transition 🌱💪 Amidst the U.S. auto strike's fourth day, the spotlight shines on unions' enduring importance in battling corporate giants and shaping the green energy transition. This strike showcases the vital role of unions in championing workers' rights and equitable futures. The Power of Unions in a Corporate World: 1. Balancing Power: Unions empower workers to negotiate fairly with corporate giants, ensuring workers' voices are heard. 2. Protecting Rights: Unions safeguard workers' rights, advocate for safety, and fight against discrimination. 3. Economic Equity: Unions have historically reduced income inequality by securing better wages and benefits. Green Energy Transition and Workers: 1.Supporting Transition: Unions advocate for just transitions as industries shift to green technologies, ensuring workers have retraining opportunities. 2. Environmental Responsibility: Unions promote eco-friendly shifts while safeguarding workers' livelihoods. In the auto strike, 12,700 UAW workers demand fair wages amid the shift to electric vehicles, highlighting unions' unwavering commitment. In summary, this strike reflects unions' resilience against corporate giants and their pivotal role in the green energy transition, balancing social and environmental goals. Celebrate unions' dedication to fairness, equity, and a sustainable future. 🛠️🌿💼 #AutoStrike #UnionsMatter #GreenTransition https://lnkd.in/gbTJcPpp

February 11, 1937- anniversary of one of the first major victories for a labor union in the US as a result of the Flint, Michigan United Auto Workers strike of 1937. Before the victory, auto workers were paid less than a living wage for a family of four and worked in dangerous and sometimes deadly conditions with “mercilessly” fast assembly lines. After 44 days of a sit-in strike at multiple General Motors plants, the company gave workers a 5% pay increase and allowed workers to join the union. In several previous major strikes, such as the Homestead Steel Strike of 1892, the Pullman Strike of 1894, and the Great Steel Strike of 1919, the government violated its duty to the people by helping the companies violently break the strike with police or troops. But in the Flint strike, the government recognized that they should not use violence on common citizens trying to achieve the American dream. Michigan Governor Frank Murphy stated, “If I send those soldiers right in on the men,” he said, “there’d be no telling how many would be killed…The state authorities will not take sides. They (the National Guard) are here only to protect the public peace.” The sit-in became known as the “strike heard around the world.” The success of this strike inspired more workers to join unions, more strikes, and more companies to pay higher wages. I honor this moment because I believe that all workers deserve safe working conditions and a living wage so they can provide for their families through the dignity of their own labor. I believe this is in line with the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I also believe this is in line with the preamble to the Constitution when it declares “We the People” and calls for “general Welfare,” and “the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” I believe that our government should prevent corporations from taking advantage of workers. Although I don’t agree with all labor union positions, I believe that they play an important role in our country. What are your thoughts? https://lnkd.in/eSVFgsuA #allmenarecreatedequal, #lifelibertyandthepursuitofhappiness, #WeThePeople, #GeneralWelfare, #blessingsofliberty, #union

Different unions across industries in the Twin Cities, Minnesota are preparing for a coordinated strike, including possibly teachers, nursing home workers, public works, security guards, etc. Some thoughts: ✔ Although we have seen an increase in worker power and activism over the last 2 years, its been a long time since we had a coordinated general strike across different industries and unions in a geographic area. ✔This was more common in the old days (e.g., 1946 was a big year) and if the unions can pull it off, it obviously puts more pressure on the overall employer community and public to settle these contracts. ✔It also shows more coordination and mutual support among unions (obviously); something that had been lacking in the past as the union movement declined and became more atomized, and quite frankly plagued by uneven competence. ✔The Detroit Big 3's recent contract settlement sets May 1, 2028 as an expiration date, which was odd given that is a half year (the CBA begins Sept 15). Since then, the UAW president has publicly stated other unions should set their expiration dates for May 1, 2028 explicitly for the purpose of a coordinated general strike. ✔But why a coordinated general strike on May 1, 2028? Its right in the middle of the presidential primary season. Since both Trump and Biden would be term limited, that means both parties would be picking a new nominee. ✔If the Twin Cities unions do have a coordinated strike and it is considered a success, this could lead various unions to coordinate expiration dates. ✔Given the overall power unions have these days, at least in already unionized employers, it would be hard for any individual employer to resist the demand for a particular expiration date, given the other more immediate, bigger fish to fry in bargaining (like wages, benefits and work rules that have a real immediate impact on their bottom line). Will be interesting to see how this plays out. #laborrelations #collectivebargaining #unions #strikes 👇 👇 👇 👇👇 👇👇 👇👇 👇👇 👇👇 👇👇 👇👇 👇👇 👇 https://lnkd.in/e4As3sGF

International Union, UAW members at Mack Trucks voted Wednesday to approve a contract, ending a 39-day strike to obtain a new five-year labor agreement that affects nearly 4,000 workers. How did negotiations finally end? United Auto Workers noted a few factors in November that finally pushed the talks toward change, including the threat of workers who could replace them during their strike, members missing out on a $3,500 ratification bonus and the company giving its best and final offer. Labor unrest this year has given executives further pressure amid sluggish demand, and companies will be taking note of how this contract's terms and union tactics affected Mack's bottom line. Let me know what you think here or at dtaube@industrydive.com.

This article highlights an interesting and potentially significant implication for the resolution of the current UAW strike: how will it empower public-sector unions during their next contract negotiations. This is particularly relevant for the United States Postal Service because, unlike other federal agencies, it has to be financially self-sufficient. The APWU has a very powerful seat at the negotiation table when it comes to Postal Service operations and the Delivering for America plan. It's president, Mark Dimondstein, has already endorsed the UAW strike goals, including a shorter work week with no loss in pay, because "[w]hen auto workers win their just demands, it will be a victory for all workers." (https://lnkd.in/eBwwS6xT). The current collective bargaining agreement concludes next year. 2024 is going to be an interesting year.

After five weeks, the UAW (United Auto Workers) union strike shows no signs of slowing down, putting increasing pressure on companies and businesses across the board. 🚗 While spanning various industries, the strike predominantly affects American automobile giants such as General Motors, Stellanis, and Ford. 🛠 And it's not just about cars – unionized casinos and higher education workers are also in the mix. The union's demands? A 36% pay hike over four years, consistent wage tiers for factory jobs, and the reinstatement of cost-of-living raises, among others. 💰 Despite a counteroffer from the companies that included a 23% pay rise over 4.5 years, greater pension provisions, and extended parental and holiday leave, it was a no-go. "There's more to be won," says UAW President Shawn Fain. 🎙 The strike has already caused a whopping $7 billion loss. 📉 And, as Erik Gordon of the University of Michigan notes, the aftermath of the strike might linger even after the workers resume duty. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/eGd_Yias - - - - - #uaw #unionstrike #autoworkers #generalmotors #stellanis #ford #economyimpact #laborrights #wagedemands #usindustry #workersrights #financialpressure

Well here we go. If this story is to be bekirvrd, 95-97% of the autobworkers have voted to strike if negotiations fail. Some things for these workers to think about Where was your union when your employers were sending your jobs to Mexico and elsewhere? Where waa the union when the companies created a 2-tier wage rate? Why has your union consistentky told its memberz to vote for politicians who work against you and other working class folks? For sure they weren’t working for you. For sure they helped create the current situation. Before you actually go on strike think about who has the most to lose. https://lnkd.in/gdagTVJW

Minimum Wage, Strike & National Grid : Politicians Must Stop Misleading the Public The recent strike action by labour unions has sparked a wave of misinformation, with politicians falsely claiming that the unions shut down the national grid. This narrative is not only misleading but also defies logic. The operators of the national grid, as members of the unions, withdrew their services along with other workers, resulting in a total strike. It is absurd to suggest that the grid would continue to function magically without its operators. The House of Representatives' press release yesterday, threatening to hold grid operators accountable for the blackout, contradicts the letters and the spirit of the 4-point agreement signed between the federal government and labour two days ago. This intimidation tactic undermines the negotiation process and ignores the legitimate grievances of the workers. Politicians should cease spreading misinformation and intimidating workers who exercised their right to strike. Instead, they should focus on finding solutions to the issues that led to the strike. Now that labour unions have returned to the negotiation table, it is essential to allow the process to continue without threats or coercion, enabling a peaceful resolution. The government must take responsibility for its actions and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.