E-News: May 30, 2025
“The labor movement was built for moments like this.”
– President Patrick Crowley
IN THE NEWS
R.I. considers taxing the rich to help offset federal cuts
Advocates call for 3 percent tax on income above $625,000, but opponents warn the bill could hurt the state’s competitiveness and drive the wealthy to other states
PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island legislators should raise taxes on the rich, a move that would bring in much-needed revenue now because the Trump administration is slashing key programs and the state is facing a budget deficit, advocates said Thursday.
But opponents warned the tax hike would hamper Rhode Island’s ability to compete for businesses, hurt pass-through corporations, and drive the rich to tax-friendly states.
About 100 people rallied outside the State House, as advocates held a large banner reading “Save Rhode Island. Tax the Rich.” Several speakers cited the example of Massachusetts, which has generated $2.6 billion in revenue this fiscal year with a voter-approved millionaires tax.
The Rhode Island Senate Finance Committee later heard testimony from supporters and opponents of the legislation, which would create an additional 3 percent personal income tax on taxable income of more than $625,000, affecting the top 1 percent. Read Full Article Here.
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Omni Providence Hotel First Hotel Group to Join RIPTA’s Wave to Work Commuter Benefits Program
Omni Providence Hotel reduces transportation barriers for its employees with monthly bus passes
Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced today that the Omni Providence Hotel has signed up for RIPTA’s Wave to Work commuter benefits program. With approximately 260 employees, the Omni Providence Hotel is the first hotel group in the state to offer commuter benefits to its employees through Wave to Work. Starting next month, Omni Hotel will partially subsidize monthly passes for their employees.
“I am proud to welcome the Omni Providence Hotel as the first hotel group in Rhode Island to our Wave to Work program,” said Chief Executive Officer Christopher Durand. “Reliable and affordable transportation is essential to keeping Rhode Island’s economy moving. By making it easier for people to get to work, we’re supporting both our workforce and our local economy.”
Wave to Work allows employers to offer their employees a benefit that has a positive impact on both the environment and their bottom line. Employers can choose to subsidize part or all of their employees’ public transportation costs. Additionally, employers can offer a pre-tax payroll deduction for employers to use pre-tax dollars toward their transit fare.
Participants receive Wave smart cards so that they can tap a card reader when boarding the bus. Administrative assistance and technical support are free. Multiple reports have cited the importance of providing transportation assistance in helping companies recruit qualified employees and markedly reduce turnover.
Employers who are interested in providing a transit benefit for their employees should contact RIPTA’s Commuter Resource RI team at commuter@ripta.com or by calling 401-784-9575.
For more information on RIPTA’s programs and services, visit RIPTA.com or call 401-781-9400.
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LOCAL ORGANIZING UPDATE
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Union members rally at the State House, calling on a tax for the wealthiest Rhode Islanders to raise $190M in Revenue for Rhode Islanders. Instead of cuts to critical services, we need to raise revenue for our public transit, healthcare systems, and education.
FROM AFL-CIO
Join Us—How Unions Win: Global Strategies from Workers on the Front Lines for Democracy, June 3
On Tuesday, June 3, at 10 a.m. ET, please join President Liz Shuler, AFT President Randi Weingarten, RWDSU-UFCW President Stuart Appelbaum and global labor leaders for a virtual conversation entitled: Unions on the Front Lines Fighting for Democracy.
We will hear union leaders from Brazil, South Korea, South Africa, Poland and the United States talk about how unions have been and continue to be on the front lines of fighting against authoritarianism and protecting their democracies. As the United States confronts authoritarian threats from within, unions in many countries have been pushing back—organizing workers, strengthening democratic institutions and building resistance to anti-worker policies. As we organize our response in our own country, it is critical to learn from international counterparts on the successful strategies that have strengthened both the movements and democracies within their own countries. Please join us as we hear examples from South Africa, Brazil, South Korea and Poland on how unions won democracy.
Speakers include:
Liz Shuler, President, AFL-CIO
Randi Weingarten, President, AFT
Stuart Appelbaum, President, RWDSU-UFCW
Global union speakers from Central Única dos Trabalhadores (CUT Brazil), Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU South Korea), Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU South Africa) and All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions (OPZZ Poland)
Please register here to receive connection details.
SOLIDARITY REQUESTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
REGISTER HERE.
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March with RI AFL-CIO at Providence Pride – Saturday, June 21
Show your union pride at Providence Pride! Join RI AFL-CIO as we march in solidarity to celebrate who we are, the people we love, and the power of our movement. This is a time for union members, families, and allies to come together, stand tall, and make some joyful noise for equality and justice. Please share widely with your union family!
Questions? Contact Autumn Guillotte at autumn@riaflcio.org