E-News: November 2, 2023
An updated Union Directory listing union goods and services in R.I. can be found on our website at www.RhodeIslandAFLCIO.org under the “Resources” tab.
Here is the direct link—-> Union Directory
Congratulations to Armand Sabitoni, LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award last night at the R.I. Institute for Labor Studies & Research Awards Ceramony.
Speaker Joe Shekarchi Facebook:
Congratulations to my good friend, Armand Sabitoni, who received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies & Research. Well deserved! I, along with many other political officials, often turn to Armand for sound advice. He is an absolute giant in the labor community.
Armand has built an exceptional team at Rhode Island AFL-CIO LIUNA and I respectfully ask them to carry on his legacy.
AFL-CIO: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: Executive Order Lays Foundation for Substantive Worker Engagement on AI
October 30, 2023
Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the Biden–Harris administration’s executive order on artificial intelligence:
Today, the Biden–Harris administration reaffirmed its commitment to America’s workers through a pioneering executive order on artificial intelligence (AI). The AFL-CIO applauds the centrality of workers’ rights and values within this order—including the right to collectively bargain—while acknowledging there is much ground to cover in enshrining accountability, transparency and safety as bedrocks of AI.
Poll after poll confirms America’s workers fear the impacts AI will have on our jobs and livelihoods if intentional guardrails are not applied, instead allowing corporate-driven profits dictate the evolution of this technology. Workers, especially workers of color and women, time and again witness technology developed without our input or consideration; inevitably undermining our agency and economic security. AI must be developed and assessed within clearly articulated frameworks that put human values—not corporate profits—at its center. To accomplish this foundational goal, we need federal policies that substantively and continuously engage workers’ on-the-ground experience and expertise.
That commitment is reflected in today’s executive order. The AFL-CIO is pleased to see many of our recommendations adopted by the Biden–Harris administration. We look forward to continued dialogue as federal agencies take up the important task of implementing AI policy in the coming months. The government has a large role to play in protecting workers’ rights, well-being and privacy while expanding pathways for America’s families to take full advantage of new jobs created through an innovation economy. Read more here.
UFCW Local 328 Facebook:
Thank you to all of our Local Shop Stewards and guest speakers for attending our annual stewards conference! This year, speakers included Congressional Candidate Gabe Amo (1st District, RI), President of the RWDSU, Stuart Appelbaum, representatives from the UFCW New England Health Fund and the UFCW National Pension Fund, Rhode Island AFL-CIO President George Nee, and included presentations on financial and retirement planning, and labor law. In the afternoon, we held an educational workshop. We want to thank all of our shop stewards for all of their advocacy, hard work and commitment to serving both their communities and union family each day!
Laborers Local 271 Twitter:
Lots of #LIUNA energy tonight at our monthly meeting. Thanks to @GSTMFSabitoni and VP&NE Regional Manager Bianco for their powerful words about #LaborersRising #WeBuildRI
IBEW Local 99 Twitter:
Swearing in 9 new apprentices at Monday night meeting. the future is looking for good men and women entering the trades earn as you learn a way to the middle class.
Local 37 Ironworkers Facebook:
Congratulations to our graduating journeymen! The future of Local 37 is in great hands!!
Johnston RI Fire Department Facebook:
Members of the Johnston Fire Department teaching teachers and staff from the Johnston School Department lifesaving skills.
Fuerza Laboral Twitter:
Last week we hosted the RI DLT Community Engagement Partners on the topics of Wave Theft. We had the chance to share our long history on the issue and what we have learn from it. Was a wonderful time with great Latin breakfast and great company.
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NEW LABOR VISION EPISODE: PROVIDENCE DECLARED AMERICA’S FIRST CLIMATE JOBS CITY
This week’s Labor Vision covers the Providence City Council press conference announcing the Council’s resolution establishing Providence as “America’s First Climate Jobs City.” The resolution includes a commitment to creating policies investing in carbon-neutral, climate-friendly infrastructure, and good union jobs.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/tI8lUZxshAU?si=I75ZC5vIBgItGaB4
Learn more about Climate Jobs Rhode Island: www.climatejobsri.org
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