E-NEWS
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
Please use this directory to find where you can buy union and use services in Rhode Island.
We at the RI AFL-CIO were honored to meet U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh last week at the Greater Rhode Island LERA breakfast meeting.
UFCW Local 328 Facebook:
It was a pleasure to join Secretary Marty Walsh at today’s Greater Rhode Island LERA meeting! We thank the Secretary for his continued service and commitment to working families.
The Providence Journal: Bill would require RI to get all electricity from renewable sources by 2030
PROVIDENCE — Experts say that when it comes to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as required by a landmark climate change measure enacted into law last year, the conversion of Rhode Island’s electric system to a reliance on renewable sources is the logical first step.
For one, it will be easier to green the electric grid by ramping up the development of offshore wind and solar than it will be to slash emissions caused by heating homes and businesses or by car and truck travel. But it also makes sense, because any solution that covers heating and road vehicle emissions will ultimately rely on a steady supply of clean electricity.
That’s why environmental advocates, public health groups and progressives are lining up behind legislation proposed in the General Assembly that would require Rhode Island to get all of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
Just as it did last year with the Act on Climate, which for the first time made emissions reductions mandatory and enforceable in the Ocean State, the Environment Council of Rhode Island, the umbrella group that represents 60 of the state’s environmental groups, has made passage of the update to the Renewable Energy Standard its top priority in this legislative session. Read more here.
Johnston Firefighters Local 1950 Facebook:
Local 1950 leadership with RISAFF President Andriole at the RISAFF Legislative Dinner. Special thanks to Senators Reed and Whitehouse, Representatives Langevin and Cicilline, IAFF President Ed (Edzo) Kelly, GST Frank Lima and DVP Jay Colbert for attending.
North Providence Firefighters Local 2334 Facebook:
North Providence Fire Fighters Local 2334 braving the elements, proudly representing NP in the Newport Parade.
RI Building & Construction Trades Twitter:
Pres. Michael Sabitoni commends RIBCTC WOMEN’S COUNCIL who will advance and strengthen the demand for HIGHLY SKILLED CRAFTS WOMEN in our trade.
TODAY!
Building A Better America: Rhode Island
Thursday 3/17 at3pm ET
You are invited to join the White House and Rhode Island community partners for a special Building a Better America event on President Biden’s priorities for Rhode Island families and communities.
This post-State of the Union virtual gathering will take place at 3pm ET on Thursday, 3/17. It will feature a discussion of the concrete ways President Biden’s agenda will impact individuals and families in Rhode Island, while also providing attendees a chance to share with the White House the issues most important to their communities.
You can RSVP here, and all are welcome!
R.I. Labor History Society: 2022 Spring Speaker Series
Lessons on African American Labor History
Dates:
Monday, March 21, 2022
Monday, April 18, 2022
Monday, June 6, 2022
Speakers:
Keith Stokes, Director of Business and Development for the City of Providence
Patrick Crowley, Organizer and Government Affairs Specialist with the NEARI and Secretary-Treasurer of RI AFL-CIO
For more information and topics see here.
AFL-CIO Press Release:
Biden Rule Will Raise Construction Workers’ Wages
Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler in support of the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) proposed rule-making updates to Davis–Bacon prevailing wage regulations:
The Biden–Harris administration and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh continue to deliver wins for working people. Today’s proposed regulations under the Davis–Bacon and Related Acts will modernize and strengthen prevailing wage laws to protect thousands of workers on federal construction projects from rampant wage theft.
It has been 40 years since the DOL last updated these regulations and wage theft continues to cheat thousands of construction workers every year on projects funded by American taxpayer dollars. With more than $1 trillion of construction activity anticipated across the country in the next five years, effective enforcement is required to ensure fairness in the prevailing wage determination process.
The Davis–Bacon Act was first signed into law in 1931 to ensure fair wages for those who build our nation. Nearly a century later, President Biden continues to fulfill his campaign promise to be the most pro-union president in our nation’s history. Today’s expansion guarantees America’s infrastructure will continue to be built by the best-trained, highest-skilled workers in the world.
Contact: Kalina Newman, 202-637-5018
IUPAT Twitter:
Today is our union’s 135th birthday! Throughout our history, we’ve provided security for millions of working families & organize every day to ensure the opportunities of our skilled trades benefit as many people as possible. Join our fight & come build the future with us!
Labor 411: May the (Ethical) Luck of the Irish be Yours
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday about togetherness, a time to celebrate Irish pride and all things green, often with plenty of libations flowing. As we emerge from the pandemic, many of us will be heading out to the bars on St. Pat’s. Whether you’re celebrating out or at home, Labor 411 reminds you to use caution and be safe. We also recommend the beers and whiskeys listed below, all of which are made by ethical companies that treat their workers fairly and give them a voice on the job.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and let’s all work together to build a stronger America.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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Calling All Union Members! Don’t miss your chance to enter the “Future is Union: Climate Urgency through the Eyes of Workers” photo contest! Submit a photo that shows what climate work means to you and win up to $500!
The contest is open to any union member who sees their work as a “climate job” – whether you’re driving or fixing electric buses, working on wind turbines, teaching students about the climate crisis, cleaning up after climate-related disasters, working on green buildings, installing solar, operating water systems, or anything that relates to climate change.
Learn more and submit your photos before April 22 here: https://www.climatejobsphotocontest.org/
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TEAMSTERS, Local 251
SOLIDARITY WITH JOHNSON BROTHERS WORKERS
Please visit the picket line and show Johnson Brothers that workers stick together and will not be treated like second-class citizens.
Picket lines are at:
Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island
120 Moscrip Ave
North Kingstown RI 02852
Key times are 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Let Johnson Brothers know about your concerns at:
651-649-5800 (Corporate) or 401-583-0050 (Rhode Island)
Donations can be made to: Teamsters Local 251 Strike Fund, 121 Brightridge Ave. East Providence RI 02914
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United Way of RI:
For more information, visit website here.
Are you following us on Social Media? Click on the links below.
Visit our website for more information, news and events.
If you want a voice on the job or to build a better workplace, click the here to start organizing and taking action.
LABOR VISION
Coming up on Labor Vision …
Labor Vision – From The Vault:
We are bringing back featured episodes from the past that are still relevant today! This week, in honor of Women’s History Month, we are revisiting an episode dedicated to Marcia B. Reback, a tough negotiator and former president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/BHWLg8UlwLo
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter (@LaborVisionRI), and subscribe to our YouTube channel (LaborVisionTV1). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYjDqDCHe_I&t=205s