Worker Power Update

CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens To Serve on U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council Talent for Growth Task Force

Late last month, CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens was appointed to the U.S.-European Union (EU) Trade and Technology Council Talent for Growth Task Force. The task force, which is co-chaired by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, is intended to encourage public and private sector initiatives to drive development of the talent and skills needed for emerging and existing technologies. The individuals serving on the task force will make recommendations on how to expand innovative, employer-based training in the United States and the EU, address shortages in skilled workers, and prepare the workforce of the future.

“As companies continue to deploy technology in the workplace, it is critical that our union and our labor movement have a meaningful say in promoting policies and regulation that protect and address workers’ interests and needs. Building international solidarity and cultivating common strategies through initiatives like this task force will help protect workers against exploitation and put us in a better position to build sustainable careers, with dignity, respect, and a voice on the job. I am honored to be representing CWA members and the broader labor movement on this task force and look forward to working with my colleagues to promote workers’ rights on a global scale,” said Steffens.

###

CWA Activists in California Attend Annual Legislative Conference and Lobby Lawmakers on CWA Priorities

CWA activists from across District 9 attended the 2023 California Labor Federation Joint Legislative Conference in Sacramento this week. CWA District 9 Vice President Frank Arce opened the pre-conference CWA meeting and spoke to the attendees. The activists also received training on lobbying best practices and participated in a lobby day to promote CWA’s legislative priorities in California, including the expansion of broadband to rural and tribal communities in the state using experienced union workers and the inclusion of strong labor protections in the state budget. As part of their ongoing fight against the subcontracting of good jobs to low-road, non-union contracting companies, the activists also advocated for legislation that would help curb the impacts of subcontracting and bring call center work back to California, as well as legislation that will ban mandatory anti-union captive audience meetings.

###

CWAers in Michigan Hold Annual Legislative Reception

The CWA Michigan Unified Council held a legislative reception in Lansing, Mich., last week to address some of the most pressing issues facing workers and union members in the state. The event focused on the crucial need for improved broadband access in Michigan, as well as measures to protect call center jobs and other worker-related issues. Several state senators and representatives attended the reception, including Senators John Cherry, Kevin Hertel, Sue Shink, and Sam Singh, and Representatives Brenda Carter, Amos O'Neal, Lori Stone, and Jason Hoskins. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for lawmakers and labor leaders to collaborate and develop policies that support Michigan workers and their families.

State Representative Amos O'Neal (middle) with CWA activists in Michigan at the annual legislative reception hosted by the CWA Michigan Unified Council.

###

CWA Leaders in Arizona Appointed to Key Leadership Roles

Cecilia Valdez, Secretary-Treasurer of CWA Local 7026, was appointed as the newest commissioner on the Arizona Industrial Commission by Governor Katie Hobbs. The five member Commission administers and enforces state laws relating to the protection of the life, health, safety, and welfare of Arizona's employees. This includes laws relating to workers' compensation, occupational safety and health, payment of wages, and child labor. Valdez is a long time union member and activist with a wealth of experience and commitment to fighting for workers’ rights.

CWA Local 7019 member and Arizona Legislative and Political Coordinator Ginger Lane was appointed to serve on the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board by Mayor Kate Gallego. Lane and the other new appointees were sworn in earlier this month. The Board plays a key role in policy-making decisions that impact workers and businesses by identifying and promoting proven and promising strategies and initiatives for meeting the needs of employers, workers, and jobseekers. Lane’s appointment to this position is a reflection of her years of activism to build and strengthen worker power in Arizona and beyond.