MAPE

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act has huge implications for the world of organizing. If these policies had been implemented prior to the Amazon union vote, results might have looked very different. Click here to see how the PRO Act would have changed conditions in Alabama:

The Amazon union loss made a lot of headlines, but overall, this year has shown huge progress for proponents of workers rights. Industries that have never before had any union organizing have completely transformed following the pandemic. Click the link below to see just how many wins the labor movement has actualized in the past year:

Powell’s bookstore is no friend to it’s workers. Since being laid off due to the pandemic, employees (some of whom have given decades of loyal service to the bookseller) have had to reapply for their old positions - denied the seniority, salaries, and benefits that they have worked years for. ILWU Local 5, the union representing Powell’s workers, is fighting hard to negotiate with the bookstore, but is turning to the public for support.

Seven unions representing millions of workers have indicated their support for President Biden's nomination for assistant attorney general for civil rights. Kristen Clarke, a civil rights attorney with over 20 years of experience, is the union-backed choice for the job due to her commitment to ensuring the rights of educators, healthcare professionals and public employees. Do you think Kristen Clarke is right for the job?

High turnover, low pay and massive levels of burnout have caused teachers at a San Diego Charter school to begin the process of unionizing. Charter schools have historically been slow to unionize because of a commitment to educational freedom, yet these workers need protection now. If recognized, they would be joining ranks with the California Teachers Association.

Still curious about why overtime is such a critical issue to MAPE members? Hear from Alicia, a Child Welfare Worker and MAPE member, to see how the shift to time worked weekly has affected our many essential workers. WE ARE MAPE. MAPE IS US.

No surprise here - after the push to unionize Amazon in Alabama failed, the tech giant has further exasperated the harsh conditions that led to the battle in the first place. Amazon workers claim that the company has revoked benefits and enforced previously disregarded policies after winning the vote.

President Biden appointed Vice President Harris to head a task force working to establish mechanisms that the federal government can employ to revitalize the labor movement. The task force has 180 days to release recommendations that aim to increase union membership and reduce barriers for entry. Click the link below to see possible avenues that the government could take moving forward:

Unfortunately, even the most socially and environmentally conscious companies sometimes put profit ahead of workers. Imperfect Foods is facing allegations of union-busting including insinuating that workers who voted to unionize would be replaced and offering raises and stipends to those who were against unionizing. No company is more important than it’s workers and we must hold them accountable for better conditions.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which replaced NAFTA last year, enshrined increased workers rights into the trade alliance.This is the first time a complaint has been brought forth testing the enforcement mechanisms of the new system, which aim to reduce the amount of labor violations and prevent US companies from taking advantage of the reduced cost of labor across the border. Stay tuned!

As many of you know, MAPE is in the process of bargaining for a better, more equitable contract for our members. But the county has so far refused to hear our call for the return of overtime, and stands firm on other critical issues including health care, binding arbitration and the one-time payment and retirement for Contingent Hire employees. Our work is essential. We work hard and we deserve a fair contract. It is more important than ever that we stand together. To hear more about how other MAPE members have been affected by the unreasonable and unjust proposals by the County, watch the video below. WE ARE MAPE. MAPE IS US.

First tech and podcasting - now think tanks! The labor movement is ever expanding to provide workers in all industries with avenues towards equity, and researchers are not to be left behind. Institutes such as The Center for American Progress, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the Economic Policy Institute, National Immigration Law Center, and the National Women’s Law Center have all successfully organized labor unions - stay tuned to see if Brookings and the Urban Institute are next!

Union approval among millennials is higher than within any other age group. For these younger workers facing massive student loan debt, a gig economy and shrinking social benefits - union membership is prized. See why unions need this investment from the younger generation by clicking the link below:

Many are curious about what labor policy changes will occur in the Biden administration, and union members are not excluded. Click below to read about the potential avenues for change, including the possible passage of the PRO Act (Protecting the Right to Organize Act), which would have huge ramifications for workers across the country. *Note that this publication, the CPA Practice Advisor, is for practicing public accountants and tax professionals and therefore has opinions that may not reflect those of this page.

As we approach the one year mark since the start of the pandemic, several leaders and unions are proposing new ideas to spur an economic recovery for all. One such idea is a tax hike on the millionaires who have made money amidst the pandemic while most Americans have floundered.

Teachers across the country are still urging the same course of action which seems to be falling on deaf ears. When and if schools reopen this year, it must be done carefully and thoughtfully, not forced for political gain. Teachers in Connecticut are part of the most recent union to bring their concerns to superintendents statewide.

ICYMI: Steelworkers in Alabama are still on strike due to concerns about the health risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic at the plants. January 4 marked the first mediation session between the union and the company, with more talks on the table going forward.

The fight for equity in Alabama faces a new enemy next month, Amazon, as local workers take on the shipping giant in an effort to unionize for better working conditions. If these workers succeed, it would mean hope for Amazon’s 1.2 million workers globally and a new worker friendly culture within warehouses.

Over the weekend, produce workers in New York successfully ended a 7-day walkout and ratified a new contract with the biggest pay increase workers have seen in over 30 years! Workers stood up and fought. I think the workers set up a precedent. Their voices will be heard, said Daniel Kane Jr., the president of the union, Teamsters Local 202.