John, 

As we start to gear up for the long weekend ahead, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what matters most—our families, our communities, and the solidarity that binds us together in the labor movement.

This holiday season, I encourage you to shop union-made whenever you can. When you choose union-made products, you’re supporting good jobs that pay living wages, provide quality benefits, and ensure safe working conditions. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show solidarity and uplift working people.

From the bread on your table to the beverages in your glass, there are plenty of union-made options to make your Thanksgiving feast even more special. Check out the AFL-CIO’s list of union-made Thanksgiving products at aflcio.org/thanksgiving to help you prepare.

The Arizona AFL-CIO is wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restful, and meaningful Thanksgiving.

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Arizona AFL-CIO Building Bridges: Free Citizenship Fair

The Arizona AFL-CIO is prepared to host another Citizenship Fair, where applicants will receive free assistance from dedicated volunteer attorneys in completing their N-400 applications and preparing their paperwork for submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

This is open to union members, their families, and friends. We would like to confirm 30+ applicants before finalizing time and location for the workshop. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Arizona AFL-CIO's Training Specialist, Esau Gutierrez at [email protected]. 

Click HERE to download, share, print English and Spanish Flyers. 

LCSA 6th Annual 5K Cupcake Chase Walk & Run

Labor's Community Service Agency (LCSA) provides different programs for families including affordable housing, and SHIFT (an affordable transportation program). Join them for their annual Cupcake Chase at Arizona Falls in Phoenix. 

Register to participate, become a volunteer, or become a sponsor. All proceeds are to benefit LCSA. If you have any questions, please contact Rebekah Friend at [email protected]. 

Call Your Senator - Support the Social Security Fairness Act

This bill passed the House of Representatives and is now awaiting a vote in the Senate. The bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act (S. 597) would restore fairness and increase many workers’ Social Security benefits. This legislation can make a huge difference in the lives of millions of workers. 

Encourage your Senator to work with leadership to get a floor vote on the Social Security Fairness Act before the end of the session. 

Union Events and Action

We want to uplift what you are doing for our members and our community!

Please fill out all the required information to have your Local's event uploaded to our Arizona AFL-CIO website or featured in our next Labor Dispatch. If you have any questions please reach out to Alina Cordoba, Communications & Operations Director at [email protected].

In Fighting the NLRB, Amazon Proves It's Terrified of Worker Power 

"We are at a turning point in the movement to unionize Amazon. Across the country, in the face of overwhelming corporate money and power, Amazon workers are organizing with the Teamsters Union, fighting back against low wages, long hours, and limited benefits. Amazon is running scared, blowing past deadlines for union recognition in violation of labor laws and hoping the courts will bail it out."

Trump Won, but Labor Movement's Values Remain Steadfast 

"Presidential administrations change, but the Labor Movement’s values do not. We stand for the freedom to organize and for the right to collectively bargain. We stand for solidarity — the kind that is built when working people stand together to take on the biggest, richest bosses and the most powerful extremist politicians. Most importantly, we know how to fight back when anyone comes after our freedoms."

AFL-CIO Statement on Trump's Nomination of Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Labor Secretary

"Lori Chavez-DeRemer has built a pro-labor record in Congress, including as one of only three Republicans to cosponsor the Protecting The Right To Organize (PRO) Act and one of eight Republicans to cosponsor the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act."

'It Shows the Power of Organizing': Point park Full-Time Faculty Ratify New Contract with University 

"The approximately 110 full-time faculty members, professors who are represented by the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, approved the deal, 72-3, in a ratification vote on Wednesday at the university’s Downtown campus."

Whole Foods Workers File for First-Ever Union, Defying Amazon 

"On November 22, Whole Foods Workers United officially declared its intention to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 1776 and filed papers with the National Labor Relations Board."

State Announces All-Time Record-High Number of Apprentices in Programs 112-Year History

"Gov. Tony Evers today, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), celebrated “National Apprenticeship Week” by announcing that Wisconsin’s Registered Apprenticeship Program has reached a record 17,089 enrolled apprentices, an all-time record. This surpasses record-high participation in both 2022 and 2023 and marks the third consecutive year that the Registered Apprenticeship Program has reached an all-time record in the program’s 112-year history."

AGMA ANnounces Labor Leader Jeffery Boyd as New National Executive Director 

"The AGMA Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Boyd (he/him/his) as AGMA’s new National Executive Director. Boyd, a seasoned labor leader and staunch advocate for workers’ rights, brings over 25 years of experience to AGMA, including pivotal roles within national and global unions."

Department of Labor Obtains Judgement Ordering Arizona Contractors to Pay $1.7M After Defrauding Drywall Workers of Wages Owed 

“The action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona follows an investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division finding Bean Drywall Inc., a residential drywall contractor, paid the affected workers either straight-time rates or piece rates for all hours worked but failed to pay employees overtime rates required by the Fair Labor Standards Act."

It's Official: Abortion Access Is A Protected Right in the Arizona Constitution

"Gov. Katie Hobbs certified the state’s election results Monday, and with it, Proposition 139, known as the Arizona for Abortion Access Act. The measure was overwhelmingly approved by voters and gives residents the right to access abortion-related healthcare as recommended by their doctor. "

Gigapower's Arizona Fiber Rollout Linked to Infrastructure Damage, CWA Report Says 

"The findings come as Phoenix considers a licensing agreement with the company, which has faced scrutiny over its use of contractors for critical infrastructure projects."

Phoenix Will Plant 27,000 Shade Trees. These Areas Need Them Most 

"A city survey showed 90% of residents say there is not enough shade in Phoenix, which translates to higher temperatures."

Thank you for reading the Arizona Labor Dispatch! Can you help us grow our readership by sharing our sign-up form? 

If you'd like to promote an event for your union in our weekly newsletter, fill out our submission form or email AZ AFL-CIO  Communications & Operations Director Alina Cordoba at [email protected]