News in Brief

BAC Stands in Solidarity with Alabama Amazon Workers

Nearly 6,000 workers at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama are preparing for a vote on whether or not to be represented by the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) of the AFL-CIO. These workers are subject to grueling schedules, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate bathroom and meal breaks. According to RWDSU, more than half the workers in Bessemer have signed cards in support of union representation. BAC fully supports these workers’ right to join a union.

In a recent interview on “The Rick Smith Show” podcast, BAC President Tim Driscoll emphasized that unions lift all workers up—both union and non-union; “Workers know what unions bring to the workplace. Let’s face it if unions didn’t work, Amazon wouldn’t be fighting so hard to prevent its workers from unionizing.” “Workers’ rights were under attack the last 4 years in the Trump administration; now we have a President who is not afraid to say the word ‘union.” When President Biden said, ‘The choice to join a union is up to the workers—full stop,’ it doesn’t get better than that. We need to build on that and make sure everyone who wants to join a union can do so. BAC couldn’t agree more with that and we’re proud to be in this fight.”

On March 15, the BAC Executive Council voted unanimously and unreservedly to support the Amazon workers fighting for their union in Bessemer, recognizing them as heroes of the labor movement who are providing new hope to millions of workers, and offer to support their campaign as requested. //

New Report Lifts Up the Voices of Black, Latina and Afro-Latina Women in Construction Trades

Anew policy brief, Here to Stay: Black, Latina and Afro-Latina Women in Construction Trades Apprenticeships and Employment lifts up the voices of early career tradeswomen and underscores the many benefits they gain from working in the unionized construction trades.

The report finds that women who do make it in the union building trades are paid much higher wages than women in many other professions, including those professions that may require a college education. While the number of Black women apprentices grew by over 50 percent and the number of Latina apprentices nearly doubled between 2016 and 2019, more work remains to be done. Union apprenticeship programs are the key steppingstone to expanding opportunities to include more Black, Latina, and AfroLatina women.

The full report is available at: https://bit.ly/3rcz5Bu //

NEWS IN BRIEF

Liliana Calderon Named New Safety and Health Programs Manager

Jobsite health and safety has never been more important than during our response to COVID-19. That’s why BAC has been working diligently with Locals and members to continually address these issues. Part of that effort is the recent appointment of Lily Calderon as BAC’s Manager of Health and Safety Programs.

In her new BAC role, Sister Calderon, a 14-year bricklayer of Local 21 Illinois, will promote new and current construction industry safety regulations and legislation, coordinate with IMI and IMTEF on safety initiatives and training resources, and produce BAC safety and health materials. She will also continue to work with the AFL-CIO, North America’s Building Trades Unions, and other partners and organizations to foster and promote better safety and health environments. In addition, Calderon will serve as a line of communication between BAC Locals and members to assist with job safety and health concerns, and to increase worker safety and overall compliance.

BAC Executive Vice President Jerry Sullivan says Locals and members will benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience Calderon brings to the job. “Her unparalleled passion for the industry and steadfast commitment to our Union and members will help lead our safety and health programs to succeed. We look forward to working together to secure safe and healthy work environments for all BAC members.” //

BAC Celebrates Black History Month

BAC Local 8 Southeast President Glenn Kelly joined the United Way Worldwide Labor Engagement team, AFL-CIO, and other labor partners for a panel discussion on Feb. 24. Moderated by Labor Heritage Foundation Executive Director Elise Bryant, the panelists shared their experiences as black professionals in the labor movement, including challenges, opportunities and the importance of inclusion.

Brother Kelly says he’s grateful for what the Union apprenticeship and training programs have offered him. “I was able to learn the trades skills through our union apprenticeship program. Training is the key to succeed in the industry. At BAC, we are tearing down many barriers for many to get in.”

For example, prospective members can join BAC without a high school diploma or GED. “When you work hard and play by the rules, you can live decent lives with good benefits,” says Kelly, who joined BAC right after graduating from high school in 2009 and was elected president of Local 8 SE in 2018.

While there are many challenges for young and black communities, Brother Kelly believes the evolution of the labor movement will continue to transform challenges into opportunities. “At our Local, we are carrying on conversations with members and contractors on diversity, equity and inclusion issues, implementing programs that focus on minority groups, reaching out to communities that we don’t always do, and making real changes in working people’s lives.” //