NORTH SHORE
DEFENDING WORKERS, FIGHTING BACK: OUR 2025 MOBILIZATION EFFORTS
The first quarter of 2025 was defined by our relentless mobilization efforts We are proving that solidarity isn’t just a word it’ s action As the Trump administration pushes forward with dangerous cuts to the federal workforce, we are standing up and fighting back. In February, despite freezing temperatures and driving snow, over 100 union members and allies rallied outside the Celebrezze Federal Building to protest the administration’ s reckless restructuring plan.
Among those standing in solidarity was Congresswoman Shontel Brown, who made it clear that accountability in government should not come at the expense of dedicated public servants “No one is objecting to finding waste, fraud, or abuse But do we go at it with a sledgehammer? No ”
The Congresswoman didn’t stop there. She took her fight to the House Oversight Committee and even the floor of the U S House of Representatives, making the case for federal workers and demanding an end to these unjust terminations
In March, the Federation mobilized in Cleveland and Parma to stand with Veterans Administration workers as the Trump administration signal plans to slash 80,000 VA jobs nationwide nearly one-third of them held by military veterans
For veterans like Tim Hauser, this isn’t just about jobs it’ s about survival. After fighting for 25 years to receive VA care, Hauser finally gained coverage under the PACT Act, which expanded access for 5 million veterans Now, that progress is under threat.
TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER ATTACKS FEDERAL WORKERS’ BARGAINING RIGHTS
Former President Donald Trump has issued an executive order stripping federal workers of their collective bargaining rights, a direct assault on unions representing employees across numerous agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of State, Homeland Security, Department of Treasury, and the Department of Defense These workers provide essential public services, and their ability to negotiate fair wages, benefits, and workplace protections is crucial to ensuring a strong federal workforce. Collective bargaining allows federal employees to advocate for safe working conditions, fair treatment, and better public services Without it, agencies can impose unfair policies without worker input, reducing efficiency and morale. Legal challenges are already underway, as labor unions argue the order violates longstanding worker protections Congress must act to protect federal unions and prevent Trump from dismantling workers’ rights. Call your representatives today at (817) 904-8624 and demand they oppose this blatant attempt to outlaw federal unions Workers’ rights are on the line stand with us in this fight!
“To have the possibility that this is all going to go away including the VA altogether people need to know exactly what’ s going on ” – Tim Hauser
The Trump administration has also set its sights on the U.S. Postal Service, signaling support for privatization a move that would undermine a service enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. The Postmaster General also announced plans to eliminate 10,000 jobs through a socalled "voluntary early retirement" program. We helped mobilize around two rallies at the Orange Avenue Post Office to push back against these devastating cuts including the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Day of Action on March 23, where nearly 300 participants including Congresswoman Shontel
Brown stood together to demand a stronger Postal Service. “The United States Postal Service is meant to serve the people not to be privatized for profit. With privatization comes a lack of service. ” – NALC Branch
40 President Eric Poston
Retired postal worker Bruce Jackson echoed those concerns, emphasizing that the USPS has long been a pathway to the middle class for working people
Across sectors from federal workers to veterans, postal workers, and flight attendants we are proving that the North Shore Federation of Labor will show up, fight back, and win. The first quarter of 2025 was just the beginning We are mobilized, united, and ready for the battles ahead.
OUR LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY IN ACTION: STATE AND FEDERAL POLICY
In response to a wave of anti-worker bills at the Ohio Statehouse, the North Shore Federation of Labor responded swiftly to defend workers’ rights In mid-February, we met with legislators in Columbus and Cleveland to oppose proposals that threaten organized labor, including a right-to-work bill, Senate Bill 1, and Senate Bill 8.
Our visit to Columbus sent a clear message: we take these attacks on workers seriously and will not stand by while lawmakers attempt to undermine collective bargaining, weaken workplace protections, and gut public education. We made it clear that labor’s voice will not be ignored
Back home, we partnered with local governments to draft letters and
CLEVELAND’S RAPID RESPONSE HUB AIDES FEDERAL WORKERS
This quarter, the North Shore AFL-CIO and the United Labor Agency (ULA), a labor-based multiservice agency founded in 1971 by the Cleveland AFL-CIO, proudly teamed up to support Cleveland’s Rapid Response Hub Launched by Mayor Justin Bibb, the hub addresses the challenges faced by federal workers in Cuyahoga County due to layoffs, funding cuts, and the end of remote work options
The Rapid Response Hub provides vital services, including resume updates, job search assistance, interview preparation, career counseling, and access to training funds
resolutions opposing these harmful bills These efforts reinforced that working people, local communities, and labor unions stand united against anti-worker policies.
Our advocacy extends beyond the state level We remain in constant communication with the office of Congresswoman Shontel Brown on critical federal issues like unjust terminations and the threatened closure and downsizing of local federal facilities.
From Columbus to Cleveland to Washington, D.C., we are making it clear: anti-worker attacks will not go unchallenged The North Shore Federation of Labor will continue mobilizing, advocating, and fighting for the dignity and rights of every worker
It also helps workers with job fairs and filing unemployment claims.
The initiative is led by Greater Cleveland Works, with support from our federation, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, and the Cleveland Talent Alliance.
Through this partnership, we ensure federal workers have the resources to navigate these difficult changes and continue contributing to our community. The North Shore AFL-CIO is committed to standing with workers, helping them thrive during these uncertain times
BUILDING POWER THROUGH COMMON SENSE ECONOMICS
The North Shore AFL-CIO recently partnered with UFCW Local 880 to host Common Sense Economics: Race & Economy, a powerful training led by national AFL-CIO staff. Thirty union members and community activists came together to examine how the economy is failing most working people and how systemic racism is used as a tool to divide us
Throughout the training, participants shared personal experiences,
discussed the economic structures that keep working people struggling, and explored ways to change the rules They learned that by voting, volunteering, organizing, and taking action together, workers can build an economy that works for all of us
By the end of the session, everyone walked away with the tools to educate and empower their families, friends, and coworkers. The message was clear: when we unite across race and background, we
OHIO AFL-CIO LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE SET FOR MAY 20-21
Union leaders and members will gather for the Ohio AFL-CIO Legislative Conference on May 20-21, 2025, at The Plaza Hotel Columbus at Capitol Square to discuss key policy priorities with legislators, including workers’ rights, fair wages, and job security. The event begins with a legislative reception on May 20 from 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by an issue briefing and legislative meetings on May 21. As the saying goes, “There’s a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box” our advocacy ensures that hard-won union gains aren’t undone in the legislature.
To learn more and to RSVP, visit www northshoreaflcio org/events
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