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UNIONIZED WORKERS ARE TAKING ON BIG CORPORATIONS AND WINNING BETTER PAY AND BENEFITS
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OCTOBER 2023
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The summer of 2023 saw unionized workers making tremendous progress across industries and around the country—winning better pay, fairer benefits, and safety and security on the job. Here’s a brief look at some of the biggest news. You can always find links to full articles at our website, www.inunionusa.com.
HISTORIC PROGRESS FOR AMERICAN WORKERS AT UPS A new agreement between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) and UPS represents historic progress for American workers. The deal also has major ramifications for workers exercising their right to bargain for fair wages and benefits with corporations like Amazon and others. As IBT General President Sean O’Brien said, “We’ve changed the game, battling it out day and night to make sure our members won an agreement that pays strong wages, rewards their labor, and doesn’t require a single concession. This contract sets a new standard in the labor movement and raises the bar for all workers.” Sources: AP News, 8/22/2023; IBT Press Release, 7/25/2023
Big Pennsylvania state employee unions ratify new 4-year agreements with Shapiro administration “The contracts deliver pay raises of 20.25% over the four years, including 5% right away.... Employees across state government are represented by unions [such as AFSCME, SEIU, and others], including nurses, state troopers, corrections officers, and social services caseworkers.”
WITF, 8/24/2023
Pennsylvania
Real People. Real Stories about America’s Economic Recovery. The American economy has been on a rollercoaster ride these last few years. The pandemic really shook us up, but workers across the country are regaining their footing, in part thanks to policies from the Biden Administration and pro-worker members of Congress. Here’s a look at what we’re hearing from working people: Dana, Production Manager for a Battery Manufacturing Company Dana works at a Pittsburgh-based company that makes batteries to store the energy created by solar panels and wind turbines. She recently said, “Since President Biden passed his clean energy plan, we’re creating jobs right here, right now. These are good quality, high-paying jobs with medical benefits, 401ks. This is a job I can support my family on.” Source: Climate Power
Michael D., Automotive Services Technician Michael enrolled in an automotive system technology program at his local community college to get a job working on cars. Newly announced electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants are bringing hundreds of thousands of job opportunities to students like Michael. “I have had a fire-burning passion for cars since I could remember. I’m really excited to see more EV manufacturers coming to [my area],” said Michael. Source: CAP Action
Marsha N., Chapter Founder of EmpowHER Workforce development and apprenticeship programs from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act helped Marsha enter the trades and make a stable, middle-class living through her union. Now, she works to help women enter the trades through the organization EmpowHER. “We currently have 42 first-year electrician apprentices, which is more than we’ve ever had. And by the time the training year starts, I anticipate it’ll be closer to 50.”
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Source: CAP Action
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Progress for Pennsylvanians It’s been just over a year since President Biden proposed, passed, and signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law, and many Pennsylvanians are experiencing the benefits. While there’s still a long way to go to decrease the effects of inflation and increase wages, middle-class families across the Commonwealth are seeing cost savings on goods, the creation of good-paying jobs, and record investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy.
Top 3 Pennsylvania Benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act: 1. Job Creation According to the non-partisan BlueGreen Alliance, the IRA could bring over 200,000 good-paying jobs to Pennsylvania, including:
• 122,541 jobs in Pennsylvania from investments in clean energy • 16,830 jobs from investments in clean transportation • 57,019 jobs from investments in infrastructure and clean manufacturing BlueGreen Alliance, accessed 9/7/2023
2. Lower Prescription Drug and Health Care Costs Pennsylvanians, particularly seniors on a fixed income, have seen big savings on health care and prescription drugs from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act:
• Created a $2,000 annual cap on what seniors have to pay for prescription drugs from their pharmacy • Capped the cost of insulin at $35 for a month’s supply for Medicare recipients The Keystone, 8/17/2023
3. Lower Energy Costs The IRA includes many cost-saving benefits for middle-class families:
Want to learn more about how to access these cost-saving programs? Visit rewiringamerica.org/app/ira-calculator to see how much you can save and what programs are available in your community. Some of these programs could help save your family thousands of dollars.
• Tax credits covering 30% of the cost to install solar panels and battery systems so homeowners can save money by storing and reusing energy from solar sources • Rebates that can cover 50-100% of the cost to install new electric appliances, including super-efficient heat pumps, water heaters, clothes dryers, stoves, and ovens • Tax credits covering 30% of the costs of community solar projects—owned by local businesses that sign up families to save on their electric bills Axios, 8/11/2022; Consumer Reports, 8/12/2022; Green Business Network, 2/16/2023; energy.gov, updated 3/2023
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In Union Pennsylvania PO Box 332 Kennett Square, PA 19348
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Paid for by In Union USA (www.inunionusa.com) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. In Union is a project supported by a group of unions. We’ll provide you with research on issues that affect working people’s lives, examine the records of elected officials on those issues, and give you ways to hold your elected representatives accountable. In Union is not affiliated with, does not take contributions from, and does not make contributions to any candidates or political parties. For more information, please visit www.inunionusa.com.
STRETCHING YOUR DOLLAR AS INFLATION COOLS As the U.S. continues to get inflation under control, many Pennsylvanians are looking for ways to save money and make smart decisions with their resources. Here are some tips from organizations allied with working families.
Get grocery items for half the price. Flashfood is a relatively new app that works with grocery stores to offer deals of up to 50% off items that are nearing their sell-by date. Pay for the items through the app and pick them up at a designated zone in stores including Giant, Stop & Shop, and Tops. Learn more at flashfood.com.
Flashfood
Save money on everyday needs. WMPerks is a totally free discount program for WorkMoney members—and membership is completely free. Through WMPerks you can find and download coupons for stores, gas stations, hotels, and more, all in your area. Save cash and get what you need at the same time—learn more at workmoney.org/wmperks.
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