If you’re a facebook user then you need to check out the AFL-CIO as they use the poplar social web-site to reach millions of working class citizens.  Education is key, and through facebook the AFL-CIO can reach those seeking information on labor rights and how to form or join a Union.  You can also find some light comic relief provided by the AFL-CIO. 

"Like" their FB page and spread the word.  We all enjoy our freedom to assemble so let keep up the good fight.

Area 16 Special Olympics located in Desoto County, Mississippi, is an inspiration for all.  Thanks to the volunteers and sponsors, these young people have a chance to shine.  Mike Allen, business manager for Boiler Makers Local 263, approached the Memphis and West Tennessee Building and Construction Trades Council (MWTBCTC) with an idea to help this wonderful program.  Soon after, the MWTBCTC donated the money for a new sound system that was desperately needed.  We hope that this new sound system allows these Olympians to enjoy their games.  We all should look to them for our inspiration. 

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Member from various Unions came together on June 7th, 2011 to rally in front of Memphis City Hall.  The same day City Council was to vote on a budget that would allow the privatization of the City's sanitation service.

For more on this article please visit the Commerical Appeal by clicking on the link below.

www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/jun/02/call-for-help/

After several months of regular meetings with former Interim Mayor Joe Ford, newly elected Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell seems to understand the importance of continuing a relationship between the mayor’s office and local labor Unions.  On October 25th, by request, Mayor Luttrell met with local Labor Leaders.  After formal introductions and light discussion, each party understands the needs of the working men and women of this County.  The meeting being a success, both parties have agreed to meet regularly in the future.  

Justice for every worker.        Justicia para todos los trabajadores.

Urge your member of Congress to support new national legislation to stop wage theft!

Ground-Breaking Federal Wage Theft Legislation Introduced Urge your member of Congress to become a co-sponsor   Today thanks to the hard work of wage theft activists across the country, the ground-breaking Wage Theft Prevention and Community Partnerships Act was introduced in the House of Representatives. Wage theft has reached crisis proportions in the United States. A landmark study of low-wage workers conducted found that 15 percent of workers' wages are stolen on average each week.  The legislation recognizes that with just 1,000 Wage and Hour Division investigators for the entire country, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) cannot stop wage theft by itself. If passed, the bill would establish a competitive grants program so that community groups can aid the USDOL in educating workers about their rights, and what they can do if they have had their wages stolen. Just as police departments across the country have learned the value of community policing, the Department of Labor can become more effective in preventing wage theft by partnering with organizations that work most closely with low-wage workers. Email your member of Congress now!

In a recent meeting with Shelby County Interim Mayor Joe Ford and Labor Union Representatives, Mayor Ford responded to a question from the crowd asking, "What can Labor do for you, for Shelby County?"  It didn't take long for the Mayor to answer.  It was obvious from the way he answered that it was something that truly bothered him.  "Air conditioners.  With limited funds and one death resulting from the heat this summer, we need air conditioners."

On Thursday, July 15, 2010, Mayor Joe Ford received an estimated $10,000 in air conditioners from the Memphis Building Trades Council, along with Lowes contribution of $2,500 as well to this worthy cause, which brought the total to $12,500 in air conditioners donated.  The air conditioners were handed over to Shelby County Government officials during a press conference held at the Lowes store located at Perkins Rd. and Summer Ave.

A simple question asking how Labor organizations could help our County eventually took on a snowball affect and has so far resulted in not only $12,500 worth of air conditioners for our County, but also in the media joining the cause and challenging others to jump on board and reach a goal of $30,000 worth of air conditioners for those in need in our County.

Members of our community reaching out to others with acts of kindness, such as those demonstrated here, prove how coming together and working together to help others affects our community in such a positive way.

Beat The Heat - Video