Merrimack Valley Central Labor Council

 

John J. Sweeney (1934-2021), AFL-CIO President Emeritus

John Sweeney, who led an era of transformative change in America’s labor movement, passed away Feb. 1 at the age of 86.

Recent News

LGBTQ Rights and Labor Rights are Intrinsically Linked

The core principle of organized labor in America has always been a commitment to fairness and opportunity for all working people — it’s why collective bargaining agreements have long included robust and durable protections that reflect a commitment not only to union members, but to the common good of all our communities and the people who live and work in them.

On Infrastructure and Clean Energy, America Must Play to Win

The Rural Electrification Act was signed into law 85 years ago this month. It was a visionary infrastructure program for the 20th century, the centerpiece of a federal energy investment strategy that brought growth and prosperity to the South, the West, and across rural America. Because of these investments, generations of Americans were wealthier, healthier and led better lives.

On Infrastructure and Clean Energy: America Must Play To Win

Today’s energy infrastructure challenges are no less daunting. We must invest quickly and decisively to reduce emissions and stem climate change, and to improve our lagging competitiveness. New infrastructure must also deliver results on social equity, inequality, and systemic racism, 21st century crises whose solutions cannot be deferred.

UAW Member in Kentucky Loses Job, Gains Help From Union Plus

In 2020, Union Plus was able to give more than $2 million in hardship help to union members, plus some end-of-year gifts for extraordinary union members who were nominated by their communities. One hardship grant recipient was Beau Bittner. Bittner, a member of the UAW, worked on the line at an automaker factory in Louisville, Kentucky, performing torque inspections and ensuring the quality of big-name trucks and SUVs. He comes from a long line of union members and is heavily involved in his UAW local union.

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DACA and TPS Recipients at the 2017 AFL-CIO Convention

Rights and Protections for All Working Families

Two pieces of legislation will take an important step toward fixing our unjust immigration system by providing permanent protections to vital members of our communities and our unions. Call your senators and urge them to support the Dream Act (S. 264) and the SECURE Act (S. 306) today.

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Add Your Name in Support of the American Families Plan

Support the American Families Plan

The American Families Plan will make it easier for working people to care for our loved ones. It invests and builds better infrastructure for child care, education and paid leave.

Show Your Support

Make Sure the Needs of Working People Are Met During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The labor movement is working nonstop to ensure workers devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic receive the protections and support needed during this challenging time. Get involved and make sure the needs of working people are heard.

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AFL-CIO Blog Feed

Record a Video

Tell us why the PRO Act is important to you and how it will help all working people.

AM I SAFE AT WORK?

Help workers demand safer workplaces.

Executive Paywatch

High Paid CEOs and the Low Wage Economy

Can my employer force me to return to work?

Read the Employment Rights Coalition's guidelines about returning to work during Governor Baker's COVID-19 reopening plan.