Local 444 members at Envipco – service technicians who maintain automated bottle and can recycling machines on location at grocery stores, liquor stores, and department stores - ratified a new three-year contract.

A new five-year agreement between Local 1096 members and Coca-Cola in Indianapolis, Indiana, was overwhelmingly ratified, bringing workers numerous improvements, including annual raises of 50 cents an hour, and a $1,000 ratification bonus. The new contract also brings the union into new employee orientation meetings so that new employees will better understand union benefits and how to get involved in the union. The contract also brings workers double pay when their shift extends over the course of two days and expands discrimination protection to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. Uniform and footwear will be provided annually, and vacation and work-related injury policies were improved.

Today the RWDSU members at The Pleasure Chest New York walked out on strike during the #NYCPrideParade! They were also invited to marched in the parade with Senator Brad Hoylman, Senator Diane J. Savino and RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum. THANK YOU to everyone at #Pride who came to express their support! Workers' rights are gay rights!

RWDSU members testified today at Department of Labor hearings in the Bronx, New York, as workers and activists gathered beforehand to call for an end to the so-called “tip credit.” Car wash workers are among those affected by regulations which allow employers to pay sub-minimum wages in many industries, under the supposition that tips will make up and exceed the difference. In reality, the policy can act as a vehicle for wage theft, leaving workers earning poverty wages below the minimum wage.