Local workers, union members, and community leaders will gather outside the North Carolina State Capitol this Friday to commemorate Workers Memorial Day by renewing the call for strong safety protections and remembering 179 workers killed on the job.
Today we celebrate the introduction of legislation to repeal North Carolina’s “right-to-work” law and the prohibition on public employee collective bargaining, G.S. 95-98–two relics from the segregation era that belong in the dustbin of history.
The fight to build a better future for North Carolina’s working families continues! Read our statement about the 2022 midterm election results.
We are excited to begin casting our ballots for pro-worker champions like Wiley Nickel, Cheri Beasley, and others who will stand alongside working people in our fight for higher wages, safer workplaces, and stronger labor rights!
“Today we take the time to acknowledge and thank the working people in our country who are the backbone of our economy. North Carolinians across this state are working hard to care for their families and keep our state moving forward, and I promise to continue fighting alongside you,” said Cheri Beasley.
On April 28th, local workers, union members, and community leaders gathered outside the North Carolina State Capitol to mark Workers Memorial Day to remember workers who have died or suffered illness or injuries while on the job. Rev. Jennifer Copeland of the NC Council of Churches and Rabbi Eric Solomon of Beth Meyer Synagogue offered prayers for workers and their families. NC Department of Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson and NC State AFL-CIO President MaryBe McMillan pledged to work together to advocate for workplace safety. Crystal Maqueda, wife of the Bonner Bridge Collapse victim last year, spoke of her loss before joining other attendees in taking turns to ring a memorial bell 190 times, once for her husband and 189 other people who died on the job in North Carolina.
On Thursday, local workers, union members, and community leaders will gather outside the North Carolina State Capitol to mark Workers Memorial Day, renew the call for strong safety protections, and remember workers who have died or suffered illness or injuries while on the job. At the interfaith press conference and solemn memorial service, participants will toll a bell 189 times – once for each person in North Carolina who died while working for a better life in 2020, the most recent year for which the full death toll is known.
The North Carolina State AFL-CIO is proud to announce the labor federation’s endorsements for the May 17th primary election in North Carolina—72 candidates who are dedicated to fighting for working people. Leading the slate of candidates is Cheri Beasley for U.S. Senate, who is 1 of 6 union members running for office this year.
The convention brought together more than 300 labor leaders from across North Carolina for three days of speeches, discussions, and workshops to create a better future through organizing, political power, and building solidarity through racial justice. This year’s convention also included the election of NC State AFL-CIO leadership to new 4-year terms and a forum for U.S. Senate candidates to answer tough questions about their commitment to empowering working people.
Over 150 people joined the first-ever North Carolina Worker Safety Town Hall, September 28th. During the online event, workers shared powerful testimonies about workplace safety issues in their respective industries and advocated for better enforcement priorities, as North Carolina ranks as the worst state for workers (Oxfam, 2021), to newly elected NC Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson, who was in attendance to hear their concerns. The town hall was hosted on Zoom and broadcast live on Facebook.
Join the NC Worker Safety Town Hall on Sept. 28th from 6:30 to 8pm. During the online event, workers will share their stories and testify about workplace safety issues in their respective industries and advocate for better enforcement priorities to newly elected NC Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson, who will be in attendance to hear concerns. The town hall will be hosted virtually on Zoom and streamed live on Facebook.
“Today’s election signals a commitment from the AFL-CIO that our leaders should look more like our membership.”
Today we commit to honoring Pres. Trumka’s legacy by continuing to fight for better policies for working people including the PRO Act. Pres. Trumka made it clear that all working people deserve dignity and respect on the job. We will keep fighting to make Pres. Trumka’s vision a reality so that all workers earn family-sustaining wages, work in safe conditions, and have a collective voice on the job.
On Wednesday, April 28th, North Carolina workers will be joined by faith, community, and labor leaders for a virtual Workers’ Memorial Day service honoring those who have died or suffered illnesses or injuries while on the job. Workers and leaders will share personal experiences and call for stronger worker protections in North Carolina and across the country. Speakers will include Reverend Jennifer Copeland of the NC Council of Churches, Rabbi Salem Pearce with the Carolina Jews for Justice, and NC State AFL-CIO President MaryBe McMillan among others.
North Carolina workers will be joined by faith, community, and labor leaders online April 28th for a Workers’ Memorial Day service honoring those who have died or suffered illnesses or injuries while on the job and to renew the promise of safe jobs for all by passing the PRO Act.
