On the picket line
www.workers.org
Strike by 1,000 union electricians    Limited Energy electricians, members of IBEW Local 46 in the Seattle area, have been on strike for over 10 weeks. On June 15, they are voting on a new, hopefully advanced, contract offer. The workers just voted “no”on an earlier offer from the National Electr

The Limited Energy electricians unit install and repair systems such as fire alarms, building security systems and phone and fiber optic lines. They are striking for paid holidays (they don’t have any!), better pay and increased safety measures. The workers have received a lot of picket line support from other unions. Labor solidarity has allowed them to shut down multiple job sites.

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Service workers at the 2,000 Waffle House restaurants across the country will receive a pay increase of up to $3 per hour, depending on location, years of employment, and shift differential. This is a victory, especially in the South, where most Waffle House restaurants are located.

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The University of Pennsylvania resident advisors’ union members voted unanimously to ratify their first labor contract, becoming one of the first RA unions in the country with a collective bargaining agreement. The RAs were organized in 2023 as a unit of the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 153, which was certified by the National Labor Relations Board after achieving a supermajority vote in favor of representation.

Although the first bargaining session with UPenn went well, negotiations stalled until the union filed a complaint against the university citing “endless delay tactics and disrespect.” OPEIU organizer Scott Williams reported that the university began negotiating again and provided a compensation proposal only after the RA union filed charges, put out a public petition, and held a rally on May 8. (thedp.com, June 11)

Contract wins include a $3,000 stipend the first year of employment, increasing to $3,100 for subsequent years, 150 free meals (up from 130 previously), grievance and arbitration procedures, support during the disciplinary process, and no losses in previous compensation, duties, or rights, including the right to hold multiple campus jobs.

The contract also states that there are no limits on striking. Given the recent oppressive tactics that the UPenn administration used to shut down pro-Palestine student encampments, the UPenn RAs and OPEIU organizers showed tremendous determination to demand and secure their rights. When we fight, we win!