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Charlie Richardson explains how changes in the workplace are undermining workers and the unions that represent them.
Charlie Richardson explains how changes in the workplace are undermining workers and the unions that represent them.

Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Holds Annual Education Conference

Sat, 04/28/2012 - 10:06am

Representatives from dozens of unions and a few groups gathered at the Teamsters Local 404 union hall in Springfield on April 27th to participate in the annual Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO education conference. The theme of the conference, called "We Have Always Been the 99%," stressed the importance of labor's key role in the struggle for a fairer economy and justice for the workers on and off the job.

Interview with NALC Branch 46 president, Mike Harazumus

Western Massachusetts Letter Carrier President: "No Need to Cut Postal Service"

Tue, 10/04/2011 - 10:05am

National Assocation Letter Carrier Branch 46 president, Mike Harazmus, sat down with us to talk about the attacks on the United States Postal Service (USPS). He explains that the massive cutbacks in service called for by Republicans in the US House of Representatives are bogus and how the current manufactured crisis can be solved with existing legislation.

Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Commemorates America's Workers at Labor Day Breakfast

Wed, 09/14/2011 - 8:52am

Labor leaders, union members, and area politicians joined together on Friday to honor the American worker at its honor Labor Day Breakfast at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee, MA. Turnout to event was solid, with representatives from a variety of area unions reflecting the diverse Pioneer Valley workforce.

See video
Massachusetts AFL-CIO President, Robert J. Haynes

9/11 Remembered, Heroes Honored at Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Breakfast

Sun, 09/11/2011 - 6:55pm

On Friday, Massachusetts AFL-CIO president, Robert J. Haynes, gave an emotional speech about the events ten years ago today at the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Labor Day breakfast. "We must honor the resilience and the unity and the strength of the country that 9/11 represents." President Haynes shared his personal account of coming home on on 9/11/2001 to his high school son and friends who wanted answers for what was occurring. "I didn't have any answers. So I sent my son Joe up to the attic to get the flag that the United States Army gave me when my father died. And I took those boys out on the front porch and I raised that flag."

Verizon Strike Settled!

Sat, 08/20/2011 - 6:02pm

Verizon's onerous proposals have been withdrawn and workers will return to work on Tuesday. The Communication Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) will begin negotiations again with Verizon. Both sides have agreed to let the expired contract go into effect until the two sides can finalize a new agreement.

Congratulations to the IBEW and CWA for hanging tough and forcing Verizon's hand!

Springfield Area Unions to Distribute $36,000 Directly to Tornado Victims

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 9:48am

To date, the Union Community Fund's Tornado Victim Fund has raised over $36,000 and counting. 100% of the money collected will go directly to tornado victims and their families here in our community.

The UCF is currently accepting applications from all union members in good standing who suffered property and financial losses as a result of the tornadoes that struck Springfield and surrounding communities last month. If you are a union member and have been affected by the storm, please download the application, fill it out and send to:

Union Community Fund
640 Page Boulevard #101
Springfield, MA 01104

You may also and scan and email the application to ucf@pvaflcio.org.

Disaster Assistance For Individuals

Sat, 06/04/2011 - 11:34am

Download this disaster assistance information for those affected by the tornados that struck our region. Please disseminate widely to make sure those affected get the information and help they need to get their lives back on track.

Union Community Fund Establishes Tornado Disaster Relief Effort

Fri, 06/03/2011 - 6:58am

Yesterday, hundreds, if not thousands, of our friends and neighbors suffered life-changing setbacks as a result of the tornados that devastated our region. To help ease the financial burden on these unfortunate families, the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO's charitable organization, the Union Community Fund, is launching a special Tornado Disaster Relief effort.

We hope you and your union will consider a generous donation to our fund our efforts to help our neighbors in this time of need. We encourage you to also please encourage your members to pass the hat and take up a collection at work.

Checks should be made out to the "Union Community Fund" and sent to:

Union Community Fund
640 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104

Thank you for your support in this important campaign! 

See video

MLK's Dream Lives On in Springfield

Wed, 04/06/2011 - 12:19am

A piece of Dr. Martin Luther King's dream was realized yesterday as a diverse group of about one hundred local community members rallied at the steps of Springfield City Hall to continue King's struggle for social and economic justice. The gathering, held on April 4th, commemorated the assassination of Dr. King in 1968 in Memphis, TN, while helping striking sanitation workers. The Springfield rally was part of "We Are One," a nationwide effort by the national AFL-CIO and other organizations to help build support for workers getting assaulted by right-wing politicians across the country.

Springfield Turns Out Over 400 in Huge Show of Solidarity for Wisconsin Workers

Fri, 02/25/2011 - 11:37am

February 22 — The attack on workers in Wisconsin has sent shockwaves through the labor movement, sparking a huge outpouring of support from unions and workers across the country. Here in Springfield, there was a strong show of solidarity with over 400 in attendance who came together to tell the Wisconsin workers that we stand with them. "What they're trying to do all across the country is destroy the good jobs and put us all back into the dark ages," said Richard M. Brown, President of the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO.

View photos from the rally

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