Jobs and Economy

Years after the official end of the recent recession, America is still in a jobs crisis. Although job growth is slowly picking up steam--with steady private sector job creation--we still have a long way to go. Job losses came on top of decades of inadequate job growth, wage stagnation and growing inequality. The U.S. economy is increasingly imbalanced, with the top 1 percent holding more than 40 percent of the nation’s wealth.

The AFL-CIO is ready to work with anyone—business, government, investors—who wants to create good jobs and help restore America's middle class and challenge policies that stand in the way of giving America the chance to go back to work. The union movement is partnering with such organizations as the Clinton Global Initiative to find innovative ways to create good jobs that support workers and their families.

More about this issue:

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

After a two-year fight for a first contract and a 13-day ULP strike – the longest digital media strike in history – members of Insider Union this week announced that they have reached a tentative agreement with management, including settlement of a ULP related to management’s unilateral changing

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Starting July 12, New York City’s app-based delivery workers must be paid at least $17.96 an hour, not including tips — the first such minimum pay-rate in the country for an industry that exploded in popularity during the pandemic.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

In a victory for live music, AFM Local 802 is thrilled to announce that David Byrne's upcoming show at the Broadway Theatre “Here Lies Love” will use live musicians.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Averting what would have been the second physician’s strike in New York City, and the

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) this week announced it will be filing Unfair Labor Practice charges (ULPs) against REI, Inc. in both the SoHo and Cleveland unionized stores.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Projectionists at a Brooklyn Alamo Drafthouse, the movie theater chain known for serving food and drinks during screenings, have filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Review Board.

Jun 16, 2023 | News Story

Mediation between the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA)—which represents the captains, assistant captains, mates, engineers and chief engineers on the Staten Island Ferry— and the City, ongoing since last year, continues, with another meeting will take place next week.

Jun 11, 2023 | Press Release

"Through the pandemic, extreme weather, and other significant challenges, New York City’s delivery workers keep millions of New Yorkers fed. In return, last year our City made a promise – that we would deliver the minimum pay and protections they fought so tirelessly for.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

In a powerful show of solidarity, SAG-AFTRA members have voted 97.91% in favor of a strike authorization ahead of negotiations of the TV/Theatrical Contracts, with nearly 65,000 members casting ballots for a voting percentage of 47.69% of eligible voters.

Jun 9, 2023 | News Story

Wednesday night, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), announced that, by an overwhelming vote of 97% in favor of the union, workers at Barnes & Noble’s Flagship Union Square store have voted to join the RWDSU.