Massachusetts AFL-CIO

The role of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is to serve as the unified voice of all organized workers in the Commonwealth and to be a voice for all working people, those in unions and those not yet organized. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families—by working for economic, social and racial justice in the workplace, in our communities, our state and in our nation. Our vision is of a fair and just society that benefits all working people, not a system that’s rigged in favor of the wealthy few.

Support John Drinkwater for State Senate

The Massachusetts AFL-CIO is excited to have our long-serving Legislative Director, John Drinkwater, running for State Senate in the 1st Middlesex District. In the words of our president, Steven A.

We Mourn the Loss of MassCOP member, Officer Michael Chesna,

We at the Massachusetts AFL-CIO mourn the tragic loss of our member and brother, Officer Michael Chesna.

Canvass for Three Oustanding Union Candidates

Join union brothers and sisters at canvasses supporting these union members running for office!

Union Community Voter Registration Drive

Today politics is part of our mainstream discourse. But did you know that tens of thousands of union members in Massachusetts are not registered to vote?

Mortgages for Union Families

Union Plus Mortgage Company is owned by the AFL-CIO Union Privilege and a group of unions.

Read the Report

Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2018

PowerTools

A resource for union members and organizers.

Defend and Resist

A toolkit for organizers and advocates on workplace raids and audits.

Recent News

AFL-CIO Chief Warns Red to Blue Candidates That Being a Democrat Isn’t Enough

House Democratic candidates in town this week for training at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington got a visit from AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka for some tips on how they can win back working-class voters.

“I don’t have to tell you that you can’t count on the D next to your name to gain our support,” Trumka told Democratic leadership and a room full of candidates on Red to Blue, the DCCC’s program for its strongest candidates.

Belabored Podcast #155: The Future of Collective Action

In the belly of the political beast in DC, grassroots organizers gathered at AFL-CIO headquarters to discuss collective action under Trump, beyond the beltway. Activists representing teachers, housekeepers, graduate students, and airline workers talked about union power in the wake of the Janus decision and keeping hope alive for the next generation of young labor leaders.

Rebuilding Power in Open-Shop America: A Labor Notes Guide

The moment you may have been dreading arrived June 27, when the Supreme Court imposed the open shop on the public sector nationwide with its decision in Janus v. AFSCME District 31.

Despite setbacks and high court’s ruling, unions show spark

Their membership has been declining for decades. They’ve been bedeviled by crippling new laws, and by a devastating U.S. Supreme Court decision just this week. From all appearances, it would seem that labor unions are an endangered species.

But here’s the surprise: Organized labor is showing new signs of life.

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AFL-CIO Blog

Upcoming Events

Take Action

Defend the Fair Share Amendment

Wealthy corporate executives and their lobbyists have filed a legal challenge to keep Fair Share Amendment off the ballot. They don’t want to pay a little more to make investments in our transportation and public education systems. If they win the lawsuit, they will take away your right to vote on the Fair Share Amendment in 2018. We’re confident that the Fair Share Amendment will withstand this legal challenge, but the corporate lobbyists want to keep it tied up in court - please sign the petition to add your voice in defense of the Fair Share Amendment

Sign the Petition

Training: Internal Organizing in a Post-Janus World

In a post-Janus world, public sector unions find themselves in a national Right to Work environment, and the private sector may not be far behind. Training participants will learn important internal organizing skills to navigate this new landscape and develop a strategic next step for their union. Thursday, July 26, dinner at 5:30 followed by the training program 6-9pm. Christ Church United, UCC 180 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell MA

Open to all union members, including leaders, staff, stewards, & building reps from the public or private sector. 

Register Now