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This week, we're thrilled to spotlight Shay Blodgett, an unwavering advocate, a proud third-generation union member, and a relentless defender of the rights of working individuals. Born in Michigan, Shay's journey into the labor movement began in the warmth of a union household, where the values of solidarity propelled her into a lifelong commitment to the cause. 

In 1989, Shay ventured to Arizona to pursue her education at Arizona State University, where she laid the academic groundwork for her future endeavors, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1995, she joined the IAM-AW upon employment with Alaska Airlines in Phoenix, AZ, marking the beginning of her impactful journey within the labor movement.

Since 1997, Shay has been deeply engaged in union activities, steadily climbing the ladder of leadership. Serving as a  Shop Steward since 1999. In 2007, Shay took on the crucial role of Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, accumulating a wealth of expertise and earning several esteemed certifications (CEAP, LAP-C, SAP, CCISM).

Shay's unwavering dedication caught the attention of the IAM General Vice President, who personally selected her to contribute to the IAM Transportation Department Critical Incident Response Team in 2017. Throughout her tenure, Shay's dedication has been evident, as she served as Recording Secretary from 2008 to 2013 and resumed the position in 2023. Additionally, she fulfilled the role of local lodge educator from 2016 to 2019, demonstrating her commitment to fostering knowledge and growth within her community.

Originally starting as a member of the local lodge legislative committee, Shay's passion for shaping policies that uplift workers propelled her into leadership roles. Elected as Vice President of the Arizona State Council of Machinists- Transportation, and subsequently ascending to the esteemed position of President, Shay has been instrumental in guiding the council's advocacy efforts. Arizona State Council of Machinists serves as a powerful advocate for labor rights, engaging in crucial state and federal legislative discussions to champion worker-friendly policies. Through their unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of working people, Shay and the council strive to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

She enjoys getting involved and having a say in the election process. From interviewing and endorsing candidates to meeting with elected officials to discuss matters affecting her membership and all working families, she collaborates closely with the Arizona AFL-CIO, and its Area Labor Federations (MALF & PALF), on all matters affecting labor.

When she's not standing up for the rights of her fellow workers, you'll find Shay exploring new destinations and spending time with her loyal rescue dog, Roxie. So join us in celebrating Shay Blodgett, a shining example of what it means to lead with heart and purpose in the fight for a fairer, brighter future for all.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIONS

1st Annual Arizona Cesar E. Chavez + Dolores Huerta March & Rally and Car Show

 

The Arizona César E. Chávez + Dolores Huerta Holiday Coalition invites you to join! Gather at 8:30 AM at Pueblo High School to march at 9 AM where you will end at Rudy Garcia for a Rally with speakers, music, tabling, and food! 

 

They will also be hosting their first-ever car show and raffle!  Support their fundraiser by buying a raffle ticket and voting for your favorite car. If that car wins, your name will be drawn for a raffle prize! All proceeds go towards their first ever Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Scholarship! 

 

There will be shuttles from Garcia Park to the march site from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM if you wish to leave your car at the destination.

Protect Tipped Workers: Oppose SCR 1040 NOW! 

 

Tipped workers across Arizona face a critical threat to their livelihoods, and they urgently need your support. SCR 1040 poses a grave danger, casting a shadow over the financial security of these hardworking individuals.

In 2016, voters approved The Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act (Proposition 206), a vital step toward ensuring fair treatment for all workers, including tipped employees.SCR 1040 now looms, potentially eroding the hard-won progress of fair compensation for workers.

We urge you to take action now by writing to your legislators. Stand in solidarity with tipped workers by opposing the SCR 1040. Your voice matters, and together, we can protect the rights and dignity of hardworking individuals who rely on tips to make ends meet.

Tell Law360 to Stop Breaking the Law 

 

Last Friday, LexisNexis-owned Law360 unlawfully laid off 26 of our coworkers – roughly 10% of our newsroom! This is appalling behavior from a company whose brand is built on covering the law. Today, we’re walking out to hold management accountable for their unlawful actions against their own workers. Join us in demanding that management reinstate our co-workers and bargain any job cuts as part of a complete contract.

Retirement Advisers Should Be Required to Act in Customers' Best Interests

 

Hardworking Americans lose billions of dollars every year from bad retirement advice, and unbelievably, retirement advisers are not required to act in their customers' best interests. 

 

Your House and Senate members are hearing from the Wall Street smear machine, but they need to hear from working people like you. Will you take two minutes to call your members and urge them to support a strong fiduciary rule? 

Protect Unemployment Benefits in Arizona- Say NO to HB2592

 

A concerning bill that threatens unemployment benefits to Arizonans. HB2592 proposes cutting the number of benefit weeks for unemployment insurance (UI) recipients in Arizona. If passed, this bill will amplify housing instability, hunger, and economic insecurity. 

 

Write your Representative today uring them to vote NO on HB2592. 

Arizona AFL-CIO Building Bridges: Free Citizenship Fair 

 

Join us in facilitating the process of obtaining citizenship for the more than 200,000 eligible Arizonans! The Arizona AFL-CIO is proud to offer the first Citizenship Fair in which applicants will be helped in the process of completing their paperwork and submitting their applications with the help of our amazing Labor affiliates and community partners. Please feel free to share and distribute this flyer and/or information about this Citizenship fair to potentially interested members/individuals/communities! 

2024 Legislative Committee Meeting Alerts - AZ AFL-CIO 

 

Join us every Friday at 9:30 AM via Zoom to get updates and alerts on the 2nd Regular Session of the 56th Legislature. Click on the button below and complete the form. 

 

For additional questions, contact our Political Director, Joe Murphy at [email protected].  

 

OPINION

 

NATIONAL NEWS

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

AARA's 6th Annual Celebrating Women in Organized Labor

Last Friday we join AARA to honor Women's History Month by celebrating women from UFCW Local 99, Unite Here Local 11, and APFA who represent front-line workers! 

 

Celebrating Women's History Month

 
 

Thank you for reading the Arizona Labor Dispatch! Can you help us grow our readership by sharing our sign-up form? 

If you'd like to promote an event for your union in our weekly newsletter, fill out our submission form or email AZ AFL-CIO  Communications & Operations Director Alina Cordoba at [email protected]