John,

On Monday, January 12, Arizona lawmakers, leaders, and community members gathered at the State Capitol to officially open the Second Regular Session of the 57th Arizona Legislature — and with that came the annual State of the State Address delivered by Governor Katie Hobbs.

For those who may not be familiar, the State of the State is more than just a speech. It’s our governor’s annual report to Arizonans and to the Legislature about where our state stands economically, socially, and politically, and it sets the tone for the year ahead. Traditionally delivered on the opening day of the legislative session, the address outlines the Governor’s vision, priorities, and proposals that will shape the policy debates this year.

This year’s address came at an especially important moment. Lawmakers filed hundreds of bills before the session even began, from tax policy to education and water planning. And with legislative elections and major government offices on the ballot later this year, Governor Hobbs’ remarks were watched closely.

From a labor perspective, her message was clear: Arizona workers and working families matter. Governor Hobbs centered her speech on the theme of affordability — lowering the cost of living, cutting taxes for the middle class, and reducing the burden on hard‑working families — and she emphasized that these aren’t partisan issues, but real challenges facing real people in our communities.

Here’s what stood out most for our movement:

• Middle‑Class Tax Relief: The Governor called for a tax cut package that would put hundreds of millions of dollars back into the pockets of workers, including cuts on overtime and tips.

• Affordability Initiatives: She proposed new funds to tackle utility and housing costs that weigh heavily on working families, including a plan to help folks pay utility bills and expand access to affordable housing.

• Economic Growth Built for Everyone: While celebrating jobs created and investments coming to Arizona, Governor Hobbs repeatedly reminded us that a strong economy must work for workers, not just corporations.

• Bipartisan Cooperation: In a Republican‑led Legislature, she stressed that good ideas can come from either side of the aisle — but the real test is whether lawmakers deliver results that make life better for families.

The State of the State is a roadmap for where our state is headed this year. For Arizona’s labor movement, we’ll be watching closely as that roadmap turns into concrete policies. 

Fred Yamashita

Secretary-Treasurer

Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

TUNE IN: 2026 MLK Conference Live Stream

Tune in as we reflect, learn, and prepare to fight for the future of working families and civil rights, carrying Dr. King's legacy forward. You can follow along from any internet-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Here's the streaming schedule for aflcio.tv, TheMLKConference.org, and  social media platforms:

• Saturday, Jan. 17: 9 a.m.–noon ET
• Sunday, Jan. 18: 9:30–11 a.m. ET and again from 6:15–9 p.m. ET

Representing Arizona’s Women in Labor – CLUW Town Hall

Join The Greater Western Arizona Coalition of Labor Union Women for a free, educational town hall on Saturday, January 31st, in Tucson. This event will uplift women leaders in labor and community advocacy while highlighting the power of women’s leadership in our movement. Doors open at 12:30 PM with light refreshments. Open to all.

Featured Speakers

• Adelita S. Grijalva – U.S. Representative (CD7) & Community Advocate
• Miranda Schubert – Tucson City Council Member (Ward 6), Union Member & Community Advocate
• Selina Barajas – Community Advocate & Urban Planner

Union Golf Tournament Supporting Apprenticeship Training

The Tucson Electrical Apprenticeship Golf Tournament tees off Friday, March 20, 2026, at Forty Niners Golf Club in Tucson. This four-person scramble supports the Tucson Electrical Apprenticeship Program and features raffle prizes, a Bloody Mary bar, and a $15,000 hole-in-one prize. Golfers and sponsors are welcome, but space is limited and registration is due by March 1. For details or sponsorship opportunities, contact Mike Tallis at [email protected].

CALL: Tell the Senate to Pass the Protect America's Workforce Act

The House of Representatives has passed the bill with a bipartisan majority. Now it's the Senate's turn. We need every Senator, Republican, Democrat, and Independent, who says they support America's unions to vote for the Protect America's Workforce Act and restore federal workers' union rights. 

So let's get this done. It's time to restore federal workers' collective bargaining rights and protect ALL union members' rights in this country. Urge your senators to co-sponsor the Protect America's Workforce Act. 

Support Arizona Charter School Workers' Right to Organize

Teachers and staff at City High School and Paulo Freire Freedom School announced their intent to form a union at a December Charter School Board meeting. In response, the board’s governing organization, City Center for Collaborative Learning, hired Littler Mendelson—an out-of-state law firm known for union-busting—and pursued costly legal action.

The board is arguing that charter school employees should not have the right to unionize or bargain collectively through a federally supervised election. If successful, this case could set a precedent that threatens organizing and bargaining rights for charter school workers across Arizona.

Littler Mendelson has also been used by corporations like Starbucks and Amazon to block workers from securing first contracts. Critics say public education funds should support students and educators—not efforts to undermine workers’ right to organize.

Sign The Petition, Tell Senator Kelly, Working People Have Your Back!

Senator Mark Kelly has always stood with Arizona’s working families — now he’s facing an unprecedented and baseless attack on his service and integrity. As a veteran and lifelong champion for workers, he deserves our solidarity. Add your name to show Senator Kelly that working people have his back.

No Contract, No Coffee Pledge

Call on Starbucks CEO, Brian Niccol to bargain a fair contract with Starbucks Workers United baristas. Show support for Starbucks baristas in their fight for a union and a fair contract, and pledge not to cross the picket line.

Union Events and Action

We want to uplift what you are doing for our members and our community!

Please fill out all the required information to have your Local's event uploaded to our Arizona AFL-CIO website or featured in our next Labor Dispatch. If you have any questions please reach out to Alina Cordoba, Communications & Operations Director at [email protected].

Arizona AFL-CIO Legislative Committee Meetings

The Arizona 2026 Legislative Session begins on Monday, January 12th. As always, the Arizona AFL-CIO will be advocating for working families every step of the way.  We will be providing support on consensus issues of our affiliates, opposing legislation that attacks workers, and supporting ongoing efforts to ensure worker safety on the job. 

To make sure union members are prepared, we invite you to join us every Friday at 9:30 AM via Zoom. These weekly meetings are an opportunity to learn about key issues being discussed, understand what's happening at the Capitol, and ensure that your voices are heard in the decision-making process. 

January 16th Legislative Committee Meeting Recap

Union Workers Build Better Lives and Communities

"The union affords us a voice on the job. Our solidarity earns us respectful treatment from management, ensures equitable opportunities for all, and fuels our commitment to activism outside the plant gate."

Last Month in Oregon Labor | A Call for the Labor Movement to Join the Fight for Affordable Housing and Renters' Rights

"The labor movement has always played a key role in homelessness prevention, but even as unions strive to create job security and increase wages for all, unabated rent increases, health care inequality and inflation outpace our efforts."

WNBA Players Union Blasts League for 'Undervaluing' Players and 'Running out the clock' as CBA Expires

"'Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue,' the union said in a statement Friday."

The NewsGuild Strongly Condemns FBI's Raid of Washington Post Reporter's Home

"The NewsGuild-CWA has joined two lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security after agents assaulted journalists and peaceful protestors. A federal judge enjoined DHS agents in a September ruling blocking DHS from brutalizing journalists, legal observers and protestors."

Union Leaders Celebrate Palomino Solar Groundbreaking

"Leadership from three local labor unions, The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 575, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 83, and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 18, are celebrating the official start of construction on the Palomino Solar Energy Project in Highland County. The 200 MWAC facility marks a major win for skilled labor and local community investment, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs, world-class apprenticeship and training opportunities, and approximately $1.8 million in annual property tax revenue to the county."

Nearly 15,000 Nurses Go On Strike at Top New York City Hospitals

"Members of the New York State Nurses Association are walking out Monday in what their union says is the largest nursing strike in New York City history."

'It's a slap in everybody's face': Union Responds to Effort to Close Eastlake Plant

"Conn Selmer announced it is negotiating the closure of its Eastlake plant to move jobs to Indiana and overseas."

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 Festivals, Celebration, and Parades Across the Valley

"If you're interested in observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, here are some events taking place across the Valley in the days leading up to January 19, as well as on the holiday itself."

These Arizonans Are Feeling the Squeeze as ACA Subsidies Disappear

"When Eric Kurland logged onto the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace on Nov. 1, 2025 to enter his information for open enrollment, he knew it was going to be bad—but once he saw the estimated premium as over $2,200 a month, he felt like he was going into a cold sweat."

Pressure Mounts at Capitol to Extend Proposition 123

"The debate surrounding Proposition 123, the now-lapsed education funding mechanism drawing dollars from the state land trust fund, has reemerged as a slow scramble to compromise this session. What’s more, there is no complete plan from the Republican majority, Democrats, the governor or the broad spectrum of education groups on how to continue funding raises for Arizona’s teachers."

ASU Dining Workers Hold 'Welcome Back' Picket at Tempe Campus, Warn Workers Could Strike at Any Moment

"The escalation came after ASU dining hall workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, escalating their fight with Aramark. With their contract expired and negotiations ongoing, workers warn that they could walk out at any moment if the company fails to reach a fair agreement."

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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]