IUE-CWA Members Across the Country Demand Essential Worker Pay

In the wake of the pandemic, IUE-CWA members have found themselves on the frontlines of this crisis, keeping our economy moving and providing essential supplies and services. Many IUE-CWA locals have started campaigns to demand pay that rewards their work during the pandemic:

• The presidents of IUE-CWA Locals 86821, 82160, 84913, and 81495 jointly drafted a letter requesting essential worker pay at Hubbell Inc. for their members. Thanks to strong pressure from local presidents and members, the union won wage increases for the whole 2nd quarter of 2020.
   
• IUE-CWA Local 84848 in Evansville, Ind., put pressure on Escalade Sports to get them to implement a two week paid shut down to make safety changes, and workers were awarded essential worker pay when they returned to the shop.
   
• Joining forces with other ABB unions, including UE and UAW, IUE-CWA Local 83799 and every other ABB local issued a joint letter to ABB's national management demanding essential worker pay.
   
• At IUE-CWA Local 84725 in Sidney, Ohio, members at Emerson Climate Controls have demanded hazard pay by submitting a written petition to their employer. They submitted over 700 signatures – getting nearly 100% participation in the petition from their membership!

Through organizing around essential worker pay, IUE-CWA members across the country are building workplace power. The best way to build power and to win is to organize! For ideas on how to organize around important issues in your workplace, visit the Mobilization Toolbox at www.iue-cwa.org/covid19.