Teamsters, Local 251: DHLNH is on Strike
DHLNH is a subcontractor for DHL Express.

BUILDING BASEBALLThe Woonsocket Little League Scores with a State-of-the-Art Concession Stand and Press Box Built by the Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council, its Union Partners including Gilbane Construction and the Pawtucket Red Sox.
It was an extra special Opening Day at Napolean “Nap” Lajoie Field for the Woonsocket Little League this April. Not only was the weather picture perfect, so was the ballpark with its brand new addition – a 600-square-foot concession stand and press box worth an estimated $300,000. The official unveiling of the facility took place during a ribbon cutting ceremony following the little league’s player parade and ceremonial first pitch. -READ MORE
An excellent Commentary piece in Tuesday’s Providence Journal by Matthew Taibi, principal officer for the Rhode Island Teamsters.
Providence Journal: My Turn: Matthew Taibi: Film tax credit produces R.I. jobs
It’s all about spin. Earlier this month, a short-sighted report from the Rhode Island Revenue Department generated fabricated stories about film tax credits that will mistakenly lead lawmakers and the public to believe the Rhode Island production tax incentive program may be a waste of money.
They couldn’t be more wrong, and I feel compelled to speak out to tell the real story.
I represent transportation workers whose livelihood is dependent on the Rhode Island film industry. They are among hundreds of behind-the-scenes workers who make television and motion picture projects run smoothly. The production industry in Rhode Island supports workers in the state, including those who cater meals, run on-set electricity, lay carpet, sew wardrobes and build sets, along with a myriad of other jobs. -READ MORE
WPRI 12: Providence pays firefighters $6.1M to finalize OT settlement
The book is officially closed on a years-long dispute between the city of Providence and its firefighters now that the city paid $6.1 million to settle state and federal lawsuits regarding overtime payments in recent years.
Victor Morente, a spokesperson for the Elorza administration, confirmed more than 450 current or former firefighters received payments ranging from $10.16 to $51,672 earlier this month. The city initially planned to pay the settlement over two years, but Morente said the payments were made “in one lump sum.”
The average recipient was paid just under $13,500 before taxes based on the number of hours worked, although the majority of the city’s newest firefighters received less than $1,000, according to a list of payouts obtained through a public records request. Twenty-seven firefighters were paid more than $30,000. -READ MORE
AFL-CIO: Celebrating Workers on May Day: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here’s a look at the broad range of activities we’re engaged in this week. -READ MORE
AFL-CIO: Letter Carriers’ ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Drive is May 12

Doing your part in the food drive is super easy. Before our regular mail pickup on May 12, leave bags of non-perishable food items by your mailbox. Letter carriers pick up the bags and deliver the food to local food agencies with the help of retired letter carriers, other postal employees and countless volunteers. -WATCH VIDEO & READ MORE
KITCHEN TABLE ECONOMICS
1,821: The total number of federal and state safety inspectors responsible for inspecting the country’s 9 million workplaces.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame
54th Annual Banquet and Induction Ceremony
Nine Honorees including James Riley, Retired Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW, Local 328
When: Saturday, May 5 @ 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, RI
Details: 5:00 p.m. Cocktail reception; 6:00 p.m. Banquet; 7:15 p.m. Induction Ceremony; 9 p.m. closing remarks. Call or email: (401) 556-6174 or somravanh@gmail.com.
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CLUW (Coalition of Labor Union Women) RI Chapter meeting
When: Monday, May 7: Refreshments will be served at 4 p.m. and meeting starts at 4:30
Where: Rhode Island AFL-CIO, 194 Smith St. Providence, RI
Details: Get involved. New members welcomed. Contact Maureen Martin at MMartin@riaflcio.org for more information. Website
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Institute for Labor Studies and Research Annual Awards Dinner
When: Thursday, May 17 @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: Twin River Casino, Lincoln, RI
Details: Recognition of the Institutes’ program graduates, as well as awards which recognize outstanding service to workers and their families are presented at this event. Included in these awards are graduates of work-site education and training programs; GED and ESL students; Leadership for a Future program graduates; and Eagle Award winners. For more information contact ILSR (401) 463-9900 or visit Website.
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Fourth Annual Solidarity Ride
Hosted by IBEW Local 99 and Local 2323
When: Sunday, May 20th; Registration starts at 9 a.m.; Ride starts at 11:00 a.m.
Where: 22 Amflex Drive, Cranston
Details: 100% net proceeds will go directly to Veterans Honor Flight, RI Military Organization, and RI Chapter American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Plenty of family events for non-riders: Cookout, Snacks, Live Band, Face Painting, etc. MORE INFORMATION
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3rd Annual George “Bing” Fogarty Memorial Foundation Golf Tournament
When: Friday, June 1
Where: Exeter Country Club
Details: Participate, sponsor, donate raffle prizes and/or donate to the Bing Fogarty Memorial Foundation. Contact Phil Fogarty via E-mail at gphilfog3@cox.net or call (401) 932-3642 for more information. Let’s continue to honor the memory of a “labor giant” and help some well deserved charities in the process.
THIS WEEK IN LABOR HISTORY
Union Review:

THIS WEEK ON LABOR VISION: