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This Labor Day, we’re reflecting on the strength and solidarity union members have shown throughout the past year.

Despite lopsided labor laws, an anti-union administration and a rollback of rights, workers across the country are forming unions with OPEIU and winning the contracts they deserve. Workers at hospitals, credit unions, public utilities, record labels, tech companies, nonprofits, colleges and universities and other industries are coming together in union despite the odds.

We look forward to continuing to build union power across industries in pursuit of economic, racial and social justice at work and in our communities. May you and your loved ones have a wonderful Labor Day.

Washington, D.C. — The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, is proud to receive the 2025 Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award from the Jobs with Justice Education Fund. The award, presented annually by Jobs with Justice, honors Roosevelt’s legacy by recognizing workers and their unions who are advancing the fight for economic, racial and social justice at work and in their communities. 

“We, the workers of Sesame Workers Union, are overjoyed to receive this incredible award and want to thank Jobs with Justice for this honor.” Sarah Beck-Hill, a senior manager at Sesame Workshop, said. “Our union campaign reflects the care and commitment we foster every day in our work to help families everywhere, and by forming this union, that includes our own.

“Our union and this award is a testament to the impact that can be made when we care for our community, address our needs, and uplift and support one another to become smarter, stronger and kinder together,” Beck-Hill said.

Members of the press are invited to attend. Interview opportunities available.

WHO:      IRC Workers Unite-OPEIU (IRCWU) members employed at 13 unionized International Rescue Committee locations fighting for a fair contract.

WHERE: International Rescue Committee Headquarters 
                122 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10168 

WHEN:  Monday, August 25, 2025
                8 AM ET

RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/irc-workers-unite-rally-for-a-fair-contract?source=direct_link&

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will bring their fight for better working conditions within the Video Relay Service (VRS) industry – a critical, legally mandated service that allows Deaf people to communicate with the hearing world – to Chicago on Aug. 8. ASL interpreters, who are unionizing with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, will be conducting an informational picket outside the headquarters of Ariel Investments, majority owner of Sorenson Communications, one of the largest providers of VRS service in the United States. 

Interview opportunities are available. Please contact us if you would like to speak with these interpreters to hear their personal stories and learn about the impact their working conditions have on the quality of VRS services for Deaf users.