Latest news with #bluecollarworkers
Khaleej Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE summer: How to volunteer to hand out cold juices and frozen treats to workers
UAE residents have the opportunity to bring a smile to the face of blue-collar workers this summer. As part of the Al Freej Fridge campaign that aims to distribute ice creams and drinks among workers, the general public is being offered the chance to volunteer their services. Volunteering in the UAE is highly encouraged, with some even being offered the Golden Visa for their selfless service. 'We put out a call for volunteers just two days ago and we already have more than 80 people signing up,' said Alia Al Shamlan, Director of Ferjan Dubai. 'To ensure that we give everyone a chance, we will consider one volunteer sign up for a single chance. Only if we are unable to find other volunteers will we give anyone a repeat chance.' Supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), Ferjan Dubai, in collaboration with the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia) and the UAE Food Bank, launched the second edition of the Al Freej Fridge campaign on June 23. The initiative, which aims to distribute 2 million bottles of cold water, juices, and frozen treats, will run for 58 days at various locations around the city. Volunteering options According to Alia, there are different ways in which the public can volunteer for the initiative. 'We have six ice cream trucks which will travel around the city,' she said. 'Residents can volunteer to travel on these and hand out items to the workers. In addition to that, residents can also come forward to drive around in their own private vehicle to distribute these juices and frozen treats. We will provide them with a cooler and the items to be handed out.' Apart from this, residents can also volunteer for the Freej Fridge programme and buy refreshments on their own to distribute. 'We want to make sure that the programme reaches all parts of Dubai where workers are there,' she said. 'Opening the programme out to the community will help do that.' She added that residents who register, using the sign-up sheet on the Ferjan Dubai social media account, will be given a sticker to put on their cars and a volunteer jacket to clearly identify them as being part of the initiative. Volunteers can choose between two shifts of 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm on several dates in July and August. The initiative, which received an overwhelmingly positive response in its first edition last year, returned with the support of several entities. This year, it is aiming to offer respite to workers from several different location across the emirate.
CBS News
05-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
As negotiations continue between District Council 33, city of Philadelphia, here's what we know so far
After Philadelphia's AFSCME District Council 33 went on strike Tuesday, July 1, CBS News Philadelphia has published dozens of articles, videos and social media posts documenting the labor talks and what the city and union are saying about the strike. DC 33 represents nearly 9,000 blue-collar city workers and is the city's largest blue-collar worker union. Members of DC 33 work within the sanitation and water departments, as well as in roles such as 911 dispatchers, crossing guards, morgue employees, airport staff and more. If you haven't been following along or want a refresher, CBS News Philadelphia has been following these labor talks since 2024. Here's a timeline of what we know about the last year leading up to the Philly union workers' strike. October 17, 2024 DC 33 president Greg Boulware sends a letter to workers stating that the city of Philadelphia failed to put together a "comprehensive" proposal for union members. The proposal increased workers' paychecks on average by $50 per pay period, according to Boulware. "Their proposal addresses none of the many other issues that our members face on a daily basis," Boulware wrote at the time. "This was NOT a good faith negotiation. It was 'Take this and be happy.'" October 30, 2024 DC 33 workers protest outside Tarik Jackson, a union worker, took aim at Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's "One Philly" messaging outside City Hall as workers marched the streets. "This supposed to be 'One Philly,' right? We're not being treated like One Philly," Jackson said. "We all want to be treated the same way. We need good, decent pay. That's what we all out here for. We shouldn't have to work two jobs." November 14, 2024 District Council 33 votes to authorize November 22, 2024 DC 33 reaches a one-year contract extension with the city June 10, 2025 DC 33 holds strike authorization vote, seeking an improved contract and changes to health care and pension plans. June 12, 2025 DC 33 speaks out after authorizing a strike. "It is our full intention to let the city of Philadelphia know that if we don't have an extension in place by the end of the term on June 30, we have every intention of walking out the door and making sure the city of Philadelphia understands how vital our people are," Boulware said. June 26, 2025 DC 33 members meet to discuss plans June 30, 2025 The city and DC 33 hold morning negotiations DC 33 is seeking an 8% pay increase every year for four years and health care benefits for all employees. DC 33 comes together for a solidarity rally at City Hall featuring chants and signs. The blue-collar union workers plan to strike at midnight. The city holds a press conference reemphasizing its desire to stay at the table and negotiate a plan. They also reiterate their contingency plans if a strike were to occur, including trash drop-off locations and plans to send police officers to help staff the 911 dispatch center. July 1, 2025 Philadelphia's largest blue-collar union goes on strike for the first time since 1986. There are no residential trash pickup services Mayor Parker reiterates her four-year contract offer of about 3% each year, for a total of 13%. Sixty-three trash drop-off locations are set up for residents to get rid of their garbage on their designated trash day. July 2, 2025 Day two of the strike ensues, and trash piles grow in Philadelphia at temporary dump sites established by the city. The city and union reenter negotiations but leave without a new contract. A judge orders Union members refuse to accept a deal less than a 5% pay increase each year. Members are also accused of vandalism and disorderly conduct. Striking union member Carnell Wilder is arrested for slashing the tires Philadelphians begin to grow tired of the growing trash at drop-off sites. July 3, 2025 July 4, 2025 "I've communicated with the mayor multiple times. I know she has put an aggressive package on the table. I believe the best package that's been put on the table in decades," Shapiro said. "I have confidence in Mayor Parker to see this through and to find a way to resolve these differences, to pay a fair wage, and to ensure the good people of Philadelphia get the benefits of the great work that DC 33 members provide our city every day." Jazmine Sullivan headliner Wawa Welcome America concert, states that she will also not perform, following LL Cool J's announcement a day earlier. July 5, 2025 By Sydney-Leigh Brockington
CBS News
30-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
What happens to trash pickup in Philadelphia if city workers go on strike? What to know as DC 33 strike looms
Employees with AFSCME District Council 33, Philadelphia's largest blue-collar workers union, could go on strike Tuesday morning at 12:01 a.m. if representatives do not reach a deal with the city by then. That includes many Department of Sanitation workers who pick up trash from Philadelphians' homes. Starting Tuesday morning, if workers are on strike, Mayor Cherelle Parker says city residents should not put their trash and recycling out on the curb. Residents can take their trash to one of 63 temporary locations that will open in the event of a strike. The mayor said the list would be available on the city's website, and residents should bring their garbage on their regular collection days. She said the city will open more locations if needed. "Obviously, this is the topic that is on everyone's minds today. How will the city dispose of my trash if there's a work stoppage? If there is a work stoppage, the Department of Sanitation will be operating on what we refer to as a modified capacity," Parker said during a press conference Monday. "There will be no residential trash collection or recycling effective Tuesday, July 1. We encourage residents, and we ask you to please refrain from placing any trash or recycling out for curbside collection until further notice." Street sweeping, bulk collection and clean block Saturdays will stop if a strike happens, officials said. Recycling will only be collected at sanitation convenience centers. A list of sanitation convenience centers is on the city's website. DC 33 includes about 9,000 blue-collar city workers from the streets, water and sanitation departments, as well as police dispatch and airport operations. The union is seeking an 8% pay increase every year for four years and health care benefits for all employees. Parker claimed over the weekend that the city offered a more than 12% wage increase over her four-year term to the table — and kept health care coverage intact. She said the city will continue to come to the table. Photos from the last time this union went on strike in 1986 show trash piled up in the street.
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Denmark to raise retirement age to 70
Denmark will raise its retirement age to 70 by 2040, the highest in Europe, after a controversial vote in parliament. The increase in retirement age was approved in the country's legislature, with 81 votes in favour and 21 against. The age of retirement has been tied to life expectancy in Denmark – currently 81.7 years – since 2006, with the government raising the threshold every five years. Under the Danish system, the retirement age will rise from 67 to 68 in 2030, and then 69 in 2035, and finally to 70 in 2040. The retirement age of 70 will only apply to Danes born after Dec 31, 1970. Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, has admitted that the sliding scale for retirement is not sustainable, and that a new system will eventually need to replace it. 'We no longer believe that the retirement age should be increased automatically,' she said. 'You can't just keep saying that people have to work a year longer.' Danish workers reacted with scorn to the new rules, warning that they would be particularly tough for blue-collar workers in physically demanding jobs. '[It's] unrealistic and unreasonable,' roofer Tommas Jensen, 47, told public broadcaster DR. 'We work and work and work, but we can't keep going.' He added: 'I've paid my taxes all my life. There should also be time to be with children and grandchildren.'
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Valor Tax Relief Announces Strategic Focus on Supporting 1099 Workers and Blue-Collar Americans Facing IRS Pressure
Valor Tax Relief is a Los Angeles-based firm that helps individuals resolve tax issues through personalized, transparent service. With a team of licensed professionals, the company assists clients dealing with IRS collections, audits, and unfiled returns. Its approach centers on clear communication, fixed pricing, and legal solutions tailored to each case. The aim is to simplify complex tax challenges and guide people toward resolution. Huntington Beach, California--(Newsfile Corp. - May 8, 2025) - As tax debt levels rise across the country, a growing number of independent workers are experiencing increased scrutiny from the IRS. Contractors, truck drivers, and other self-employed Americans are among those most affected, often facing penalties and enforcement actions without access to the resources typically available to traditional employees. In response, Valor Tax Relief is focusing its services on this overlooked workforce segment. The company notes that many of these workers operate under 1099 contracts, which means they are responsible for handling their own tax filings and estimated payments. Without employer withholding or regular financial support, tax obligations can easily slip through the cracks. As a result, Valor Tax Relief has seen an increase in cases involving wage garnishments, tax liens, and payment demands that many blue-collar workers struggle to manage. To address the issue, the firm has announced the implementation of a system that begins with a formal investigation of each client's tax situation, followed by a recommendation of possible legal resolutions such as installment agreements, offer in compromise submissions, or penalty relief. Valor's team has said it will include enrolled agents and tax professionals licensed to represent clients before the IRS, emphasizing tailored guidance based on individual financial circumstances. 'We don't sugarcoat it. We solve it,' says CEO, Karim Hanna. 'A lot of these workers were never shown how to navigate self-employment taxes, and now they're dealing with the consequences. Our role is to help them take back control,' he adds. With enforcement efforts expected to increase in the coming months, Valor Tax Relief is working to raise awareness among independent earners about the importance of early intervention. The company continues to focus its resources on those who often lack access to legal tax support. It aims at reducing the long-term impact of unresolved debt among working-class Americans. About Valor Tax Relief: Valor Tax Relief offers professional tax resolution services for individuals facing audits, debt, or unfiled returns. The firm's team of licensed experts provides clear, straightforward guidance with a focus on honest assessments and practical solutions. By prioritizing transparency and fixed pricing, Valor helps clients better understand their options and move toward resolving their tax obligations with confidence and clarity. Contact Information: Company: Valor Tax Relief Contact: Karim Hanna About: Email: [email protected] Phone: 877-814-2398 Location: Huntington Beach, CA To view the source version of this press release, please visit
