Works Initiative News | Worker Wellness & Career Opportunities

Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 11

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of December 11, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how suicide deaths increased in 2022—especially when it comes to elderly men—to the matter of the Sacklers bankruptcy move to protect their personal assets now landing before the US Supreme Court to how a small medical trial shows some promise for people who suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) by means of an implanted electronic stimulation device. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of PISA test scores. Earlier this week, the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development) released the findings from the Program for International Student Assessment in 2022. In general, this is a test that samples 15-year-olds’ subject matter knowledge (reading, science, and math) in nearly 40 counties across the globe. The OECD last tested students in 2018. Needless to say, COVID-19 is suspected to have played a large role in the decline in learning among most countries’ students with the exception of Canada, Estonia, and Japan (all of which saw improvement in each subject area). More specifically, while US students held their own when it came to reading and science their math scores decreased by 13 points (20 points is considered to be equivalent to a year’s worth of learning)…ranking the US 28^th out of 37. So, why is this topic important to us as an industry, community, or nation? Because experts suggest that math nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills…essential for children’s mental development. In essence, decreases in our students’ math scores may not only put our nation at a competitive technological disadvantage but can also result in overwhelming implications for mental health. If the pandemic has taught us a few lessons, one is that those in the workforce development space can no longer afford to silo hard skills and soft skills!

Sources: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2022-results-volume-i_53f23881-en

https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2022-results-volume-ii_a97db61c-en

Children / War / Trauma

MH during the Holidays

2022: Record for Suicide Deaths

Guns & Suicide

Elderly Men & Suicide

MH / Pilots / License

Scotland & MH

Opioid Epidemic / Treatment / Racial Disparity

US Senate & Opioid Legislation

Addiction & Cinema

US Treasury on Fentanyl & Mexico-China

US Treasury on Fentanyl & Mexico

Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (1)

Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (2)

Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (3)

Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (4)

Sacklers / Bankruptcy / US Supreme Court (5)

Fentanyl / AI / Border Patrol

Are states striving to distribute Narcan?

ATL bars & Narcan

Canada & Narcan

Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 4

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of December 4, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how people can learn to grow after experiencing trauma (PTG) to the important roles that women play in the workforce to how AI (artificial intelligence) can serve both good and evil in our society. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of child labor. Have you ever considered to how our love for sweets—specifically chocolate—might fuel the child labor “industry” in developing countries? Sadly, one does not need to look overseas to find politicians and companies fueling this desire to exploit children…all in the name of cheap labor. Recently, the state of Florida placed into consideration the lowering of the legal age one can be to work on a construction job site. This is a flagrant violation of the federal rules under the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) which prohibits 16-year-olds from performing tasks deemed too dangerous…like ROOFING. If one looks closer at the FL proposal (SB460), it does not take too much to uncover the bait-and-switch at hand. Wrapping this legislation in the need to address a worker shortage is nothing short of duplicity…furthermore, it comes at a very high price. One that Frances Perkins confronted over 100 years ago!* To suggest that minors with OSHA 10 certifications perform commercial and residential roofing work, as long as a worker who is 21 or older with two years of experience and the same certification supervises undermines both US-DOL safety and apprenticeship protocols long-established across the USA. Case in point, it takes a skilled roofer ~4 years to complete a registered apprenticeship program. Last I checked, current US child labor laws only allow for exceptions when someone under the age of 18—working in/around dangerous settings—be under CONSTANT supervision of a SKILLED tradesperson. So, once again, I ask: When will those who are trusted with the care of our future STOP putting profits over people?

Sources: www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/children-harvesting-cocoa-used-by-major-corporations-ghana/

www.constructiondive.com/news/florida-bill-minors-roofing-work/700823/

*https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha/40-years/trianglefactoryfire

https://rooferslocal2.com/apprenticeship.aspx

A Mom’s War Against Opioids

Combatting opioid ODs w/ Narcan

Pushing to mandate Narcan on US commercial flights

URGENT: We need YOUR voice!

MH / Hair Salons / Africa

MH & Lost Working Days

PTG: Finding Joy after Tragedy

Helping parents prevent childhood trauma

Questions for Childhood Trauma

Meta & Teen Vulnerabilities

Facebook & Pedophiles

Are Google’s abuse policies flawed?

Farmers / Pesticides / Parkinsons

Replacing Lead Water Pipes

Does cancer treatment cause cancer?

When women don’t work….

Women MH / UK / Prisons

An Eastern European Cold Remedy

Loss & Holidays

Coping w/ Loneliness

A Dopamine Detox

Exercise & Vagus Nerve

Forgetfulness & ST Memory

Dogs / Drugs / Longevity

Seniors & Affordable Housing

Why we fight about money?

Why do we seem so disconnected?

The Psychological Autopsy

Fighting ALS

Construction ULPs on the rise

Update: Portland Teachers’ Strike

Update: NYC Ballet Strike

Update: Granite City Steel Union

Child Labor & Cocoa

FL seeking to allow minors on Roofing projects

Update: McKee & STL Carpenters

DANGER: Impact of Air Traffic Controller shortage

As promised, UAW launches organizing drive

The passing of the 1^st woman US Supreme Court Justice

The cost of E-Waste

New Apprenticeship Programs for HC

AI’s first birthday

AI in the workplace

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 26

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of November 26, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics from a former First Lady’s groundbreaking work on mental health issues to how a mayor in Canada is tackling MH and homelessness at the local level to how companies and unions are re-considering the “usefulness” of PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers). Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of The Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace (ANSW). Since last January, a team of construction industry subject matter experts, across the USA, have been designing and developing a database consisting of policies, training materials, resources, etc. to advocate for the safe bringing of Naloxone (Narcan) on construction jobsites nationwide. I am proud to say we just recently launched the website for your review and usage.* Rationale: As I have mentioned in previous blogs, the CDC indicates that this industry is #1 when it comes to opioids misuse! In fact, in 2020, NYC lost nearly 300 construction workers due to overdoses. By now, we ALL should have First Aid kits and AED devices on our jobsites. Why not Narcan? Please share this information with other sectors of our economy as you see fit. Thank you!

Sources: *www.ANSW.org

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/nyc-overdose-deaths-construction-new-york-city/699916/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202023-11-20%20Construction%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:56621%5D&utm_term=Construction%20Dive

The passing of a Mental Health champion

The impact of pollution

Vets & Toxic Exposures

Farmworkers / Cancer / Pesticides

Teen boys / Snapchat / Scam

Childhood Trauma

NYC / MH / System Breakdowns

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 19

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of November 19, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how the gap has widen between men and women’s life expectancy (mainly due to the opioids crisis) to labor’s return of utilizing the Social Gospel to a plea for those of you over the age of 40 who played tackle football or soccer (at ANY level) to participate in a survey. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of the misconduct in our nation’s capital. Whether it is a Congressman misusing campaign funds for personal grooming or Congressmen pushing and stoving in the hallways or a US Senator challenging a witness to a fist fight during a recent hearing, I would say third-graders do not even act this immature…but that would be an insult to third-graders! A true leader leads by example. And, let’s not forget that leadership begins at the top. To this end, we have more than one US Supreme Court Justice who has played fast and loose with what is legal vs what is ethical regarding the taking “gifts” from “donors” whose cases may one day appear before them. Allowing this bad behavior to continue without establishing laws with severe consequences does little to invoke confidence in the large, lower echelon of our increasingly haves and have-nots’ society. Closing thought: What would have our forefathers said about those people entrusted with enforcing rules not being held to the same standard? Possibly: “…when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”*

Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/14/us/politics/supreme-court-ethics-code-clarence-thomas-sotomayor.html?searchResultPosition=2

*https://www.armytimes.com/off-duty/2018/07/03/why-did-the-us-declare-independence-from-britain/

Men’s Life Expectancy

Gender Disparities & Men

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 13

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of November 13, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how hospital emergency departments are taking a more active role in addressing adult suicide issues to how thunderstorms may be linked to asthma to how the diving tactics of a specific fish may help researchers better understand the science of concussions. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of how unions helped establish the middle-class by raising incomes and improving the work environment. As noted in the lead article linked below, 80% of workers cited that their job satisfaction is associated to non-wage benefits. To this end, since the 1940s, unions have played a large part in securing fringe benefits for workers which, in turn, has improved the well-being of union (directly) and non-union (indirectly) workers and their families. Not convinced? Then, consider how the recent negotiations between the UAW and the Big 3 have positively impacted workers—here and abroad—at firms like Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Tesla! More importantly, when it comes to workplace fairness, “Unions promote within-firm equality by adopting explicit anti-discrimination measures, supporting anti-discrimination legislation and enforcement, and promoting wage-setting practices that are less susceptible to implicit bias.”*

Please check out the rest of this week’s blog: moworksinitiative.org/blog

Sources: * https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/labor-unions-and-the-us-economy

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/toyota-gives-most-of-its-u-s-auto-factory-workers-9-pay-bump-following-uaw-gains-in-detroit-123664ff?mod=Searchresults_pos3&page=1

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/honda-gives-u-s-factory-workers-11-pay-bump-following-uaw-wins-in-detroit-eb484398?reflink=integratedwebview_share

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/tesla-raises-wages-for-german-workers-amid-union-pressure-9f916fe8?reflink=integratedwebview_share

Women / Military / Power & Violence

MH / Deployed Troops / Evacuations

Vets / Injuries & Sexuality

Children / MH / Hospitals

ER Inventions & Adult Suicide

Honoring Jose’s work

OSHA’s bilingual Safety PSAs

HC workers role & Opioid crisis

Fentanyl-laced Mail

Raising MH issues via PSA

Friends / Industry / Community

T-storms & Asthma

Ketamine & Depression

Loneliness / Isolation / Death

Dogs & Longer Lives

Exercise & Sore muscles

Thai Chi & Mental Sharpness

On People Who Lie

SAD & DST

Labor unions & US economy

Update: Actors strike

Tesla / Germany / Wages

UAW & Foreign Plants

Honda’s Pay bump

Toyota’s Pay bump

Vegas hotel workers’ tentative agreement

Garment workers clash

On Presenteeism

Update: Pilot Safety

Reverse Mentoring

Hybrid work & New normal

AI in the Classroom

Vets / Loans / Foreclosures

Knowing when to retire

Update: Davis-Bacon lawsuit

Jim Kelly’s Career & Conversion

Bomb blasts & Impairment

James’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

James was always curious about the trades, but wasn’t familiar with how to become an apprentice. “I had always thought you had to have a relative get you in,” says James, who was having trouble finding sustainable employment. “But, one day I was at a baby shower at the YMCA and saw a flier on the wall. I reached out, had an interview, followed up and got into the cohort.”

The diversity of the program really impressed James. Having the opportunity to familiarize yourself with each trade before making a decision really helped me make a confident choice. “I like that it teaches you about all 13 trades, you get to visit most union halls and talk with apprentice instructors, try a little dry wall, brick laying, virtual welding – it’s really hands-on. They help you prepare for the math aptitude test, provide interview training, and explain what to expect at the job site. They walk you through the unique culture and etiquette of the trades – how to conduct yourself professionally.”

After graduating the MWI’s Apprentice Ready Program, James is now an apprentice with the Sheet Metal Workers, and he couldn’t be happier. “I love it! It’s something that I look forward to every day,” James shares. “It doesn’t feel like work. It’s practical and easy to understand. The more you get into it and repeat the work, you just get better at it. I walked in really green, without much construction experience, but none of the workers gave me a hard time. As long as you show up eager to learn, they don’t judge you for that. It’s been great. I love it.”

Looking to the future, James is enjoying more stability, more money, and is looking forward to his future. “I’m able to provide insurance for my daughter and myself. I’m also engaged, so I’m looking forward to being able to provide insurance for my entire family,” he says. “It gives me so much to look forward to. Working with the journeymen gives me an idea of what my life will be like if I stick with it. They encourage me and tell me how much I can make. I’ve been committed to other things longer with less to show. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is a lot of motivation.”

If you are curious about the trades and are looking for a reliable, life-changing career, James wants to encourage you to take that first step. “If you are looking for a career that’s going to increase your income – as long as you’re ready to show up on time for the rest of your life, this is something you need to get into. If you’re ready to commit, sign up already!”

Start your journey here.

November 8, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Jihu’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Jihu Yin recently immigrated to the United States in pursuit of better opportunities for building a brighter future. As English is not his first language, he began taking English classes at Fern Ridge ESL school, where his employment consultant recommended the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program to him.

“Because my work background is related to equipment, I decided to apply,” says Jihu. “I really enjoy the diversity. My mentor, Aurora, has encouraged us to practice almost all trades, and through practice, each of us can find the direction we hope to pursue. Moreover, the apprenticeship system provides every one of us with the opportunity to learn and progress. As our skills improve, our wages will increase, and each of us in the program can see hope for our future.”

After completing the program, Jihu has become an apprentice with Plumbers and Pipfitters 562. “Through this project, it can be said that my career choice in life has been ultimately determined. I have not only improved my professional skills, but my language skills have also been improved by interacting with my colleagues day by day, and I am very grateful for their patience. Secondly, I have a normal income, my credit is constantly improving, and I am proud to have a tax record. I was also able to take out a loan to buy an apartment, which are all benefits this project has brought me.”

If you are also new to the United States, Jihu encourages you to explore career opportunities with the Unions through the Missouri Works Initiative Program. “I want to say to others who are considering this project, don’t hesitate. This union is a warm family. After joining this project, your life will become more stable and your personal rights as an employee will be protected through your union and union representatives. As long as we work hard, each of us will have a decent life. At the same time, we will also contribute our own strength to the entire society through the union.”

Start your journey here.

November 8, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Kaylah’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

After completing her military service, Kaylah struggled to find sustainable employment. She was tired of having limiting jobs that she didn’t see herself staying in for the long term. “I heard about the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program in St. Louis through my aunt who knew I was looking for a career in the trades. She mentioned a job fair that the program was going to be a part of,” says Kaylah.

“I love the diversity of this program and its ability to give individuals opportunities that they may not have known about before joining,” Kaylah shares. “This program has changed my life tremendously. I had just finished my military mobilization in Fort Bliss, Texas and arrived back home. Despite my service, I could not find a decent job for myself. After joining the MWI’s Apprentice Ready Program in St. Louis, all of that has changed for the better.”

Now, Kaylah is enjoying financial stability in a highly specialized field. After graduation, Kaylah joined the Elevator’s Local Union #3, which is one of the most difficult apprenticeship programs to enter. “The door this program opened for me has not only helped me financially, but mentally as well. I now have the career that is right for me,” says Kaylah.

If you are looking for a sustainable, rewarding career, Kaylah encourages you to consider the MWI’s Apprentice Ready Program and a union apprenticeship in the trades. “I would say do it! Not a lot of people know about the Apprentice Ready Program in St. Louis, but if there were a lot more people who knew, it would be life changing for many.”

Start your journey here.

November 8, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Ryan’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

After serving in the United States Army and recently coming off of active duty, Ryan began the search for a new career. “I was scrolling social media, and a post for the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program popped up on Facebook. I had always been fascinated by building and woodworking and had a desire to learn more about it, so I knew I wanted to eventually join the Carpenter’s Union,” says Ryan.

Impressed by the hands-on experiences and helpful perks like a $150 tool allotment, two pairs of Carhartt jeans, and a pair of high quality boots, Ryan was sold on the program. “I really like that it’s hands-on. When we visited the union halls, they had building projects set up for us that let us experience a bit of what it would be like to work in different fields. The Union business agents came in and explained more about the unions and professors came in and explained the history of the unions and why union workers are desirable, sought out professionals.”

After graduating the program, Ryan has been placed with Carpenters 945 and Carson Mitchell Construction. “My life has changed so much for the better,” Ryan shares. “I have so much less stress. I love being an apprentice with the Carpenter’s union – I absolutely love it. It’s fun to learn more about what you’re doing, and I’m setting personal goals. I want to reach superintendent level, and the education and resources that are available to me now will help me get there.”

Ryan highly recommends the MWI’s Missouri Apprentice Ready Program to anyone looking for a new career – especially men and women coming out of the Armed Forces. “I absolutely recommend the Missouri Works program to anyone looking for a good career. Not only do they pay you a weekly stipend, but getting your OSHA, TAN, and CPR certifications knocked out sets you up for a great future!”

Start your journey here.

November 8, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Worker Wellness News

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 6

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of November 6, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how the change from Daylight Savings Time physically and mentally influences your life to about how marijuana may do more harm than good when it comes to anxiety to how ride-share companies have been called out for issues related to wage theft. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of understaffing pharmacies across our communities. Have you been to a neighborhood pharmacy lately? It is not a stretch to suggest that what you will find is akin to 1920s sweatshop conditions! Too often, I have observed 1 pharmacist overseeing 3-4 pharmacy technicians behind the counter with little time to assist me: the patient. Furthermore, mainly because of COVID, several chains have added duties to the pharmacist’s to-do list in order to generate additional revenue: Think vaccines. In turn, there is less time for the 1 doctoral-level professional on-duty to address the specific health needs of her/his patients in a thorough, compassionate manner…ultimately impacting the safety and quality of life of both patients and employees! So, once again, we are confronted with the issue of worker shortages. However, if you dig deep enough, you will find there are plenty of pharmacists in this nation but few who are willing to work under the aforementioned conditions. Therefore, not unlike the nurses who are leaving their profession in droves, we are losing more institutional knowledge in this realm due to a healthcare system that arrogantly continues to place profits over people!

Sources: https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/cvs-walgreens-pharmacy-employees-work-2bae98d2?reflink=integratedwebview_share

https://the1a.org/segments/pharmageddon-and-the-future-of-retail-pharmacies/

The DST switch (1)

The DST switch (2)

The DST switch (3)

Children / PTSD / War

FAA / Pilots / MH

OH / Families / Addiction Strain

White House & Narcan in Schools

Loneliness & Addiction

MH Parity Compliance?

Insurance Cos / White House / MH Care

Anxiety & Marijuana?

Paradox of Compassion

On Giving Compliments

Impact of short-staffing Pharmacies (1)

Impact of short-staffing Pharmacies (2)

Hospitals & Drug Shortages

Update: Sickle Cell & Gene Editing

Infant deaths on the rise

Understanding “Intersex”

Maine Shooting & US Reaction

TBIs in Construction

College students & Unionization

UAW’s Young Activists

Toyota Workers Get Pay Bump

Tesla v UAW?

Portland / Teachers / Strike

Wage Theft & Uber

Construction / Amazon / Noose

Defined Benefit Plans Revisited

What is “Quiet Cutting”?

Update: Parent Plus Student Loans

Upcoming webinars, etc.:

Fitness & Nutrition Mythbusters

QPR: Suicide Prevention Training

NOTE: The links provided above are for informational purposes only. None of these serve as a substitute for medical advice one should obtain from his/her own primary care physician and/or mental health professional. Please contact johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.

November 6, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 11

Wellness & Well-being Highlights December 4

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 26

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 19

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 13

James’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Jihu’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Kaylah’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Ryan’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 6

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