Latest news with #CWA
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear talks political strategy, flipping seats in visit to Greenville
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear talked political strategy, flipping red states, and building strong support for unionization in an AC Hotel's ballroom in downtown Greenville as he kicked off a tour across the Palmetto State on July 16. More: Two key Democratic politicians turn their focus to South Carolina with upcoming visits Beshear also traveled to Columbia, Charleston, and Georgetown County to connect with Democratic Party leaders and engage with labor movement representatives. He is part of a growing list of Democratic politicians on the national political scene attempting to build ties with South Carolina voters, activists, and politicians. He pointed to several reasons why he made the trip to the Palmetto State without mentioning a possible 2028 presidential campaign. The reasons were an invite from the AFL-CIO, an invite from the Georgetown County Democratic Party, a desire to be a "get things done" voice in politics and his son's baseball game, he said. "I'm traveling more because I'm trying to be a common sense, common ground, get things done type of voice," Beshear said. "My focus is on this year." The Kentucky governor started his tour in Greenville at the state's annual American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) convention. The convention made up leaders from top labor organizations like the Communication Workers of America (CWA), the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), and Southern Workers Assembly. Wire technicians for AT&T and port workers represented by the CWA and ILA, respectively, went on strike last year amid contract negotiations. Beshear referenced similarities between his home state, Kentucky, and South Carolina with their manufacturing base and long-established anti-union sentiments. South Carolina is a right-to-work state, meaning it has laws in place that prevent an employer from requiring union membership or the payment of union dues. Many states with such laws have significantly lower rate of unionization, a comparison based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows. South Carolina has one of the lowest unionization rates in the country with union members making up about 2.8% of the state's workers. "In Kentucky, they passed all of the same anti-union laws and our union membership is going up," Beshear said. "What happens when business is able to take a look at and work with our unions? They find they do really incredible work." AFL-CIO took the time to commend Beshear for his ability to beat Kentucky gubernatorial candidates whom Republican politicians, including President Donald Trump and Sen. Mitch McConnell, backed. He was first elected Kentucky governor in 2019 after he beat Republican Matt Bevin by just under half a percentage point. That margin of victory rose to 5% in 2023, when he won reelection against Republican Daniel Cameron. "People often ask me how you do it?" Beshear said when he took the stage. "You win by staying true to our values of compassion, of empathy, and of doing right by our agents." Beshear connects with Greenville County political leaders Greenville City Councilmember Michelle Shain later hosted Beshear and local political leaders at her home for a reception, where the Kentucky governor discussed the importance of settling political differences and meeting people where they are. More: Greenville won't have a municipal primary election this year, and here's the reason why Numerous local Democratic politicians attended the event, including Greenville City Councilmember Lillian Brock Flemming and city council candidate Tine Belge. State politicians Rep. Chandra Dillard (D-Greenville), Rep. Wendell Jones (D-Greenville) and former South Carolina Gov. Dick Riley also attended. Beshear laid out three ways he thinks the Democratic Party should attract a stronger voter base: focusing on people's everyday needs, meeting people where they are, and explaining the reason behind their beliefs. "The opening is there," Beshear said. "I am living proof that we can and we should win everywhere." Stacey Mars, chair of the Greenville County Democratic Party (GCDP), and Kathryn Harvey, chair of the Spartanburg County Democratic Party (SCDP), helped organize the meeting with Beshear. Mars said local Democratic organizers are strategizing and working to send a message that resonates with voters for the 2026 elections. "The fact that a Democrat was able to win in Kentucky, it gives us hope that we can do the same thing here," Mars said. Harvey is campaigning for Spartanburg County's District 3 seat after longtime councilmember David Britt stepped down. She said focusing on local elections and flipping those seats is just as important as the upcoming 2026 race for U.S. Senate. "Think about how much impact you have as a city council person, a mayor, a county council person," Harvey said. "It's where people can see change." Three Greenville City Council seats are up for election this year, two of which have multiple candidates. There will also be a special election in Spartanburg County to fill Britts' seat. More: Lee Johnson of Greenville drops out Senate race, cites need for Democratic Party unity One of South Carolina's Senate seats, all House seats and the state's governor's office are up for election next year. Numerous Democrats and Republicans have launched campaigns to fill incumbent Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat. Lee Johnson of Greenville dropped out of the race for Senate on July 17, citing a need for more unity in the Democratic fight to unseat Graham. Bella Carpentier covers the South Carolina legislature, state, and Greenville County politics. Contact her at bcarpentier@ This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Beshear speaks at AFL-CIO conference, meets with SC politicians Solve the daily Crossword
Phone Arena
11 hours ago
- Phone Arena
AT&T is about to pull the plug on a service that would leave vulnerable users disconnected
Are landlines outded? Not yet. Yes, it's time to go. Not yet. 0% Yes, it's time to go. 0% AT&T AT&T Receive the latest AT&T news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy AT&T AT&T – Frank Arce from CWA (Communications Workers of America), 2025 AT&T Grab Surfshark VPN now at more than 50% off and with 3 extra months for free! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer Many of us often dream about being disconnected from the all-seeing, all-knowing, omnipresent Network, but the truth is, for some, being connected and having a phone is crucial – and could even be a new California bill that could let AT&T end its duty to provide landlines, shifting users from copper lines to modern networks, a move critics warn could threaten public safety during you may've heard,currently serves as California's Carrier of Last Resort (COLR), meaning it is legally required to provide basic landline phone service to anyone who requests it, even in remote or unprofitable areas. This obligation ensures that residents without reliable wireless or fiber coverage still have access to essential communication, especially during that the policy is outdated due to the widespread use of mobile and internet-based services, noting that fewer than 5% of Californians still rely on copper landlines. However, removing this requirement could leave vulnerable populations (like seniors and rural communities) without a connection during disasters. While the Public Utilities Commission rejected a similar proposal last year, the debate has now moved to the state top of that, Cali's KABC-TV (Channel 7) reports thatcustomers' phone service has been suffering due to copper a recent Senate Communications Committee hearing,reiterated its position that the requirement is outdated and no longer reflects the realities of today's telecommunications market. The company emphasized that copper-based landline networks, once the backbone of voice communication, are now used by less than 5% of Californians and are increasingly costly to maintain compared to fiber and wireless Tina McKinnor introduced a bill to support this transition, arguing that most residents already rely on wireless or fiber-based services for their communication argue that eliminating this obligation could leave some without essential connectivity, particularly in regions with limited broadband coverage and among seniors who rely on landlines for critical services, such as medical alert systems that may not work over cellular representatives claim the move prioritizes shareholder profits over public safety, citing cases where residents have gone weeks or months without service after copper lines were of the bill maintain that safeguards are included, requiringto verify that alternative options (such as wireless or fiber services) are available and affordable before any landline service is discontinued. The bill advanced out of the Senate Communications Committee on a 9-2 vote and now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further I'm aware that things evolve and we can't expect them to stay around intact forever – but there should really be an up-and-running Plan B before we terminate Plan A. Also, do spend time with your elder relatives and talk to them about newer technologies – sure, they probably don't need the iPhone 17 Pro Max , or some Snapdragon 8 Elite Android flagship , but, hey – how about a simple satellite phone instead?
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
PPWA representatives pay a courtesy visit to Community Welfare Attaché office
A delegation from the Pakistan People's Welfare Association (PPWA) recently paid a courtesy call on Mohsin Raza Qureshi, Community Welfare Attaché (CWA) at the Pakistan Embassy. During the visit, President Malik Shahid Nazir Awan introduced the PPWA members to the Community Welfare Attaché and presented the forum's achievements since its inception, aimed at enhancing the welfare of Pakistani community members. While assuring their full cooperation in initiatives aimed at the welfare and advancement of community members, the delegation highlighted a series of labour-related challenges faced by Pakistani workers both domestically and abroad. Qureshi warmly welcomed the delegation, acknowledged the significance of their insights, and commended the valuable suggestions presented. He assured a comprehensive review of each proposal with the aim of addressing the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis. Other members of the delegation included Malik Sarfaraz Khan, Chief Patron; Aftab Ahmed Khan, General Secretary; Shiraz Khan Orakzai, Vice President (Gulf); Engineer Malik Shazil Ali; and Engineer Saad Khan.
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Japanese Author of Yakuza Novel on Winning Major Crime Fiction Prize
On July 3, the United Kingdom's Crime Writers' Association (CWA) announced that The Night of Baba Yaga by Japanese author Akira Otani, translated by Sam Bett, has won the 2025 Dagger award for crime fiction in translation. Otani is the first Japanese author ever to receive this honor. Originally published in 2020, The Night of Baba Yaga is a hard-boiled novel featuring a violent, no-nonsense female protagonist. She is tasked with protecting the only daughter of a yakuza boss, plunging her into the dark heart of Japan's criminal underworld. The novel was also a finalist for the 2021 Mystery Writers of Japan Award in the best novel and short story collection category. Akira Otani (Courtesy of Kawade Shobo Shinsha Publishers) | Japanese cover of "The Night of Baba Yaga" by author Akira Otani. The CWA judges praised the novel for its brutal, almost manga-like portrayal of the yakuza world. They said it brings out the deep humanity of its eccentric characters. The writing is sharp, unsparing, and original, and it tells a strange and beautiful love story. Speaking at the award ceremony in London, Otani expressed her surprise and joy. "I still can't believe it. I'm incredibly grateful that so many people in the English-speaking world read my work — even though I'm virtually unknown here — and that I was welcomed so warmly." She continued, "An honor like this only happens once in a lifetime. I hope to keep writing and maybe return to this stage again someday." Akira Otani (right) speaks to reporters in London. (©Sankei by Yoshinari Kurose) Reflecting on the award, Otani shared a personal memory: "My grandfather, who passed away some time ago, loved foreign mystery novels. I've known about the Dagger since I was a child. For me, overseas mysteries are tied to memories of him. If I could tell anyone first, it would be him." Otani also remarked, "I'm not a full-on mystery writer, but I'm a little worried that winning a Dagger might make people think I am," she said with a laugh. Turning to publishers and editors, she added jokingly, "If you ask me to write a proper detective novel, I might be in a bit of trouble." Born in Tokyo in 1981, Akira Otani made her literary debut in 2012 with 猛獣使いと王子様 金色の笛と緑の炎 (lit "The Beast Tamer and the Prince: The Golden Flute and the Green Flame"). The Night of Baba Yaga is her first full-length novel. The Dagger awards were established in 1955, with the translation category introduced in 2006. While works by Japanese authors such as Hideo Yokoyama's Six Four , Keigo Higashino's The Devotion of Suspect X , and Kotaro Isaka's Bullet Train have previously been shortlisted, none had won until now. This year, Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki, translated by Polly Barton, was also among the finalists. ( Read the related article in Japanese . ) Author: Yoshinari Kurose, The Sankei Shimbun
CNA
3 days ago
- General
- CNA
More caregivers seeking help in Singapore amid rising stress, low quality of life
SINGAPORE: More caregivers are turning to social service agencies for help, with some organisations seeing a three-fold increase in sign-ups for support group programmes and financial aid. Since last year, for example, the Caregiving Welfare Association (CWA) has seen the number of clients under its home care programme – which aims to help seniors age in place and reduce caregiver burden – rise from 60 to about 200. Still, support groups say more can be done to help caregivers. This is especially as they have a lower quality of life compared to non-caregivers in all fields, according to the Ministry of Social and Family Development's latest family trends report released last week. Significantly, the largest gap between caregivers and non-caregivers – 60.3 per cent versus 64.6 per cent – was in the environment domain, which involves issues such as 'access to social services' and finances'. Caregivers scored lower in the social relationships and physical domains as well. The report also showed a 6-percentage point difference in caregivers' satisfaction with family support, with just half scoring satisfactory. MANY STILL HOLDING BACK CWA said while there are more caregiver grants and financial assistance available, many caregivers are holding back. 'Many caregivers we find are still unaware of the help available, or sometimes they may even hesitate to ask for help due to stigma or a sense of duty. So in a cultural sense, it usually falls under filial piety, so they don't really see themselves or identify themselves as caregivers,' said the charity's marketing and donor management executive Sharlene Ferry. 'So definitely, in this area, awareness and also public education is very important.' She added that many also fail to identify themselves as caregivers, as they merely think they are looking after their loved ones without realising they are performing complex caregiving work. One of the biggest challenges faced by those caring for seniors is burnout, Ms Ferry pointed out, with many belonging to the sandwiched generation. They also feel isolated as they are forced to put their social lives on the backburner, she added. For example, a client of CWA was a 78-year-old retiree caring for his wife. 'His days were often actually very quiet, so he fell into isolation … and he had a lingering sense of uncertainty, because as a senior, he did not have the same energy that he once had, and he was unable to care properly for his spouse,' said Ms Ferry. The client ended up joining a support group at CWA to improve his emotional wellbeing. 'Support groups are a safe and supportive space where they can actually come together to actually share their experiences and also engage in different types of sessions, such as art therapy or mindfulness-based sessions,' Ms Ferry noted. MORE RESPITE CARE, EMERGENCY PLANNING Meanwhile, TOUCH Community Services told CNA it believes more respite care and emergency planning can improve caregivers' quality of life by offering them more rest opportunities and less anxiety. The charity also operates a care hotline and has seen a 20 per cent jump in caregivers calling in for help. 'We've got a lot more corporates coming to us requesting caregiver talks. As corporates, they have their own pool of employees, and they do realise that employees are also facing certain caregiving issues,' said Ms June Sim, group head of TOUCH Caregivers Support. Apart from spending time caring with their loved ones, caregivers have to foot medical bills and other expenses. Some have to quit their jobs or switch to part-time work to be there, Ms Sim added. She said that while government and organisational support is essential, help from the community is also important, with a simple message or meet-up going a long way in reducing caregivers' stress and loneliness. Despite the challenges, the social service agencies said caregiving can be meaningful. Ms Ferry said she has heard from caregivers in CWA's programmes that they have grown closer to their loved ones and 'discovered certain strengths that they didn't know they had'. 'I definitely believe that with the right tools and the right support, these caregivers can actually find moments of connection or even joy through this caregiving journey,' she added.
