Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO

Metro Council meeting affiliate highlights

9/20/2017

It was a “good news/bad news” night at Monday night’s Metro Washington Council delegate meeting. At IATSE 22, for example, Chuck Clay reported winning the “best ever” contract at Strathmore, yet the local is about to launch picketing against MGM, which earlier this year went non-union. And while the Washington Teachers Union finally got their contract after more than five years, they’re concerned about clean approval by the DC City Council. At IATSE 868, Barbara Churchill said the union filed four grievances at Strathmore but was happy to report they’ve all been settled to the union’s satisfaction. AFGE 2741’s David Brooks reported winning the union’s fight to prevent contracting out, and DCNA and OPEIU 2 reported on a number of recent contract wins. The biggest looming battles are at WMATA and the Washington Post. Talks between ATU 689 and WMATA have reached an impasse and president Jackie Jeter said the local plans to significantly step up its campaign for a contract. Similarly, off-the-record talks at the Washington Post failed recently and the Metro Council on Monday passed a resolution supporting the Washington-Baltimore News Guild’s ongoing effort to reach a fair contract. An informational picket at the Post is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 27 at 12:30p.
photo: Rick Ehrmann, Baltimore-Washington News Guild; photo by Chris Garlock

Last and final chance for CSA golf

9/20/2017

With this year’s September 25 Community Services Agency (CSA) Golf Tournament just days away, this is your last chance to register for the annual tournament, which promises a fun afternoon on the links and raises funds for CSA’s Emergency Assistance Fund. Download the tournament registration form here. photo: 2016 SEIU 722 team; photo by Chris Garlock

Argentinian unionists learn from DC activists

9/20/2017

A delegation of six Argentinian trade unionists met with staff of the Metro Washington Council and Community Services Agency last week to discuss labor relations in the United States. “This was a young and dynamic group of labor leaders from different sectors interested in gaining a better understanding of labor relations in the U.S. and with a keen eye for best practices,” says Sylvia Casaro Dietert, CSA Client Services Coordinator, herself originally from Argentina. Legislative/Political Program Coordinator David Dzidzienyo and Strategic Campaigns Organizer Megan Fitzgerald also met with the group, as well as Brian Finnegan from the AFL-CIO’s International Department, Global Worker Rights. The group is visiting the U.S. under the auspices of the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program. photos by Casaro Dietert

Union Voice/Readers Write: “Pajama Game” labor night?

9/20/2017

“I’ve heard that a union night was being planned for ‘The Pajama Game’ at Arena Stage,” writes Shayne Dizard. “I'd attend the union show and have other friends who are also interested in going.”

As reported in our Fall Labor Arts Preview, the DC LaborFest is sponsoring a special Labor Night performance of ‘The Pajama Game’ on December 13, which will include a post-show “Talk Back” session with the cast. Click here for tickets.

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