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Hiring Hall: President on the picket line

9/27/2023

 
Yesterday, President Joe Biden joined striking UAW workers on the picket line in Michigan. In doing so, he made history: Biden is the first sitting U.S. president to ever join a picket line.
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Biden's action yesterday is a reflection of the surging power of the labor movement in industries across the country, including here in DC and Maryland. Our 150+ local Affiliates have a number of ways to step up and get involved. Read more below to be part of it.

Events ✨ Today ✨​

Celebrate DC Labor Rally with AFSCME 
11:30 AM-2:00 PM, Freedom Plaza
This rally will be taking place on the annual AFSCME Legislative Day, where AFSCME leaders meet with the Mayor and District Council at the Wilson Building to meet and discuss issues and concerns from Labor.
Lunch provided for members. Get details »
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Training on "Deferred Action" for union organizers
12:00-1:00 PM, Virtual
CASA is hosting a training with NoVA Labor for union organizers on the new "Deferred Action" program that allows immigrant workers who are victims of or witnesses to labor law violations to apply for two year renewable work authorizations. Register here »
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How to Organize Your Workplace
7:00 PM, Virtual
Want to learn how to get a union for you and your co-workers? On Wednesday, AFL-CIO will host a free online training about how to start the process. Learn more and register »
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Take Action

​Sign the petition supporting DC teachers

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Kids deserve safe schools, and DC's teachers deserve to know they are supported. WTU's contract expires on Saturday, September 30, and without it teachers will lose key health and safety provisions. Sign the petition supporting WTU teachers as they negotiate a new contract.

​Rally with UFCW Local 400 this Saturday

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Union workers at MOM’s Organic Market in College Park are protesting management’s efforts to discourage other workers from unionizing by withholding raises and benefits from union workers, unlawfully disciplining and firing workers for supporting the union, and more. Join workers, elected officials, UFCW Local 400 members, and community leaders for this Saturday, Sept. 30 at 11:00 AM to protest the discrimination.

​Tell Congress to #StopTheShutdown

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A government shutdown will hurt the DC region's economy, our communities, and the federal workers who dedicate their lives to serving the American people. Send a letter with AFGE telling Congress to fund the government and stop the shutdown.

Hiring Hall: Union Jobs in the DC Region

AFL-CIO: Meetings and Travel Specialist
AFGE: Executive Assistant to the National President
AFGE: Staff Counsel, Assistant General Counsel
AFSCME: Workforce Development Advocate II
AFSCME: Workforce Development Advocate III
ACE-AFSCME Local 2250: Executive Director
AFSCME Council 28: Labor Advocate
International Brotherhood of Teamsters: Clerk Typist
International Brotherhood of Teamsters: Accounts Payable Accountant
League of Conservation Voters: Events Coordinator
Metropolitan Baltimore Council, AFL-CIO: Executive Director of Community Services of Central Maryland
Maryland State Education Association: Organizer
Maryland State Education Association: UniServ Director – Eastern Shore
National Education Association: Organizational Specialist
Prince George’s County Educators’ Association: Program Specialist and Organizer
SEIU: Union Organizer-In-Training (OIT)
SEIU: Assistant Director Finance Audits
Solidarity Center: Accounts Payable Specialist
The Sunrise Project: Senior Strategist
The Sunrise Project: Training & Capacity Building Manager
Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO: PAC Administrator / Legislative Aide
UNITE HERE Local 7: Union Organizer

Share Your News

​Does your local have actions, events, open positions, or other updates you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].

OPEIU members authorize strike at Kaiser

9/25/2023

 

​3,800 members of OPEIU Local 2 at Kaiser Permanente ready to strike as part of nationwide negotiations

An overwhelming 98% of OPEIU Local 2 members at Kaiser Permanente voted YES to authorize an Unfair Labor Practices strike last week. The 3,800 members of Local 2 join a total of 75,000 Kaiser workers across the country who are ready to strike if no deal is reached by September 30.

​"While we do not want to strike, if Kaiser continues to refuse to invest in patient care and frontline caregivers by hiring more staff, adjusting staff-to-patient ratios, and by settling a contract that includes livable wages that keep up with inflatioon, WE ARE READY!" OPEIU Local 2 said in a statement.

Prince George's County Council to revisit decision on reasonable accommodation

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Last week Metro Washington Council together with several of our Affiliate unions, labor allies, and members of the Prince George's County Council held a press conference demanding remote voting and reasonable accommodation for Councilmembers who need to take family or medical leave.

At the Council hearing that followed last week Council members expressed support for reconsidering the issue. We look forward to the Council changing their decision on this important matter of workplace health and safety.

Take action this week to #StopTheShutdown

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There are now just six days left until the federal government runs out of money. If it does, millions of unionized federal workers will stop receiving paychecks — but will have to report to work anyway. Take action with AFGE this week to help #StopTheShutdown.

Contract negotiations get under way between UFCW Local 400 and Safeway and Giant

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The contract negotiations team at UFCW Local 400 is getting to work on a new contract with Safeway and Giant. Over the span of the last contract, UFCW members worked through COVID and made grocery companies more revenue than ever. Now it is time for that hard work to be rewarded. Local 400 members, join the Contract Action Team on Wednesday, Sept. 27 to be ready to take action when the time comes.

Congratulations to our first all-women class of Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship graduates!

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Last week we celebrated the first all-women class of Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduates! Our pre-apprenticeship programs prepare individuals to begin an apprenticeship in the trades. Congratulations to all the graduates! We can't wait to follow your journeys.

Upcoming Events

Tri-County COPE meeting of Metro Washington Council
Tuesday, September 26 — 7:00 PM
American Legion (6330 Crain Highway, La Plata, MD)

The Tri-County Committee on Political Education (COPE) is back!! Union members in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties are invited to join this meeting and to bring a friend.
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Celebrate DC Labor Rally with AFSCME 
Wednesday Sept. 27 — 11:30-2:00pm
Freedom Plaza (1325 Pennsylvania Avenue NW)
This rally will be taking place on the annual AFSCME Legislative Day, where AFSCME leaders meet with the Mayor and District Council at the Wilson Building to meet and discuss issues and concerns from Labor. Lunch provided for members. Get details »
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Training on "Deferred Action" for union organizers
Wednesday, September 27 — 12:00-1:00 PM
Virtual
CASA is hosting a training with NoVA Labor for union organizers on the new "Deferred Action" program that allows immigrant workers who are victims of or witnesses to labor law violations to apply for two year renewable work authorizations. Register here »
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How to Organize Your Workplace
Wednesday, September 27 — Online
Want to learn how to get a union for you and your co-workers? On Wednesday, AFL-CIO will host a free online training about how to start the process. Learn more and register »
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New date: Rally with workers at MOM’s Organic Market in College Park
Saturday, September 30 — 11:00 AM
9801 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD
Workers at MOM’s Organic Market along with elected officials and community leaders will rally to protest the company’s efforts to dissuade other workers from unionizing by discriminating against workers who are active in the union. RSVP for Saturday's rally »
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AFGE District 14 2023 Member Appreciation BBQ
Saturday, September 30 — 11:00 AM
Fort Washington Park (13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD)

Save the date and bring a friend to the AFGE District 14 Member Appreciation BBQ on Saturday, September 30 at 11:00am. More details »
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Rescheduled: 10th Annual Poker Run with IBEW Local 26
Saturday, September 30 — Manassas Training Center
Members of the IBEW Local 26 Motorcycle Club are hosting their 10th Annual Poker Run for the benefit of Special Love for Children with Cancer on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
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Dollars Against Diabetes (D.A.D.s) Day Clay Shoot with Baltimore/DC-Metro Building Trades
Monday, October 9 – 8:00 AM
Dollars Against Diabetes (D.A.D.'s) is an annual campaign organized by North America’s Building Trades Unions. With the help of councils around the country, D.A.D.'s Day has been able to donate over $65 million to the Diabetes Research Institute.
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The 26th Annual Community Services Agency Golf Tournament
Monday, October 16, 2023 — 7:00 AM
Enterprise Golf Course, 2802 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD

See this page for more information.
 Questions? Contact Letycia Pastrana.  
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Maryland/DC Alliance for Retired Americans Biennial Convention
November 4, 2023 — 9:00am-2:00pm
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 office
Presentations and discussions on political activism in 2024, legislation, and more. Email [email protected] for information.

Labor Day with the Commanders vs. NY Giants

Sunday, November 19, 2023 — 1:00 PM

​Each union that brings out 50 or more people will be able to come onto the field after the game to take a photo. Email Ari Kwitkin-Close or call (301) 276-6406.

Around the Region

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Top left: Airport workers with 32BJ SEIU showed up at the most recent meeting of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to speak out for health insurance and paid leave. Top right: Washington Teachers' Union held an indoor block party to give away books and supplies as they countdown to a contract that expires on September 30. Bottom left: IBEW Local 26, Ironworkers Local 5, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5, SMART 100, and Steamfitters Local 602 held a careers fair last week at Sycamore & Oak in DC's Ward 8. Bottom left: Finishing Trades Institute and IUPAT DC51 participated in the first ever Prince George's County Union Trades Day at Bowie Baysox Stadium. 

Share your news

Got an action, event, open position, or other update you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].

Remote voting for Prince George's County Councilmembers

9/20/2023

 
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Providing reasonable accommodations to workers is part of how we make workplaces safe and healthy for everyone — and that includes for our elected leaders.

Yesterday, Metro Washington Council together with AFGE District 14, ATU 689, CASA, Harriet's Wildest Dreams, IBEW 26, Philadelphia/Baltimore/Washington Laborers' District Council, Prince George's County Educators Association, Progressive Maryland, Steamfitters UA Local 602, and UFCW Local 400 as well as State's Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy and multiple members of the Prince George's County Council held a press conference demanding the County Council reconsider its recent decision against allowing remote voting for its members.
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Together more than a dozen unions and allied organizations delivered a joint letter underscoring that providing a reasonable accommodation like remote voting "is an important part of a safe and healthy workplace and would improve every Council member’s ability to serve the people of Prince George’s County."
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Amidst mounting public pressure, County Council members announced at Tuesday's meeting that they plan to reconsider the matter. Thank you to all the union members and elected leaders who joined us for yesterday's event. We hope to see the County Council change its position in the coming days.

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The Tri-County Committee on Political Education (COPE) is back!! Hope your summer was filled with fun and family. Now it's time to focus on labor's voice in the community. September's COPE meeting for union members in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties will be held in person on Tuesday, September 26 at 7:00 PM at the American Legion (6330 Crain Highway, La Plata, MD). We look forward to seeing you and we encourage you to bring a friend.

Hiring Hall: Union jobs in the DC region

AFL-CIO Technology Institute: Foundation Relations Manager
AFGE: Staff Counsel, Assistant General Counsel
AFSCME: Manager, Administration Department
AFSCME: Administrative Assistant I
ACE-AFSCME Local 2250: Executive Director
AFSCME Maryland Council 3: Business Manager
AFSCME Maryland Council 3: Field Representative / Internal Organizer
Amalgamated Transit Union: Human Resources and Benefits Program Manager
CWA, Tower Climbers Union: Campaign Communications Coordinator
League of Conservation Voters: Events Coordinator
Plumbers & Gasfitters UA Local 5: Apprenticeship - Administrative Assistant
SEIU: Assistant Director Finance Audits
SEIU: Operations Manager, Governance
Strategic Organizing Center: Staff Attorney
Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO: PAC Administrator/Legislative Aide
UNITE HERE: Campaign Researcher
Virginia Education Association: Racial and Social Justice Grant Coordinator

Share your news

Does your local have actions, events, open positions, or other updates you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].

Solidarity with UAW on strike

9/18/2023

 

Solidarity with UAW workers on strike

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United Auto Workers members went on strike last week, and just like with striking SAG and AFTRA workers, their action resonates across the labor movement. "Working people have the collective power to demand the respect and fairness we deserve," said AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler. "UAW, we've got your back and will stand with you however long it takes to win a fair contract that recognizes your value!"

​Saturday: Rally with workers at MOM’s Organic Market

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On Saturday, September 23 at noon, workers at MOM’s Organic Market in College Park (9801 Rhode Island Avenue, College Park, MD) along with elected officials and community leaders will rally to protest the company’s efforts to dissuade other workers from unionizing by discriminating against workers who are active in the union. Learn more and join Saturday's rally.

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

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September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is about honoring the immense contributions our Latino communities have made, especially in the labor movement's ongoing fight for economic and racial justice. Si se puede!

​Construction Appreciation Week

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This week we express our gratitude to workers in the construction trades for your dedication, expertise, and craftsmanship. Trades workers endure challenging conditions, work tirelessly, and ensure our safety while building our world.

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Our next meeting for Delegates to the Metro Washington Council is coming up tomorrow, Tuesday, September 19, at 5:00 PM. Delegates, register now for tomorrow's meeting:
Register for tomorrow's meeting

Upcoming Events

Scaling Worker Power: A Soiree with Unemployed Workers United
Thursday, September 21 — 6:00-8:00 PM
AFL-CIO (815 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW)

​Celebrate Unemployed Workers United's third birthday! Join us for a cocktail hour fundraiser to honor all that we’ve built together. More details »
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Union Trades Day Event
Saturday, September 23 — 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Baysox Stadium (4101 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD)

Looking for a high-wage career with zero college debt? Join Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 on Saturday, September 23 at Baysox Stadium to learn about union trades and how you can get on the path to a career in the trades! More details »
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10th Annual Poker Run with IBEW Local 26
Saturday, September 23 — Manassas Training Center
Members of the IBEW Local 26 Motorcycle Club are hosting their 10th Annual Poker Run for the benefit of Special Love for Children with Cancer on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
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How to Organize Your Workplace
Wednesday, September 27 — Online
Want to learn how to get a union for you and your co-workers? On September 27, AFL-CIO will host a free online training about how to start the process. Ask your questions in advance using the registration form. Learn more and register »
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AFGE District 14 2023 Member Appreciation BBQ
Saturday, September 30 — 11:00 AM
Fort Washington Park (13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD)

Save the date and bring a friend to the AFGE District 14 Member Appreciation BBQ on Saturday, September 30 at 11:00am. More details »
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Dollars Against Diabetes (D.A.D.s) Day Clay Shoot with Baltimore/DC-Metro Building Trades
Monday, October 9 – 8:00 AM
Dollars Against Diabetes (D.A.D.'s) is an annual campaign organized by North America’s Building Trades Unions. With the help of state and local councils around the country, the D.A.D.'s Day campaign has been able to donate over $65 million to the Diabetes Research Institute.
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The 26th Annual Community Services Agency Golf Tournament
Monday, October 16, 2023 — 7:00 AM
Enterprise Golf Course, 2802 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD

​See this page for more information.
 Questions? Contact Letycia Pastrana.  
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Maryland/DC Alliance for Retired Americans Biennial Convention
November 4, 2023 — 9:00am-2:00pm
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 office
Presentations and discussions on political activism in 2024, legislation, and more. Email [email protected] for information.

Labor Day with the Commanders vs. NY Giants
Sunday, November 19, 2023 — 1:00 PM

​Each union that brings out 50 or more people will be able to come onto the field after the game to take a photo. Email Ari Kwitkin-Close or call (301) 276-6406.

Around the Region

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Top row, left: We had a great time last week at Metro Baltimore Council, AFL-CIO's 38th Annual Ernie Grecco Golf Classic charitable fundraiser! Top row, right: 32BJ SEIU workers from the DC region and across the country rallied at the White House last week calling on President Biden to redesignate and extend TPS protections.

Middle: Workers United, Mid-Atlantic Regional Joint Board and Pride at Work joined allies across the country for the national day of action for Starbucks workers on Friday.

Bottom: Washington Teachers' Union gave out free books to DCPS students at the H Street festival on Saturday as teachers are counting down the time remaining until their contract expires on September 30.

Share your news

Got an action, event, open position, or other update you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].
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