"America is not broke. Not by a long shot. The country is awash in wealth and cash. It's just that it’s not in your hands. It has been transferred, in the greatest heist in history, from the workers and consumers to the banks and the portfolios of the uber-rich ... The only thing that's broke is the moral compass of the rulers. And we aim to fix that compass and steer the ship ourselves from now on."
Today at 5p is the deadline for ads in the 2016 Evening with Labor program book (honoring retiring Council president Jos Williams); click here for details on ads or email [email protected] (or call 202-974-8221). It's also the last chance to get your name in the credits for the video honoring Williams; click here for details on how to contribute or contact McKirchy.
Delegates at Monday night’s Council meeting made the following reports: Eric Starin, OPEIU 2: reported that Local 2's contract at WMATA expires June 30 "and it's going to be real tough," noting that WMATA has hired -- at great expense -- thelawyer who helped break Detroit unions. John Shields, SMART 100: the local has signed two new full mechanical contractors, W.E. Bowers and Associates Inc and SSM Industries. Chuck Clay: IATSE 22: very sad to report that they lost Douglas Grekin, Vice President for Local 22, who died unexpectedly while on the road with a production. The delegates observed a moment of silence in honor of Brother Grekin (right). Dena Briscoe, APWU 140: their contract at the USPS expired last May and is now in interest arbitration; the USPS wants to add a fourth lower wage tier and eliminate the no lay-off clause. Bruce Wolf, OPEIU 2: reported on upcoming March 19 DC labor peace and justice vigil to end war; details are now posted on the Council's calendar. Jim Griffin, IBEW 1900: The local is expecting a decision on the Exelon-PepCo merger any day. Griffin also reported that Local 1900 is trying to organize the Calvert Cliffs power plant now, "so if any unions have members working for maintenance contractors, please let us know." Gwend Johnson, DC CBTU: CBTU's convention will be held in DC May 20-25 at the Washington Hilton; all are invited to attend. The DC chapter is also asking for volunteers to help with the convention. Reach her at [email protected]. For Black History Month, the AFL-CIO is lifting up black activists, leaders and agitators who are changing the rules and being the power in our communities. Here are several profiles of leaders who are making new history right now, including transgender freedom fighter Elle Hearns (right), courageous activist and artist Bree Newsome, United Steelworkers (USW) Vice President Fred Redmond and longtime labor leader and activist William Lucy. - Kenneth Quinnell, AFL-CIO Now Blog |