For several months, Washington Teachers Union Local 6 has been in negotiations with the District for a new contract. Yesterday, teachers rallied on Freedom Plaza to express their frustration with ending the school year without securing a contract. “Our contract team is made up of classroom teachers who sit at the table day and night negotiating on behalf of our members in addition to their responsibilities as classroom teachers,” said WTU Local 6 president Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons (top right, with mic) at the noontime rally. WTU made it clear they are not just fighting for their members but all DCPS employees and students. “We want safe and healthy working conditions which ultimately are learning conditions for students and all workers,” Pogue-Lyons said. “But one thing we better know that the future holds for us is unity, not just as this teacher's union, but unity with everyone that works in the school building.” “Whenever you all are in a fight, we are in a fight,” promised Metropolitan Washington Labor Council president Dyana Forester (bottom left, with mic). “And at the end of the day, I believe you will get the contract you deserve."
photos by Chris Garlock/Union City Wednesdays with Warner for the PRO Act: Wed, June 29, 8:15am – 9:15am
Windmill Hill Park, 500 S. Lee St., Alexandria, VA 68th week of the vigil to protest Senator Warner's opposition to the PRO Act which would repeal the so-called "right to work" laws; penalize companies that fire workers for organizing; and allow "gig workers" to bargain over their pay. We would like our elected leaders to champion worker rights rather than obstruct them. Bargaining for the Common Good Hosts a Private Sector Strategy Session: Wed, June 29, 9am – 12pm Register Now Labor Barbecue for Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay: Wed, June 29, 11am – 1pm NoVA Labor union hall - 4536 John Marr Drive, Annandale (map) Everyone is welcome for lunch outside the union hall; come out to support Chair McKay and thank him for his leadership and support for working families! CLUW Emergency Meeting re: SCOTUS decision: Wed, June 29, 8pm – 9pm The attack on reproductive rights is a labor issue. We are coming together discuss how we organize. Please grab your sisters, mothers, daughters and allies -- all are welcome who want to resist these assaults on workers' rights. Your Rights at Work (Preempted this week for national Pride Month programming): Thu, June 30, 1pm – 2pm Arlington Dems Labor Caucus: Thu, June 30, 6pm – 7pm Meeting for union members and friends of labor in Arlington. Pride at Work: Thu, June 30, 7:15pm – 8:15pm Pride at Work is our support and advocacy group for LGBTQ+ workers. Everyone is welcome! DC Jobs with Justice is ramping up their minimum wage outreach this week. “Community groups, unions, student-led groups and faith-based organizations have been fighting for a livable wage that allows for comfortable and dignified living,” says DCJWJ Organizing Director Nadia Salazar Sandi. On Friday, July 1st, “the result of a monumental win takes effect: minimum wage increases to $16.10 (tipped wage $5.35)!” Join DCJWJ in the streets Thursday and Friday for ROC Workers Fight Back Outreach + Labor and Trades Unite Outreach. “Amplifying the voices of those affected is part of our core principles and it would not be possible without your participation,” adds Salazar Sandi. “We appreciate your efforts and encourage you to remain engaged in the fight for dignity and respect for domestic workers!” Delegates attending the American Federation of Government Employees’ 42nd National Convention in Orlando last week reelected the union’s top three national officers. National President Dr. Everett Kelley, National Secretary-Treasurer Eric Bunn Sr., (who also serves as Treasurer for the Metro Washington Labor Council) and National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices Jeremy Lannan all were reelected to their positions. “I’m humbled and honored that AFGE’s delegates have placed their faith in me to lead this federation for another term,” Kelley said. “Our time is now to secure a better future for the dedicated public-sector employees we represent and all the hard-working Americans we serve every day.” Read more here. |