Daycon apparently hasn’t learned its million-dollar lesson. The local janitorial supply company, which has been ordered by the NLRB to pay out over $1 million in back pay and had to reinstate all the workers it illegally replaced during the 2010 strike by members of Teamsters Local 639, still hasn’t settled a contract with its workers. Some three dozen Daycon workers recently signed a petition demanding that Daycon withdraw proposals to eliminate union checkoff of union dues and union security. “This has gone on long enough,” the petition says. “We know that these are intended to do nothing but frustrate bargaining. We have had enough of the company’s games and bad faith bargaining.” Talks resumed on Wednesday. photo: on the Daycon picket-line in 2010; photo by Chris Garlock Get back in the swing of things by signing up for the Community Services Agency’s 19th Annual Golf Tournament. Scheduled for Monday, September 22, at the all-union Enterprise Golf Course in Mitchellville, MD, the event benefits CSA’s Emergency Assistance Fund. Major sponsors include Ashcraft and Gerel, IBEW Local 26, Kaiser Permanente, United HealthCare, IBEW, CareFirst, and MCGEO 1994. “Please support this fun event which raises funds for needy working families,” urges CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy. “You can become a sponsor, field a foursome, sponsor a tee/green sign, or make a donation for the raffle.” The event also includes a post-tournament banquet at the Newton White Mansion next door. Call McKirchy for info at 202-974-8221 or email [email protected]. photo: Union printer Tom Doyle shows off his winning swing at the 2013 tournament; photo by Chris Garlock “Why is it that two important (Union City) stories of labor today (8/20/14) are reprints from the Washington Post and Washington Business Journal?” writes Bruce Wolf, OPEIU Local 2. “Shouldn't these stories come directly from Labor? What do teachers belonging to the NEA think of their new president? What about ATU speaking directly to the local and national labor community regarding its rescue of the NCL property and what happens next? I don't want to get my labor news second-hand from the bosses publications. Labor should be speaking to Labor.”
While our first preference is for local labor stories from local labor sources, that’s not always possible. Many mainstream media outlets are now providing excellent coverage of news affecting the metro-area labor movement, a trend we’re happy to support and promote. Staff at some of those outlets, by the way, are union members. Local labor news tips/suggestions/submissions are always welcome: email them to us at [email protected] Metro-area entertainment unions reacted positively to the news this week that the Metropolitan Opera had reached deals with their sister locals in New York City, averting a threatened lock-out. “AFM Local 161-710 applauds the efforts of Local 802, AGMA and IATSE Local 1 in securing agreements with the Metropolitan Opera that recognizes their inherent value, and the essential role each plays in the future of the Met organization,” said Local 161-710 President Ed Malaga. “Most importantly, these tentative agreements will enable the Met to keep the doors open and prevent any interruption of performances in the world's most famous Opera House.” While IATSE 22 President Chuck Clay said that “I do hate to see a step back in pay for all concerned,” he added that “sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward.” And AGMA’s Eleni Kallas said that “Solidarity spells success. AGMA and AFM were prime examples of this and we are all grateful for the hard work and dedication of the negotiation committees.” In local negotiations, IATSE 22’s Clay reported that a 6-hour negotiation session earlier this week at the National Theatre failed to reach a deal. The next bargaining session is set for September 2 and the contract expires on Sept. 7th |