Big Turnout for “What’s next for labor?” Discussion

A capacity crowd filled the room Tuesday night at the Takoma Busboys and Poets for the “What’s next for labor?”edition of the Metro Washington Council’s Bread and Roses series. Council Executive Director Carlos Jimenez began by quoting from the Council’s Constitution, which says that “We shall combat resolutely the forces which seek to undermine the democratic institutions of our nation and to enslave the human soul.” Political writer Harold Meyerson followed up with a sober assessment of the challenges for the labor movement under the incoming Trump administration noting that "a union movement that's only 7% of the working population is a problem," and warning that “a GOP attempt to pass a national Right to Work law is quite possible.” UFCW Local 400’s Dyana Forester took a very personal approach, saying that “I worry about what attacks my young daughter must now face under Trump” as well as “We have to be the change we want; the President is not the Messiah.” Joanna Blotner of Jews United for Justice outlined the local battles underway, saying that “DC is our last line of defense in so many ways; the local battles are so critical and winnable.” A spirited and lively discussion with the audience followed, led off by AFSCME Council 26's Carl Goldman, who said that “Trump is a huge threat to federal workers and public sector workers in general.” Attendees continued the conversation well past the official 8p ending and many said they hoped the Metro Council would continue to serve as a focal point for local efforts.
- photo by Chris Garlock/Union City

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