DC-area labor celebrates and looks to future

“Are we going to sit back and watch workers be taken advantage of and not organize them?” The answer to Metro Washington Council president Jackie Jeter’s question came back loud and strong from over 800 unionists and their allies assembled at the Council’s 41st Evening With Labor Saturday night. “No!” “Are you ready to stand up and make this region union strong?” she asked. “Yes!” came the thunderous reply. The evening celebrated solidarity and 2017’s award-winners, including SEIU 32BJ and UNITE HERE 23 (Organizing); AFSCME Maryland Council 3 (Golden Picket); CASA (Ally); OPEIU Local 2 (Community Services); with a special award to Kathleen McKirchy (left, with Jeter), retiring after 35 years at the Council and the Community Services Agency. Evening With Labor Chair Doris Reed presided over the festivities at the Omni Shoreham, longtime local news analyst Tom Sherwood served as emcee and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser congratulated the winners and the local labor movement for its commitment to improving the lives of metro area workers and their families. Dozens of area elected officials and candidates mixed and mingled, and the post-dinner dancing capped the evening.
- report by Chris Garlock; photo by Chris Langford; click here for more photos

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