Explore our Affiliates' apprenticeship programs

11/13/2023

It's National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of apprenticeships for re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities.

Union apprenticeships are training programs designed to help anyone learn the skills it takes to work in the unionized trades. Apprenticeships usually include a mix of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and are often a chance to earn money while you learn new skills.

A number of the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO's Affiliate unions offer apprenticeship programs. Explore all of our Affiliates' apprenticeship programs.

Government shutdown once again threatens federally contracted service workers

Thousands of federally contracted service workers are facing financial uncertainties as Congress, for the second time in six weeks, brushes up against a deadline for passing critical funding legislation. These workers are some of the lowest-paid employees in and around government, typically earning between about $17 and $25 an hour as janitors, cooks, cashiers, catering workers and security guards, according to the unions that represent them. Most are Black or Latino, and many live paycheck to paycheck. Read more »

November 16: Starbucks Workers to go on strike

On Thursday, November 16, Starbucks workers who are unionized with Starbucks Workers United are going on STRIKE and asking customers and allies to hold solidarity actions outside of non-union Starbucks stores to demand the company respect union rights. Sign up to host an action or join an existing one in DC and Maryland on November 16.

Community Services Agency's 2023 Family Holiday Program now open

Every year, Metro Washington Council Affiliate union leaders and community members help union and working families put food on their tables and purchase necessities for the holidays like coats, hats, and more.

This season, we invite you to participate in our Community Services Agency's Family Holiday Program. Make a donation, contribute gift cards from local union grocery stores, or Adopt a Family by providing gift cards, toys, and clothes.

Please mail contributions to Community Services Agency, 815 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Suite 1100, Washington DC 20006. Contribution deadlines are November 17 for Thanksgiving and December 18 for the winter holidays. Questions? Email Letycia Pastrana at [email protected].

This Thanksgiving, make sure it's union-made!

Looking to elevate your Thanksgiving mail? Buy union-made and union-packaged foods this holiday season. Visit aflcio.org/thanksgiving for a full list.

Upcoming Actions + Events

DC Jobs with Justice's 2023 "I'll Be There" Awards
Tuesday, November 14 — 5:30-8:00 PM
Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW)
Each year, the DC Jobs With Justice coalition comes together to celebrate our work and recognize our leaders. Join DC Jobs with Justice for this year’s “I’ll Be There” Awards!

Kroger and Albertsons: A Grocery Consolidation Disaster
Tuesday, November 14 — 2:00 PM ET on Zoom
A year ago, Kroger announced their intention to acquire Albertsons for $24.6 billion. The transaction would combine the country’s two largest retail grocery chains in an industry that has seen a 30% reduction in stores since the 1990s. Join the American Economic Liberties Project and a coalition of UFCW Locals for a discussion of why the Federal Trade Commission must learn from past mistakes and block this harmful merger. More details.

Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 5 Apprenticeship Open House
Friday, November 17, 2023 — 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
5000 Forbes Boulevard Lanham, MD 20706
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2023, Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 5 is hosting an open house with food, drinks, vendors, and exhibits. Whether you are young adult looking for a career or an educator looking to learn about viable career paths beyond college, come and learn about trade apprenticeships in our region where graduates can earn $100,000 annually or more. Details and RSVP.

Labor Day with the Commanders vs. NY Giants
Sunday, November 19, 2023 — 1:00 PM
Each union that brings out 50 or more people will be able to come onto the field after the game to take a photo. Email Ari Kwitkin-Close or call (301) 276-6406.

Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO Delegates meeting
Tuesday, November 21 — 5:00-7:00 PM on Zoom
The next meeting of Delegates to the Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO will take place on Tuesday, November 21, from 5:00-7:00 PM on Zoom. Delegates can now register to attend this month's meeting.

DC Labor Chorus Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 2 — 7:30 PM
Washington Ethical Society (7750 16th St. NW, Washington, DC)
Come join the DC Labor Chorus for a free holiday concert, “Celebrating 25 Years of Favorite and Sacred Songs.” From classics to timely parodies to holiday favorites, enjoy a spirited concert of songs from diverse traditions – with a social justice twist. Details.

DC51's DMV Tradeswomen’s Heartbeats To Hardhats Holiday Event
Sunday, December 10 — 11 AM-2 PM
We are inviting all Tradeswomen to bring their children to enjoy plenty of holiday treats and fun activities, including working in Santa’s workshop. Sign up here.

Around the Region

Left: Members of SEIU from all over the country came to Reagan National Airport last week to call on Congress to pass the #GoodJobs for #GoodAirports Act and give airport workers fair pay and benefits. Right: AFSCME Maryland Council 3 held a Stewards in Action training last week! Congrats to the AFSCME members stepping up to protect the rights of you and your coworkers on the job.

Share Your News

Got an action, event, open position, or other update you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].