It's Better in a Union

9/5/2023

SAG-AFTRA members and allies at the NoVA Labor Day picnic on Sunday. Photo via Workers United Mid-Atlantic Regional Joint Board.

Workers around the region celebrated Labor Day this past weekend, a day to to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contribution of all workers. Every day, unions help raise wages, make workplaces safer, and win lasting benefits.

Even though it’s federal holiday, thousands of workers still clock in on Labor Day providing essential work. On Labor Day and every day, we fight for all jobs to recognize the value of our labor and for all working people to have the power of a union.

TODAY @ 5:00 PM: Rally with Sofitel workers

Hotel workers at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square have been organizing for months — despite the hotel holding mandatory anti-union meetings and threatening to change the schedule of the employee leading the organizing effort. The organizing workers are largely immigrants, women and people of color and salaries don't cover the cost of living.

Join Sofitel workers, UNITE HERE Local 25, and AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler TODAY, September 5, at 5:00 PM at Sofitel (806 15th St NW) for a rally to alert the public that there is no union contract at Sofitel.

Washington Teachers are counting down to a new contract

The countdown is ON to a new contract for Washington Teachers' Union. DC has until September 30 to negotiate a new contract with WTU members.

WTU wants teachers to take a photo of you and/or your colleagues next to a ticking clock, post it to social media and send a copy to [email protected]. Teachers deserve a contract by the Sept. 30th deadline! #redfored

Upcoming Events

Book Launch: The UAW's Southern Gamble by Steve Silvia
Thursday, September 7 — 4:00-5:30 PM
American University School of International Service
The UAW's Southern Gamble is the first in-depth assessment of the United Auto Workers' efforts to organize foreign vehicle plants in the American South since 1989. Register for the event »

Labor Night at the Washington Mystics with the WNBPA
Sunday, September 10 — 1:00 PM
Round out your Labor Day week by joining AFL-CIO to cheer on our Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) union siblings in the Washington Mystics vs. Atlanta Dream game on Friday, September 8! Get tickets »

Labor Day at Washington Commanders vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sunday, September 10 — 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.

Scaling Worker Power: A Soiree with Unemployed Workers United
Thursday, September 21 — 6:00-8:00 PM
AFL-CIO (815 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW)
Celebrate Unemployed Workers United's third birthday! Join us for a cocktail hour fundraiser to honor all that we’ve built together. More details »

Union Trades Day Event
Saturday, September 23 — 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
Baysox Stadium (4101 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD)
Looking for a high-wage career with zero college debt? Join Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 on Saturday, September 23 at Baysox Stadium to learn about union trades and how you can get on the path to a career in the trades! More details »

10th Annual Poker Run with IBEW Local 26
Saturday, September 23 — Manassas Training Center
Members of the IBEW Local 26 Motorcycle Club are hosting their 10th Annual Poker Run for the benefit of Special Love for Children with Cancer on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

How to Organize Your Workplace
Wednesday, September 27 — Online
Want to learn how to get a union for you and your co-workers? On September 27, AFL-CIO will host a free online training about how to start the process. Ask your questions in advance using the registration form. Learn more and register »

AFGE District 14 2023 Member Appreciation BBQ
Saturday, September 30 — 11:00 AM
Fort Washington Park (13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD)
Save the date and bring a friend to the AFGE District 14 Member Appreciation BBQ on Saturday, September 30 at 11:00am. More details »

The 26th Annual Community Services Agency Golf Tournament
Monday, October 16, 2023 — 7:00 AM
Enterprise Golf Course, 2802 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD
See this page for more information. Questions? Contact Letycia Pastrana.

Maryland/DC Alliance for Retired Americans Biennial Convention
November 4, 2023 — 9:00am-2:00pm
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 office
Presentations and discussions on political activism in 2024, legislation, and more. Email [email protected] for information.

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.

Around the Region

Left: Senator Ben Kramer visited AFSCME Maryland Council 3's bargaining session with the University System of Maryland last week. Thank you Senator Kramer for supporting the amazing AFSCME members that work hard every day to keep our USM schools running! Right: ATU Local 689 celebrated bus operator graduation last week! 46 new careers started to help deliver safe, reliable and frequent service.

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].