Nurses unionize a hospital for the first time in Baltimore history

11/6/2023

Registered nurses at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland voted, on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, to join National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU). This victory marks the first time in Baltimore history that registered nurses have unionized a hospital and the fourth Ascension-owned hospital to organize with NNOC/NNU in the short span of 13 months. Read more.

UFCW Local 400: Kaiser Permanente continues to ignore staffing crisis and partnership

For the past year, the Alliance of Health Care Unions members have called on Kaiser Permanente to be a partner in addressing the staffing crisis. "We’ve told KP management that increasing pay is a key part of fixing the staffing crisis. KP refuses to reopen our contract to address ATB raises to reflect the dramatic change in inflation, the labor market, employee morale, and staffing shortages that have occurred since 2021." Join the Alliance in calling on Kaiser to Wage Up, Staff Up, and Partner Up.

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:

Does your union local want to help set direction for labor movement in DC and Maryland, and get more connected to other unions in the region? Apply to become an Affiliate of the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO.

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.

Maryland law cited in national analysis on the growing union movement

"A new law in Maryland includes a similar measure to make it easier for unions to obtain recognition. Maryland’s law will strengthen enforcement of public sector collective bargaining agreements and remedies of unfair labor practices and will also standardize public employees’ collective bargaining procedures." Read more from the Center for American Progress.

Upcoming Actions + Events

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.

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: Maryland/DC Alliance For Retired Americans invited Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO president Dyana Forester to speak at their Biennial Convention this past weekend. Right: On Saturday, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement celebrated Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and Latin America as a way to remember and honor the lives of those who have passed before us.