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Nurses unionize a hospital for the first time in Baltimore history

11/6/2023

 
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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

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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.

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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:
Register for November'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.
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​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.
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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.
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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.
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Around the Region

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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. 

We're hiring!

11/1/2023

 
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We're hiring! The Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO is seeking a Political and Legislative Coordinator to monitor legislation in multiple jurisdictions, support meetings of our Committees on Political Education, coordinate our candidate endorsement process, and more. The ideal candidate will thrive in a political setting, understand membership-centered organizing, and have stellar skills as project management and follow-up skills. This is a full-time exempt position in a bargaining unit represented by Washington-Baltimore News Guild TNG-CWA Local 32035. See the details and apply.

Recent News

Medical providers at D.C.’s largest community health center move to unionize

Medical providers at Unity Health Care, the District’s largest federally-qualified health center that serves tens of thousands of the city’s most vulnerable patients, are trying to form a union. An in-person election through the National Labor Relations Board [was] scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26. Some workers can vote by mail; with ballots coming in on Friday, according to the NLRB. Read more.
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Salisbury city workers win formal recognition of their union

In October 2022, after the Salisbury City Council amended the city charter, a handful of workers from various departments contacted AFSCME to begin organizing and began building support locally. Since then, the bargaining unit has grown to include over 200 workers from nearly every department in the city of Salisbury.  Read more.
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Southern Maryland’s Dena Briscoe elected president of National Postal Press Association

Congratulations to Dena Briscoe, editor of the Nation's Capital Southern Maryland Area Local Dispatch and president of the Nation’s Capital Southern Maryland Area Local, on her election to president of APWU’s National Postal Press Association! 
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​ATU Local 689: Actions taken in Charles County violated federal law

Yesterday ATU Local 689 issued a press release stating that they "became aware of a tentative contract agreement reached between the Charles County Board of Education and the Charles County School Bus Contractors Association over the weekend. Unfortunately, the Union did not participate in the contract talks because the parties refused to include them, violating long established federal law and legal precedent."

​Rally with Ironworkers this Thursday and Friday

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DC-area Ironworkers will be holding two rallies this week to support the DMV Ironworkers Campaign at Iron Fabrication Services and Smart Simple Solutions.  The workers have spoken and it is time that these companies comes to the bargaining table. Please join Ironworkers on Thursday, November 2 at 11:00 AM at 220 20th Street, Arlington VA, and on Friday, November 3 at 11:00 AM at 1831 Wiehle Avenue, Reston VA to put pressure on these companies to recognize the workers’ union.

Hiring Hall: Union jobs in the DC region

AFL-CIO: Accounts Receivable and Administrative Assistant
Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund: Senior Grant Writer
AFSCME: Retiree Organizing and Mobilization Specialist
AFSCME: Strategic Analyst II
American Federation of Teachers: National Representative I-IV
American Federation of Teachers: Senior Associate
SEIU CIR: Lead New Organizer
SEIU CIR: Negotiations and Grievance Coordinator
CWA: Senior Campaign Communications Coordinator
IAM Healthcare: Assistant Coordinator
International Brotherhood of Teamsters: Capital Markets Analyst
League of Conservation Voters: Regional Campaigns Director
National Education Association: Chief Financial Officer
National Nurses United: Legislative Advocate
Maryland Classified Employees Association, Local 1935: Organizer
Maryland State Education Association: UniServ Director, Eastern Shore
Student Borrower Protection Center: State Advocacy Coordinator
SEIU: Senior Political Program Manager
SEIU 32BJ: Lead Organizer
SEIU 32BJ: Organizer
SMART: Administrative Assistant
Solidarity Center: Program Officer II
UFCW: Administrative Coordinator

Share your news

Does your local have actions, events, open positions, or other updates you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].

Giant and Safeway workers reach tentative agreement and avert a strike

10/30/2023

 
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On Sunday, UFCW Local 400 announced that they "have reached a tentative agreement with Giant and Safeway on a new contract to avert a strike. Our bargaining committee has voted unanimously to recommend the agreement for ratification." The union plans to hold a Tele-Town Hall to review the proposed contract and answer members' questions before voting takes place at stores throughout the region. Congratulations to UFCW Local 400 on arriving at a tentative agreement! Read more »

​ATU Local 689 bargaining progresses with National Express Transit, NIH Shuttle, and Charles County School Bus drivers

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ATU Local 689 has been busy fighting for members at National Express Transit, the NIH shuttle, and Charles County schools through contract negotiations at each workplace.

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​The best Halloween candy is #UnionMade

If you still need to pick up candy for Halloween tomorrow, or if someone asks what's your favorite kind, these #UnionMade candy brands are the way to go. 

Upcoming Actions + Events

Halloween Trunk or Treat with WTU
Tuesday, October 31 — 6:00-8:00 PM
Benning Road & Oklahoma Ave. NE, RFK Lot 6
Come have a spooky good time! Join the Washington Teachers' Union as they pass out a free book-of-choice to children at Ward 7's TRUNK OR TREAT on Halloween night with a costume contest, face painting, DJ and more. Sign up as a participant, or sign up your car.
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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.
Día de los Muertos with LCLAA
Saturday, November 4 — 11:30 AM
7016 Infantry Rd., Manassas, VA
​Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated throughout Mexico and Latin America as a way to remember and honor the lives of those who have passed before us. LCLAA DC Metro is excited to host our second annual Día de los Muertos with free food and children's books donations! Details.
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Red Cup Rebellion with Starbucks Workers United
Thursday, November 16 — Multiple times + locations
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.
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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.
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Around the Region

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Top left: Washington Teachers' Union members gave away free books and collecting petition signatures at Hill-o-ween Eastern Market this past Friday. Top right: Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 had a spooktacular time at their second annual Training Facility Halloween Open House!! Bottom left and right: Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO's president Dyana Forester delivered the luncheon keynote at the Maryland State Conference NAACP's Labor Luncheon and joined the event's evening program with Governor Wes Moore. 

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].

Washingtonian Guild calls for fair pay

10/25/2023

 
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On Tuesday Washingtonian hosted an evening event called "Washingtonian Most Powerful Women" — and members of the Washingtonian Guild were there to make it clear the company needs to pay women on its own staff more fairly. Washingtonian Guild workers have been unionizing with Washington-Baltimore News Guild to fight for "fair compensation, a healthy office culture, and a diverse and inclusive newsroom that reflects the community we serve."

Washington Post reporters and staff protest "targeted buyouts and unreasonable cuts"

Washingtonian workers weren't the only Washington-Baltimore News Guild members out in the streets this week. Washington Post reporters and staff protested "unfair and targeted buyouts and unreasonable cuts" to the Local section outside the newspaper's downtown offices yesterday. "Employees shouldn’t pay the price for poor management," said Post reporter Fenit Nirappil.
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​Transdev cancels bargaining sessions with ATU Local 689

Members of ATU Local 689 had been scheduled to sit down across a table from Transdev to continue talks on a new contract. Instead, Transdev canceled Monday and Tuesday’s bargaining sessions, informing the Union over the weekend that they would not be ready to counter Local 689’s first proposal presented to the company on October 13th.  The current contract expires November 30th of this year. Read more.

Upcoming Events

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Maryland State Conference NAACP Annual Convention Luncheon
Friday, October 27 — 12-2 PM
The Maryland State Conference NAACP is holding its annual convention in Charles County, Maryland on on Friday and Saturday. The theme of this year’s convention is "United in the Fight." MWC president Dyana Forester will join Friday's luncheon as the keynote speaker. Get tickets.
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Ironworkers Benefits Organizer Meeting
Saturday, November 4 — 10 AM
9301 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD
Want to learn more about the benefits of becoming an Ironworker? Join Ironworkers Local 5 on Saturday, November 4, for an open house to tour the facility, hear about the wages and benefits, learn what it takes to join, and ask your questions.
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Plumbers and Gasfitters Open House
Friday, November 17 — 10 AM-6 PM
5000 Forbes Boulevard Lanham, MD
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, join us to learn about trade apprenticeships in our region.

Hiring Hall: Union jobs in the DC region

AFL-CIO: Accounts Receivable and Administrative Assistant
AFGE: Legal Assistant / Secretary (GCO)
AFGE: Program Specialist, Women’s and Fair Practices
AFGE: Accounting and Payroll Services Technician
AFGE: Director of Human Resources
Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund: Senior Grant Writer
Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund: Managing Director of Policy
AFSCME: Strategic Analyst II
Communications Workers of America: Legal Office Manager
Jobs to Move America: National Organizer
LIUNA: Communications Specialist
Montgomery County Education Association: Managing Director, Public Affairs
National Domestic Workers Alliance: Maryland Lead Organizer
National Education Association: Chief Financial Officer
National Treasury Employees Union: National Negotiator or Assistant Counsel (Negotiations)
Prince George's County Educators' Association: Program Specialist and Organizer
Student Borrower Protection Center: State Advocacy Coordinator
SEIU: Senior Political Program Manager
SMART: Administrative Assistant
Strategic Organizing Center: Shareholder Advocacy & Corporate Engagement Specialist

Share your news

Does your local have actions, events, open positions, or other updates you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].
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​COPYRIGHT METRO WASHINGTON LABOR COUNCIL AFL-CIO 2023
202-974-8150; [email protected]
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    • Archive >
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      • 2017 Evening With Labor
      • 2018 Evening With Labor
      • 2015 Evening With Labor
      • 2016 Evening With Labor
  • Hiring Hall
    • Apprenticeships
  • Sign up