‘Right to Return to Work’ clears first hurdle

The DC City Council took a major step Tuesday to protect District workers who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, unanimously approving the “Displaced Workers Right to Reinstatement and Retention Amendment Act.” "We were very pleased that the ‘Right to Return to Work’ bill passed its first reading unanimously," UNITE HERE Local 25 Political Director Sam Epps told Union City. "Over the next two weeks, we'll be working with our allies to make sure the bill isn't watered down, and that all the workers currently in the legislation -- including restaurant workers -- are covered by its provisions." An unprecedented number of area workers – especially in the hospitality, entertainment, and service industries – have been laid off, furloughed or had their hours cut because of the pandemic. In response, MWC affiliate UNITE HERE Local 25 worked closely with allies, including DC Jobs with Justice and DC City Council members, to ensure that the workers are guaranteed the right to return to their jobs. The bill will be up for final passage by the Council in two weeks.
- David Stephen