Aug 18, 2008Insulators Back MD Power Plant
Members of Insulators Local 24 and other construction trades are supporting the proposed construction of a new nuclear power plant in Calvert County, Maryland. "If approved, the project will create thousands of union construction jobs, while helping our region meet its energy needs through a...
Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIOmore...
Aug 18, 2008Caution, Kids at Work!
Child labor at home and abroad is the topic of two DC Labor FilmFest screenings on Friday, August 22. Children In The Fields reveals the real cost of child labor in our nation’s fields and farms, while That's Why I'm Working shows children in the slums of Bangladesh working in the "hidden...
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Aug 18, 2008Time, Space Running Out to Register for Free Website Training
Only a few spots still remain for Wednesday's free noontime training on the latest in website-building technology, Content Management Systems (CMS). Jason Lefkowitz, of Change to Win, will give an overview of CMS and its advantages for creating and maintaining an easy-to-use labor website. The...
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Aug 18, 2008Labor Filmfest Ad Deadline Extended
The ad deadline for the 2008 DC Labor FilmFest program book has been extended! This year’s FilmFest – the 8th annual – features more than 30 films about work and workers and runs October 9-12 at the American Film Institute, with previews beginning September 11 at various union halls...
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Aug 18, 2008Labor on the Move: New Contact Info for AFTRA/SAG, Harnest New Prez at NALC 142
AFTRA/SAG Washington-Baltimore’s new address is 7735 Old Georgetown Rd Suite 950, Bethesda, MD 20814-6215. Bob Harnest is the new Acting President at the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 142. He replaces former President Joseph Henry. Click here for the Council's online...
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Aug 14, 2008Women Graduates Honored for Courage, Determination
"Nine years ago, I wouldn't have been here," said Washington Area Women in the Trades (WAWIT) graduate Marshila Davis at a graduation ceremony Monday at the AFL-CIO. Davis, who overcame drug addiction, heard about the WAWIT program at her church and decided to apply. She and thirteen other women...
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Aug 14, 2008New AFL-CIO Website Tool Featured at Wednesday Training
The AFL-CIO's new website tool, LaborWeb, will be demonstrated Wednesday at noon at a free website training on Content Management Systems (CMS). AFL-CIO Online Mobilization Manager Chris Kenngott will show how LaborWeb, now available to locals whose internationals have signed on, is a fast and...
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Aug 14, 2008Labor Day Plans?
Does your union have plans for Labor Day '08? Let us know! We're updating our events calendar and will be publishing a special guide to Labor Day activities in the Metro Washington area the week before Labor Day. Email us at streetheat@dclabor.org
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Aug 14, 2008Labor Updates (8/14/08)
Call-In Campaign Asks Bain to Put Kids Before Profits : Following rallies last month in DC, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles ( Protesters Voice Concern Over Bain Buyout, Quality of Care 8/4/08 UC), the Tell Bain to Put Kids First campaign launched a two-day national call-in campaign on...
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Aug 14, 2008DC Jobs with Justice Corner: Connect-DC Launches Campaign for Good Jobs, Service with DC FiOS Expansion:
The Connect-DC campaign launched an email campaign Wednesday to pressure DC city officials to ensure that Verizon's FiOS expansion in the District creates good jobs and provides high quality and affordable telecommunications services in DC. The campaign launch followed the DC government's...
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Aug 11, 2008Workers Reach Contract Agreement with Verizon
Verizon workers across the East Coast celebrated the announcement Sunday of a new tentative contract settlement after over a year of negotiations. "This agreement is a tribute to the solidarity and activism of IBEW and CWA members working at Verizon," said IBEW President Ed Hill. "Our members...
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Aug 11, 2008Labor Updates (8/11/08)
Liberian Firestone Workers Win Contract: Workers at the Liberian Firestone rubber plantation signed an historic contract Wednesday, ending an 82-year legacy of exploitation, terrible working conditions and company-controlled unionism. “We were able to sit down at the table with management...
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Aug 11, 2008Websites Made Easy
When you think of websites, does it conjure up scary images of long, indecipherable lines of HTML code? Dispel that myth and learn about how Content Management Systems (CMS) – the latest in website-building technology – makes it easy to create and maintain a website at next Wednesday’s...
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Aug 11, 2008Knockin' with Bowser
Union members will join labor-endorsed Ward 4 DC City Council Candidate Muriel Bowser for the first in a series of door-knocking campaigns this Saturday from 9A-1P. “Come dressed in your union colors to show your support,” says Metro Council Assistant Political Coordinator Alya Mbamba....
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Aug 8, 2008Verizon Workers Rally as New Contract Deadline Nears
Spirits were high outside the downtown DC Verizon headquarters Friday afternoon where Verizon workers and their supporters rallied for a fair contract. “No contract, no work. No work, no peace,” chanted the group while bargaining continued inside the headquarters. The action – one of...
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Aug 7, 2008Verizon Contract Update
Bargaining has continued around the clock since tens of thousands of Verizon workers postponed a strike on Sunday. Progress has been made on some issues but Verizon continues to fight workers’ demands on matters of employment security and work of the future, says a bargaining report posted on...
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Aug 7, 2008Labor Updates (8/7/08)
Onion, Post Radio Workers Face Legal Setback : Workers at the Onion and now-defunct Washington Post Radio faced a setback in their nearly year-old legal battle against the Post. An administrative law judge, last month, rejected the Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild – which represents...
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Aug 7, 2008Labor in the News (8/7/08)
Teacher Lobbying by Outside Group Raises Ire of DC Teachers : DC teachers and their union, the Washington Teachers Union (WTU) Local 6, are accusing a newly-created community group of inappropriately interfering in the ongoing teacher contract negotiations, reported Bill Turque in...
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Aug 7, 2008Labor Art: SEIU 32BJ Members Display Artistic Skills at Exhibit
The artistic talents of SEIU 32BJ members and staff are on display in DC through today at the Breaking Through art exhibition. The exhibit, entitled Breaking Through, includes over 30 pieces of original paintings, drawings, photography, and poetry by more than twenty Local 32BJ members, officers...
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Aug 7, 2008Wal-Mart Telling Workers How to Vote
As if Wal-Mart’s business model of poverty wages, unaffordable healthcare, discrimination, and rabid unionbusting wasn’t bad enough. Now the anti-worker retail giant is holding mandatory meetings telling employees not to vote for Democrats who are supportive of the Employee Free Choice Act,...
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Aug 7, 2008Labor Photo: Smithfield Canvassing
DC Jobs with Justice activist Micah Landau reaches out to the community about the Smithfield campaign outside the Columbia Heights Metro last Friday. Canvassing continues at the Shaw-Howard University Metro station tomorrow at 5P.
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Aug 7, 2008DC Jobs with Justice: Cross-Cultural Dialogue Series Begins Saturday
The first in a series of dialogues on race, immigration and building cross-cultural alliances in DC will take place this Saturday from 1-3P."The goal of this event is to arm workers and residents with concrete tools that will help them come together and win concrete victories," said Daniel...
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Aug 4, 2008Verizon Workers Postpone Strike
Tens of thousands of Verizon workers in DC and across the East Coast postponed a major strike late Saturday night. The postponement was called after progress was made in negotiations between the workers’ unions – the CWA and IBEW – and Verizon over the weekend. “Thanks to...
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Aug 4, 2008Labor Updates (8/4/08)
Prince George's County In-Home Child Care Providers Honored : Nearly 200 Prince George's County residents -- including family child care providers and the kids they care for, along with their parents -- came out earlier this month for a day of fun and recognition for Maryland family child...
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Aug 4, 2008Protesters Voice Concern Over Bain Buyout, Quality of Care
Child care providers rallied with local activists outside a downtown DC Bright Horizons child care facility Thursday afternoon to demand Bain Capital – a private equity firm that recently bought out Bright Horizons – save quality of care in the District. Activists chanted “Our children...
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Aug 4, 2008'News You Can Use'
The Community Services Agency launched a new monthly online newsletter on Friday called Labor to Neighbor: “News You Can Use.” “We launched the newsletter to provide helpful resources in response to the growing need of workers in our community,” says CSA Executive Director Kathleen...
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Aug 4, 2008Council Endorses Paul Strauss for DC Shadow Senator
The Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO has endorsed Paul Strauss for Shadow Senator in the upcoming DC Democratic Primary on September 9. "Paul started out as a union organizer then went back to school to become a lawyer and now he represents workers in unions for UNITE HERE, Local 25," said...
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Aug 4, 2008May & June Delegate, E-Board Minutes Now Online
Minutes from May and June's Delegate and Executive Board meetings are now posted online . The Council will not meet in August; the next meeting will be September 15 at 6:30P at the AFL-CIO.
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Jul 31, 2008Child Care Providers Rally Today
Local childcare providers and parents will rally today in downtown DC to head off budget cuts and layoffs. The target of the protest is private equity firm Bain Capital, which recently bought Bright Horizons – the third largest child care company in the US. Workers and parents are staging...
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Jul 31, 2008Verizon Workers Ready to Strike
Tens of thousands of Verizon workers - including thousands in the metro Washington area - are preparing to strike Saturday if agreement is not reached on a new contract. The workers - represented by CWA and IBEW - have vowed to walk out if Verizon does not back off on demands for sharp...
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Jul 31, 2008DC Labor & Allies Back Verizon Workers`
Communities from Beltsville to Richmond are stepping up to support Verizon workers who may strike this weekend, reports Community Services Agency Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy. On Monday, the Labor Caucus of the Virginia Young Democrats volunteered to get the word out to their local and...
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Jul 31, 2008Still Room at Union Women Summer School
Union women from across the Northeast US will gather in Connecticut next week for the 33rd Annual Northeast Regional Summer School for Union Women. The school - hosted by the United Association for Labor Education (UALE) and the Coalition of Labor Union Women - brings together union women to...
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Jul 31, 2008DC Jobs with Justice Corner: Labor in the Pulpits Update
Nearly 30 churches and synagogues have signed up to participate in the 7th annual Labor in the Pulpits/ Bimah/ Minbar program. The annual Labor Day campaign honors labor and the religious traditions that dignify and celebrate work while raising awareness about workers' struggles throughout the...
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Jul 28, 2008Labor Updates (7/28/08)
Drivers Win Back Jobs : Bus drivers fired last year by MV Transportation have been reinstated after an arbitrator ruled that the terminations were without cause. “This is a huge win,” ATU Local 1764 President Wayne Baker tells Union City. Local 1764 represents the 20 drivers, who were...
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Jul 28, 2008Metro Council Endorses DC Council Candidates
The Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO has endorsed Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), and Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) in the Democratic DC City Council primary. Action on the Democratic At-Large race will be taken up at a later date. The Metro Council...
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Jul 28, 2008Workers, Parents Rally for Quality Child Care Thurs
Child care workers, parents and labor activists will rally Thursday at 11:30A to save quality childcare in the District. The workers - who work for Bright Horizons, the third largest child care center in the US - are fighting potential layoffs and cost-cutting measures after the purchase of...
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Jul 28, 2008Transit Workers Fight Pinch at the Pump
Hundreds of Metro DC residents lined the block around the G and 13th Metro Center station entrance Wednesday afternoon hoping to receive one of 689 free $10 SmarTrip cards from transit workers and their union, ATU Local 689 . "The turnout was tremendous," Local 689 President Jackie Jeter told...
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Jul 28, 2008Baltimore Rolls Out Unwelcome Mat for McCain
Republican presidential nominee John McCain got a chilly reception from labor activists during a recent fundraising visit to Baltimore. On Monday, 1199SEIU MD/DC Division Executive Vice President John Reid spoke at a "McSame as Bush" press conference with US Senator Ben Cardin, Congressman...
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Jul 28, 2008Exploitation in Firestone Tires
Dozens of activists held a high-energy rally outside the downtown DC offices of Firestone's public relations company Wednesday afternoon to counter Public Strategies' distortion of Firestone's labor abuses at its Liberian rubber plantation. Activists chanted "Public Strategies, you are liars....
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Jul 28, 2008Networking, Online & Off
Last Wednesday's "Social Networking" workshop featured the series' first "webinar," with participants online from as far away as Amherst, MA joining local attendees to learn more about using social networking tools like MySpace, Twitter and Facebook from Laura Packard of the AFL-CIO's New...
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Jul 28, 2008Labor Photos: The Truth About E-Waste & Kenyan Worker Delegation Comes to DC
The Truth About E-Waste : The audience for the DC Labor Filmfest's free screening of eDump Friday was appalled and fascinated to learn the unpleasant truth about what happens to the millions of tons of electronic waste the US produces every year. Linda Andros, from the United Steelworkers...
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Jul 23, 2008Transit Workers Ease Travel Cost
Transit workers will pass out 689 $10 Smartrip cards today starting at noon. “Like everyone else, we feel the pain of higher food prices, rising utility bills, and the soaring cost of gas,” says ATU Local 689 President Jackie Jeter. “That's why Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 is...
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Jul 23, 2008Protesting Firestone's Liberian Labor Abuse Spin
An army of lunchtime activists will rally in downtown DC today at noon to protest Firestone’s public relations campaign to downplay its continued exploitation of Liberian rubber workers. The protest will be held outside the offices of Public Strategies, the public relations firm responsible...
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Jul 23, 2008Activists March on Zimbabwe Embassy
Dozens of activists rallied outside the Embassy of Zimbabwe in near 100-degree heat Monday afternoon to demand justice for the Zimbabwean people following the corrupt presidential runoff elections in June. Protesters chanted, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Mugabe has got to go" and read and delivered a...
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Jul 23, 2008Filmfest Stickers at Free Friday Screening
Be the first to get the brand-new 2008 DC Labor FilmFest stickers at this Friday's free noontime screening of eDump ! The short documentary reveals hi-tech's dirty little secret: millions of tons a year of electronic waste, or e-waste, which ends up in places like China, India and Nigeria...
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Jul 23, 2008No Democracy for DC Soldiers
Despite serving their country in the military, DC veterans have no vote in Congress, says a new DC voting rights newspaper ad campaign launched last week. “DC’s soldiers make sacrifices for their country each and every day - a right to representation in Congress shouldn't be one of them,”...
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Jul 23, 2008DC Jobs with Justice Corner: Building Alliances Across Cultures
DC Jobs with Justice will host the first in a series of dialogues to build cross-cultural alliances in DC Saturday, August 9 from 1-4P. “For many years Latinos, African Americans and people of African descent have lived in the same communities, residing in the same apartment buildings,...
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Jul 21, 2008Sun Workers Protest Job Cuts
Nearly 200 Baltimore Sun workers and their supporters rallied outside the Baltimore Sun office building Thursday to protest the impending cuts of 100 jobs at the paper, reported Liz Farmer in Thursday’s Maryland Daily Record . “Outside the Sun building’s steps Thursday, 100 black chairs...
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Jul 21, 2008Justice for Zimbabwe
Labor and community activists will hold a solidarity rally outside the Embassy of Zimbabwe in Northwest DC today at 4:30P to support the Zimbabwean movement for economic and social justice. “The people of Zimbabwe have been betrayed, by the government that claims to represent them and by...
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Jul 21, 2008Interfaith Dialogue Focuses on Caregivers
A group of interfaith religious leaders will lead a dialogue on worker justice for local caregivers Tuesday at 7P at the DC Jewish Community Center. Speakers at the event will include Rabbi Greg Harris, of Congregation Beth El, Dr. Sovan Tun, of the Cambodian Buddhist Society in Silver Spring,...
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Jul 21, 2008Anti-Union MD Webpage Removed After Labor Protest
An anti-union Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development webpage was taken down last weekend after protest from labor activists, reported Kathleen Miller on the Examiner website . The webpage – on the state’s “Choose Maryland” business promotion website – touted...
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Jul 21, 2008Hi-Tech's High Cost
The DC Labor FilmFest's free noontime screening series continues this Friday with a screening of eDump . The short documentary – by Journalist Michael Zhao – is a shocking exposé of what happens to our discarded laptops and cellphones and the horrific cost in health and environmental damage.
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Jul 18, 2008Howard Workers Win Raises
"Cleaners and trades workers at Howard University will get a big raise starting Friday as the result of a new contract reached between the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ and the school," reports Tierney Plumb in the Washington Business Journal . About 300 cleaners, carpenters,...
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Jul 18, 2008Verizon Workers Practice Picketing
Verizon workers - members of CWA Local 2108 - practiced picketing Thursday in Beltsville and Silver Spring. The contract covering 55,000 CWA members and more than 10,000 Electrical Workers expires August 2. Click here for Pam Galperm’s Labor Notes article on the issues at stake during...
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Jul 18, 2008DC Housing Inspectors Say Firings Unjust
The move by DC's Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to fire 18 housing inspectors Tuesday is really "an attempt to contract out services," according to AFGE Local 2725, which represents the workers. The union says that DCRA unilaterally imposed new certification requirements on...
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Jul 18, 2008Public Health Leaders Back MontCo Worker Safety Campaign
Public health advocates in the Washington area are urging Montgomery County officials to support the Montgomery County Worker Health and Safety Initiative. The Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association (MWPHA), the regional affiliate of the American Public Health Association, said the...
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Jul 18, 2008Purple Line Attracts Labor Support
Washington Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Treasurer Vance Ayres has joined the board of Purple Line Now , a local coalition pushing for expanded mass transit. A Metro Purple Line encircling the city "will be a lot of work for the building trades and provide good...
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Jul 18, 2008Liberia's 'Heavy Load' Discussed Today
Firestone’s 80-year legacy of worker and environmental abuses in Liberia is the topic of a lunchtime event today at 12:30P at the Institute for Policy Studies. “For 82 years, working and living conditions on the Firestone rubber plantation in Liberia have been brutal,” says the Stop...
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Jul 18, 2008Finding a Place for Labor in 2008
Local labor activists will meet Saturday at 11:30A for a discussion on making a working class agenda a priority during the 2008 elections and a potential Obama presidential administration. “Come prepared to discuss getting the message out on working families and how to build membership,...
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Jul 18, 2008Correction (7/18/08)
We got the year wrong on the Pullman strike and Chicago Jackson Park fire at the World's Columbian Exposition (LABOR HISTORY 7/3 UNION CITY ). "The Columbian Exposition was in 1893," (not 1892, as we reported) writes UNION CITY reader Linn Orear of the Illinois Labor History Society. During a...
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Jul 16, 2008Labor Updates (7/16/08)
Cheverly Construction Workers OK Union : Despite heavy rains that cancelled the workday, nearly 80 laborers at Pessoa Construction turned out to vote for a union Tuesday, voting 47-30 to join the Laborers. "I never felt that my job had a future before," said William Avelar, a laborer at...
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Jul 16, 2008MD Verizon Workers Rally as Contract Deadline Looms
Two simultaneous worksite demos will be held at Verizon offices in Silver Spring and Beltsville, Maryland Thursday from 11A-2P to demand a fair contract for Verizon workers. Verizon is calling for healthcare and benefit concessions from workers during ongoing contract negotiations. “Our...
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Jul 16, 2008DC Candidate Interviews Start Tonight
The Metro Council DC City Council candidate interviews begin tonight at the Hillcrest Community Center at 6P. Tonight’s interviews will focus on Ward 7 and 8 candidates. Interviews with Ward 2, 4 and At-Large candidates will be held tomorrow at the AFL-CIO starting at 6:30P. Click here to view...
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Jul 16, 2008Dine, Trumka Discuss 'State of the Union' Thurs
Author and journalist Phil Dine will be joined by AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka tomorrow at the AFL-CIO at 12:30P to discuss his new book, “State of the Unions: How Labor Can Strengthen the Middle Class, Improve Our Economy, and Regain Political Influence.” Dine and Trumka...
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Jul 16, 2008Help for Homeowners
The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America hosts a five-day event July 19-23 to assist homeowners who are in financial distress because of the mortgage crisis. NACA will provide comprehensive counseling and negotiation with lenders to get immediate, permanent reductions in interest rates...
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Jul 16, 2008Social Networking for Union Power
Laura Packard, of the New Organizing Institute, will dispel the myths and discuss the advantages of using online social networking tools to increase your communications and organizing efforts at a free lunchtime training next Wednesday at 12P. The training is the latest in our new “Labor...
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Jul 16, 2008New DC Dates, Locations Added to Smithfield Metro Canvassing
New dates and locations have been added to the Smithfield Metro canvassing campaign . The new locations include Eastern Market (Tuesday, July 22 from 7:30-9A and Friday, July 25 from 5-6:30P) and Georgia Ave/Petworth (this Friday from 5-6:30P). Click here for more info and to get involved.
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Jul 16, 2008Labor on the Move: New Leaders at AFGE 2782, Iron Workers 5, WBCTC & AFT
New Leaders at AFGE 2782, Iron Workers 5 and WBCTC : Bill Schauman is the new president at AFGE 2782, which represents workers at the Census Bureau. The new business manager of Iron Workers Local 5 is Kendall Martin. The Washington Building and Construction Trades Council (WBCTC) also have...
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Jul 16, 2008DC Jobs with Justice Corner: Labor in the Pulpits
For the eighth consecutive year, DC Jobs with Justice is working with Interfaith Worker Justice of Greater Washington, Jews United for Justice, and the Metro Council to bring Labor in the Pulpits/Bimah/Minbar to churches, synagogues and mosques in the Metro DC area. The annual Labor Day campaign...
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Jul 14, 2008Labor Night at the Nats
Nearly 6,000 area union members were on hand for Friday night’s 2nd annual Labor Nights at the Nats, as the Nationals thrashed the Houston Astros 10-0. Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams, Community Services Agency Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy, Northern Virginia CLC...
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Jul 14, 2008Labor Updates (7/14/08)
MontCo Domestic Workers May Finally Get Rights: Supporters of a domestic workers’ rights bill – currently before the Montgomery County Council – launched an online campaign Friday urging County Councilmembers to pass the legislation at a vote on the bill tomorrow. The proposed bill –...
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Jul 14, 2008"Unfair Trade Kills"
As tourists gawked and snapped photos, a 14-foot tall "Toxic Trader" puppet - flanked by three caped "Toxic Avengers" - posed in front of the White House Wednesday before continuing on its way to a demonstration at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Dozens of supporters joined the march and demo, which...
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Jul 14, 2008"No Contracts, No Phones!"
Hundreds of chanting CWA members and their supporters marched and rallied outside CWA's 3rd Street headquarters Thursday as negotiations for a new contract with Verizon continued. The mood was militant in the noonday heat, as the activists threatened "We can build it, we can burn it down!"...
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Jul 14, 2008AFGE 12 Claims Bush Cronyism at DOL
Battling against "rampant cronyism" it says has engulfed the Department of Labor under the Bush Administration, AFGE Local 12 filed a grievance this week against the appointment of Carrie Snidar, special assistant to former Department of Labor (DOL) Deputy Assistant Secretary Emily DeRocco. The...
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Jul 14, 2008DC Council Interviews Set
The Metro Washington Council will screen DC City Council candidates next week. Candidate interviews are open to union members, and are scheduled for July 16-17. Ward 7 and 8 candidate interviews will be held at the Hillcrest Community Center on July 16 from 6P-7P; Ward 2, 4 and At-Large...
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Jul 9, 2008Stadium Workers Vote in Union
Just in time for this Friday’s Labor Night at the Nats, food and beverage workers at Nationals Stadium voted “Union Yes!” last Thursday. The July 3 card check vote was “A grand slam!” reports William Aragon, Director of UNITE HERE Local 25’s Food Service Division. “Centerplate...
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Jul 9, 2008Smithfield Campaign Turns Up the Heat
Activists will be on the phones and outside Metro stations this week keeping the momentum going for the Metro DC "Buy Better Than Smithfield" summer campaign. Smithfield worker supporters from across the nation will participate in a call-in action throughout the week to press the nationally...
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Jul 9, 2008Labor Photo: NoVA CLC July 4 Cookout
Mark Warner (at right) , labor-endorsed candidate for the US Senate in Virginia, at the July 4th Northern Virginia Central Labor Council cookout.
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Jul 9, 2008Reader Survey Winners
Mischa Gaus, Monica Lee Silbas and Carolyn Jacobson are our winners in the Union City Reader Survey, selected at random from over 200 readers who responded. In addition to many kudos, many of you offered very specific and helpful suggestions, and we're compiling the survey results now and hope...
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Jul 7, 2008Labor in the News (7/7/08)
THE DISTRICT : Ex-Offenders Protest Lack of Jobs, Services : “More than 100 ex-offenders, some recently released from prison, and their families marched through downtown Washington yesterday, accusing business leaders of not hiring enough people who have served their time and District...
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Jul 7, 2008How to Network
Not sure where to put the photos from your union's July 4 picnic? Want to create an interactive web-based community for your members without cluttering your official union site with reader comments? With social networking, workers who are considering organizing a union at their workplace can...
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Jul 7, 2008Day Laborers Kick Around Soccer Ball, Organizing Ideas
Day laborers from across the Metro DC region laced up their soccer shoes on Sunday, June 29 for the second annual Day Laborer Soccer Tournament. The event not only provided an afternoon of friendly soccer competition but also gave day laborers and community activists a chance to discuss...
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Jul 3, 2008NoVA Hotel Workers Launch Boycott
Over 150 workers from five hotels across Northern Virginia rallied with supporters outside the Hilton Crystal City Wednesday afternoon to launch a worker-approved boycott against unionbusting hotel management company Columbia Sussex. Protesters roared “Don’t check in, check out”...
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Jul 3, 2008NoVA Council Hosts Warner at July 4 Cookout
The Northern Virginia Central Labor Council will host a July 4 cookout "to honor labor's endorsed candidate for the US Senate – Mark Warner," reports President Dan Duncan. "Governor Warner is expected to join us after marching in both the Dale City and Fairfax City parades," Duncan...
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Jul 3, 2008In Memoriam: Shirley O. Brown
Long-time DC educator, labor leader and community activist Dr. Shirley O. Brown passed away June 7 “at Washington Hospital Center of injuries suffered that day in an automobile accident,” reported Yvonne Shinhoster Lamb in Tuesday’s Washington Post . Dr. Brown – a DC native...
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Jul 2, 2008NoVA Hotel Workers Rally Today
The fireworks will be in Northern Virginia today at 4:30P when hundreds will rally to demand a fair contract for Crystal City Hilton hotel workers. The workers have been without a contract since October 2007 ( VA Hotel Workers Demand Contract 11/5/07 UC). Management “wants to eliminate...
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Jul 2, 2008DC Council Introduces Resolution on Smithfield
A resolution introduced Monday in DC City Council condemns Smithfield Foods and asks area supermarkets not to stock products from the prominent meat company. Hearings will be held in the fall. Councilmembers Phil Mendelson and Marion Barry introduced a Sense of the Council resolution charging...
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Jul 2, 2008Summer Reading
Mariya Strauss is reading "Bleak House," Charles Dickens' "analysis of the British legal system and how it is designed to harm the poor" and David Schlein is reading Bill Fletcher, Jr.'s brand-new book "Solidarity Divided" in which Fletcher analyzes "the AFL-CIO and Change to Win split." What's...
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Jul 2, 2008Labor News on Air and Online
More news for working people is just a free call away! For the latest labor headlines and news – available 24/7 from Workers Independent News – call 425-527-7001 or click here .
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Jul 2, 2008Labor Photo: Puppets Against Toxics
The Toxic Trader puppet - shown here at last week's Great Labor Arts Exchange - will rise again at the July 9 Rally and Street Theater demo against unsafe imports being organized by the United Steelworkers.
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Jul 1, 200890 Graduate from Labor College
"Brothers and Sisters, this is where you take your degrees to wage the next battle of workers rights in this country," former presidential candidate John Edwards told the National Labor College (NLC) 2008 graduating class Saturday. "This is where you become our next leaders to fight for what...
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Jul 1, 2008Mother Says Read a Book
"Sit down and read,” urged Mother Jones. “Educate yourself for the coming conflicts." Arm yourself this summer with great labor reads at The Union Shop . Everything from Jared Bernstein’s “Crunch: Why Do I Feel So Squeezed? (And Other Unsolved Economic Mysteries)” to “The...
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Jul 1, 2008Labor on the Move: New Address for MD State Fed
The Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO has a new mailing address while renovations are underway at State Fed headquarters in Annapolis. Effective July 1, mail should be sent to the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO at PO Box 26428 in Baltimore, Maryland 21207 until...
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Jun 30, 2008Members Pack 1199SEIU Training Classes
Members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East are packing the union's inaugural classes for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA). "I wanted a better opportunity than what I'm doing now and I wanted a change and to improve my job," says Monique Kearson,...
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Jun 30, 2008Labor Updates (6/30/08)
Transit Workers Still Waiting for Increased Safety Measures : A recent shooting injuring a bus operator outside the Anacostia Metro station underscores the need for the US Congress to act on a measure that would increase security for transit workers, says a letter posted on the ATU Local...
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Jun 30, 2008Labor on the Move: Local 22 Finds New Home
IATSE Local 22 moved into its new offices today. The local’s new contact info is 1810 Hamlin Street, NE Washington, DC 20018; Phone: 202-269-0212, Fax: 202-635-0192. The after hours number (301-593-8264) remains the same. To access the most up-to-date contact information on all Metro...
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Jun 30, 2008Labor Photo: Friday's "Brother Outsider" Screening
Pride at Work, AFL-CIO Executive Director Jeremy Bishop introduced Friday's free screening of "Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin" at the AFL-CIO. The DC Labor Filmfest, the Labor Heritage Foundation, Pride at Work, AFL-CIO and the A. Philip Randolph Institute DC chapter sponsored the...
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Jun 27, 2008Pride Month Wraps Up with Rustin Film Screening Today
The DC Labor Filmfest celebrates Pride Month with a free noontime screening of "Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin" today at noon. One of the first "freedom riders," an adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and A. Philip Randolph, organizer of the march on Washington, Bayard Rustin...
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Jun 27, 2008Obama Gets AFL-CIO Nods
Calling him "a champion for working families," the AFL-CIO endorsed Barack Obama for President on Thursday. "Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency, that he's leading the fight to turn around America," said...
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Jun 27, 2008Labor in the News (6/27/08)
Labor Withholds Prince George’s County Endorsements : "Citing their bitter feud with the county's Democratic Party leaders since last October, labor union officials are threatening to withhold endorsements of Prince George's County lawmakers unless they agree to ditch the current leaders of...
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Jun 27, 2008NYT Reporter Speaks at Labor College
New York Times labor reporter and author Steven Greenhouse will hold an open forum and book signing at the National Labor College today at 4P. "The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the American Worker" explores what Greenhouse termed "the broken compact between employee and employer" - which once...
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Jun 27, 2008Crunched, Squeezed, Squandered and Screwed
Build your summer reading list around these must-reads from The Union Shop - and gear up for the political change millions are making to turn around America. "Crunch: Why Do I Feel So Squeezed? (And Other Unsolved Economic Mysteries)," by Jared Bernstein; "The Big Squeeze: Tough Times...
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Jun 26, 2008Williams Protests "Name-Calling"
"It's with some bemusement that we've witnessed recent attacks on local labor leaders whose only crime seems to be that they've been a bit too effective," said Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams in letters to the Washington Post and DC Councilmembers Mary Cheh, David Catania and...
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Jun 26, 2008Forum on Workers' Rights in Liberia Tonight
Leaders of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) will wrap up their DC trip tonight at 6:30P with a public forum on the fight for economic justice and workers’ rights in Liberia. Speakers at tonight’s event will include FAWUL President Austin S. Natee, FAWUL Secretary...
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Jun 26, 2008Smithfield Campaign Rolls On
Local activists will continue canvassing actions to highlight Smithfield's worker abuses this Friday at 5P at Rhode Island Ave METRO station. The actions are part of the Smithfield "Packaged with Abuse" campaign launched last Thursday ( Smithfield "Packaged with Abuse" Campaign Launched in DC...
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Jun 26, 2008Readers Want More
"More pictures of labor history". "More advance notice of a broader range of activities". "Book reviews of materials to help trade unionists". "Union City has put me in touch with the union movement in a way that I've never been before. Thanks for doing this. Keep up the good work!" More than...
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Jun 25, 2008AFT & AFGE 12 Turn Out for Rustin Film
“We had a great crowd today” at Tuesday’s screening of “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” reports AFT’s Jodie Fingland. “Everyone really enjoyed the film and Norm Hill did a great job informing staff about some of Bayard's accomplishments that weren't in the...
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Jun 25, 2008"Can You Pay Us Now?"
Chants of “Verizon, can you hear us now? Verizon, can you pay us now?” echoed outside Verizon’s downtown DC headquarters Tuesday during a high-energy lunchtime rally to support unpaid Verizon subcontracted workers. Over 100 workers and activists turned out for the rally to pressure Verizon...
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Jun 25, 2008Puppets, Art & Creativity Celebrated
Activists battled a giant Toxic Trade puppet Tuesday as the Great Labor Arts Exchange/Conference on Creative Organizing (GLAE/CCO) wrapped up three days of art and activism. The puppet was part of street theater organized by the United Steelworkers – who are planning a July 9 demo in DC –...
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Jun 25, 2008Liberian Workers Win Meany Award
The AFL-CIO and Solidarity Center host the Annual George Meany - Lane Kirkland Human Rights Awards tonight to honor the recent victory of Liberian Firestone workers in their fight to win an independent, rank-and-file run union. Austin Natee, President of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union...
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Jun 25, 2008Labor Photo: The Bush Legacy Bus
The AFL-CIO held a kick-off event Tuesday afternoon for the “Bush Legacy Bus” tour. The Bus is “a museum on wheels describing the George W. Bush legacy – eight years of failed and flawed conservative polices that have dragged down our nation,” reports Mike Hall on the AFL-CIO Now...
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Jun 24, 2008Mayor Faulted for Crisis at Public Employee Board
Labor strongly objected to three last-minute nominees to the District’s Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) in testimony last Friday before the DC City Council’s Committee On Workforce Development And Government Operations. “We are objecting strongly to the process of appointments as...
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Jun 24, 2008Readers Speak Out
“More stuff on pro-labor things to do in the city or online.” “Earlier notice of upcoming events.” “Use headers and bullet points to make it easier to navigate.” These are just a few of the more than 100 comments and suggestions that have already come in response to our annual Union...
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Jun 24, 2008Missing Labor History
We missed an important date in labor history on June 21, the 4-year anniversary of BIGLabor.com’s “Today In Labor History,” which has become one of UNION CITY’s most popular features. “Every week's offering is likely to change year to year as I continue to find appropriate items...
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Jun 24, 2008The Media, the Economy and Workers
By Philip Dine Coverage of labor or workers' issues in general is all too rare in the media, and discussion of these topics is even more scarce in the rarified atmosphere of Washington's top think tanks. So it was gratifying to participate in one such event last...
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Jun 24, 2008Labor Classifieds
Office Space Available: 3100 square feet, 1025 Vermont Avenue, NW (K Street to L Street, between 14th and 15th Streets). Available 8/1/08; currently occupied by the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), who is offering a sublease through 2011 at $37/sq ft. Contact DPE Executive...
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Jun 23, 2008DC Activists Join A.C. Demo
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine and Senator Robert Menendez joined United Auto Workers president Ron Gettlefinger, AFL-CIO president John Sweeney and thousands of other labor leaders and activists – including a busload from DC - in Atlantic City Saturday to demonstrate support for casino...
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Jun 23, 2008Verizon Subcontractors Demand Pay
Workers will rally outside Verizon headquarters in DC Tuesday at noon to demand that Verizon take responsibility for the unpaid wages of subcontracted workers. The workers are employees of subcontractors hired by Verizon to dig trenches for new fiber optics cable. Workers have asked Verizon to...
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Jun 23, 2008Bayard Rustin Film Screens to Honor Gay Pride Month
He was there at most of the important events of the Civil Rights Movement - but always in the background. The film “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin” – which screens in DC three times this week -- asks "Why?" It presents a vivid drama, intermingling the personal and the...
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Jun 23, 2008Conference Celebrates Wage & Hour Landmark Case
A century ago, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision was handed down that had a huge and long-lasting impact on wage and hour regulations. The National Consumer League is hosting a free conference marking the centennial of the 1908 “Muller v. Oregon” case this Wednesday, featuring the...
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Jun 20, 2008In Memoriam: Stu Smith
Longtime AFSCME activist Stu Smith passed away Wednesday night, reports AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman. Smith, President of AFSCME Local 2830 – which represents workers at the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs – “was a role-model, advisor and mentor...
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Jun 20, 2008PERB Appointees Lack Labor Experience
Three appointees for the District’s Public Employee Relations Board “do not appear to have any background in labor relations,” says Metro Council Political Coordinator Rick Powell, who urges all DC public sector unions to call DC Councilmember Carol Schwartz immediately to sign up to...
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Jun 20, 2008Smithfield "Packaged with Abuse" Campaign Launched in DC
The perfect June day belied the ugly tales of worker abuse at Thursday’s Smithfield “Packaged With Abuse” campaign kickoff. Dozens of supporters gathered beneath blue skies clad in “ Justice/Justicia at Smithfield ”- emblazoned shirts as a giant “demon pig” puppet loomed in...
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Jun 20, 2008CSA Urges Local Assistance for Midwest Flood Victims
The Community Services Agency is urging local assistance “to help our brothers and sisters impacted by the floods in the Midwest,” says CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy. The United Way has created the United Way 2008 Midwest Flood Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery...
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Jun 19, 2008Smithfield-Free DC Summer Campaign Launches Today
A major ad campaign targeting Smithfield Foods kicks off at 11:30A today. The ads - which will appear on radio, DC-area buses, and Metro stations - will detail Smithfield's "long and chilling record of worker abuse" at their Tar Heel, NC plant and feature profiles of injured workers. "Human...
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Jun 19, 2008Peace Flick Previews Tonight
The Avalon Theater hosts an advance screening tonight at 8P of “ Finding Our Voices ,” a new feature length documentary profiling the lives of Americans who have spoken out against the war in Iraq, including Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) and local activist Rev. Graylan Hagler. Also featured are a...
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Jun 19, 2008Virginia Activists Mobilize
Labor activists in Northern Virginia begin a weeklong Million-Member Mobilization walk campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) this Saturday from 9A-1P. The walks are part of an AFL-CIO nationwide canvassing initiative to gather one million signatures urging the new President and...
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Jun 19, 2008Casino Workers Gear Up for Rally Saturday
Casino workers are making signs and getting excited for the arrival of thousands of labor activists this Saturday to support their fight for a fair contract. “We’re excited that people will be coming from all over the country to support us,” says Robert Beck, a casino dealer at Bally’s...
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Jun 19, 2008State Fed Hosts COPE "Salute to Leadership"
The Maryland and District of Columbia AFL-CIO’s Committee on Political Education’s “Salute To Leadership” tomorrow at 6P features fun and fundraising. The event will offer a special salute to James “Ron” DeJulius, Commissioner of Labor & Industry, DLLR, C. “Buddy” Mays,...
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Jun 19, 2008In Memoriam: Tom Powers
Long-time labor lawyer and activist Tom Powers passed away from cancer at his home in Rockville last week, reported Yvonne Shinhoster Lamb in Wednesday's Washington Post . He was 74. Powers began his involvement with the labor movement after moving to DC to pursue a law degree at George...
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Jun 19, 2008DC Jobs with Justice Corner: Saving Public Property in DC
With the imminent closing of 23 DC public schools, DC community activists will demand the DC City Council pass legislation to protect public property at a Council hearing today at 9A . “In 2001 the Lovejoy School in Northeast DC was sold to build 54 luxury apartments and the developer made...
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Jun 18, 2008Delegate Meeting Highlights
Highlights of Monday night's Metro Council delegate meeting included a brief talk by St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Philip Dine, author of "State of the Unions: How Labor Can Strengthen the Middle Class, Improve Our Economy and Regain Political Influence." Dine told Council delegates that he...
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Jun 18, 2008Area Mall Cleaners Win New Contract
Hundreds of mall cleaners in Maryland, Virginia and three other states on the East Coast won a new contract that increases wages as much as 54 percent for many workers, reports the workers’ union, SEIU 32BJ. The wage increase raises wages to match those of area office building cleaners. The...
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Jun 18, 2008Labor Livens Up Pride Parade
Rain did not deter a spirited contingent of union members from marching in Saturday’s Capital Pride Parade in Dupont Circle. Union marchers – from UNITE HERE Local 25 and Pride at Work, AFL-CIO – chanted "Ain't no power like the power of the people," and carried signs reading “Proud to...
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Jun 18, 2008Bill Fletcher on "Solidarity Divided"
Busboys and Poets is hosting a conversation and book signing with longtime labor activist Bill Fletcher Jr. this Wednesday. Fletcher, cofounder of the Center for Labor Renewal , is a columnist and long-time activist who served as President of Trans Africa Forum and was formerly the...
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Jun 17, 2008Labor Updates (6/17/08)
Progressive Labor Partnership Contract Proposed in Prince George’s County: The Metro Council's Executive Board last week sent a letter proposing a new contract between labor and elected officials in Prince George's County. The proposed contract included support from PG elected officials...
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Jun 17, 2008Smithfield-Free Ad Campaign Launches Thursday
Local labor and community activists will kick off a major ad blitz against Smithfield Foods this Thursday at 11:30A. The blitz will include bus and metro station ads and a radio and phone messaging campaigning that will feature actor Danny Glover. The ads will detail Smithfield’s abuses of...
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Jun 17, 2008DC JwJ Awards "Huge Success"
Last Thursday’s 6th Annual “I’ll Be There” Awards was a “huge success,” raising over $12,000 to support the work of DC Jobs with Justice (JwJ), reports DC JwJ Organizer Ruth Castel-Branco. “We are so thankful to everyone who worked to make this event such a huge success,” says...
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Jun 17, 2008Labor Turnout Urged in MD Special Election Today
Voters in Maryland's 4th Congressional District have a chance to support labor-endorsed candidate Donna Edwards today in a Special Election to complete US Congressmember Al Wynn's term. Wynn retired last March after losing to Edwards, who won an impressive 60% of the primary vote against the...
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Jun 17, 2008Still Space on DC Bus to Atlantic City Demo
Over 60 buses from across the eastern seaboard will descend on Atlantic City this Saturday as thousands rally to support casino workers. Space on the bus from DC is going fast. The bus leaves from the Greenbelt Metro at 8A Saturday and returns to DC around 8P. Despite an overwhelming "Union Yes"...
Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO
