Workers, Unions Cheer Passage of Displaced Worker Protection Act in MontCo

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Montgomery County Council chambers resounded with the cheers of workers and their unions Tuesday morning after the Council approved the Displaced Worker Protection Act. “This is a commonsense approach to provide temporary protection for hardworking men and women who lose their jobs through no fault of their own,” said Jaime Contreras, Capital Area Director for 32BJ SEIU, which led the push for the legislation. “Businesses and property owners have flourished under this law in DC and in other cities because it allows them to compete on the quality of their services without hurting workers.” The new law ensures that low-wage service workers have temporary job protections when their employer’s service contract is terminated. MCGEO 1994 President Gino Renne applauded Jaime Contreras and 32BJ SEIU “for pushing to enhance employment protections for Montgomery County’s most vulnerable workforce. The work that these employees do has a significant impact on the overall quality of life in Montgomery County and this recognition is long overdue.” And Metro Council President Jos Williams congratulated both unions and their allies for “demonstrating their commitment and solidarity by working so effectively together to pass this bill." - photo by Dimas N. Diaz