Political Mobilization Main Focus of Council Meeting

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Labor political activity in Maryland, the District and Virginia – including walks and phonebanks -- was the main focus of Monday night’s Metro Washington Council meeting, with Election Day just a few weeks away. The Council approved establishing a new Legislative Scorecard, intended to “evaluate the legislative performance of elected officials” on issues that directly and indirectly affect area working families and enable Council affiliates to “hold politicians truly accountable,” said Montgomery County/Prince George's County COPE Chair Doris Reed (ASASP). In other actions, the Council Board and delegates passed a resolution supporting public financing of campaigns in the District and the DC Teacher Retirement with Dignity Act, which will ensure that teachers forced into early retirement receive their full benefits. Chuck Clay (IATSE 22) also announced the completion of contract negotiations at Strathmore, Verizon Center, and a memorandum of agreement with the Kennedy Center, while Emilio Abate (Unite Here 23) announced a contract campaign for 500 food service workers at five local universities called “Real Food/Real Jobs.” Photo: NoVA President Dan Duncan urges Metro Council delegates to hit the doors in DC, Maryland & Virginia for labor-endorsed candidates; photo by Chris Garlock