UFCW 400 Workers Ratify First Contract | RN’s at Saint Agnes Hopistal Strike
This is the July 9, 2026 edition of our weekly newsletter about labor movement news in the DC region. Sign up to get our newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.
UFCW 400 Workers at Maryland Dispensary Ratify First Contract
Rebecca Robinson (standing), Nick Belton (left), and Samira Wilson (right)
UFCW Local 400 members voted unanimously to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement.
Members working at The Apothecarium cannabis dispensary in Burtonsville, MD won a fair three-year contract which raises standards of living and improves working conditions.
Registered Nurses at Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore Strike
On June 5th, Registered Nurses at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, MD. held a one-day strike to protest the administration’s refusal to address RNs’ deep concerns about patient safety and staff retention.
AFL-CIO Details Harms to Working People for One Year of Big Ugly Bill
Last year, on the 4th of July, President Trump signed the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which removed millions of people off their health care and food assistance and cut hundreds of thousands of health care jobs. The AFL-CIO acknowledges the anniversary by outlining the damage the law has done to working families, while the wealthiest few continue to benefit. Read full statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler
Democratic Governors Direct their National Guard Troops to Leave DC
Democratic Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota, Wes Moore of Maryland, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Josh Stein of North Carolina have all directed their National Guard troops to leave DC. This leaves Gretchen Whitmer as the only Democratic state governor keeping National Guard members in DC.
Send a letter to Governor Whitmer to recall the Michigan National Guard members
Upcoming Events
AFL-CIO Trainings
AI: Election Protection and Deepfakes
Tuesday, July 21 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Join us for this training session as we explore these important topics and equip you with the skills to spot election deepfakes and uncover who's behind these tactics.
Overview of AFL-CIO Code of Conduct and Anti-Discrimination Anti-Harassment Policy Requirements
Wednesday, July 22 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM & 7:00 - 8:00 PM
This training is for leaders and staff of AFL-CIO State Federations, labor councils, area labor federations. This training will review the AFL-CIO Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, Code of Conduct, requirements and best practices for implementation at state federations, labor councils, area labor federations.
Know Your Rights: Constitutional Protections and Immigration Enforcement
Monday, July 27 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
In the context of escalating militarization and immigration enforcement around the county, understanding our rights is vital for working families. This session will cover the rights and protections we all have when it comes to interacting with law enforcement, including immigration agents.
Metropolitan Washington Council's Delegates Meeting
Monday, July 20, 2026 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: IBEW Local 26 Headquarters | 4371 Parliament Pl # A, Lanham, MD 20706
Delegates will vote for our new Executive Board member at this meeting.
The nominees are Arrion Brown (APWU Local 140) and Frank Barile (IUOE Local 99). Delegates will receive a written copy of their statements.
CSA's 29th Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, September 21, 8:00 AM
Join the Community Services Agency (CSA) for the 29th Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser benefitting CSA’s Emergency Assistance Fund for union members experiencing financial hardship.
Shotgun starts at 8:00am
Check-in & light breakfast from 6:30am - 8:00am.
Deadline to register is September 3rd.
Know Your Rights trainings with First Shift Justice Project
Union members and staff are invited to join the Community Services Agency and First Shift Justice Project for a series of Know Your Rights webinars about job protected leave laws and benefits in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
MD Job Protected Leave Training
July 14 @ 7 PM on Zoom
VA Job Protected Leave Training
July 28 @ 7 PM on Zoom