A new union is setting their sights on workplaces known for underpaid employees who work long hours with few benefits and uncertain career prospects while being urged to put teamwork before their own well-being. I’m talking about political campaign offices.
In advance of the 2018 midterms, the newly formed Campaign Workers Guild is seeking to organize election staffers, particularly those who work for pro-labor Democrats. We have a link to the story in Mother Jones at dclabor.org

On today's labor calendar,
There’s a Roundtable discussion on Restoring a Level Playing Field for Workers starting at 1pm today at the Brookings Institution on F Street NW;
Then at 6:30 tonight, there’s a discussion of John Tutino's book 'The Mexican Heartland' at the Mexican Cultural Institute on 16th St NW.
Complete details, as always, on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1938, members of the Chinese Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union in San Francisco’s Chinatown began what would become a successful four-month strike for better wages and conditions at the National Dollar Stores factory and three retail outlets.

Today’s labor quote is by actress Hattie McDaniel, the Screen Actors Guild member who on February 29, 1940 became the first African-American to win an Academy Award, honored for her portrayal of “Mammy” in “Gone with the Wind”
Hattie McDaniel, who said:
"I loved Mammy. I think I understood her because my own grandmother worked on a plantation not unlike Tara."

Union City Radio sponsor UnionPlus wants you to know that they’re committed to improving the quality of life of working families through their unique products and services. Find out more at unionplus.org!

Union solidarity was strong yesterday morning outside the Supreme Court as the justices heard arguments in Janus vs. AFSCME, the biggest labor case of our time.
Hundreds of union members and their supporters turned out beneath gray skies to show their support for the nearly 20 million public-sector workers whose unions are the target in the case. Here’s some sound from the rally:

On today's labor calendar,
Former Congressman David Bonior will discuss his new book “Whip: Leading the Progressive Battle During the Rise of the Right” today at noon at the AFL-CIO
and then tonight catch a screening of “Soundtrack For A Revolution” at 6pm at the Shirlington Busboys and Poets.
Complete details, as always, on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1937, 450 workers and customers occupied a Detroit Woolworth’s for eight days in support of the Waiters and Waitresses Union.

Today’s labor quote is by Eugene V. Debs, the legendary labor leader who began his career in the movement on this date in 1875, when he joined the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. Gene Debs, who said:
“The truth has always been dangerous to the rule of the rogue, the exploiter, the robber. So the truth must be suppressed.”

Union City Radio sponsor UnionPlus wants you to know that they’re committed to improving the quality of life of working families through their unique products and services. Find out more at unionplus.org!

This morning, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Janus vs. AFSCME. The outcome of this case will directly impact nearly 20 million public-sector workers across the country, disproportionately affecting black women, who make up a significant percentage of public-sector workers. Black women have traditionally faced a double pay gap―a gender pay gap and a racial wage gap. Research by the Economic Policy Institute has shown that black women are paid only 65 cents of the dollar that their white male counterparts are paid. However, unions help reduce these pay gaps, which may be why corporate interests are working so hard to undermine working people’s right to collectively negotiate a fair return on our work.

On today's labor calendar,
A rally on Janus v. AFSCME -- "the most important labor case of the 21st century" – starts at 10am this morning at the Supreme Court, though folks will start gathering as early as 8am.
Then at 6:30 tonight, author Jean R. Freedman will discuss her recent biography, “Peggy Seeger: A Life of Music, Love, and Politics” at the Takoma Busboys and Poets.
Complete details, as always, on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 2004, a 20-week strike by 70,000 Southern California supermarket workers ended, with both sides claiming victory.

Today’s labor quote is by folk singer Pete Seeger, Peggy Seeger’s brother. Pete Seeger, who said:
“Songs are funny things. They can slip across borders. Proliferate in prisons. Penetrate hard shells. I always believed that the right song at the right moment could change history.”

Union City Radio sponsor UnionPlus wants you to know that they’re committed to improving the quality of life of working families through their unique products and services. Find out more at unionplus.org!

Fifty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. joined striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, as they fought for the freedom to join together in a strong union and be treated with dignity and respect at work. Fifty years later, corporate lobbyists are bringing a case against working people, Janus v. AFSCME Council 31, to the Supreme Court. "These are the same extremist voices that actively work to limit voting rights, roll back economic protections, and gut civil and labor rights laws," says AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka. "They’re ratcheting up their fight to break us up because they know we are strongest together." Thousands will rally today on Freedom Plaza at the Working People's Day of Action, starting at 10 am. Join us!
Details at dclabor.org

Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1940, Woody Guthrie wrote “This Land Is Your Land” following a frigid trip -- partially by hitchhiking, partially by rail -- from California to Manhattan. The Great Depression was still raging. Guthrie had heard Kate Smith’s recording of “God Bless America” and resolved to himself: “We can’t just bless America, we’ve got to change it.”

Today’s labor quote is by W.E.B. DuBois, the educator and civil rights activist, born on this date in 1868. W.E.B. DuBois, who said:
"What a world this will be when human possibilities are freed, when we discover each other, when the stranger is no longer the potential criminal and the certain inferior!"
 
Union City Radio sponsor UnionPlus wants you to know that they’re committed to improving the quality of life of working families through their unique products and services. Find out more at unionplus.org!

With Saturday’s Working People's Day of Action rapidly approaching, here are some ways for you to get in on the action:
Change your Facebook profile picture and cover photo to show your support; check our link on our website at dclabor.org
Let organizers know you’ll be attending Saturday by RSVPing on Facebook; we’re at Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO
And you can also volunteer to help with marshaling and signing up folks for Union City;
We’ve got links for all of these on our website at dclabor.org

On today's labor calendar,
"At the River I Stand" screens free today at 12 noon at the AFL-CIO headquarters at 16th and I;
Catch “Your Rights at Work” from 1 to 2pm here on WPFW; Ed and I will talk with Harold Meyerson about the future of the American labor movement. Complete details, as always, on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar.
​
Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1892, representatives of the Knights of Labor and the United Mine Workers met in St. Louis with 20 other organizations to plan the founding convention of the People’s Party. Their objectives included ending political corruption, spreading the wealth, and combatting the oppression of the rights of workers and farmers.

Today’s labor quote is by Albert Shanker, former president of the American Federation of Teachers, who died on this date in 1997. Al Shanker, who said:
"I would rather die having spoken in my way, than live having spoken in yours."

Union City Radio sponsor UnionPlus wants you to know that they’re committed to improving the quality of life of working families through their unique products and services. Find out more at unionplus.org!

Hosts: Chris Garlock, with Ed Smith
JOIN US AT 202-588-0893
 
Also, if you miss our live show – or want to hear a past show – Your Rights At Work is now available as a podcast! Just search for Union City Radio on iTunes, Stitcher, Overcast or wherever you get your podcasts; subscribe and you’ll get our shows right on your phone!
 
Today’s show: 
American Prospect columnist HAROLD MEYERSON on the future of labor movement after Janus.
Congressman DAVID BONIOR on his new book “Whip: Leading the Progressive Battle During the Rise of the Right.” 
Washington Teacher's Union president Liz Davis on the People's Day of Action and Teach-In this Saturday.

WPFW IS LISTENER-SUPPORTED….CALL NOW! 202-588-9739 OR 1-800-222-9739 OR PLEDGE ONLINE AT WPFWFM.ORG
Thanks to the Beins Axelrod law firm, which works to establish, maintain, and defend the rights of working people. Located right here in the Nation's Capital, the attorneys at Beins Axelrod are dedicated to fairness and justice for all employees in the workplace. Find out more at beinsaxelrod.com. Tell 'em Chris and Ed sent you!
Thanks also to Dave Levinson and Wendy Kahn, DC-area lawyers who are contributing as well; an anonymous but very generous supporter ($750!), not only of this show, but several others. And Bernard Robinson of Fort Washington, MD; a members of Teamsters Local 96 at Washington Gas, who gave $240 and came to Chris' birthday paella party last Sunday.

Labor Song: 
“We Shall Overcome” 
From “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” screening free in this month’s Bread and Roses series! 
Tuesday, February 27, 6p at the Shirlington Busboys and Poets. 
Free; click here to RSVP.
The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church. The music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence.

CREDITS: 
Engineered by Mike “The Man” Nasella 
Produced by Peter Pocock and Chris Bangert-Drowns

Just pick an event from the list below and call in, leaving a voicemail that we’ll edit into the final podcast. Deadline is noon this Sunday, February 25.

HERE’S HOW:
1: Call (240) 389-0312
2: Read the script: “HI, THIS IS (YOUR NAME), CALLING FROM (YOUR TOWN). (READ HISTORY ITEM HERE)

That’s it; thanks so much for being part of the show!
 
Labor history for the week of February 25

Labor history for week of Feb 25

On February 26 1972 A coal slag heap doubling as a dam in West Virginia’s Buffalo Creek Valley collapsed, flooding the 17-mile long valley. 118 died, 5,000 were left homeless. The Pittston Coal Co. said it was "an Act of God." 

On February 27 1937 450 Woolworth’s workers and customers occupy store for eight days in support of Waiters and Waitresses Union, Detroit

On February 27 1939 The Supreme Court rules that sit-down strikes, a major organizing tool for industrial unions, are illegal

On February 28 1986 In response to the layoff of 450 union members at a 3M factory in New Jersey, every worker at a 3M factory in Elandsfontein, South Africa, walks off the job in sympathy

On March 03 01 1906 Joseph Curren is born on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. At age 16 he joined the Merchant Marines and in 1937 went on to lead the formation of the National Maritime Union. He was the union’s founding president and held the post until 1973, when he resigned amidst corruption charges. He died in 1981

On March 01 1940 Screen Actors Guild member Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African-American to win an Academy Award, honored for her portrayal of “Mammy” in “Gone with the Wind”

On March 02 1990 More than 6,000 drivers strike Greyhound Lines, most lose jobs to strikebreakers after company declares “impasse” in negotiations

On March 03 1873 Birth date in Coshocton, Ohio of William Green, a coal miner who was to succeed Samuel Gompers as president of the American Federation of Labor, serving in the role from 1924 to 1952. He held the post until his death, to be succeeded by George Meany

​On March  03 1906 The local lumber workers' union in Humboldt County CA founded the Union Labor Hospital Association to establish a hospital for union workers in the county. The hospital became an important community facility that was financed and run by the local labor movement

On March 03 1915 Congress approves the Seamen’s Act, providing the merchant marine with rights similar to those gained by factory workers. Action on the law was prompted by the sinking of the Titanic three years earlier. Among other gains: working hours were limited to 56 per week; guaranteed minimum standards of cleanliness and safety were put in place

On March  03 1931 The Davis-Bacon Act took effect today. It orders contractors on federally financed or assisted construction projects to pay wage rates equal to those prevailing in local construction trades

When it comes to the looming showdown case at the U.S. Supreme Court, the nation’s top four state and local government workers unions are campaigning for the best – and preparing for the worst. That’s because the lineup of justices on the High Court – 5 of the nine have been appointed by Republicans – makes it probable, if not likely, that every single state and local government worker in the country could be a potential “free rider” after the tribunal issues its decision in Janus versus AFSCME District Council 31. The court hears oral arguments on the case next Monday, February 26.

On today's labor calendar,
There’s a free screening of the film “Heather Booth: Changing the World” tonight at 6 at Georgetown University; a discussion with Heather Booth follows the screening.
Complete details on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1972, the United Farm Workers of America was granted a charter by the AFL-CIO.

Today’s labor quote is by Cesar Chavez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, who said:
“From the depth of need and despair, people can work together, can organize themselves to solve their own problems and fill their own needs with dignity and strength.”
 
Union City Radio sponsor UnionPlus wants you to know that they’re committed to improving the quality of life of working families through their unique products and services. Find out more at unionplus.org!

Union nurses celebrated earlier this month after the introduction of the Healthy Maryland Act of 2018, which would create a single-payer healthcare program in the state. “With hundreds of thousands of Marylanders still uninsured, and far too many more struggling with medical bills, Maryland desperately needs guaranteed healthcare for all,” said Melody Jones, a registered nurse in Maryland and a member of National Nurses United. All Marylanders would be automatically enrolled in the program, regardless of pre-existing conditions or where they work.

On today's labor calendar,
"Soundtrack for a Revolution" screens free at the DC LaborFest’s Bread & Roses series at the Takoma Busboys and Poets, starting at 6pm tonight.  
Complete details on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1990, the United Mine Workers settled the bitter 10-month Pittston strike in Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Today’s labor quote is by Cecil Roberts, vice-president of the mine workers during the Pittston strike, and now the union’s president. Cecil Roberts, who said:
“People understood that if you fill up the jailhouses and fill up the courthouses then sooner or later you’ll get someone’s attention.”
 
Union City Radio sponsor UnionPlus wants you to know that they’re committed to improving the quality of life of working families through their unique products and services. Find out more at unionplus.org!

Momentum is building for the “Working People’s Day of Action” this Saturday. Working people, their unions and allies will rally on Freedom Plaza starting at 10am for the freedom to come together in strong unions. The rally will focus on the fight for equitable pay, affordable health care, quality schools, vibrant communities and a secure future for all.
Read more and RSVP at dclabor.org, and for the latest labor calendar, go to dclabor.org, and click on Calendar.

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1975, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in favor of sales clerk Leura Collins and her union, the Retail Clerks, in NLRB v. J. Weingarten Inc.—the case establishing that workers have a right to request the presence of their union steward if they believe they are to be disciplined for a workplace infraction.

Today’s labor quote is how you invoke your Weingarten Rights, and is what unions recommend workers say if called into an interview that the employee reasonably believes may lead to discipline:
“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at the meeting.”
After invoking your Weingarten Rights, refuse to proceed without union representation.

Union City Radio sponsor UnionPlus wants you to know that they’re committed to improving the quality of life of working families through their unique products and services. Find out more at unionplus.org!