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!

On Valentine’s Day, George Washington University Hospital workers and their supporters urged their boss to "put the heart back in healthcare." The workers are represented by 1199SEIU and their contract, which covers 150 housekeeping and dietary hospital employees, expired over a year ago.

WMATA managers continued to disrespect Metro workers this week after a track maintenance crew pitched in last weekend to perform critical track repair work for the Baltimore transit system. WMATA said the crew of 20, represented by ATU Local 689, merely provided “technical assistance,” while the union says it was “essential work” by “some of the best workers in their field.”
Read more on both these stories at dclabor.org

For the latest labor calendar, go to dclabor.org, and click on Calendar.

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 2011, all public schools in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin were closed as teachers called in sick to protest Governor Scott Walker’s plans to gut their collective bargaining rights.

Today’s labor quote is from a Madagascar proverb, which says:
“Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you.”

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
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: 
Jos Williams on the February 24 DC People’s Day of Action.
Jamie Horwitz on concerns by the union of Administrative Law Judges over the recent ousting of the DC city watchdog.
PLUS: lots of great labor music and of course, your calls! JOIN US AT 202-588-0893

Thanks to the Beins Axelrod law firm for their generous $500 matching pledge challenge. Beins Axelrod 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. 
WPFW IS LISTENER-SUPPORTED….CALL NOW! 202-588-9739 OR 1-800-222-9739OR PLEDGE ONLINE AT WPFWFM.ORG

Labor Songs:  
You Can’t Giddyup By Saying Whoa! The U-Liners 
Three Chords and the Truth The U-Liners 
“May be My Last Time”: Anthony Hamilton with the Blind Boys of Alabama
From “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” screening free in this month’s Bread and Roses series! 
Tuesday, February 20, 6p at the Takoma Busboys and Poets, and
Tuesday, February 27, 6p at the Shirlington Busboys and Poets. 
Both screenings are free; click above for details and to RSVP.
Engineered by Mike “The Man” Nasella
Produced by Chris Bangert-Drowns

The union representing DC Administrative Law Judges last week spoke out on the “extremely troubling issues” that it says cost Traci Hughes -- the public’s open government watchdog -- her job. IFPTE Judicial Council 3 sees “chilling” similarities to the removal last year of ALJ union president Jesse Goode for his role in helping hold former OAH Chief Judge Mary Oats Walker accountable for multiple ethics violations.

On today's labor calendar,
The film "At The River I Stand" screens free at noon at the Library of Congress, we’ll discuss the upcoming “Day of Action” on “Your Rights at Work” here on WPFW from 1 to 2pm, and NoVA Labor meets tonight at 7pm.
Complete details on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1934, U.S. legislators passed the Civil Works Emergency Relief Act, providing funds for states plagued by Depression-era poverty and unemployment.  

Today’s labor quote is by Susan B. Anthony, the suffragist, abolitionist and labor activist, born on this date in Adams, Massachusetts.
Susan B. Anthony, who said:
"Join the union, girls, and together say: Equal Pay for Equal Work!"

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!