“It’s a mess,” said one local bus driver on Tuesday on the first work day after Metro shut down six Blue and Yellow line stations south of National Airport. ATU Local 689 blamed poor management by General Manager Paul Wiedefeld for stranded passengers and delayed shuttle buses, saying that “We believe that issues like this are the inevitable result of attempts to privatize and contract out work that would be best handled by the hardworking, well-trained workers of Local 689.” Saying “It puts passengers and our operators at risk,” ATU 689 president Raymond Jackson called on WMATA to return all operators to their regular routes immediately.

On today’s labor calendar, meet the millennials fighting back against unpaid work when the DC LaborFest screens CALL ME INTERN today at noon at the AFL-CIO.
For all the latest local labor calendar listings, go to dclabor.org and click on Calendar.

In today’s labor history, on this date in 1943, some 25,000 White autoworkers walked off the job at a Detroit Packard Motor Car Company plant when three Black workers were promoted to work on a previously all-White assembly line. The White workers returned after the Black workers were relocated.  

Today’s labor quote is from the 1943 song "Rosie the Riveter";
Rose Will Monroe, popularly known as Rosie the Riveter, died in Clarksville, Indiana on this date in 1997. During World War Two she helped bring women into the labor force…
"All the day long,
Whether rain or shine,
She's a part of the assembly line.
She's making history,
Working for victory,
Rosie the Riveter.”

Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus.
If you’re thinking about hitting a theme park with your family this summer, visit unionplus.org/entertainment to get savings at America’s favorite theme parks.
 
"Rosie the Riveter" by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb, released in early 1943.

(audio) We want health care for everybody as a basic human right. We want living wages, the freedom to form unions and a dignified retirement. We don’t really need much more than that. 
That’s Michigan Congressman Andy Levin, a former AFL-CIO staffer and career union organizer and activist, on the latest edition of the AFL-CIO’s State of the Unions podcast…
(audio) Right now an employer has the ability to crush workers if they try to form a union and the law doesn’t help the workers at all. So we need to change things in a big way. And if we pass the PRO Act, it would be huge. It would really change the ground we’re standing on. 
Listen to State of the Unions on your favorite podcast platform.

On today’s labor calendar…
Tune in here on WPFW at 1 o’clock this afternoon for this week’s edition of Your Rights at Work, when Ed Smith and I will take your calls on workers rights;
then at 7:15 tonight, catch the great labor classic film NORMA RAE at AFI in Silver Spring as we close out this year’s LaborFest.
Complete details at dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

In today’s labor history, on this date in 2002, the Ground Zero cleanup at the site of the World Trade Center was completed three months ahead of schedule due to the heroic efforts of more than 3,000 building tradesmen and women who had worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week for the previous eight months.

Today’s labor quote is by novelist Howard Fast, writing about the 1937 Memorial Day Massacre, when police opened fire on striking steelworkers at Republic Steel in South Chicago, killing ten and wounding more than 160.
Howard Fast, who wrote:
“Many have forgotten; millions more have joined the labor and progressive movement since that time and do not know this story. But it is well that all of us remember--and in remembering, act.”

Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. If you’re thinking about hitting a theme park with your family this summer, visit unionplus.org/entertainment to get savings at America’s favorite theme parks.

Broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM.
Hosted by Chris Garlock and Ed Smith 
DC’s call-in show about worker rights: those you have, those you don’t, how to get them and how to use them.

Metro strands passengers; Chavez Prep leaves teachers in the lurch; “Save UMC” campaign wins partial funding; Trump attacks govt scientists; Labor 411 DC Edition released; Norma Rae screens tonight.

HOUR 1:   
JENNIE TOMLINSON, School librarian and technology coordinator at Chavez Prep: Update on school’s closing leaving teachers (who voted to unionize last year) stranded without health care or salaries this summer. Her colleague Christian Herr will be speaking at the Norma Rae screening tonight at AFI. 
BARRY HOBSON, ATU Chief of Staff: TRANSIT UNION SAYS METRO SHUTDOWNS LEAVE PASSENGERS “STRANDED AND IN DANGER”
MARK GRUENBERG, Editor, Press Associates Union News Service
Union campaign gets partial funding restored at D.C. public hospital
Union, political pressure halts hostile hedge fund takeover of Gannett newspaper chain
Making it official, USW’s Gerard to retire in mid-July
New ATU President Costa must hit ground running vs Trump sidelining safety
Trump transfer of air marshals, possibly screeners, too, to Mexican border draws flak

HOUR 2: 
DANA GOLD, Government Accountability Project Director of Education: stories about work GAP is doing with science whistleblowers, some unionized, and how science has been under assault by this administration; On Politics: Trump Hardens Attack on Climate Science
CHERRI SENDERS, Labor 411 publisher: Labor 411 DC Edition release party tonight at McGinty’s (5:30p) before “Norma Rae” screening (7:15p at AFI). “Cherri’s picks”: top 3 favorites in this year’s edition.   

Produced by Peter Pocock and Chris Garlock; engineered by Mike Nasella​

(audio: Save UMC!)
Hotel workers were there. Teachers were there. And of course, nurses were there. They all rallied on the steps of the DC City Council Tuesday morning on a gloomy, rainy day, “not to beg, not to bargain, we are demanding that UMC be kept open!” said Katrina Clark, president of the DC Nurses Association.
And Rev. Graylan Hagler called out the DC City Council for creating an apartheid healthcare system in the city by closing hospital after hospital in poor neighborhoods whose residents are most in need.
(audio: Shame, shame, shame!)
The Council was scheduled to take a second vote Tuesday on proposed cuts to the UMC budget; follow us on Twitter and Facebook @dclabor for latest updates.
For the latest local labor calendar listings, go to dclabor.org and click on Calendar.

In today’s labor history, on this date in 1941, animators working for Walt Disney began what was to become a successful 5-week strike for recognition of their union, the Screen Cartoonists' Guild.

Today’s labor quote is by Cesar Chavez. On this date in 1996, the United Farm Workers reached agreement with Bruce Church on a contract for 450 lettuce harvesters, ending a 17-year-long boycott. The pact raised wages, provided company-paid health benefits to workers and their families, created a seniority system to deal with seasonal layoffs and recalls, and established a pesticide monitoring system.
Cesar Chavez, who said:
“The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.”

Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. If you’re thinking about hitting a theme park with your family this summer, visit unionplus.org/entertainment to get savings at America’s favorite theme parks.

(audio) “There is this attitude of you know...to try to say nurses should say in their lane. People wonder, Why do nurses care about these issues? Why do they lobby?”
That’s National Nurses United Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, on the latest State of the Unions podcast from the AFL-CIO.
(audio) “Now what we’ve seen is as nurses, you know, become very strong formidable trade union nurses that...their leadership extends beyond the walls of the hospital and into their communities...we know that all of these issues including issues around racial and gender and equity have a direct impact on everyone’s health. So our goal is to keep our patients healthy. We want them to be on the road to recovery when they’re in the hospital but we also want them to be able to stay healthy in the communities that they live.”
Listen to State of the Unions on your favorite podcast platform.

On today’s labor calendar: rally to “Keep UMC Open!” at 9am this morning at The John Wilson Building and then tonight there are two LaborFest screenings, CALL ME INTERN at 7 pm at the Shirlington Busboys and Poets and HIGH FLYING BIRD at 7:15 at AFI in Silver Spring. Complete details at dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

In today’s labor history, on this date in 1946, at least 30,000 workers in my hometown of Rochester, New York participated in a general strike in support of municipal workers who had been fired for forming a union.

Today’s labor quote is “You can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes,” in honor of The Ladies Shoe Binders Society, which was formed in New York on this date in 1835.

Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. If you’re thinking about hitting a theme park with your family this summer, visit unionplus.org/entertainment to get savings at America’s favorite theme parks.

Today is Memorial Day, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The Union Veterans Council brings working-class veterans together to speak out on the issues that impact vets most, especially the need for good jobs and a strong, fully funded and staffed VA.
The Union Veterans Council also holds private enterprise and elected officials accountable for their words and actions. They believe wholeheartedly that the ability for someone to self-identify as “pro-veteran” isn’t determined by what lapel pin they don or what catchphrase they employ; veterans face real issues that require real actions—constructive actions that lead to positive solutions.
The Union Veterans Council fights every day for those who have fought for us, and that’s worth remembering today.  

On today’s labor calendar: absolutely nothing! Relax and enjoy the holiday. If you want to see what’s happening this week, you could hop on over to dclabor.org and click on Calendar, or you could just grab another cold one and put it off til tomorrow.

In today’s labor history, on this date in 1935, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the Depression-era National Industrial Recovery Act to be unconstitutional, about a month before it was set to expire.

Today’s labor quote is by American businesswoman Tae Yoo, who said:
“Military veterans have unique skills, experience, and qualifications that are invaluable to today's workforce, including teamwork and leadership skills, the proven ability to learn quickly, a strong work ethic, dedication, and the ability to work under pressure.”

Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. Thinking about hitting a theme park with your family this summer? Visit unionplus.org/entertainment to get savings at America’s favorite theme parks. 

In addition to being an occasion to remember the servicemen and women who gave their lives protecting our nation, the Memorial Day holiday signals the unofficial start of summer. On this busy three-day weekend, grills will be fired up, sunscreen will be slathered and time with friends and family will be enjoyed.
The folks who brought you the weekend and holidays also provide many of the items you’ll need this Memorial Day, from hot dogs to ice cream, beverages and yes, even sunscreen.
Check out labor411.org or better yet, get their cool app – also Labor411 – for tons of great union-made products.
Not only are these items essential for any barbecue, they’re all made by ethical companies who give their workers a voice on the job. Enjoy the holiday and let’s all grill our way to a stronger America!

On today’s labor calendar: check out the DONTMUTEDC Rally/Go-Go to Save UMC tonight at 6 in the UMC parking lot at 1310 Southern Ave SE;
Complete details at dclabor.org; click on Calendar.

In today’s labor history, on this date in 1995, some 2,300 members of the United Rubber Workers, on strike for 10 months against five Bridgestone-Firestone plants, agreed to return to work without a contract. They had been fighting demands for 12-hour shifts and wage increases tied to productivity gains.

Today’s labor quote is by Philip Murray, born in Scotland on May 25, 1886. Murray emigrated to the United States, where he became the founder and first president of the United Steelworkers of America, and head of the Congress of Industrial Organizations from 1940 until his death in 1952.
Philip Murray, who said:       
“Unions were created to make living conditions just a little better than they were before they were created, and the union that does not manifest that kind of interest in human beings cannot endure, it cannot live.”

Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. Earn an associate degree online for free with the Union Plus Free College Benefit. Summer classes start soon – enroll now! Visit unionplusfreecollege.org.

At Monday night’s meeting of the Metro Washington Council, IATSE 22 president Chuck Clay reported that new contracts at the Washington Ballet and the Reagan Trade Center were ratified last week, and contract negotiations with PSAV are scheduled to begin on June 4.
UNITE HERE 23’s Josh Armstead reported that Local 23’s members at Georgetown University just ratified their contract. He also reported that while wages for workers at Sky Chefs “are up a bit, healthcare is still terrible, a dreadful situation for 14,000 workers across the country.” Plans are underway for a major action at National Airport on June 19, and we’ll keep you posted on those plans.
On today’s labor calendar, tune in at 1 o’clock this afternoon for this week’s edition of Your Rights At Work, when our guests will include DC Council member Trayon White and Hassan Kanu, Legal Editor/Reporter at Bloomberg Law.
Complete details at dclabor.org; click on Calendar.

In today’s labor history, on this date in 1903, an estimated 100,000 textile workers, including more than 10,000 children, went out on strike in the Philadelphia area. Among the issues were 60-hour workweeks, including night hours, for the children.  

Today’s labor quote is by my old boss, Jim Hightower, the former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, author and radio host, who said:
“Politics isn't about left versus right; it's about top versus bottom.”    

Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. Earn an associate degree online for free with the Union Plus Free College Benefit. Summer classes start soon – enroll now! Visit unionplusfreecollege.org.

Broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM.
Hosted by Chris Garlock, with Peter Pocock
DC’s call-in show about worker rights: those you have, those you don’t, how to get them and how to use them.

HOUR 1
Guests: 
Hassan Kanu, Legal Editor/Reporter, Bloomberg Law, on Uber Drivers Are Contractors, Labor Board’s Top Lawyer Says (and other recent stories); Trayon White (right), DC City Council member, Ward 8, on the impact of United Medical Center budget cuts on Ward 8; Peter Winch, AFGE, on USDA researchers quit in droves as Trump administration plans relocation.
 
HOUR 2
Guests:
Mark Gruenberg, Editor, Press Associates Union News Service:
• Union leaders, BlueGreen Alliance unveil detailed clean energy plan as hearings start
• Connecticut joins $15 minimum wage states parade
• Justices give unions limited win in Native American-run casinos case
Cherri Senders, Labor 411 publisher: Union-made Memorial Day; Barbecue essentials made by ethical companies who give their workers a voice on the job. Also: 2019 Labor 411 DC Edition and publish party 5/30 at McGinty’s (5:30p) before “Norma Rae” screening (7:15p at AFI). 
Ronald Moten, one of the leaders of Don’t Mute DC; He is doing this event because UMC saved his life: #DONTMUTEDC Rally/Go-Go to Save the Hospital on Friday at UMC at 6 pm

CREDITS:
Produced by Peter Pocock and Chris Garlock; engineered by Mike Nasella

(audio) “What we were able to do in the ‘90s is identify a very disturbing trend with our employers who were looking to essentially displace us either through replacing our work with lesser skilled or unskilled workers and/or just moving us completely out of the acute care setting.”
That’s National Nurses United Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, on the latest State of the Unions podcast from the AFL-CIO.
“So, we as registered nurses recognize...that wasn’t in the best interest of our patients and/or our profession...and worked to ensure that we had leadership that was representative of the nursing profession. And so, ever since then...we know that we can't just continue to do this without...doing...the good work that we’re doing on behalf of patients unless we’re actually building a stronger union.”
Listen to State of the Unions on your favorite podcast platform.
​
On today’s labor calendar, the Washington Teachers Union is sponsoring a Journey for Justice Alliance Bus Tour today starting at 10am, to highlight the plight of Black, Brown and low-income children whose neighborhood schools have been systematically undermined and under-resourced;
Complete details at dclabor.org; click on Calendar.

In today’s labor history, on this date in 1934, the Battle of Toledo began. Two strikers died and more than 200 were injured in the five-day running battle between roughly 6,000 strikers at the Electric Auto-Lite company of Toledo, Ohio, and 1,300 members of the Ohio National Guard. The battle began in the sixth week of what ultimately became a successful two-month fight for union recognition and higher pay.

Today’s labor quote is by Harry S. Truman
who said: “The right to join a union of one's choice is unquestioned today and is sanctioned and protected by law.”
Truman crushed a U.S. railroad strike – which started on this date in 1946 -- by threatening to draft strikers.   
Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. Earn an associate degree online for free with the Union Plus Free College Benefit. Summer classes start soon – enroll now! Visit unionplusfreecollege.org.