March 12: Election postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak
TO: MWC Executive Board, Affiliates and Delegates
FROM: Andrew Washington, Acting President
RE: Cancellation of March meetings and postponement of election
DATE: March 12
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and in the paramount interest of protecting the Metropolitan Washington Council’s affiliates and delegates, the National AFL-CIO has granted us permission to cancel Monday’s delegate meeting and to postpone the election that was scheduled to be held at that meeting. The AFL-CIO has directed me to convene a special emergency phone meeting of the MWC Executive Board next week in concert with the AFL-CIO to discuss options moving forward. Details on the date/time of that meeting will be forthcoming.
Please take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your families, colleagues and members as we work together to face and surmount this crisis. Solidarity!
FROM: Andrew Washington, Acting President
RE: Cancellation of March meetings and postponement of election
DATE: March 12
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and in the paramount interest of protecting the Metropolitan Washington Council’s affiliates and delegates, the National AFL-CIO has granted us permission to cancel Monday’s delegate meeting and to postpone the election that was scheduled to be held at that meeting. The AFL-CIO has directed me to convene a special emergency phone meeting of the MWC Executive Board next week in concert with the AFL-CIO to discuss options moving forward. Details on the date/time of that meeting will be forthcoming.
Please take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your families, colleagues and members as we work together to face and surmount this crisis. Solidarity!
2020 MWC Election
Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting to be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 (6:30PM at the AFL-CIO in the Gompers Room).
Nominees
President: Eric Bunn (AFGE); Dyana Forester (UFCW 400)
Board: Greg Bowen (ATU 689); George Hogan (IBEW 26); Mike Spiller (OPEIU 2)
Note: Cynthia Collins (SEIU 400) has withdrawn her candidacy for President.
Article VII Section 2. Each officer and executive board member, at the time of the election and at all times during the term of office shall be a duly accredited delegate from an affiliated organization. Article XII Section 3. A local union or other organization which becomes three (3) months in arrears shall not be considered in good standing and shall not be entitled to voice or vote in meetings of this Area Labor Council.
Pursuant to Article VIII Elections and Vacancies, the following lists are available and posted here:
MWC Affiliate voting strength and delegate list (updated 3/14/2020, 8:00pm)
EMAIL UPDATES to [email protected]
MWC Delegate Update Form
MWC Executive Board members
MWC Affiliate list- names and contact info
METRO WASHINGTON COUNCIL CONSTITUTION
PLEASE NOTIFY THE COUNCIL IMMEDIATELY OF DELEGATE UPDATES OR QUESTIONS REGARDING PER CAPITA AND VOTING STRENGTH.
Election Q&A
Got a question? email [email protected]!
What is the process for updating my local’s voting delegates to the labor council ?
Check your delegates here; if you have any updates (adds, deletes), fill out the update form and email it to [email protected]
Can my local send alternate voters?
NO; the MWC Constitution does not permit alternates or proxy voting; only authorized delegates will be admitted to the election on March 16.
Can locals in arrears (owe back per capita tax) vote?
YES, except as noted below. The AFL-CIO has interpreted our constitution and the Rules Governing Area Labor Councils that locals in arrears for the base period (February 2019 through January 2020) who are not paid up by the time of the elections will have their per capita weighted voting strength reduced by the amount of months in arrears for the base period based on averaging their per capita tax payments for the first twelve of the preceding thirteen months.
For example, Local XYZ only paid per capita for the months of February 2019 through July 2019, or six out of the 12 months in the base period. Local XYZ’s weighted vote would therefore be half of what it would have been if it paid for all 12 months. Click here above to see your local’s current voting strength, as calculated by LaborKey.
Note that per capita voting strength is for roll call (weighted) votes but that, other than a roll call vote, it is one delegate, one vote. Being in arrears WILL NOT reduce a local’s delegate allotment.
Those local unions in arrears for months preceding the base period (February 2019 through January 2020) but are fully paid for the current base period will be afforded full voting strength
In either case, no local union will be denied voting rights unless the local union has paid no per capita tax for the current base period.
Voting
The constitution provides for two forms of voting:
Voice or show of hands: one vote per delegate.
Roll call (weighted): If there is a call for a weighted (or roll call) vote, 30% of the delegates present must vote in favor for a roll call vote to be taken.
If no demand for a weighted vote is made -- or if a demand is made but fails to garner the requisite 30% of the votes --then the vote is one vote per delegate.
Labor Key
Labor Key is a highly customizable and user friendly database management system specifically designed for tracking per capita tax payments and annual fees for State Federation, Area Labor Councils and Central Labor Councils. Already in use by a number of State Feds and CLCs around the country, Labor Key is paid for by the national AFL-CIO. Labor Key will also enable us to accurately determine voting strength for all locals, including those in arrears (see above), and will also enable us to conduct the upcoming election, particularly in regard to delegate sign-in, voting ballots, weighted roll-call voting, etc.
How are delegates allocated?
The number of delegates that affiliates in good standing (must be paid up on per capita through January 2020) are entitled to are outlined in ARTICLE IV, Section 3 of the MWC Constitution; the number of votes in a roll call vote are determined by Article V, Section 3 and Section 4 (see below).
All the relevant documents have been mailed out to affiliates and delegates and are posted on the 2020 MWC Election page.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE COUNCIL IMMEDIATELY OF UPDATES TO THIS INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS REGARDING PER CAPITA AND VOTING STRENGTH.
Article IV, Section 3.
Affiliated local unions in good standing shall be entitled to representation based on per capita tax paid according to the following schedule:
100 members or less-1 delegate
101- 200 members - 2 delegates
201- 300 members - 3 delegates
301- 400 members - 4 delegates
401- 999 members - 5 delegates
1000 members - 6 delegates
2000 members - 7 delegates
3000 members - 8 delegates
4000 members - 9 delegates
5000 members -10 delegates
Article V, Section 3. The number of votes to which a local union is entitled on roll call votes shall be the average number of members as determined in accordance with Section 4 of this Article.
Article V, Section 4. The average membership of a local union shall be determined on the basis of per capita tax payments for the first twelve of the immediately preceding thirteen months. The average membership of a local union affiliated for less than this twelve months period shall be computed from the month of affiliation, and shall be determined by dividing the total per capita tax paid for all months affiliated by twelve.
Delegate qualifications
ARTICLE IV COMPOSITION AND DELEGATES
Section 5. No person shall be eligible to serve as a delegate unless he or she is a member of a local union affiliated with this Area Labor Council or is a National or International Union representative regularly servicing such an affiliated union.
Section 6 Disqualifications
(a) No person shall be eligible to serve as a delegate who holds a salaried position, or any other position of administrative or executive authority, in a union or any subordinate branch of a union which has been suspended or expelled from the AFL-CIO.
Nominees
President: Eric Bunn (AFGE); Dyana Forester (UFCW 400)
Board: Greg Bowen (ATU 689); George Hogan (IBEW 26); Mike Spiller (OPEIU 2)
Note: Cynthia Collins (SEIU 400) has withdrawn her candidacy for President.
Article VII Section 2. Each officer and executive board member, at the time of the election and at all times during the term of office shall be a duly accredited delegate from an affiliated organization. Article XII Section 3. A local union or other organization which becomes three (3) months in arrears shall not be considered in good standing and shall not be entitled to voice or vote in meetings of this Area Labor Council.
Pursuant to Article VIII Elections and Vacancies, the following lists are available and posted here:
MWC Affiliate voting strength and delegate list (updated 3/14/2020, 8:00pm)
EMAIL UPDATES to [email protected]
MWC Delegate Update Form
MWC Executive Board members
MWC Affiliate list- names and contact info
METRO WASHINGTON COUNCIL CONSTITUTION
PLEASE NOTIFY THE COUNCIL IMMEDIATELY OF DELEGATE UPDATES OR QUESTIONS REGARDING PER CAPITA AND VOTING STRENGTH.
Election Q&A
Got a question? email [email protected]!
What is the process for updating my local’s voting delegates to the labor council ?
Check your delegates here; if you have any updates (adds, deletes), fill out the update form and email it to [email protected]
Can my local send alternate voters?
NO; the MWC Constitution does not permit alternates or proxy voting; only authorized delegates will be admitted to the election on March 16.
Can locals in arrears (owe back per capita tax) vote?
YES, except as noted below. The AFL-CIO has interpreted our constitution and the Rules Governing Area Labor Councils that locals in arrears for the base period (February 2019 through January 2020) who are not paid up by the time of the elections will have their per capita weighted voting strength reduced by the amount of months in arrears for the base period based on averaging their per capita tax payments for the first twelve of the preceding thirteen months.
For example, Local XYZ only paid per capita for the months of February 2019 through July 2019, or six out of the 12 months in the base period. Local XYZ’s weighted vote would therefore be half of what it would have been if it paid for all 12 months. Click here above to see your local’s current voting strength, as calculated by LaborKey.
Note that per capita voting strength is for roll call (weighted) votes but that, other than a roll call vote, it is one delegate, one vote. Being in arrears WILL NOT reduce a local’s delegate allotment.
Those local unions in arrears for months preceding the base period (February 2019 through January 2020) but are fully paid for the current base period will be afforded full voting strength
In either case, no local union will be denied voting rights unless the local union has paid no per capita tax for the current base period.
Voting
The constitution provides for two forms of voting:
Voice or show of hands: one vote per delegate.
Roll call (weighted): If there is a call for a weighted (or roll call) vote, 30% of the delegates present must vote in favor for a roll call vote to be taken.
If no demand for a weighted vote is made -- or if a demand is made but fails to garner the requisite 30% of the votes --then the vote is one vote per delegate.
Labor Key
Labor Key is a highly customizable and user friendly database management system specifically designed for tracking per capita tax payments and annual fees for State Federation, Area Labor Councils and Central Labor Councils. Already in use by a number of State Feds and CLCs around the country, Labor Key is paid for by the national AFL-CIO. Labor Key will also enable us to accurately determine voting strength for all locals, including those in arrears (see above), and will also enable us to conduct the upcoming election, particularly in regard to delegate sign-in, voting ballots, weighted roll-call voting, etc.
How are delegates allocated?
The number of delegates that affiliates in good standing (must be paid up on per capita through January 2020) are entitled to are outlined in ARTICLE IV, Section 3 of the MWC Constitution; the number of votes in a roll call vote are determined by Article V, Section 3 and Section 4 (see below).
All the relevant documents have been mailed out to affiliates and delegates and are posted on the 2020 MWC Election page.
PLEASE NOTIFY THE COUNCIL IMMEDIATELY OF UPDATES TO THIS INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS REGARDING PER CAPITA AND VOTING STRENGTH.
Article IV, Section 3.
Affiliated local unions in good standing shall be entitled to representation based on per capita tax paid according to the following schedule:
100 members or less-1 delegate
101- 200 members - 2 delegates
201- 300 members - 3 delegates
301- 400 members - 4 delegates
401- 999 members - 5 delegates
1000 members - 6 delegates
2000 members - 7 delegates
3000 members - 8 delegates
4000 members - 9 delegates
5000 members -10 delegates
Article V, Section 3. The number of votes to which a local union is entitled on roll call votes shall be the average number of members as determined in accordance with Section 4 of this Article.
Article V, Section 4. The average membership of a local union shall be determined on the basis of per capita tax payments for the first twelve of the immediately preceding thirteen months. The average membership of a local union affiliated for less than this twelve months period shall be computed from the month of affiliation, and shall be determined by dividing the total per capita tax paid for all months affiliated by twelve.
Delegate qualifications
ARTICLE IV COMPOSITION AND DELEGATES
Section 5. No person shall be eligible to serve as a delegate unless he or she is a member of a local union affiliated with this Area Labor Council or is a National or International Union representative regularly servicing such an affiliated union.
Section 6 Disqualifications
(a) No person shall be eligible to serve as a delegate who holds a salaried position, or any other position of administrative or executive authority, in a union or any subordinate branch of a union which has been suspended or expelled from the AFL-CIO.
Candidate Update #2: March 11, 2020
Note from the MWC Election Committee: Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting to be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 (6:30PM at the AFL-CIO). Election information is posted on our website.
The MWC is distributing two email Candidate Updates to MWC affiliates and delegates: one last week on March 4, the other today, March 11. All candidates have been invited to participate by submitting a statement of no more than 250 words, and may include a photo of themselves. The order of the candidates in this update were determined by random selection.
Note from the MWC Election Committee: Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting to be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 (6:30PM at the AFL-CIO). Election information is posted on our website.
The MWC is distributing two email Candidate Updates to MWC affiliates and delegates: one last week on March 4, the other today, March 11. All candidates have been invited to participate by submitting a statement of no more than 250 words, and may include a photo of themselves. The order of the candidates in this update were determined by random selection.
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
DYANA FORESTER
Throughout the years, you have likely crossed paths with Dyana walking the halls of the Wilson Building or the Maryland General Assembly, at a rally, picket-line or hand-billing, or door knocking for an election.
Throughout her career she has demonstrated her commitment to labor and has represented the interests of all working people. As a graduate of DC Public Schools, as well as the parent of a recent graduate and a current student, she fought against school closures and budgets that would have eliminated gains won in collective bargaining. As a two term Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, she pushed back against anti-union developers and for true affordable housing and labor peace agreements. She took the cause of working people in DC to the DNC in 2018 as a delegate, as well as serving on the Mayor’s Jobs, Wages, and Benefits Work Group. Currently, she serves as the Labor Liaison to the DC Housing Authority Board and the Labor Chair for the Prince George’s County NAACP .
Dyana knows that now is the time when we need unions invested in building a stronger labor movement both nationally and here in the region. Her experience in building coalitions, organizational management, developing strategic campaigns, and most of all her personal commitments to the metropolitan area, to labor and solidarity will lead us into the coming years with a strong, effective, fighting Labor Council.
Dyana is ready, on day one, to devote her full time attention to our Labor Council. Vote Dyana Forester!
*There are three candidates for President of the Metro Washington Council: Eric Bunn (AFGE), Cynthia Collins (SEIU 400PG) and Dyana Forester. Only Ms. Forester submitted a statement and photo for this update. Statements from last week's Update are posted here.
DYANA FORESTER
Throughout the years, you have likely crossed paths with Dyana walking the halls of the Wilson Building or the Maryland General Assembly, at a rally, picket-line or hand-billing, or door knocking for an election.
Throughout her career she has demonstrated her commitment to labor and has represented the interests of all working people. As a graduate of DC Public Schools, as well as the parent of a recent graduate and a current student, she fought against school closures and budgets that would have eliminated gains won in collective bargaining. As a two term Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, she pushed back against anti-union developers and for true affordable housing and labor peace agreements. She took the cause of working people in DC to the DNC in 2018 as a delegate, as well as serving on the Mayor’s Jobs, Wages, and Benefits Work Group. Currently, she serves as the Labor Liaison to the DC Housing Authority Board and the Labor Chair for the Prince George’s County NAACP .
Dyana knows that now is the time when we need unions invested in building a stronger labor movement both nationally and here in the region. Her experience in building coalitions, organizational management, developing strategic campaigns, and most of all her personal commitments to the metropolitan area, to labor and solidarity will lead us into the coming years with a strong, effective, fighting Labor Council.
Dyana is ready, on day one, to devote her full time attention to our Labor Council. Vote Dyana Forester!
*There are three candidates for President of the Metro Washington Council: Eric Bunn (AFGE), Cynthia Collins (SEIU 400PG) and Dyana Forester. Only Ms. Forester submitted a statement and photo for this update. Statements from last week's Update are posted here.
CANDIDATE FOR THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
GEORGE HOGAN
George Hogan is currently the Business Manager of IBEW Local 26 which is 10,000 members strong. He has served on the Examining Board and the Executive Board prior to being elected as Business Manager in 2016. He is a trustee on the Pension Fund, the Health and Welfare Fund, the LMCC, and the Apprenticeship Board. Mr. Hogan has served as a volunteer and board member on the IBEW Local 26 Federal Credit Union since 1983. In addition, he has also been a delegate to the Washington DC Building Trades Council since 1995, a member of Prince Georges County COPE since 2006, and a delegate to Maryland AFL-CIO Labor Council since 2001. As a 47-year union member and 4th generation labor leader, George Hogan is a respected political force in Annapolis, Richmond, and the Wilson Building.
His leadership is praised from both management and the membership and led to one of the best contracts in Local 26’s history. The Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO would benefit with the experience and knowledge that George Hogan can bring to the Executive Board.
GEORGE HOGAN
George Hogan is currently the Business Manager of IBEW Local 26 which is 10,000 members strong. He has served on the Examining Board and the Executive Board prior to being elected as Business Manager in 2016. He is a trustee on the Pension Fund, the Health and Welfare Fund, the LMCC, and the Apprenticeship Board. Mr. Hogan has served as a volunteer and board member on the IBEW Local 26 Federal Credit Union since 1983. In addition, he has also been a delegate to the Washington DC Building Trades Council since 1995, a member of Prince Georges County COPE since 2006, and a delegate to Maryland AFL-CIO Labor Council since 2001. As a 47-year union member and 4th generation labor leader, George Hogan is a respected political force in Annapolis, Richmond, and the Wilson Building.
His leadership is praised from both management and the membership and led to one of the best contracts in Local 26’s history. The Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO would benefit with the experience and knowledge that George Hogan can bring to the Executive Board.
CANDIDATE FOR THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
GREG BOWEN
Hello I'm Greg Bowen Jr from ATU689, where currently I am an At Large Executive board member representing over 3000 members.
Growing up in a union household allowed me to see the effectiveness and power of working together for a common goal. I started my first union job at 18 years old, at IBEW local 26.
I have had numerous training classes from different organizations such as ATU, Jobs for Justice, Washington Interfaith Network, to organize and strengthen the labor movement. I have also served on multilabel committees like PG county labor Stakeholders advisory committee. I have also aided with the organizing and help get the contract with the strikers from Cinder bed Rd. I have a strong commitment to making sure all voices are at the table and they are heard. I thank you for your consideration and support!
GREG BOWEN
Hello I'm Greg Bowen Jr from ATU689, where currently I am an At Large Executive board member representing over 3000 members.
Growing up in a union household allowed me to see the effectiveness and power of working together for a common goal. I started my first union job at 18 years old, at IBEW local 26.
I have had numerous training classes from different organizations such as ATU, Jobs for Justice, Washington Interfaith Network, to organize and strengthen the labor movement. I have also served on multilabel committees like PG county labor Stakeholders advisory committee. I have also aided with the organizing and help get the contract with the strikers from Cinder bed Rd. I have a strong commitment to making sure all voices are at the table and they are heard. I thank you for your consideration and support!
CANDIDATE FOR THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
MICHAEL SPILLER
I currently represent OPEIU Local 2 in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. I serve as 1st Vice President and I’m a business agent. I have been employed here since July 2015 but have been a member since 2000. I have worked with this council as a delegate since 2015. During that time, I have served on the election committee and on the COPE committee during the last election cycle, participating in the endorsement interviews. I currently serve also on the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the COPE Committee there. I have served there through my whole union career in multiple positions. I have also served as the Sergeant of Arms at the last two MD/DC AFLCIO State Federation Conventions, working closely with President Edwards to ensure the success of the convention. Before that under the past President, Fred Mason I served as the coordinator for Baltimore for each election cycle. Before joining the staff of OPEIU, I was employed at American Federation of Teachers Maryland State Federation for 18 plus years and was the shop steward for our OPEIU local. I served as the shop steward for 15 years and negotiated the staff contract during that duration. I served as a staff representative at AFT MD. Prior to that position, I was the Vice President and Secretary Treasurer of the Maryland Correction Union for 6 years.
MICHAEL SPILLER
I currently represent OPEIU Local 2 in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. I serve as 1st Vice President and I’m a business agent. I have been employed here since July 2015 but have been a member since 2000. I have worked with this council as a delegate since 2015. During that time, I have served on the election committee and on the COPE committee during the last election cycle, participating in the endorsement interviews. I currently serve also on the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the COPE Committee there. I have served there through my whole union career in multiple positions. I have also served as the Sergeant of Arms at the last two MD/DC AFLCIO State Federation Conventions, working closely with President Edwards to ensure the success of the convention. Before that under the past President, Fred Mason I served as the coordinator for Baltimore for each election cycle. Before joining the staff of OPEIU, I was employed at American Federation of Teachers Maryland State Federation for 18 plus years and was the shop steward for our OPEIU local. I served as the shop steward for 15 years and negotiated the staff contract during that duration. I served as a staff representative at AFT MD. Prior to that position, I was the Vice President and Secretary Treasurer of the Maryland Correction Union for 6 years.
Candidate Update #1: March 4, 2020
Note from the MWC Election Committee: Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting to be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 (6:30PM at the AFL-CIO). Election information is posted on our website.
The MWC will distribute two email Candidate Updates to MWC affiliates and delegates, one on March 4, the other on March 11. All candidates have been invited to participate by submitting a statement of no more than 250 words, and may include a photo of themselves. The order of the candidates in this update were determined by random selection.
Note from the MWC Election Committee: Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting to be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 (6:30PM at the AFL-CIO). Election information is posted on our website.
The MWC will distribute two email Candidate Updates to MWC affiliates and delegates, one on March 4, the other on March 11. All candidates have been invited to participate by submitting a statement of no more than 250 words, and may include a photo of themselves. The order of the candidates in this update were determined by random selection.
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
ERIC BUNN, SR. is the 14th District National Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees. NVP Bunn is the first DC Local President to be elected into this position, and he is currently serving his third consecutive term as National Vice President.
NVP Bunn has been a unionist for more than 30 years. He began his government career at the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development. NVP Bunn quickly rose to the position of Local President of AFGE Local 2725, which represents more than 1,200 professional and wage grade employees in six District government agencies. He is former president of AFGE Council 211, which represented more than 4500 members in 11 AFGE locals on various issues.
NVP Bunn has always been a champion of labor, not just for AFGE, but for labor, and public and private sector unions in its entirety. In order to advance the causes of labor, NVP Bunn has developed strong relationships with many of the area’s Councilmembers, Congressionals, and local leaders. “Building relationships at the grassroots level is key to inserting labor’s foot-hold into our everyday political agenda.”
As current fourth-year Treasurer of the Metropolitan Washington Central Labor Council, NVP Bunn was instrumental in implementing fiscal compliance and restoring the Council’s positive financial position. NVP Bunn also sits on the board of the NoVA Central Labor Council, the AFL-CIO Maryland State and District of Columbia Federation, and is a member of the Prince George’s County Administrator’s Labor Stakeholders Advisory Committee.
ERIC BUNN, SR. is the 14th District National Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees. NVP Bunn is the first DC Local President to be elected into this position, and he is currently serving his third consecutive term as National Vice President.
NVP Bunn has been a unionist for more than 30 years. He began his government career at the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development. NVP Bunn quickly rose to the position of Local President of AFGE Local 2725, which represents more than 1,200 professional and wage grade employees in six District government agencies. He is former president of AFGE Council 211, which represented more than 4500 members in 11 AFGE locals on various issues.
NVP Bunn has always been a champion of labor, not just for AFGE, but for labor, and public and private sector unions in its entirety. In order to advance the causes of labor, NVP Bunn has developed strong relationships with many of the area’s Councilmembers, Congressionals, and local leaders. “Building relationships at the grassroots level is key to inserting labor’s foot-hold into our everyday political agenda.”
As current fourth-year Treasurer of the Metropolitan Washington Central Labor Council, NVP Bunn was instrumental in implementing fiscal compliance and restoring the Council’s positive financial position. NVP Bunn also sits on the board of the NoVA Central Labor Council, the AFL-CIO Maryland State and District of Columbia Federation, and is a member of the Prince George’s County Administrator’s Labor Stakeholders Advisory Committee.
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
DYANA FORESTER is a proud lifelong D.C. resident who currently serves as the Political & Community Affairs Director for United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 400. Prior to joining Local 400, she served as the Southern Region Field Organizer at Jobs With Justice, where she worked to build local community-labor coalitions throughout the South. Dyana’s work has supported national and local campaigns for paid family medical leave, increasing the minimum wage to $15, and fighting for collective bargaining rights for public sector workers.
Her personal commitment to the Metropolitan area, to labor and solidarity, will lead us to continued success as the Labor Council enters its next chapter. Building on the Metro Washington Council’s history and her diverse experience in the labor movement, she will work full-time to:
● Reinvigorate our membership by more deeply engaging with our affiliates to understand your needs and connect your union’s self-interest to the vision and program of the full Metro Labor Council.
● Energetically and regularly work with you to mobilize members and work together as a labor movement to support your organizing and collective bargaining.
● Strengthen our political program by educating and endorsing candidates and mobilizing our members to demonstrate and build our collective power.
● Promote a legislative agenda to win for our members and hold elected officials accountable.
● Ensure that our programs - the Community Service Agency, Claimant Advocacy Program, Political Action Committees, Union Cities and the Labor Fest work cohesively to promote the MWC’s mission.
DYANA FORESTER is a proud lifelong D.C. resident who currently serves as the Political & Community Affairs Director for United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 400. Prior to joining Local 400, she served as the Southern Region Field Organizer at Jobs With Justice, where she worked to build local community-labor coalitions throughout the South. Dyana’s work has supported national and local campaigns for paid family medical leave, increasing the minimum wage to $15, and fighting for collective bargaining rights for public sector workers.
Her personal commitment to the Metropolitan area, to labor and solidarity, will lead us to continued success as the Labor Council enters its next chapter. Building on the Metro Washington Council’s history and her diverse experience in the labor movement, she will work full-time to:
● Reinvigorate our membership by more deeply engaging with our affiliates to understand your needs and connect your union’s self-interest to the vision and program of the full Metro Labor Council.
● Energetically and regularly work with you to mobilize members and work together as a labor movement to support your organizing and collective bargaining.
● Strengthen our political program by educating and endorsing candidates and mobilizing our members to demonstrate and build our collective power.
● Promote a legislative agenda to win for our members and hold elected officials accountable.
● Ensure that our programs - the Community Service Agency, Claimant Advocacy Program, Political Action Committees, Union Cities and the Labor Fest work cohesively to promote the MWC’s mission.
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
My name is CYNTHIA COLLINS and I'm running for Metropolitan Washington Council President. For the past 24 years, I’ve advocated for service employees throughout Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland, and the DC region serving as a liaison between members of SEIU Local 400PG and politicians on the local, state, and federal levels. Through lobbying, organizing, and political campaigning, my work has aided in the passing of bills like the Living Wage Bill, which greatly improved the quality of life for service workers throughout the state, and the election of politicians such as Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
Activating voters requires enthusiastic, informed advocates who understand the importance of high voter turnout. My passion for campaigning and organizing is the reason why I’m officially announcing my candidacy as Metropolitan Washington Council President.
Thank you so much for your time.
My name is CYNTHIA COLLINS and I'm running for Metropolitan Washington Council President. For the past 24 years, I’ve advocated for service employees throughout Prince George’s County, the state of Maryland, and the DC region serving as a liaison between members of SEIU Local 400PG and politicians on the local, state, and federal levels. Through lobbying, organizing, and political campaigning, my work has aided in the passing of bills like the Living Wage Bill, which greatly improved the quality of life for service workers throughout the state, and the election of politicians such as Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
Activating voters requires enthusiastic, informed advocates who understand the importance of high voter turnout. My passion for campaigning and organizing is the reason why I’m officially announcing my candidacy as Metropolitan Washington Council President.
Thank you so much for your time.
CANDIDATE* FOR THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
MICHAEL SPILLER
I currently represent OPEIU Local 2 in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. I serve as 1st Vice President and I’m a business agent. I have been employed here since July 2015 but have been a member since 2000. I have worked with this council as a delegate since 2015. During that time, I have served on the election committee and on the COPE committee during the last election cycle, participating in the endorsement interviews. I currently serve also on the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the COPE Committee there. I have served there through my whole union career in multiple positions. I have also served as the Sergeant of Arms at the last two MD/DC AFLCIO State Federation Conventions, working closely with President Edwards to ensure the success of the convention. Before that under the past President, Fred Mason I served as the coordinator for Baltimore for each election cycle. Before joining the staff of OPEIU, I was employed at American Federation of Teachers Maryland State Federation for 18 plus years and was the shop steward for our OPEIU local. I served as the shop steward for 15 years and negotiated the staff contract during that duration. I served as a staff representative at AFTMD. Prior to that position, I was the Vice President and Secretary Treasurer of the Maryland Correction Union for 6 years.
* There are three candidates for the two open Board positions -- Greg Bowen (ATU 689); George Hogan (IBEW 26); Mike Spiller (OPEIU 2) -- only Mr. Spiller submitted a statement and photo for this update.
MICHAEL SPILLER
I currently represent OPEIU Local 2 in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. I serve as 1st Vice President and I’m a business agent. I have been employed here since July 2015 but have been a member since 2000. I have worked with this council as a delegate since 2015. During that time, I have served on the election committee and on the COPE committee during the last election cycle, participating in the endorsement interviews. I currently serve also on the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the COPE Committee there. I have served there through my whole union career in multiple positions. I have also served as the Sergeant of Arms at the last two MD/DC AFLCIO State Federation Conventions, working closely with President Edwards to ensure the success of the convention. Before that under the past President, Fred Mason I served as the coordinator for Baltimore for each election cycle. Before joining the staff of OPEIU, I was employed at American Federation of Teachers Maryland State Federation for 18 plus years and was the shop steward for our OPEIU local. I served as the shop steward for 15 years and negotiated the staff contract during that duration. I served as a staff representative at AFTMD. Prior to that position, I was the Vice President and Secretary Treasurer of the Maryland Correction Union for 6 years.
* There are three candidates for the two open Board positions -- Greg Bowen (ATU 689); George Hogan (IBEW 26); Mike Spiller (OPEIU 2) -- only Mr. Spiller submitted a statement and photo for this update.