DYANA FORESTER ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE METRO WASHINGTON COUNCIL
(June 15, 2020) In the Metro Washington Council’s first contested election in living memory, Dyana Forester (UFCW 400) narrowly defeated Eric Bunn (AFGE District 14) in Monday night’s election for president of the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO, winning with 51.3% of the vote in a roll call vote conducted online via Zoom and ElectionBuddy. Mike Spiller (OPEIU 2) and Greg Bowen (ATU 689) won the open seats on the Executive Board, with 43.8% and 33.7% of the vote, respectively. “I want to thank everyone who turned out for this historic vote,” Forester told Union City last night at 11pm, just after the marathon 5-hour election – which drew 208 delegates from 98 affiliated local unions -- wrapped up. “Having to conduct an election remotely during these challenging times is not easy, but the fact that so many rank-and-file union members turned out shows how vibrant our labor movement is.” Forester credited Bunn with running a strong campaign and said that “I look forward to working with him to continue his excellent work as Treasurer for the Council.” Forester pledged to work closely with all the Metro Council’s affiliates, delegates and board members “to build an even stronger local labor movement as we fight to improve the lives of working families throughout the metro area. We have so much work to do; I’m humbled by the task ahead, but can’t wait to get started!”
photo: Forester with former MWC president Jackie Jeter at a rally for a contract at Safeway earlier this year
Election Results for President Election
185 ballots submitted of 208 eligible voters — 89%
Candidate Votes Percentage
Dyana Forester (UFCW 400) 38343 51.30%
Eric Bunn (AFGE) 36463 48.70%
Votes tallied: 74806.0
Abstentions: 0
Election Results for Executive Board
181 ballots submitted of 208 eligible voters — 87%
Candidate Votes Percentage
Mike Spiller (OPEIU 2) 53230 43.80%
Greg Bowen (ATU 689) 41028 33.70%
George Hogan (IBEW 26) 27399 22.50%
Votes tallied: 121657.0
Abstentions: 3
photo: Forester with former MWC president Jackie Jeter at a rally for a contract at Safeway earlier this year
Election Results for President Election
185 ballots submitted of 208 eligible voters — 89%
Candidate Votes Percentage
Dyana Forester (UFCW 400) 38343 51.30%
Eric Bunn (AFGE) 36463 48.70%
Votes tallied: 74806.0
Abstentions: 0
Election Results for Executive Board
181 ballots submitted of 208 eligible voters — 87%
Candidate Votes Percentage
Mike Spiller (OPEIU 2) 53230 43.80%
Greg Bowen (ATU 689) 41028 33.70%
George Hogan (IBEW 26) 27399 22.50%
Votes tallied: 121657.0
Abstentions: 3
Election Ballot Examination
Per ARTICLE VIII, Section 6 of the MWC Constitution, the Election Committee has preserved the ballots from the June 15 election and is making them available for examination by any delegate or officer of an affiliated organization until December 15, 2020.
MWC delegates or officers of an affiliated organization who wish to examine the ballots must make a request in writing to Election Committee Chair David Fernández-Barrial at [email protected]. He will then schedule an appointment for the examination under the following conditions, as determined by the Election Committee:
- The ballots may not be copied or recorded by any means whatsoever; no notes are permitted. All such devices (cell phones, camera, recording devices, writing implements, etc) must be deposited with a committee member prior to examination of the ballots.
- Two committee members must be present for the examination; the delegate or officer may examine the ballots on screen to their satisfaction but may not touch the laptop used to access the data (this will be handled by the committee).
- The time for examination of the ballots is limited to 30 minutes.
Per ARTICLE VIII, Section 6 of the MWC Constitution, the Election Committee has preserved the ballots from the June 15 election and is making them available for examination by any delegate or officer of an affiliated organization until December 15, 2020.
MWC delegates or officers of an affiliated organization who wish to examine the ballots must make a request in writing to Election Committee Chair David Fernández-Barrial at [email protected]. He will then schedule an appointment for the examination under the following conditions, as determined by the Election Committee:
- The ballots may not be copied or recorded by any means whatsoever; no notes are permitted. All such devices (cell phones, camera, recording devices, writing implements, etc) must be deposited with a committee member prior to examination of the ballots.
- Two committee members must be present for the examination; the delegate or officer may examine the ballots on screen to their satisfaction but may not touch the laptop used to access the data (this will be handled by the committee).
- The time for examination of the ballots is limited to 30 minutes.
THE 2020 MWC ELECTION
WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 15, 6:30PM VIA ZOOM
You must be on the final MWC delegate list to be eligible to vote:
(updated 6/13/2020)
Alphabetically by LAST NAME
Alphabetically by LOCAL UNION
WE MUST HAVE YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS AND/OR CEL PHONE # IN ORDER FOR YOU TO RECEIVE YOUR BALLOTS, email [email protected]
REGISTER HERE
MWC Affiliate VOTING STRENGTH (final)
* If your local has too many delegates assigned, you must update: email [email protected];
only the number of delegates your local is entitled to will be permitted to vote in the election!
WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 15, 6:30PM VIA ZOOM
You must be on the final MWC delegate list to be eligible to vote:
(updated 6/13/2020)
Alphabetically by LAST NAME
Alphabetically by LOCAL UNION
WE MUST HAVE YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS AND/OR CEL PHONE # IN ORDER FOR YOU TO RECEIVE YOUR BALLOTS, email [email protected]
REGISTER HERE
MWC Affiliate VOTING STRENGTH (final)
* If your local has too many delegates assigned, you must update: email [email protected];
only the number of delegates your local is entitled to will be permitted to vote in the election!
June 12 Update: IMPORTANT; PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Delegates must sign in with the Election Committee on Monday; the Zoom room will open at 5:30pm.
Registration closes at 6:45pm sharp, the room will be locked and only those delegates in the room will be eligible to vote. Note that in the event that a local has more delegates in attendance than it is entitled to, the local must indicate which delegates will be voting. There are no alternates permitted.
During the election, unique ballots will be emailed to each delegate; if a delegate has a different email address they wish the ballot sent to, they must let the Election Committee know when signing in.
Once all delegates have been verified and signed in, the Election Committee will conduct a roll call to make sure all delegates present are accounted for. If you are present but do not respond, your name will be dropped from the voting list, so be sure to listen carefully!
Once the roll call has been completed, the final voter list will be sent to ElectionBuddy, which will conduct the election, including a test. See below for details, or click here for the PDF.
Voting
The MWC 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.
In the case of a Roll Call (weighted) vote, the votes for each local (click here) are equally divided among the delegates present for each local (i.e. for a local with 500 votes and five delegates present, each delegate's vote would be worth 100 votes; if two delegates are present, each delegate's vote would be worth 250, and so on). There is no proxy voting (see below). Each delegate present will receive a ballot via email; the vote is secret and after voting the voter will receive a confirmation link to verify their vote but that information is not available to anyone else.
Can my local send alternate voters?
NO; the MWC Constitution does not permit alternates or proxy voting; only authorized delegates will be eligible to vote in the election on June 15.
Delegates must sign in with the Election Committee on Monday; the Zoom room will open at 5:30pm.
Registration closes at 6:45pm sharp, the room will be locked and only those delegates in the room will be eligible to vote. Note that in the event that a local has more delegates in attendance than it is entitled to, the local must indicate which delegates will be voting. There are no alternates permitted.
During the election, unique ballots will be emailed to each delegate; if a delegate has a different email address they wish the ballot sent to, they must let the Election Committee know when signing in.
Once all delegates have been verified and signed in, the Election Committee will conduct a roll call to make sure all delegates present are accounted for. If you are present but do not respond, your name will be dropped from the voting list, so be sure to listen carefully!
Once the roll call has been completed, the final voter list will be sent to ElectionBuddy, which will conduct the election, including a test. See below for details, or click here for the PDF.
Voting
The MWC 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.
In the case of a Roll Call (weighted) vote, the votes for each local (click here) are equally divided among the delegates present for each local (i.e. for a local with 500 votes and five delegates present, each delegate's vote would be worth 100 votes; if two delegates are present, each delegate's vote would be worth 250, and so on). There is no proxy voting (see below). Each delegate present will receive a ballot via email; the vote is secret and after voting the voter will receive a confirmation link to verify their vote but that information is not available to anyone else.
Can my local send alternate voters?
NO; the MWC Constitution does not permit alternates or proxy voting; only authorized delegates will be eligible to vote in the election on June 15.
2020 MWC Election
Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting to be held on Monday, June 15, 2020 (6:30PM via Zoom). You must be a MWC delegate to attend and participate; see the lists below. Register here.
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 overview (based on per cap paid thru 4/30*); updated 6/13
* If your local has too many delegates assigned, you must update -- email [email protected] -- only the number of delegates your local is entitled to will be permitted to vote in the election!
* Per MWC constitution 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."
MWC Executive Board members
MWC Affiliate list-names and contact info
METRO WASHINGTON COUNCIL CONSTITUTION
Election Q&A
Got a question? email [email protected]!
Voting
The MWC 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.
In the case of a Roll Call (weighted) vote, the votes for each local (click here) are equally divided among the delegates present for each local (i.e. for a local with 500 votes and five delegates present, each delegate's vote would be worth 100 votes; if two delegates are present, each delegate's vote would be worth 250, and so on). There is no proxy voting (see below). Each delegate present will receive a ballot via email; the vote is secret and after voting the voter will receive a confirmation link to verify their vote but that information is not available to anyone else.
Can my local send alternate voters?
NO; the MWC Constitution does not permit alternates or proxy voting; only authorized delegates will be eligible to vote in the election on June 15.
What is the process for updating my local’s voting delegates to the labor council ?
Check your delegates (see links above); if you have any updates (adds, deletes), fill out the update form and email it to [email protected]; you can also use this online form. NOTE: Deadline for updates was Wednesday, June 10 at 1pm.
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 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.
NOTE: Deadline for paying per capita was 5p on Friday, June 12.
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.
In the case of a Roll Call (weighted) vote, the votes for each local (click here) are equally divided among the delegates present for each local (i.e. for a local with 500 votes and five delegates present, each delegate's vote would be worth 100 votes; if two delegates are present, each delegate's vote would be worth 250, and so on). There is no proxy voting (see below). Each delegate present will receive a ballot via email; the vote is secret and after voting the voter will receive a confirmation link to verify their vote but that information is not available to anyone else.
Can my local send alternate voters?
NO; the MWC Constitution does not permit alternates or proxy voting; only authorized delegates will be eligible to vote in the election on June 15.
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 overview (based on per cap paid thru 4/30*); updated 6/13
* If your local has too many delegates assigned, you must update -- email [email protected] -- only the number of delegates your local is entitled to will be permitted to vote in the election!
* Per MWC constitution 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."
MWC Executive Board members
MWC Affiliate list-names and contact info
METRO WASHINGTON COUNCIL CONSTITUTION
Election Q&A
Got a question? email [email protected]!
Voting
The MWC 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.
In the case of a Roll Call (weighted) vote, the votes for each local (click here) are equally divided among the delegates present for each local (i.e. for a local with 500 votes and five delegates present, each delegate's vote would be worth 100 votes; if two delegates are present, each delegate's vote would be worth 250, and so on). There is no proxy voting (see below). Each delegate present will receive a ballot via email; the vote is secret and after voting the voter will receive a confirmation link to verify their vote but that information is not available to anyone else.
Can my local send alternate voters?
NO; the MWC Constitution does not permit alternates or proxy voting; only authorized delegates will be eligible to vote in the election on June 15.
What is the process for updating my local’s voting delegates to the labor council ?
Check your delegates (see links above); if you have any updates (adds, deletes), fill out the update form and email it to [email protected]; you can also use this online form. NOTE: Deadline for updates was Wednesday, June 10 at 1pm.
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 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.
NOTE: Deadline for paying per capita was 5p on Friday, June 12.
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.
In the case of a Roll Call (weighted) vote, the votes for each local (click here) are equally divided among the delegates present for each local (i.e. for a local with 500 votes and five delegates present, each delegate's vote would be worth 100 votes; if two delegates are present, each delegate's vote would be worth 250, and so on). There is no proxy voting (see below). Each delegate present will receive a ballot via email; the vote is secret and after voting the voter will receive a confirmation link to verify their vote but that information is not available to anyone else.
Can my local send alternate voters?
NO; the MWC Constitution does not permit alternates or proxy voting; only authorized delegates will be eligible to vote in the election on June 15.
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 #4: June 12, 2020 (Updated)
Note from the MWC Election Committee: We re-sent this Candidate Update with statements from all three candidates for the two open Board seats; one of the candidates was omitted in the original send due to a miscommunication.
Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2020 (6:30PM via Zoom; you must be a delegate and must register here).
NOTE: Registration closes at 6:45pm sharp on Monday, the room will be locked and only those delegates in the room by that time will be eligible to vote. In the event that a local has more delegates in attendance than it is entitled to, the local must indicate which delegates will be voting. There are no alternates permitted. Updated election information on how the vote will be conducted is posted on our website above.
Note from the MWC Election Committee: We re-sent this Candidate Update with statements from all three candidates for the two open Board seats; one of the candidates was omitted in the original send due to a miscommunication.
Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2020 (6:30PM via Zoom; you must be a delegate and must register here).
NOTE: Registration closes at 6:45pm sharp on Monday, the room will be locked and only those delegates in the room by that time will be eligible to vote. In the event that a local has more delegates in attendance than it is entitled to, the local must indicate which delegates will be voting. There are no alternates permitted. Updated election information on how the vote will be conducted is posted on our website above.
CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
DYANA FORESTER
Vote Dyana Forester for President
Dyana has the experience, passion, and skills needed to lead our local labor movement into the future.
Dyana has been leading our movement, building coalitions that have supported public sector workers, won minimum wage increases, paid sick days and paid family medical leave, fought against school closures, and defended workers in the ongoing pandemic.
Dyana is recognized as a labor leader by elected and community leaders. She has been appointed to serve on:
• ReOpen DC Taskforce 2020
• DC Housing Authority Board
• Mayor’s Working Group on Jobs Wages and Benefits
• DC’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee
• Employ Prince George’s Board
• Montgomery & Prince’s George’s County COPE Co-Chair
She has been elected to:
• Two terms as ANC
• Delegate to DNC 2016
• Empower DC Chair
She has received:
• MWC 2017 COPE Award
• JUFJ Herschel Vision Award
Dyana’s ability to get things done has won her the support of a diverse list of unions: ATU 689 * UFCW 400 and 1994 * CWA 2108 * 1199 SEIU * SEIU 32BJ * AFGE 1975 * AFSCME District Council 20 * Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council * LABORERS 11 * NNU
With the challenges we are facing as a region, nation, and movement, we need a leader who has the experience, skills, and relationships to bring us together and move us forward. Dyana is that leader.
I ask for your support in this election and beyond – together we will build a stronger, strategic, and successful labor movement for the 21st century!
Vote Dyana Forester for President
Dyana has the experience, passion, and skills needed to lead our local labor movement into the future.
Dyana has been leading our movement, building coalitions that have supported public sector workers, won minimum wage increases, paid sick days and paid family medical leave, fought against school closures, and defended workers in the ongoing pandemic.
Dyana is recognized as a labor leader by elected and community leaders. She has been appointed to serve on:
• ReOpen DC Taskforce 2020
• DC Housing Authority Board
• Mayor’s Working Group on Jobs Wages and Benefits
• DC’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee
• Employ Prince George’s Board
• Montgomery & Prince’s George’s County COPE Co-Chair
She has been elected to:
• Two terms as ANC
• Delegate to DNC 2016
• Empower DC Chair
She has received:
• MWC 2017 COPE Award
• JUFJ Herschel Vision Award
Dyana’s ability to get things done has won her the support of a diverse list of unions: ATU 689 * UFCW 400 and 1994 * CWA 2108 * 1199 SEIU * SEIU 32BJ * AFGE 1975 * AFSCME District Council 20 * Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council * LABORERS 11 * NNU
With the challenges we are facing as a region, nation, and movement, we need a leader who has the experience, skills, and relationships to bring us together and move us forward. Dyana is that leader.
I ask for your support in this election and beyond – together we will build a stronger, strategic, and successful labor movement for the 21st century!
ERIC BUNN
Elect Eric Bunn, Sr. PRESIDENT, Metro Washington Council
Endorsements
“For the past few years, the MWC has been in disarray. The once respected name of the Council, all but destroyed. The MWC needs a PROVEN Leader to restore how we are viewed within the community and political circles. I believe Eric Bunn is that leader. If you are sincere about restoring the MWC, you too will vote Eric Bunn for President.” -Doris Reed, Executive Director-ASASP
“Eric has an in-depth working knowledge of the operation of the Council. He has served in key leadership capacities in the DMV and has earned a reputation as an effective advocate. He can restore the Council to prominence as a powerful voice on labor matters.” -Jos Williams, President Emeritus, Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO
• AFGE – COUNCIL 1 • AFGE – CNCL 222 • AFGE – District 14 • AFGE – Local 12 • AFGE – Local 17 • AFGE – Local 32 • AFGE – Local 65 • AFGE – Local 383 • AFGE – Local 476 • AFGE – Local 631 • AFGE – Local 1410 • AFGE – Local 1456 • AFGE – Local 1831 • AFGE – Local 2725 • AFGE – Local 2741 • AFGE – Local 2872 • AFGE – Local 3615 • AFT – WTU 6 • APWU – S. MD • ASASP • Bakery Workers 118 • BLET / IBT • CLUW Chesapeake • CLUW- Metro DC • CSO • IAM 174
• IAM 193 • IAM 1486 • IAM 1759 • IAM 2135 • IATSE – Local 22 • IBT – 96 • IBT – 639 • IBT– 730 • IBT – 922 • Ironworkers Local 5 • NALC 142 • NALC 3825 • NUHHCE 1199 • NWU • OPEIU – Local 2 • SEIU – Local 400 • SEIU – Local 722 • SMART TD – DC
Eric Bunn, Sr. ● (202) 701-9465 ● [email protected]
Elect Eric Bunn, Sr. PRESIDENT, Metro Washington Council
Endorsements
“For the past few years, the MWC has been in disarray. The once respected name of the Council, all but destroyed. The MWC needs a PROVEN Leader to restore how we are viewed within the community and political circles. I believe Eric Bunn is that leader. If you are sincere about restoring the MWC, you too will vote Eric Bunn for President.” -Doris Reed, Executive Director-ASASP
“Eric has an in-depth working knowledge of the operation of the Council. He has served in key leadership capacities in the DMV and has earned a reputation as an effective advocate. He can restore the Council to prominence as a powerful voice on labor matters.” -Jos Williams, President Emeritus, Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO
• AFGE – COUNCIL 1 • AFGE – CNCL 222 • AFGE – District 14 • AFGE – Local 12 • AFGE – Local 17 • AFGE – Local 32 • AFGE – Local 65 • AFGE – Local 383 • AFGE – Local 476 • AFGE – Local 631 • AFGE – Local 1410 • AFGE – Local 1456 • AFGE – Local 1831 • AFGE – Local 2725 • AFGE – Local 2741 • AFGE – Local 2872 • AFGE – Local 3615 • AFT – WTU 6 • APWU – S. MD • ASASP • Bakery Workers 118 • BLET / IBT • CLUW Chesapeake • CLUW- Metro DC • CSO • IAM 174
• IAM 193 • IAM 1486 • IAM 1759 • IAM 2135 • IATSE – Local 22 • IBT – 96 • IBT – 639 • IBT– 730 • IBT – 922 • Ironworkers Local 5 • NALC 142 • NALC 3825 • NUHHCE 1199 • NWU • OPEIU – Local 2 • SEIU – Local 400 • SEIU – Local 722 • SMART TD – DC
Eric Bunn, Sr. ● (202) 701-9465 ● [email protected]
CANDIDATES FOR THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
MICHAEL SPILLER
I serve as 1st Vice President and I’m a business agent. I have been employed here since July 2015. 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 30 years 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. Under the past President, Fred Mason I served as the State Federation 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, serving for 15 years and negotiated the staff contract. I served as a full time senior staff representative at AFTMD. I organized for AFT years and successfully organized State employees unions, MPEC and AFT Healthcare Maryland, where I served as chief negotiator for the Maryland state contracts. I negotiated contracts for the BCFPE and BCFPHN.
I feel I can bring all my experience to the council in a way that will make us stronger. Bringing the voices of 8000 working families to the table. VOTE for me.
I serve as 1st Vice President and I’m a business agent. I have been employed here since July 2015. 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 30 years 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. Under the past President, Fred Mason I served as the State Federation 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, serving for 15 years and negotiated the staff contract. I served as a full time senior staff representative at AFTMD. I organized for AFT years and successfully organized State employees unions, MPEC and AFT Healthcare Maryland, where I served as chief negotiator for the Maryland state contracts. I negotiated contracts for the BCFPE and BCFPHN.
I feel I can bring all my experience to the council in a way that will make us stronger. Bringing the voices of 8000 working families to the table. VOTE for me.
GEORGE HOGAN
IBEW Local Union 26 Business Manager George Hogan is a candidate for the Executive Board of your Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO. A 47-year and fourth-generation member of the IBEW, Brother Hogan brings to the table a lifetime of labor leadership. He is the Treasurer of the Washington, Baltimore Building Trades and President of the Board of Directors of the IBEW Local 26 Federal Credit Union. Serving as a delegate to the MWC for 20 years now, few, if any, can offer his experience to the Board.
An effective and popular leader, he is serving his second term as Business Manager. With 10,000 members, Local 26 is the third largest local in the IBEW and one of the largest labor unions in the Mid-Atlantic. His endorsement is sought and treasured by numerous politicians on the Hill, at the Wilson Building, in Annapolis, and in Richmond. He is respected by those that sit across from him at the bargaining table, and admired by his membership. Please join with me and vote for integrity and experience; vote George Hogan, Business Manager, IBEW Local Union 26 for the Executive Board of your Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO.
IBEW Local Union 26 Business Manager George Hogan is a candidate for the Executive Board of your Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO. A 47-year and fourth-generation member of the IBEW, Brother Hogan brings to the table a lifetime of labor leadership. He is the Treasurer of the Washington, Baltimore Building Trades and President of the Board of Directors of the IBEW Local 26 Federal Credit Union. Serving as a delegate to the MWC for 20 years now, few, if any, can offer his experience to the Board.
An effective and popular leader, he is serving his second term as Business Manager. With 10,000 members, Local 26 is the third largest local in the IBEW and one of the largest labor unions in the Mid-Atlantic. His endorsement is sought and treasured by numerous politicians on the Hill, at the Wilson Building, in Annapolis, and in Richmond. He is respected by those that sit across from him at the bargaining table, and admired by his membership. Please join with me and vote for integrity and experience; vote George Hogan, Business Manager, IBEW Local Union 26 for the Executive Board of your Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO.
GREG BOWEN
I am Greg Bowen Jr. from ATU 689, an At Large Executive board member representing over 3000 members. 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 and Washington Interfaith Network which I used to organize and strengthen the labor movement. I have served on multiple committees such as PG County Labor Stakeholders Advisory Committee, Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO, and ATU bylaw and maintenance committees. I have also assisted with organizing and negotiating the contract for the strikers from Cinder Bed Road. Growing up in a union household allowed me to see the effectiveness and power of working together for a common goal. My passion and drive to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard is why I am running for the Executive Board of the Metro Washington Council. With your support, my commitment to making sure all voices are heard will be my number one priority. I thank you for consideration and support.
Candidate order determined by random selection. Previously-published statements are on our website.
I am Greg Bowen Jr. from ATU 689, an At Large Executive board member representing over 3000 members. 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 and Washington Interfaith Network which I used to organize and strengthen the labor movement. I have served on multiple committees such as PG County Labor Stakeholders Advisory Committee, Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO, and ATU bylaw and maintenance committees. I have also assisted with organizing and negotiating the contract for the strikers from Cinder Bed Road. Growing up in a union household allowed me to see the effectiveness and power of working together for a common goal. My passion and drive to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard is why I am running for the Executive Board of the Metro Washington Council. With your support, my commitment to making sure all voices are heard will be my number one priority. I thank you for consideration and support.
Candidate order determined by random selection. Previously-published statements are on our website.
Candidate Update #3: June 4, 2020
Note from the MWC Election Committee: Elections for President and for two Board positions will be conducted at the Regular Delegates’ Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2020 (6:30PM via Zoom; you must be a delegate and must register here). Election information is posted on our website.
The MWC is distributing two final email Candidate Updates to MWC affiliates and delegates: one today, the other next week (click here to see previous Updates). 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 on Monday, June 15, 2020 (6:30PM via Zoom; you must be a delegate and must register here). Election information is posted on our website.
The MWC is distributing two final email Candidate Updates to MWC affiliates and delegates: one today, the other next week (click here to see previous Updates). 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.
CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
ERIC BUNN SR.
On June 15, 2020, delegates will decide who will lead the Metropolitan Washington Council (MWC) as its next President. I am running for the position, and I am asking for your support and your vote.
I have been a labor unionist for more than 35 years. I have served as AFGE Local 2725 Chief Steward, AFGE Local 2725 Local President, AFGE Council President, AFGE District 14 National Vice President, and currently AFGE’s National Secretary Treasurer. Labor is in my heart and runs through my blood.
As the current Treasurer of the MWC, I have been successful in bringing MWC out of the “red” and restoring its financial stability. My experience has allowed me to understand and advocate on a broad range of issues on both local and national levels of labor. I understand what it means to be accountable and to answer to our members.
Moving forward as the PRESIDENT, my vision is a collaborative environment where all international labor unionists will have the opportunity to express and be respected for their diverse ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. My goal is to restore the integrity and strength of the MWC and re-emerge as the FACE and VOICE of labor.
We have an enormous task before us, and it requires experience, leadership, courage, and the ability to bring together the labor community. I AM THAT LEADER.
I welcome the opportunity to speak with you in depth or answer any questions at
202-701-9465 or by email at [email protected].
On June 15, 2020, delegates will decide who will lead the Metropolitan Washington Council (MWC) as its next President. I am running for the position, and I am asking for your support and your vote.
I have been a labor unionist for more than 35 years. I have served as AFGE Local 2725 Chief Steward, AFGE Local 2725 Local President, AFGE Council President, AFGE District 14 National Vice President, and currently AFGE’s National Secretary Treasurer. Labor is in my heart and runs through my blood.
As the current Treasurer of the MWC, I have been successful in bringing MWC out of the “red” and restoring its financial stability. My experience has allowed me to understand and advocate on a broad range of issues on both local and national levels of labor. I understand what it means to be accountable and to answer to our members.
Moving forward as the PRESIDENT, my vision is a collaborative environment where all international labor unionists will have the opportunity to express and be respected for their diverse ideas, beliefs, and perspectives. My goal is to restore the integrity and strength of the MWC and re-emerge as the FACE and VOICE of labor.
We have an enormous task before us, and it requires experience, leadership, courage, and the ability to bring together the labor community. I AM THAT LEADER.
I welcome the opportunity to speak with you in depth or answer any questions at
202-701-9465 or by email at [email protected].
DYANA FORESTER
Dyana Forester is a proud unionist, lifelong D.C. resident, who has over 15 years of diverse experience in the labor movement. She has served in various roles such as, Organizer, Activist, Educator and Political Mobilizer.
Dyana has leveraged political relationships with elected officials at all levels of government to win legislative victories for working people in the District of Columbia and Maryland, such as Increasing Minimum Wage, Paid Family/Medical Leave, and Paid Sick Days. She currently serves as a labor leader and advisor for various reopening initiatives impacting government employees and other workers in the Washington Metropolitan area.
Dyana supported Labor affiliates around collective bargaining disputes involving teachers and nurses, as well as rallied public sector Unions around wide scale attacks against the labor movement (i.e. the Janus ruling, attempts to privatize, budget cuts, etc.).
Dyana’s experience include organizational development, strategic planning and fund raising for under-resourced coalitions. Her expertise will lead us to continued success, as the Metropolitan Washington Council enters its next chapter in the labor movement.
Building on the history of the Metro Washington Council and her diverse experience in the labor movement, she will work fulltime 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.
Vote Dyana Forester for president!
Dyana Forester is a proud unionist, lifelong D.C. resident, who has over 15 years of diverse experience in the labor movement. She has served in various roles such as, Organizer, Activist, Educator and Political Mobilizer.
Dyana has leveraged political relationships with elected officials at all levels of government to win legislative victories for working people in the District of Columbia and Maryland, such as Increasing Minimum Wage, Paid Family/Medical Leave, and Paid Sick Days. She currently serves as a labor leader and advisor for various reopening initiatives impacting government employees and other workers in the Washington Metropolitan area.
Dyana supported Labor affiliates around collective bargaining disputes involving teachers and nurses, as well as rallied public sector Unions around wide scale attacks against the labor movement (i.e. the Janus ruling, attempts to privatize, budget cuts, etc.).
Dyana’s experience include organizational development, strategic planning and fund raising for under-resourced coalitions. Her expertise will lead us to continued success, as the Metropolitan Washington Council enters its next chapter in the labor movement.
Building on the history of the Metro Washington Council and her diverse experience in the labor movement, she will work fulltime 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.
Vote Dyana Forester for president!
CANDIDATES* FOR THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL
GEORGE HOGAN
IBEW Local Union 26 Business Manager George Hogan is a candidate for the Executive Board of your Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO. A 47-year and fourth-generation member of the IBEW, Brother Hogan brings to the table a lifetime of labor leadership. He is the Treasurer of the Washington, Baltimore Building Trades and President of the Board of Directors of the IBEW Local 26 Federal Credit Union. Serving as a delegate to the MWC for 20 years now, few, if any, can offer his experience to the Board.
An effective and popular leader, he is serving his second term as Business Manager. With 10,000 members, Local 26 is the third largest local in the IBEW and one of the largest labor unions in the Mid-Atlantic. His endorsement is sought and treasured by numerous politicians on the Hill, at the Wilson Building, in Annapolis, and in Richmond. He is respected by those that sit across from him at the bargaining table, and admired by his membership. Please join with me and vote for integrity and experience; vote George Hogan, Business Manager, IBEW Local Union 26 for the Executive Board of your Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO.
IBEW Local Union 26 Business Manager George Hogan is a candidate for the Executive Board of your Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO. A 47-year and fourth-generation member of the IBEW, Brother Hogan brings to the table a lifetime of labor leadership. He is the Treasurer of the Washington, Baltimore Building Trades and President of the Board of Directors of the IBEW Local 26 Federal Credit Union. Serving as a delegate to the MWC for 20 years now, few, if any, can offer his experience to the Board.
An effective and popular leader, he is serving his second term as Business Manager. With 10,000 members, Local 26 is the third largest local in the IBEW and one of the largest labor unions in the Mid-Atlantic. His endorsement is sought and treasured by numerous politicians on the Hill, at the Wilson Building, in Annapolis, and in Richmond. He is respected by those that sit across from him at the bargaining table, and admired by his membership. Please join with me and vote for integrity and experience; vote George Hogan, Business Manager, IBEW Local Union 26 for the Executive Board of your Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO.
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. 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 served as the Sergeant of Arms at the last two MD/DC AFLCIO State Federation Conventions. Under the past President, Fred Mason I served as the State Federation coordinator for Baltimore.
I was employed at AFT Maryland State Federation for 18 years. I served as OPEIU shop steward for 15 years and negotiated the staff contract. I was the full time senior staff representative at AFTMD. I also worked as an organizer for the Northeast Region of AFT for 4 years. I was the Vice President and Secretary Treasurer of the Maryland Correction Union.
I feel I can bring all my experience to the council in a way that will make us stronger. In the military, the men and women that do the groundwork and get dirty on the front lines are called “Grunts”, that is what I strive to be, a “Grunt” in the army for the working families. I hope that you will VOTE for me as I continue to do the work of this movement.
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. 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 served as the Sergeant of Arms at the last two MD/DC AFLCIO State Federation Conventions. Under the past President, Fred Mason I served as the State Federation coordinator for Baltimore.
I was employed at AFT Maryland State Federation for 18 years. I served as OPEIU shop steward for 15 years and negotiated the staff contract. I was the full time senior staff representative at AFTMD. I also worked as an organizer for the Northeast Region of AFT for 4 years. I was the Vice President and Secretary Treasurer of the Maryland Correction Union.
I feel I can bring all my experience to the council in a way that will make us stronger. In the military, the men and women that do the groundwork and get dirty on the front lines are called “Grunts”, that is what I strive to be, a “Grunt” in the army for the working families. I hope that you will VOTE for me as I continue to do the work of this movement.
* 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 and Mr. Hogan submitted statements and photos for this update. Previously-published statements are on our website.
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.