 Shoe leather. One-on-one meetings. Finding an issue – economic justice – to pound home. Organize, organize, organize. And, in Dave Bonior’s case, give away a million tree seedlings over 26 years.
That’s the basic message, minus the trees, that Bonior, the former House Majority Whip from Macomb County, Mich., brought to an overflow crowd at the AFL-CIO Tuesday in discussing his new book, Whip: Leading The Progressive Battle During The Rise Of The Right. The book traces Bonior’s career, from his first election in 1976 – and the volunteer-driven door-knocking and seedling-distributing campaign that led to the win – to the final drive, when he unsuccessfully ran for the Michigan governorship in 2002 after deciding to retire from Congress. Healthcare workers in their scrubs will march in Annapolis today, calling on Governor Larry Hogan to take the lead on increasing the minimum wage. 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is organizing hundreds of concerned healthcare workers who are fighting for a $15 statewide minimum wage during their annual Legislative Action Day today at 2p on Lawyers Mall in Annapolis.
 Skyrocketing water service bills are causing financial hardships for families, seniors, and churches throughout the District of Columbia. With residents unable to pay the rising water bills at risk of losing their homes to WASA, the Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO, faith and community leaders are organizing a rally this Thursday to learn more about this issue. “The price of water bills has gotten incredibly high for too many in the District of Columbia who can least afford it,” said Metro Council president Jackie Jeter. “These are our neighbors, church members, and people we go grocery shopping with. The idea that people cannot pay their water bills and are in risk of losing their homes is both sad and outrageous. This is why the labor community of Washington D.C. has decided to step up for this rally to learn more about the issue and figure out a solution to help our neighbors and fellow members.” "Escalating fees for access to water without limits threatens the financial resources of us all," added Rev. Graylan Hagler of Washington Faith Strategies. The rally is tomorrow, March 1, 7p at the Union Temple Baptist Church (1225 W St, SE).
Click here for details, including an event flyer and statement by Jeter.  The annual Evening with Labor celebrates metro-area solidarity and recognizes exemplary achievement. This year’s awards will be held March 10 at the Omni Shoreham and tickets are available here or email [email protected] The 2017 award-winners include SEIU 32BJ and UNITE HERE Local 23 (Organizing); AFSCME Maryland Council 3 (Golden Picket Sign); CASA (Outstanding Ally); OPEIU Local 2 (Community Services Award) and a Special Recognition Award for Kathleen McKirchy for her retirement after 35 years.
photo: DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton dancing at last year's Evening with Labor; credit: Chris Langford |
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