Billionaire Bezos fires Post staff | Bowling for Gold Winners
This is the February 9, 2026 edition of our weekly newsletter about labor movement news in the DC region. Sign up to get our newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.
Billionaire owner makes massive layoffs at Washington Post
Last week, at the behest of billionaire owner Jeff Bezos, The Washington Post cut a third of its entire workforce including many members of the Post Guild and Washington-Baltimore News Guild. With the job cuts, the storied newspaper narrows the scope of its ambitions for the foreseeable future.
“These layoffs are not inevitable. A newsroom cannot be hollowed out without consequences for its credibility, its reach and its future,” the Post Guild said in a statement. “If Jeff Bezos is no longer willing to invest in the mission that has defined this paper for generations and serve the millions who depend on Post journalism, the The Post deserves a steward that will.” Read more »
MedStar nurses secure powerful new contract
Registered nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital in Washington, DC voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new three-year contract with the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United. The new contract includes protections to improve patient safety and nurse retention. Read more »
Kennedy Center unions affirm worker contracts and legal rights ahead of potential shutdown
After news came out last week that Donald Trump wants to close the Kennedy Center for two years, Kennedy Center Arts Workers United issued a statement stating that: "Should we receive formal notice of a temporary suspension of Kennedy Center operations that displaces our members, we will enforce our contracts and exercise all our rights under the law. We expect continued fair pay, enforceable worker protections, and accountability for our members in the event they cannot work due to an operational pause." Read more »
Remembering Battalion Fire Chief Keith T. Long
DC Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 36, is saddened to share the Line-of-Duty Death of Battalion Fire Chief Keith T. Long. Chief Long dedicated 38 years of service to the residents and visitors of Washington, DC. Before promoting to Chief, he proudly served as a member of Local 36. We extend our deepest condolences to Chief Long’s family, friends, and all members of DC Fire and EMS during this difficult time.
Photos and winners from Bowling for Gold 2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Bowling for Gold 2026 on February 1! It was a fantastic day of community, competition, and raising funds for the Community Services Agency’s Emergency Assistance Fund. See the winners and all of this year's photos »
We're Hiring!
Looking for an opportunity to work on uniting the entire labor movement of the DC region? The Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO is hiring for two positions: an Administrative Assistant and a Communications Manager. See details about both positions and apply.
Upcoming Events
Trainings with AFL-CIO
Various dates
AFL-CIO international is hosting a number of trainings for union organizers and staff, including New Messaging for Volunteer Recruitment, Union Peacekeeper & Observer Training, Recruiting Local Union Coordinators, and more. See the full training series »
Letter Carriers Nationwide Day of Action
February 22, 2026
Calling All NALC Branches! On Sunday, Feb. 22, letter carriers across the nation will rally for a fair contract. Together, we will deliver a clear, unified, and powerful message as we prepare to open contract negotiations with the Postal Service. Unite. Mobilize. FIGHT LIKE HELL. ✊ More details »
Metro DC CLUW Women's Labor Summit
March 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
IBEW Headquarters (900 7th St. NW)
Come celebrate 50 years of Metro DC CLUW and uplift the women and femmes of the DC area labor movement at our upcoming Women’s Labor Summit. More details and register »
Labor Union Day @ Washington Spirit
Friday April 24 at 8 PM
Save the date to join the Community Services Agency (CSA) as the Washington Spirit play the Kansas City Current. Come as a local and invite your family to raise funds for CSA's Emergency Assistance Fund and have a great time. Ticket details to come.
Evening with Labor 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Save the date! Evening with Labor 2026 will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. This event is always a highlight of our year and we look forward to celebrating together. Ticketing and sponsorship details to come.
Around the Region
AFGE and allied unions took to the streets on Saturday for the Young Workers March. The day was cold but our solidarity was fiery! Council President Sam Epps and treasurer Chris Roell were among the marchers.