DC Council sides with IAFF|MCCC under boycott | May Day is coming
This is the April 6, 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.
Recent News
DC Council sides with IAFF and rejects no-bid deal
Last week DC Council sided with IAFF Local 36 and disapproved a proposed $25 million purchase of new fire trucks for the District. "DC Firefighters oppose the purchase of HME Engines over serious concerns about the procurement process," the union said on social media. "Other departments who use their product have raised concerns about their quality and reliability." Read more »
Maryland lawmakers consider more protections for workers
Maryland lawmakers are trying to increase protections for workers through a grouping of eight bills focused on giving power to the employee. Several bills aim to strengthen unions, give workers more rights to organize and allow them to skip politically motivated meetings. Read more »
Montgomery County Convention Center under boycott
UNITE HERE Local 25 has called for a full boycott of the Montgomery County Conference Center (MCCC) in Bethesda. "DO NOT EAT OR MEET AT THE CONFERENCE CENTER!!" the union said in a statement. "Marriott has not agreed to a fair process for workers to decide on unionization – a crucial step to organizing under the Trump regime. Local 25 has called for a boycott of MCCC since May 2025. Over two dozen MD State legislators have endorsed the boycott."
Kaiser Permanente contracts with UFCW Local 400 officially ratified!
UFCW Local 400 members working at Kaiser Permanente voted overwhelmingly to approve new union contracts. Professionals voted 974–39 (96%) and rehab therapists voted 43–0 (100%) in favor of ratifying the agreements. Congratulations, Kaiser Permanente workers! Read more »
Upcoming Events
Union Night @ Washington Spirit
Friday April 24 at 8 PM
Ticket Sales are now live! Join CSA for Labor Night @ Washington Spirit. Tickets are $36 and $5 goes back to CSA’s Emergency Assistance Fund. Consider purchasing tickets for your members or inviting members to purchase tickets on their own. Purchase individual tickets here. For orders of 10 tickets or more, email Antonio Silva.
May Day 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026
The Trump regime and its billionaire allies are gutting union jobs in the DC region. They are hunting and killing people in the streets, stripping away our rights, overturning our laws, desecrating our public lands, and working overtime to entrench their own power.
On Friday, May 1, people across the DC region will come together for a day of solidarity and action. Together we'll make it clear that DC’s workers, our communities, and our political power are worth fighting for. Learn more or sign on as a May Day partner.
Evening with Labor 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Registration is now open for Evening with Labor 2026! This event is the highlight of our year, when union members, leaders, allies, and champions all come together for an unmissable night of celebration. We want you to be part of it! Sponsorships are available at a variety of levels, and individual tickets are available as well. Get your tickets or become a sponsor today and join us at the Omni Shoreham Hotel on Saturday, May 2.
Around the Region
Left: Senator Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Johnny Olszewski stopped by English America Tailoring Local 427 in Westminster, MD to support the 100-year-old business and visit Workers United MARJB members there! Right: On March 28, the Metro DC Coalition of Labor Union Women (Metro DC CLUW) held a Women’s Labor Summit to honor its 50th annual anniversary, bringing together union members, leaders, and community advocates for a powerful day of reflection, connection, and action. Congratulations CLUW on 50 years of organizing!
Countdown to Evening with Labor
The countdown is on for Evening with Labor 2026! Just 26 days to go until the labor event of the year. Get your tickets or become a sponsor today and be part of the celebration on Saturday, May 2.