Kennedy Center workers vote to unionize
This is the May 21, 2025 edition of our twice-weekly newsletter about labor movement news in the DC region. Sign up to get our newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.
Kennedy Center staff to vote to unionize amid changes
Staff of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have announced their intent to unionize across departments and argue for collective bargaining rights. The effort comes amid months of layoffs and job uncertainty following major changes brought on by the Trump administration. Kennedy Center United Arts Workers will unionize with the United Auto Workers (UAW). Read more »
Concerned DC residents, union workers gather at town hall to discuss RFK Stadium deal
The deal to bring the Washington Commanders team back to the District is sparking concerns from DC residents and union workers. Neighbors and workers voiced their concerns at a Thursday night town hall meeting at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church. "My concern is mainly that the jobs provided are stable jobs, are union jobs are worthy jobs, so people will have better quality of life,” said Kobie Morgan, a member of UNITE HERE Local 23. Read more »
Opinion: Repealing I-82 would be an affront to DC voters
"DC voters have made it crystal clear, twice, that they think tipped workers need a raise," writes Paul Schwalb of UNITE HERE Local 25 and Ellery Grimm, a busser at St. Anselm and a member of the union. "They’re right. For the DC Council, which is set to respond to Mayor Muriel Bowser’s forthcoming proposal to repeal I-82, the next steps are clear: Stand up for workers, respect your constituents and think creatively about how to support our restaurants." Read more »
Operations and Maintenance workers at University of Maryland unionize
Fifteen energy plant engineers working at the University of Maryland's power plant are joining IUOE Local 99. The campus is the largest college in Local 99's jurisdiction. Welcome to the Operating Engineers!
Sesame Workers Union win their election
On May 15, employees at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, voted 55-19 in an election run by the National Labor Relations Board to certify their labor union, the Sesame Workers Union. A supermajority (74%) voted to join the OPEIU Local 153. Read more »
Upcoming Events + Actions
Rally to protect NIOSH Jobs and Mission
Thursday May 22 @ 12:00 PM
200 Independence Ave. SW
Join AFGE National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health locals to fight for their right to conduct research and make recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. Rally on Thursday, May 22 from 12-1 PM, and wear you AFGE blue and gold! More details.
Labor demands justice for Kilmar
Thursday May 22 @ 5:00 PM, Freedom Plaza
The Trump administration’s disappearance of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador is a cruel and unlawful attack on our union brother —and a violation of Kilmar's constitutional right to due process. On Thursday May 22 join SMART 100 and union leaders and workers across the DC region for a rally at Freedom Plaza to demand due process for Kilmar and workers nationwide. More details.
Federal worker phonebanking
Weekday evenings in May
AFL-CIO is calling on union members to join upcoming phonebanks in solidarity with AFGE and federal unions, to invite federal workers to join or rejoin their union. Sign up for a weekday in May.
Walk with labor in this year's Pride
Saturday June 7 @ 11:30 AM
We know that a strong labor movement cherishes diversity, promotes inclusion, and ensures safety and dignity for all workers. Being in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ siblings is an important part of how we achieve that and this year we'll show that solidarity in DC during WorldPride. Sign up to walk with IUPAT DC 51 and the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO on Saturday, June 7.
Around the Region
Top left: Washington Teachers' Union recently held their 2025 Shared Vision Conference to celebrate the energy and leadership of the DCPS community. Top right: Council President Sam Epps and Treasurer Chris Roell have been in New Orleans this week for AFL-CIO Officers Training. Bottom left: Our allies at NoVA Labor hosted their annual dinner last week. Congratulations to all the honorees! Bottom right: IBEW Local 26 honored retired members with a Service Pin Luncheon.