Council delays wage increase; Restaurant workers call for boycott
This is the June 5, 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.
DC Council votes 8-4 to delay July 1's scheduled increase of sub-minimum wage
A press conference outside the Wilson Building earlier this week to protect Initiative 82. Photo by Fair Price, Fair Wage.
In an emergency vote Tuesday, the DC Council voted to pause the next increase of DC's sub-minimum wage, which would have taken effect July 1. Opponents claim that DC restaurant workers have lost $11.8 million in earnings since the ballot measure passed. DC’s own Budget Director countered that in a memo which reported that the restaurant industry “remains healthy” with a growing workforce, increasing number of restaurants, and rising average wages. Paul Schwalb of UNITE HERE Local 25 called the DC Council’s disregard for the Budget Director’s data "Trumpian" and added, "it’s playing around with facts and pretending they don’t exist." Read more »
Restaurant workers call for boycott of six restaurants; Dozens of Members of Congress pledge support
A picket line outside Le Diplomate earlier this year. Photo via Eat Fair DC.
DC restaurant workers and UNITE HERE Local 25 have called for a boycott of six restaurants operated by STARR and Knightsbridge: Le Diplomate, Osteria Mozza, The Occidental, Rasika, Modena, and Bombay Club. Workers are calling for a full boycott of these restaurants.
STARR and Knightsbridge Group restaurants are among the region’s most prominent dining establishments, frequented by the Democratic political elite. STARR has refused to voluntarily recognize a union and instead resorted to classic union-busting tactics, and Knightsbridge has fired 10 union supporters, and screamed and cursed at workers. Learn more and pledge your support.
Dozens of members of Congress have already pledged to back the boycott, including Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Senator Bernie Sanders. Read more »
Sweetspot workers win their first contract
Congratulations to Sweetspot cannabis dispensary workers in Olney, Md. on ratifying their first union contract with UFCW Local 400! The workers won an excellent contract with $2.00/hour increase in starting pay, guaranteed raises every six months, time and a half on Sundays, 3 extra holidays per year, vision, dental, and health insurance, guaranteed employee discounts, seniority privileges, and more. Read more »
Upcoming Events
National Nurses United RNs join Unite for Veterans, Unite for America rally in Washington, D.C.
Friday June 6 @ 2:00 PM
On the anniversary of D-Day, registered nurses will join veterans, federal workers, military families, and allies for the Unite for Veterans, Unite for America rally. Details.
Walk with Labor in this year's Pride Parade
Saturday, June 7 @ 11:30 AM
Affiliates and allies are invited to walk with the Metropolitan Washington Council in this year's Pride Parade, taking place on Saturday, June 7. Meet us at 11:30 AM at 14th & T Street NW. Sign up to let us know you'll join us.
DC COPE special meeting on the DC budget
Monday June 9 @ 2:00 PM
Mayor Bowser's proposed budget for next year includes a number of provisions that would have serious implications for workers in DC if passed.
On Monday, June 9, the DC Committee on Political Education (COPE) will hold a special meeting about the budget. Register to join next Monday's meeting on Zoom.
Labor Night at the Nationals 2025
Saturday, June 14 @ 1:05 PM
Labor Night at the Nationals 2025 has a new time! Due to planned activity in DC on June 14, the start time for the Nationals vs. Marlins game has been moved up to 1:05 PM. We're still looking forward to a great day at the park for a great cause, the Community Services Agency's Emergency Assistance Fund. Get your tickets today and join us on June 14!
Stop WMATA from Going Off the Rails!
Thursday, June 26 @ 8:30 AM
WMATA is recklessly pushing ahead with an automation policy that puts workers and riders alike at risk. If Metro management has its way, it will remove Station Managers from stations and operators from trains. We cannot allow for this dangerous idea to come to pass and derail the DMV. Join ATU Local 689 for a picket and rally in front of WMATA HQ on June 26!