Protect America's Workforce Act + Food service workers rally
This is the July 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.
Take Action
Tell the House to move the Protect America's Workforce Act
In March President Trump signed an executive order that ripped away the right to collectively bargain from hundreds of thousands of federal workers. It was the single biggest act of union-busting in American history.
So the labor movement got organized—and we got a bipartisan bill introduced in Congress to overturn this executive order. We have the votes we need to pass it but first, we need every single member of Congress who says they support unions to move it to the floor for a vote. Tell the House to take action »
Recent News
Food service workers at the U.S. House rally for their jobs
The U.S. House announced in May that a slate of new dining options will come to the House cafeteria this August. Members of UNITE HERE Local 23, the union representing nearly 200 House food service workers currently employed by Sodexo, said the decision was made without considering them. Read more »
Carnegie Endowment, recognize the CEWA union!
Workers at the Carnegie Endowment are organizing with NPEU. It's been more than a month since the union campaign went public and Carnegie management has continued to drag their feet and refuse to answer whether they will voluntarily recognize the union. Follow the Carnegie Endowment Workers Alliance (CEWA) to support their fight.
Workers at the DNC ratify their first union contract
Staff at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) organizing with SEIU Local 500 have ratified their first contract — and it’s a strong one! Average wage increases of 11% across the life of the contract, an increase of 15% for workers earning less than $80,000 a year, severance benefits, expanded benefits to staff members who deploy to states, and additional training for staff and managers. Congratulations, DNC workers! See details »
APWU members ratify national agreement
On July 10 APWU members overwhelmingly voted in favor of ratifying their 2024-2027 national collective bargaining agreement with the U.S. Postal Service. “With absolutely no givebacks, the contract protects the great gains achieved over many years of struggle with the no-layoff protections, full COLA as a true buffer against inflation, regular step increases, the 50-mile limit on excessing, and the two-year automatic conversion from non-career to career." Read more »
AFL-CIO launches "It's Better in a Union" bus tour
On Wednesday, union leaders, members and allies came together in front of the AFL-CIO headquarters to kick off the nationwide It’s Better in a Union: Fighting for Freedom, Fairness and Security bus tour. In the lead-up to Labor Day, the tour will crisscross the nation to amplify workers’ voices, uplift the issues that matter to us, and share how the Trump administration is making life harder.
Learn about heat hazards and Maryland's heat standard
Heat-related illness has been acknowledged as a workplace hazard for many years. Understanding heat stress can help maintain safety when working in hot conditions. Learn about Maryland's new heat standard and how to know the hazards of heat stress.
How will federal cuts affect residents of Prince George’s and Charles Counties?
Prince George’s and Charles Counties in Maryland are among the country’s wealthiest majority-Black communities. But in recent months, Black federal workers (along with others) have been fired as part of President Trump’s mission to overhaul the government.
The New York Times wants to know how federal workers in Prince George's and Charles Counties are experiencing the cuts. Share your experience »