Restaurant workers face ICE raids and attempt to roll back wages
This is the May 12, 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.
Last week, as part of her budget for FY26, Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed eliminating Initiative 82, the DC law phasing out the tipped minimum wage for restaurant workers. On Tuesday, workers with UNITE HERE Local 25, UNITE HERE Local 23, IBEW Local 26, and the Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council rallied against the proposal and in favor of project labor agreements at any new football stadium in DC.
The attempt to roll back wages for restaurant workers came during a week when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents visited more than 100 businesses in the DC region, including dozens of restaurants, carry-out spots and bars. When asked about reports of the raids, Mayor Bowser said, "I am disturbed by them."
Petition: Support DCNA/GWUH RNs
The DC Nurses Association is calling on Universal Health Services/George Washington University Hospital to return Elizabeth Grosh and Trevor Goss-Packard back to work and rescind discipline against Mary Kelley, as well as treat nurses with the respect and dignity they deserve and put patients’ health and safety over profits. Sign the petition supporting DCNA/GWUH RNs.
IfNotNow Staff Unionizes with NPEU
Congratulations to the staff of IfNotNow, a movement of American Jews working to end U.S. support for Israel’s system of apartheid, for unionizing last week with NPEU, IFPTE Local 70. In a strong show of solidarity and shared values, IfNotNow’s management has voluntarily recognized the union. Read more »
Upcoming Events
One month away: Labor Night at the Nationals!
Saturday, June 14, 2025 @ 4:05 PM
Labor Night at the Nationals 2025 will take place this year on Saturday, June 14! We'll catch the 4:05 PM game against the Miami Marlins and raise funds for the Community Services Agency’s Emergency Assistance Fund. Get tickets »
Walk with Labor in the World Pride Parade
Saturday, June 7, 2025
We're calling on all union members, families, and allies to stand proud and march with IUPAT 51 and the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO as we celebrate diversity, unity, and equity for all in the World Pride parade in downtown DC on Saturday, June 7. Sign up to walk with us »
May 2025 DC COPE Meeting
Wednesday, May 14 2025 @ 3:00 PM on Zoom
This month's meeting of the DC Committee on Political Education (COPE) will take place on Wednesday, May 14 at 3:00 PM. Register »
May 2025 Prince George's + Montgomery County COPE Meeting
Thursday May 15, 2025 @ 12:00 PM on Zoom
This month's meeting will take place on Thursday May 15 at 12:00 PM instead of our regular 10:00 AM. We will be joined by special guest Montgomery County Council Member Will Jawando. Register »
American Labor History 101 w/ ATU Local 689
Saturday May 17 @ 10:00 AM
ATU Local 689 Union Hall (Forestville, MD)
ATU Local 689's Union Training Series continues with "American Labor History 101" on Saturday May 17. Learn how the labor movement got to where it is today and its instrumental impact on our country. You can't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been!
Federal Fight Back Phone Banking
Weekdays at 11:30 AM or 5:00 PM
For the next five weeks, Labor will stand firm with AFGE and other federal union members to reclaim our power. We are asking every union member to reach out to another potential union member and invite them to join or rejoin their union, paying directly to their organization. Sign up for a shift »
Around the Region
Unions across the region celebrated National Public Service Recognition Week last week, including AFSCME Maryland which brought a 4-day food truck fest to worksites across Frederick and Washington counties (left) and Washington Teachers' Union which hosted a Teacher Appreciation Party for DC's hardworking teachers. Thank you, public sector workers!