Senate moves to end the shutdown
This is the November 10, 2025 edition of our weekly newsletter about labor movement news in the DC region. Sign up to get our newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.
Last night the Senate took a first step toward ending the longest government shutdown in history, clearing a procedural hurdle to approve a package that would keep agencies funded through at least January and walk back thousands of federal employee layoffs.
“Every missed paycheck deepens the financial hole in which federal workers and their families find themselves," said AFGE President Everett Kelley in a letter to senators on Friday. "By the time Congress reaches a compromise, the damage will have been done to their bank accounts, their credit ratings, their health and their dignity."
"Now that the shutdown is ending, federal workers will get paychecks again," said SEIU President April Verrett. "But this weak deal is no cause for celebration. Millions of working families of all backgrounds will now see their healthcare costs skyrocket as ACA tax credits expire. Federally contracted workers are still not guaranteed backpay."
"AFSCME members have been clear from the start: we need to fix the health care crisis and fully fund public services," said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. "Without action, working families will face rising costs, reduced care and communities that are sicker and less secure. But instead of solving problems, the billionaires in this administration and their friends in Congress are using federal workers as political pawns, playing games while refusing to negotiate a real solution."
The Community Services Agency's Federal Worker Solidarity Fund is working overtime to make sure furloughed workers can cover urgent expenses during this time. Support fellow workers in our region by contributing to the Federal Worker Solidarity Fund during this time of heightened need.
Recent News
Starbucks workers get ready to strike
Starbucks baristas organizing with Workers United have voted 92% to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike if the company fails to finalize fair contracts and stop its union busting.
If forced, baristas plan to strike in dozens of cities on November 13 — the company's busiest day of the year — to make it clear that if there are no contracts, there's no coffee. Pledge to boycott Starbucks if baristas go on strike, and find a Red Cup action near you on Thursday, November 13.
Workers at Institute for Women's Policy Research begin unionizing
In September, workers at the Institute for Women's Policy Research delivered a petition to their management requesting voluntary recognition of a union with IUPAT DC 51. "The employees of IWPR are seeking a real voice in organizational decisions that affect their work, greater transparency and recognition of their collective voice within the organization,” said Herbert Zaldivar, of IUPAT 51. Read more »
Insulators strike — and win!
On Thursday, members of Insulators and Allied Workers Local 24 went on strike as contract negotiations hit a roadblock. On Sunday, November 9, the union reached an agreement and members ratified a new contract. "This is a significant achievement, and we commend everyone for their participation in the process."
Science News Media Guild conducts 1-day strike
Members of the Science News Media Guild (SMNG), who publish Science News and Science News Explores and who are organized as part of the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, conducted a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, November 5. This comes after SNMG members voted to reject the Society’s latest contract proposal. “We’ve been at the negotiations table for more than a year and a half, and have been clear about the support our workers need to be able to continue doing our jobs well,” says Jill Sakai, managing editor for Science News Explores. Read more »
Around the Region
Top left: Congratulations to Metropolitan Washington Council president emeritus Jos Williams for being recognized with the 2025 Paul Robeson Peace and Justice Award from DC People's World. Top right: AFSCME members gathered for a two-day Southern Region Steward Training last week. Bottom left: UFCW Local 400 members put in tireless work helping to get pro-worker candidates elected in Virginia! Bottom right: IBEW Local 26 celebrated at the 10th Annual Capital Area Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Conservation Dinner.