Tell DC Council: No changes to Initiative 82
This is the June 2, 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.
Restaurant workers deserve more than a sub-minimum wage, and DC voters agree. In 2022 voters overwhelmingly supported Initiative 82 to raise wages for restaurant workers. But now, like Initiative 77 before it, elected leaders are trying to undo it.
Mayor Bowser's recent budget proposal includes an attempt to repeal Initiative 82. On top of that, last week, Councilmember McDuffie introduced emergency legislation to pause the next wage increase which is scheduled for July 1. Pausing July 1's scheduled increase is a slippery slope that undermines the integrity of this law.
The DC Council will consider both issues this week, and they need to hear from you that restaurant workers deserve fair wages. Union members and allies, call DC Council and tell them to make NO CHANGES to Initiative 82.
“Mayor Bowser has made it clear that, in this moment where DC and our country are under unprecedented threat, she thinks she can appease President Trump by targeting working people and immigrants," said Paul Schwalb, Executive-Secretary Treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 25 said in a statement. "The Council needs to vote to honor the crystal-clear desires of DC voters, and start pushing back against Bowser’s attacks on workers."
Recent News
‘Save money...or save lives': Transit union concerned about future of Metro
The leader of the largest union of Metro workers said Thursday that the transit agency’s plans for both the near future and the more distant future will put riders and employees at risk, and he’s calling on local leaders to act.
"I know for some people, autonomous vehicles, [that’s] a new toy,” said Raymond Jackson, the president of ATU Local 689, which represents more than 8,000 Metro employees. "But the lives of the riders and the workers here, it’s not a game for us." Read more »
Upcoming Events
June 7: Walk with Labor in Pride
Happy Pride Month! 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.
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.
June 9: DC COPE special meeting
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 at 2:00 PM, the DC Committee on Political Education (COPE) will hold a special meeting about the budget. Register to join next Monday's meeting on Zoom.
NEW TIME: Labor Night at the Nationals on June 14
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!