The airport workers picket at Dulles Airport is back on. Unite Here Local 23 had called off last week’s picket against Sky Chefs’ after the company agreed to raise Dulles airline catering worker’s wages and pay back pay, but the latest round of negotiations left senior and higher-skilled workers with nothing.

And in another update, the petition supporting Takoma Park city employees is having an effect, according to AFSCME 3399 president David Burbank, who says “It reached the Mayor and she is putting pressure on the City Manager.” The workers plan to present the petition at the City Council meeting tonight.

On today’s labor calendar,
The Dulles Airport Picket with UNITE HERE Local 23 will be from 2 to 4pm;
The Takoma Park workers will meet supporters outside the City Building on Maple Avenue around 6:30pm tonight and go in as a group around 7pm;
complete details on both events are on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar.  

Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1978, after scoring successes with representation elections conducted under the protective oversight of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board, the United Farm Workers of America officially ended its historic table grape, lettuce and wine boycotts.

Today’s labor quote is by Emma Tenayuca, who led a strike by 12,000 pecan shellers in San Antonio, Texas on this date in 1938.
Emma Tenayuca, who said:
"I was arrested a number of times. I never thought in terms of fear. I thought in terms of justice."
 
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State professionals in the Maryland Public Employees Council last week ratified new three-year contracts. The contracts include a 2% increase in January 2019 and expanded language on workplace bullying, indoor air quality and evaluations. Additionally, AFT Local 5197 negotiated a recruitment and retention bonus for their nurse positions.

Two thousand workplace troublemakers – including some from the DC area -- will converge on Chicago for the Labor Notes Conference, April 6 through 8. The annual conference is a great chance to swap stories, devise strategies, and hone your organizing skills. Register now and save $45 with the Early Bird rate. Details on our website at dclabor.org

On today’s labor calendar, “The Young Karl Marx” screens at the DC JCC tonight at 7:30; ticket info at wjff.org

Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1882, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York. He was elected president of the United States four times starting in 1932. His New Deal programs helped America survive the Great Depression and his legislative achievements included the creation of the National Labor Relations Act, which allows workers to organize unions, bargain collectively, and strike.  

Today’s labor quote is by Cornelius Vanderbilt, the wealthy American businessman and notorious robber baron. Cornelius Vanderbilt, who said:
"Law! What do I care about the law? Ain't I got the power?"
 
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The recent revelations of changes made to student grades and attendance records at the District of Columbia’s Ballou High School—changes intended to present a rosier picture than reality—represent not an isolated case but a systemwide problem, according to a Washington Teachers Union-EmpowerEd survey released last week and a statement from the Council of School Officers. The WTU and EmpowerEd said the results demonstrate the need for systemic solutions to address systemic problems.

Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 2009, newly-elected President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, making it easier for women and minorities to win pay discrimination suits.

Today’s labor quote is by Dolly Parton, from "9 to 5," her anthem to the daily grind, which hit number on this date in 1981:
​Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
9 to 5, for service and devotion
You would think that I would deserve a fat promotion
Want to move ahead but the boss won't seem to let me
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me!

Union City Radio is supported by UnionPlus, which provides unique products and discounts for working families. This week, hit the road for the holidays with special Union Plus savings from Budget. Check them out at unionplus.org!

The Metro Washington Council on Thursday announced its endorsement of Marc Elrich for Montgomery County Executive, citing “his long history of fighting for better education, jobs, and opportunities for Montgomery County residents.”
And on Wednesday, union members and allies rallied in Richmond to push for worker-related issues including an increase in the state’s minimum wage. “I have coworkers who can’t afford to get by no matter how many hours they work,” said Dominic, a Kroger worker.

On this weekend’s labor calendar, the Virginia AFL-CIO’s Legislative Conference and Lobby Day starts this Sunday at the Richmond Marriott; complete details at dclabor.org, click on Calendar.

Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1695, in what could be considered the first workers’ compensation agreement in America, pirate Henry Morgan pledged his underlings 600 pieces of eight or six slaves to compensate for a lost arm or leg. Also part of the pirate’s code, reports Roger Newell: shares of the booty were equal regardless of race or sex, and shipboard decisions were made collectively.

Today’s labor quote is by Samuel Gompers, first president of the American Federation of Labor, born on this date in 1850.
Sam Gompers, who said:
"Do I believe in arbitration? I do. But not in arbitration between the lion and the lamb, in which the lamb is in the morning found inside the lion."
 
Union City Radio is supported by UnionPlus, which provides unique products and discounts for working families. This week, hit the road for the holidays with special Union Plus savings from Budget. Check them out at unionplus.org!