The AFL-CIO’s Solidarity Center reports that domestic workers in Jordan have formed the country's first-ever worker rights network, one that includes migrant workers from Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The more than 2.4 million migrant domestic workers in the Arab region often toil 12–20 hour days, six or seven days a week cleaning homes, preparing meals and caring for children and the elderly. Migrant workers in Jordan, like in many countries in the Middle East and elsewhere, cannot form unions to improve their working conditions. Find out more at solidaritycenter.org

In this week's Labor Quiz, independent non-union drivers in the trucking industry are known as what? Are they scabs; pie-cards; yellow-bellies or gypsies? Go to unionist.com and click on Labor Quiz and you could be next week's winner!

Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1892, a total of 29 strike leaders were charged with treason—plotting "to incite insurrection, rebellion & war against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"—for daring to strike the Carnegie Steel Company in Homestead, Pennsylvania. Jurors refused to convict them.
In 1899, seventy-year-old Mother Jones organized the wives of striking miners in Arnot, Pennsylvania to descend on the mine with brooms, mops and clanging pots and pans.  They frightened away the mules and their scab drivers, and the miners eventually won their strike. 
In 1919, black farmers met in Elaine, Arkansas to establish the Progressive Farmers and Householders Union to fight for better pay and higher cotton prices.  They were shot at by a group of whites, and returned fire.  News of the confrontation spread and a riot ensued, leaving at least 100 blacks dead and 67 indicted for inciting violence.
And in 1962, Cesar Chavez, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later was to become the United Farm Workers of America.

Today’s labor quote is by Dolores Huerta:
“When you have a conflict, that means that there are truths that have to be addressed on each side of the conflict. And when you have a conflict, then it's an educational process to try to resolve the conflict. And to resolve that, you have to get people on both sides of the conflict involved so that they can dialogue.”

House Speaker John Boehner's surprise retirement announcement last Friday "has muddled an already confusing situation," regarding the possibility of another government shutdown, reports AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman. "Some experts and many in the media are saying that Boehner's action makes it less likely that a shutdown will occur, while others are saying the opposite.” Goldman notes that ”Even many of the more optimistic commentators acknowledge that a shutdown could still happen in the coming weeks and months. The truth is that no one knows for sure."  What is clear is that the unions representing federal workers are actively preparing for a shutdown as early as October 1.  "We are engaging in legislative action, preparing leaflets, expanding our communications network, preparing public actions and getting ready to engage the media," Goldman said.  "Anyone who was around during the last shutdown knows what we are capable of doing."

For the latest local labor events, go to dclabor.org and click on calendar. 

Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1931, 400 coal miners marched through the streets of Estevan, Saskatchewan, with their wives and children. The miners were striking over union recognition, hours of work, wages, and working and living conditions. When they refused to disperse, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shot and killed one of the workers and a battle ensued that resulted in three men dead and a number of others seriously injured.

Today’s labor quote is by J. David Cox Sr., President of the American Federation of Government Employees:
“Doctors will tell you that the best cure for any disease is prevention. This shutdown is a disease that is threatening to infect the American people. But it’s entirely preventable. All Congress needs to do is pass a budget to keep the government open.” 

Sonia Lozano is the secretary-treasurer of Laborers Local 572 in DC and a member of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. Describing the importance of Latinos in the workforce and in the labor movement, she says that "In 2050, Latinos will make up one-third of our workforce, yet we are currently some of the most vulnerable workers in the country. For the future of labor and for the future of Latinos, this is an undeniable partnership that needs to take place now. I am a mother of two," Lozano says, "and every morning I wake up and think about the future of my kids. I want to make sure that they grow up in a world where my daughter will earn the same amount of money as my son. I want them to be treated as equals and not discriminated against for being Latinos. Hopefully, our efforts as laborers can provide them a greater opportunity to build a better future for their families and for the community that surrounds them."
This profile is part of a Hispanic Heritage Month series on the AFL-CIO's blog honoring leaders in the movements to protect and expand the rights of Hispanics, Latinos and working families; read more at aflcio.org

Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1917, 165 Wobblies were indicted for protesting World War 1.

In 1995, dockworkers who refused to cross a picket line were locked out and fired by their employer, the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company in Liverpool, England.  Their struggle for reinstatement lasted over two years.

Today’s labor quote is by Frederick Douglass:
"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."

Union City Radio’s Chris Garlock guest-hosts for Bill Fletcher. Guests include:

Lillian Walker Shelton, author of “Emilia’s Song,” a just-released sci-fi novel that inter-weaves workers’ rights, fair wages, and feminism;

Tiffany Flowers, Organizing Director, UFCW 400: Reflections, as a labor activist, on the lessons of the Black Panthers movement (she co-led discussion at Wednesday night’s labor screening of the film “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution”), especially related to today’s Black Lives Matter movement;

Erica Ginsberg, Co-Director “Creative Feds,” a film-in-progress about what federal workers do on their time off, especially in light of another possible gov’t shutdown on October 1.

Lance Kramer, producer, "City of Trees," which tells the intimate story of one community’s fight for equal access to good jobs and safe parks in our nation’s capital.

Patti Absher, Co-chair & director of the 2015 Greater Washington Immigration FilmFest.

At D.C.’s only public university, Washington City Paper reports that one of the nation’s most successful metropolitan area adjunct organizing drives has hit a roadblock as the part-time professors face unforeseen bargaining challenges coming from the administration. UDC adjuncts and their union officials with SEIU Local 500 say that at first the school dragged its feet while they waited at the bargaining table. But now that the school has finally come to the table, the union says that the administration refuses to negotiate on most contract demands because of D.C.’s public-employer-friendly collective bargaining law. Read more on City Paper's website at washingtoncitypaper.com

On the Labor Calendar, NoVA Labor continues precinct walks and phone banks tomorrow starting at 9a in Annandale; go to dclabor.org and click on calendar for complete details.

Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1891, two African-American sharecroppers were killed during a cotton-pickers’ strike in Lee County, Arkansas.  By the time the strike had been suppressed, 15 African-Americans had died, another six had been imprisoned, and a white plantation manager was killed as well.

Today’s labor quote is by Pope Francis, who visited DC this week:
“The worship of the ancient golden calf has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose. The worldwide crisis affecting finance and the economy lays bare their imbalances and, above all, their lack of real concern for human beings; man is reduced to one of his needs alone: consumption.”

Union City Radio’s Chris Garlock and the Employment Justice Center’s Emma Cleveland discuss worker rights with local activists/organizers and take listener calls. 

Guests on today’s show include Rabbi Elizabeth Richman, Program Director and Rabbi in Residence, Jews United for Justice, on the Jewish tradition’s approach to worker rights; John Gehring, Catholic Program Director at Faith in Public Life, on Pope Francis’ view on worker rights.

Click here for an archive of previous “Your Rights At Work” preview shows. 

Striking fast food workers inspire a character in local author Eric Lotke‘s new novel “Making Manna” to gather her coworkers and demand a raise. And the main character says “Bless those union dues I pay every month" and credits the union with winning her sick days. David Feige, creator of the TNT series “Raising the Bar,” says the novel “Brilliantly details the searing fragility of life below the poverty line . . . . Both heartbreaking and heartwarming.” Lotke has worked at the Campaign for America’s Future and SEIU. He’ll be at George Mason University's Fall for the Book Festival on October 2.

On today’s Labor Calendar. Don’t miss this week’s "Your Rights At Work" Call-in Radio Show on WPFW 89.3 FM from 1 – 2pm, where we’ll take your calls about rights on the job. Then tonight at 7pm. farm worker legend Dolores Huerta appears at “Living Self-Portrait” at the National Portrait Gallery; admission is free. Go to dclabor.org and click on calendar for complete details.

Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1918, the Canadian government outlawed the Industrial Workers of the World and other organizations. Penalty for membership was set at five years in prison.  The ban on the IWW was lifted after World War I ended.

Today’s labor quote is by Pope Francis, who visits DC this week:
“Working for a just distribution of the fruits of the earth and human labor is not mere philanthropy. It is a moral obligation. For Christians, the responsibility is even greater: it is a commandment.”

The DC Labor FilmFest is co-sponsoring a special labor screening of “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” tonight at 7:15p at the E Street Cinema. “The Black Panthers” is the first feature length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party, its significance to the broader American culture, its cultural and political awakening for black people, and the painful lessons wrought when a movement derails. Master documentarian Stanley Nelson goes straight to the source, weaving a treasure trove of rare archival footage with the voices of the people who were there: police, FBI informants, journalists, white supporters and detractors, and Black Panthers who remained loyal to the party and those who left it. There are a limited number of free tickets available; go to dclabor.org for details.

In this week's Labor Quiz, which was the first trade union to admit women into membership? Was it the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union; the Cigar Makers International Union; the International Typographical Union; or the Amalgamated Clothing Workers? Go to unionist.com and click on Labor Quiz and you could be next week's winner!

Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1886, a coalition of Knights of Labor and trade unionists in Chicago launched the United Labor party, calling for an 8-hour day, government ownership of telegraph and telephone companies, and monetary and land reform. The party elected seven state assembly men and one senator.

In 1996, a 42-month strike by Steelworkers at Bayou Steel in Louisiana ended in a new contract and the ousting of scabs.

And on this date in 2002, California Governor Gray Davis signed legislation making the state the first to offer workers paid family leave.

Today’s labor quote is by Pope Francis, who visits DC this week:
“Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.”

Metro-area union members, leaders and allies who want to participate in this week’s visit by the Pope are invited to attend the 6am Mass tomorrow morning at Immaculate Conception church, 1315 8th Street, NW.
After the Mass, participants will head to the Ellipse, where the Pope will briefly appear. He is NOT conducting the Mass at Immaculate; he will be conducting the Mass later that day at the Basilica, where tickets are required, and the Metro Council does not have any. The Metro Council’s office will be closed on both Wednesday and Thursday due to the traffic expected from the papal visit, but all staff will be working and available as usual via phone and email.

Today’s Labor Calendar is jam-packed with events; be sure to go to dclabor.org and click on calendar for complete details: The Employment Justice Center Labor Day Breakfast starts at 8:30am at the Mayflower Renaissance Washington on Connecticut; Washington Post reporter Lydia DePillis will discuss Labor Reporting in the 21st Century at noon at the Woman's National Democratic Club; At 2pm, there’s a Rally to Welcome the "Nuns on the bus" on the Mall at 4th Street between Madison and Jefferson; Also at 2pm, catch a free screening of the film "A Day's Work" at the Public Welfare Foundation on U St NW, And then at 4pm, the “100 Women, 100 Miles” Pilgrimage and Closing Vigil take place at the Basilica of the National Shrine. Again, go to dclabor.org and click on calendar for details on these and other local labor events.

Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1862, the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, freeing three million slaves, though it did not outlaw slavery or grant citizenship to the ex-slaves.

In 1922, martial law was rescinded in Mingo County, West Virginia, after police, U.S. troops and hired goons finally quelled a coal miners' strike.

In 1934, the United Textile Workers strike committee ordered strikers back to work after 22 days out, ending what was at that point the greatest single industrial conflict in the history of American organized labor. The strike involved some 400,000 workers in New England, the mid-Atlantic states and the South.

And on this date in 2006, eleven Domino's employees in Pensacola, Florida formed the nation's first union of pizza delivery drivers.

Today’s labor quote is by Pope Francis, who visits DC this week:
“Once capital becomes an idol and guides people’s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socioeconomic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys human fraternity, it sets people against one another and, as we clearly see, it even puts at risk our common home.” 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the countless contributions of Latinos to our nation,” says AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.  “It is also a time to evaluate the challenges that they face. Today, as America’s Latino community grows stronger, so do attacks from extremist politicians who want to divide workers and are obsessed with using hardworking Latinos as scapegoats.” But they could not be more mistaken, Trumka says. “Latino working families are stronger than ever. The Latino community has been at the forefront in raising wages and winning workers’ rights through their collective voice. It is this same strength and determination that throughout history has built America and that will continue to move our country forward.” This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month is unique, notes Trumka. “Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, will be visiting the United States this week. Let’s welcome the Holy Father by listening and acting upon his message of inclusion, solidarity and unity.”

On today’s Labor Calendar, there will be a discussion on “Pope Francis in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities for Progressives” at 3pm at the Center for American Progress.
Then at 5:30 the AFL-CIO kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month with “Latino Workers and Unions: A Strategic Partnership for America’s Progress.”
And at 6:30 the Metro Washington Council’s first Delegate Meeting of the season will be held at the AFL-CIO; be there to hear the latest local labor news!
Complete details on our website at dclabor.org; click on calendar.

Here’s today’s labor history:
On this date in 1896, the militia was sent to Leadville, Colorado to break a miners strike.

In 1913, Mother Jones led a march of miners' children through the streets of Charleston, West Virginia.

And in 1982, members of the National Football League Players Association began what was to become a 57-day strike, their first regular-season walkout ever.

Today’s labor quote is by Pope Francis, who visits DC this week:
“There is no worse material poverty, I am keen to stress, than the poverty which prevents people from earning their bread and deprives them of the dignity of work.”