Fight for $15 coalition members urged Montgomery County Council members on Tuesday night to raise the county’s minimum wage and exclude amendments that would weaken the bill, which is supported by five councilmembers. The coalition is looking for a sixth vote to give them a veto-proof majority.

Despite unseasonably warm temperatures and a blazing noonday sun that ratcheted up the heat even more, nearly 100 News Guild union members and their supporters turned out for a spirited picket line Wednesday in front of the Washington Post on K Street. The union’s trademark balloons floated gaily above picket signs as chants rang out, demanding a contract.

Complete details on both these stories – plus photos – on our website at dclabor.org

Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 2010, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Europe, striking against government austerity measures. Workers in more than a dozen countries participated, protesting job losses, retirement deferments, pension reductions, and cuts to schools, hospitals, and welfare services.

Today’s labor quote is by Mother Jones, who said:
“No matter what the fight, don't be ladylike! God almighty made women and the Rockefeller gang of thieves made the ladies.”

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Hosts: Chris Garlock, with Ed Smith
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Guests: 
Liz Davis (in-studio, at right), WTU Local 6 president, on the teachers new contract and workplace issues affecting teachers and the community.
Valerie Ervin, Working Families Party and Fight for $15 Coalition, on the Montgomery County $15/hr bill hearing held on Tuesday.

1:30 Labor Song: Wake Up Everybody John Legend, The Roots, ft. Melanie Fiona, Common 

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Electrical Workers Local 26 celebrated its 125th anniversary at a gala event last Saturday at the MGM National Harbor. In 1892, the year Local 26 got its charter, Washington, D.C. was comprised of dirt roads, cow pastures, and only a few of the monuments that stand today. By 1894, Local 26 members had set the U. S. Capitol ablaze with lights for the first time in history. Find out more about Local 26 on their website, ibewlocal26.org, click on “About Us”

Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1864, the International Workingmen’s Association was founded in London. It was an international organization trying to unite a variety of different left-wing, socialist, communist and anarchist political groups and unions. It functioned for about 12 years, growing to a membership declared to be eight million, before being disbanded at its Philadelphia conference in 1876, victim of infighting brought on by the wide variety of members’ philosophies.
 
Today’s labor quote is by trade unionist George Odger, who co-founded the International Workingmen's Association. George Odger, who said:
"Whenever working men of one country are sufficiently well organized to demand higher wages or shorter hours, they are met by the threat of the employer to hire cheaper foreign labor, and this evil can only be removed by the international organization of the working class."
 
Union City Radio is supported by UnionPlus, which is committed to improving the quality of life for all working families; find out more at unionplus.org.

"No man or woman should ever have to choose a job that forces them to surrender their rights," said DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association earlier this week. Smith was responding to President Donald Trump's attacks on player protests.  
"Those opinions are protected speech and a freedom that has been paid for by the sacrifice of men and women throughout history," said Smith, adding that "the line that marks the balance between the rights of every citizen in our great country gets crossed when someone is told to just 'shut up and play.'"  

​On today's labor calendar, walk the line at 12:30pm today with Washington Post union members as they conduct informational picketing at the Post in support of ongoing contract negotiations. Full details on our website, dclabor.org, click on Calendar. 

​Here’s today's labor history:
On this date in 1893, The International Typographical Union renewed a strike against the Los Angeles Times. Although the ITU kept up the fight into the 1920s, the Times remained totally nonunion until 2009, when the GCIU organized the pressroom. 

Today’s labor quote is by Clara Lemlich, a garment worker involved in the 1909 "Uprising of the 20,000," strike against the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. Clara Lemlich, who said
"I have listened to all the speakers, and I have no further patience for talk. I am a working girl, one of those striking against intolerable conditions. I am tired of listening to speakers who talk in generalities. What we are here for is to decide whether or not to strike. I make a motion that we go out in a general strike." 

Union City Radio is supported by UnionPlus, which is committed to improving the quality of life for all working families; find out more at unionplus.org.