Hundreds of supermarket workers and their allies rallied and marched through downtown Washington last Thursday, demanding fair contracts with Giant and Safeway. Negotiations officially started on Friday.
“Our members make Giant and Safeway profitable and the dominant grocery chains in the Washington, D.C. area,” said UFCW 400 president Mark Federici, adding that “It speaks for itself that we’re out here today with such big numbers and such enthusiasm before there’s even a crisis.” A number of other area unions and allies turned out for the rally and march, including a major contingent from AFGE. “We’re experiencing some of the same issues in contract negotiations as UFCW Local 400,” AFGE District 14’s Eric Bunn said, “That’s why we’re here in solidarity, supporting them.” On today’s labor calendar, The Metro Washington Council meets tonight at 6:30 at the AFL-CIO; all are welcome. And at 7 tonight, singer-songwriter Billy Bragg discusses his new book “The Three Dimensions of Freedom” at Politics and Prose. For details and all the latest labor calendar listings, go to dclabor.org and click on Calendar. In today’s labor history, on this date in 2009, Richard Trumka was elected president of the AFL-CIO. He had served as secretary-treasurer from 1995 to 2009, and prior to that was president of the United Mine Workers for 13 years. Today’s labor quote is by Richard Trumka, from his interview on this week’s Labor History Today podcast: (audio) I’m more excited about the labor movement right now, then I was in 1967, when I said ‘I swear allegiance to the United Mine Workers of America.’ I see more, I feel more and I’m excited by all the collective action.” Union City Radio is supported by our friends at Union Plus. The Union Plus Car Rental Program can save you up to 25% off car rental rates. With several companies to choose from union members can hit the road for less. Visit unionplus.org/carrental.
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