Last week was a busy one for DC JWJ! Together, we have been fighting and winning with DC tenants and workers! Thanks for standing with us, and check out the ways you can stay involved. 

End Rentflation Wins for Tenants!

End Rentflation Campaign, made up of tenants and coalition partners, successfully advocated for thousands of tenants in DC and passed legislation that will mitigate the detrimental effects of the rent hike on DC residents. Over the past six months, DC Jobs With Justice has worked to prevent the 8.9% rent increase from going into effect May 1st for the 90,000 rent-stabilized households across DC. Our 

Although it was not exactly the outcome we wanted, our advocacy won a cap on rent increases at 6% this year and 12% over the next two years, and provides extra security for those 62 years of age or older and tenants with disabilities with a cap at 4% this year and 8% over the next two years. The law will go into effect July 1.

Since the outset of the End Rentflation Campaign, we advocated for a 5% annual cap on rent increases, aiming originally to stop the 8.9% increase from going into effect at all. In April, the Council - deterred by DHCD - failed to move legislation that would have done this. As a result, hundreds of households have received their notice of rent increase for 8.9% and are struggling to find a way to pay or facing displacement.

From April onwards, we continued to oppose the rent hikes and work on finding a new legislative solution. Our new demand became a 5% cap this year, and a 10% cap over the next two years in order to protect those who had already received the 8.9% increase. We came close to this demand in the final legislation, despite the Council’s delays and disregard for the needs of tenants and heavy push-back from the landlord lobby . We are thankful to our strong allies on the Council, namely Councilmembers Lewis George, Nadeau and Parker, for pushing the Council to pass more progressive and tenant-centered legislation.

This is a win for residents across the city and a show of tenant power in DC!

What is next for the End Rentflation Campaign? Want to stay involved? Fill out this form so you can stay informed! Or email [email protected] with any questions. 

Defend 82

DC JWJ has been closely following legislation introduced by  Kenyan McDuffie the “Workers and Restaurants are Priorities Act of 2023” aka the WRAP Act. This bill is a direct attack on I-82 that eliminated to two-tier tipped wage system. With a fast acting coalition of allies, we had a huge turnout of public witnesses ready to testify to DC Council against this bill that harms workers.

The bill does many things that could potentially harm workers in DC, namely, it would allow restaurants to 1) charge customers bogus service fees to cover their workers’ base wages, 2) confuse consumers into thinking a 22% service charge is going to gratuity for servers thus taking away tips 3) disrespects the will of DC voters by fundamentally undermining Initiative 82 and its outlined process for wage increases. This bill is a poorly-disguised attempt to appease the restaurant lobby and create chaos that leads to public disapproval of I82. 

Tell the DC Council that they cannot walk all over the will of voters and the rights of workers in this city! Sign the petition to stop this bill.

Congratulations to Moon Rabbit and InterCon Workers

Workers and UNITE HERE Local 25 organizers have been picketing outside Moon Rabbit at the Wharf every day for the past two weeks to demand the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) to recognize their union. These workers are finally being heard as IHG has agreed to hold a fair and neutral process to grant the union recognition and bargain their first contract. This is not only a major win for workers who have been exploited and disrespected by management at IHG, but it’s also a major win for workers and organizers everywhere. This win shall serve as a reminder to folks that when we organize, we win! 

Congratulations to the workers and thanks to all who showed solidarity!