32BJ SEIU and allies rally to demand #JusticeForJanitors

This week bargaining kicks off for 9,200 commercial office cleaners in the DC region. At a rally in DC on Thursday, 32BJ SEIU once again called for #JusticeForJanitors. "These workers risked their lives lives during the pandemic," said Jaime Contreras, SEIU 32BJ Executive Vice President. "The best way companies can honor that sacrifice is to give them a good contract during this round of bargaining." See more »

 

AFL-CIO endorses Joe Biden for re-election

The AFL-CIO has endorsed President Joe Biden for re-election. On Saturday, June 17, AFL-CIO union members from across the country rallied in Philadelphia and heard from President Biden. Watch the recorded event »

 

UFCW Local 400 calls for public boycott of Union Kitchen

On Friday, June 16, UFCW Local 400 and United Kitchen Workers officially called for a consumer boycott of Union Kitchen stores, "a direct response to management’s ongoing and unlawful efforts to undermine the workers’ union." Workers were out this weekend letting shoppers know about Union Kitchen's behavior. Learn how you can support Union Kitchen workers »

 

Committee on Political Education (COPE) meetings are a chance for members of our affiliate unions to learn about your rights and what's happening in the local labor movement. Join us at one of this week's COPE meetings:

Not sure whether your union is included? See the list of our affiliates.

 

⭐ Reminder for Labor Council Delegates ⭐ In observance of the Juneteenth holiday our regularly scheduled monthly meeting will take place next Tuesday, June 27, at 5:00 p.m. Submit any agenda items by this Friday, June 23.

 

BLET celebrates Juneteenth with "Jazz on the Rails"

On Saturday, June 17, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the B&O Railroad Museum hosted Jazz on the Rails in honor of Juneteenth and the opening of the new museum's exhibit, "The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad."

The opening of this exhibit is essential when discussing labor's direct connection to the liberation of black people and the constant pursuit of justice. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Underground Railroad played significant roles in different periods of American history. Yet, they share a common thread of aiding people in their journeys to freedom. The BLET, a labor union formed in 1863, represented locomotive engineers and trainmen, advocating for their rights and fair working conditions.

On the other hand, the Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses during the 19th century, assisting enslaved individuals in escaping to free states or Canada. Although distinct in their objectives, the BLET and the Underground Railroad exemplify the power of collective action and compassion. While the BLET fought for better livelihoods for its members, the Underground Railroad operated covertly, embodying bravery and resistance against the unjust institution of slavery. Both organizations showcase the resilience and determination of individuals working together to pursue liberty and equality.

 

Event calendar

TOMORROW: Day of Action for Social Security Administration workers
AGFE is back at the bargaining table with the Social Security Administration to renegotiate six key articles of union members' contract. Join AFGE for a rally on Wednesday, June 21 at 12:00 p.m. in support of Administration workers. Meet on the U.S. Capitol grounds at Independence Ave. & 1st St. SE.

Momentum for Change with DC Fiscal Policy Institute

Thursday, June 22 — 6:00pm
Join the DC Fiscal Policy Institute for a celebratory reception with Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO president Dyana Forester. Tickets »

Labor & Disability Justice: Towards Solidarity
Wednesday, June 28 — 4:00 p.m.

The increased labor organizing across a range of sectors has broad implications for all movements, including disability justice. Disabled and chronically ill workers, especially those who are BIPoC, have always organized for justice on the job; this Circle will highlight some of this work. 
More details and register »

Union night at Camden Yards

Friday, July 14 — 7:05pm

Join the Metro Baltimore Council AFL-CIO for Union Night at the Baltimore Orioles game! Contact Blaine Boone at (410) 247-4898 or [email protected].

 

Labor Day with the Washington Nationals vs. Texas Rangers

Wednesday, July 7 — 7:05pm

Join us at Nationals Park for the 15th Annual Labor Union Day. Contact Josh Grohs at (202) 640-7714 or [email protected]. Get tickets »

 

Insulators & Allied Workers Local #24: 19th Annual Golf Outing
Friday, August 11, 2023 — 8:00am
Compass Pointe Golf Course,
9010 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena, MD
For more information and tickets, email Casey Gignac at [email protected].

Labor Day at Washington Commanders vs. Arizona Cardinals

Sunday, September 10 — 1:00pm 

Each union that brings out 50 or more people will be able to come onto the field after the game to take a photo. Each ticket includes a $5 donation. Contact Ari Kwitkin-Close at (301) 276-6406 or [email protected].

 

The 26th Annual Community Services Agency Golf Tournament

Monday, October 16, 2023 — 7:00am

Enterprise Golf Course, 2802 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD

See this page for more information. Questions? Contact Letycia Pastrana.  

 

Labor Day with the Commanders vs. NY Giants

Sunday, November 19, 2023 — 1:00pm

Each union that brings out 50 or more people will be able to come onto the field after the game to take a photo. Each ticket includes a $5 donation. Contact Ari Kwitkin-Close at (301) 276-6406 or [email protected].

 

Recent News

Union Kitchen workers union launches boycott amid contract negotiations
Washington Business Journal — June 16, 2023
It's the latest front in the fight between workers and management at the D.C. food business accelerator and retail store chain.

Walters Art Museum employees vote yes to forming a union
The Baltimore Banner – June 15, 2023
After two years of legal, political and inter-institutional issues, employees at the Walters Art Museum voted Thursday night to form a union.

Teamsters Vote By 97 Percent to Strike If UPS Fails to Deliver Strong Contract
Teamsters — June 16, 2023
UPS Teamsters have voted by an overwhelming 97 percent to authorize a strike, giving the union maximum leverage to win demands at the bargaining table.


Biden Again Has Union Support. But the Unions Look Different This Time.
The New York Times – June 17, 2023
At a rally on Saturday hosted by the A.F.L.-C.I.O., President Biden enjoyed a warm reception. But changes in union membership mean that he has work to do.

2023’s summer of strikes is scoring wins for workers—and its just getting started
Fast Company — June 15, 2023
The “hot labor summer” tagline may have been coined by Amazon Labor Union President Chris Smalls (with respect to Megan Thee Stallion) but workers spread across all kinds of industries, including those at Insider, have been embracing the sentiment with gusto. 

 

Around the region

Left: On Thursday, workers at the Walters Art Museum voted 60 to 5 in favor of forming their union with AFSCME! This is an amazing win for Walters Workers United and for Baltimore — congratulations! Center: UNITE HERE shared what Juneteenth means to union members. "Juneteenth to me is a celebration of not just Black pride but also Black dignity working," said Josh Armstead, chapter vice president for DC. Right: AFGE president Everett Kelly shares his remarks on Juneteenth.

 

Share your news

Does your local have actions, events, open positions, or other updates you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].

 

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