3,800 members of OPEIU Local 2 at Kaiser Permanente ready to strike as part of nationwide negotiations

An overwhelming 98% of OPEIU Local 2 members at Kaiser Permanente voted YES to authorize an Unfair Labor Practices strike last week. The 3,800 members of Local 2 join a total of 75,000 Kaiser workers across the country who are ready to strike if no deal is reached by September 30.

"While we do not want to strike, if Kaiser continues to refuse to invest in patient care and frontline caregivers by hiring more staff, adjusting staff-to-patient ratios, and by settling a contract that includes livable wages that keep up with inflatioon, WE ARE READY!" OPEIU Local 2 said in a statement.

Prince George's County Council to revisit decision on reasonable accommodation

Last week Metro Washington Council together with several of our Affiliate unions, labor allies, and members of the Prince George's County Council held a press conference demanding remote voting and reasonable accommodation for Councilmembers who need to take family or medical leave.

At the Council hearing that followed last week Council members expressed support for reconsidering the issue. We look forward to the Council changing their decision on this important matter of workplace health and safety.

Take action this week to #StopTheShutdown

There are now just six days left until the federal government runs out of money. If it does, millions of unionized federal workers will stop receiving paychecks — but will have to report to work anyway. Take action with AFGE this week to help #StopTheShutdown.

Contract negotiations get under way between UFCW Local 400 and Safeway and Giant

The contract negotiations team at UFCW Local 400 is getting to work on a new contract with Safeway and Giant. Over the span of the last contract, UFCW members worked through COVID and made grocery companies more revenue than ever. Now it is time for that hard work to be rewarded. Local 400 members, join the Contract Action Team on Wednesday, Sept. 27 to be ready to take action when the time comes.

Congratulations to our first all-women class of Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship graduates!

Last week we celebrated the first all-women class of Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduates! Our pre-apprenticeship programs prepare individuals to begin an apprenticeship in the trades. Congratulations to all the graduates! We can't wait to follow your journeys.

Upcoming Events

Maryland/DC Alliance for Retired Americans Biennial Convention
November 4, 2023 — 9:00am-2:00pm
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 office
Presentations and discussions on political activism in 2024, legislation, and more. Email [email protected] for information.

Labor Day with the Commanders vs. NY Giants

Sunday, November 19, 2023 — 1:00 PM

Each union that brings out 50 or more people will be able to come onto the field after the game to take a photo. Email Ari Kwitkin-Close or call (301) 276-6406.

Around the Region

Top left: Airport workers with 32BJ SEIU showed up at the most recent meeting of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to speak out for health insurance and paid leave. Top right: Washington Teachers' Union held an indoor block party to give away books and supplies as they countdown to a contract that expires on September 30. Bottom left: IBEW Local 26, Ironworkers Local 5, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5, SMART 100, and Steamfitters Local 602 held a careers fair last week at Sycamore & Oak in DC's Ward 8. Bottom left: Finishing Trades Institute and IUPAT DC51 participated in the first ever Prince George's County Union Trades Day at Bowie Baysox Stadium. 

Share your news

Got an action, event, open position, or other update you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].

Stay connected