EWL deadline extended! The deadline for 2020 Evening with Labor program book ads and dinner tickets has been extended to this Friday, March 6. Click here for more info and here to download the order form or email [email protected] or call Chris at 202-974-8153.
Strike still looms at Safeway; workers to vote March 5th
Despite progress in negotiations for a new contract for workers at Safeway, a strike vote is still on track for Thursday, March 5. Pension remains an outstanding issue; “We will not allow Safeway to break its promise and eliminate the pension benefits that we have worked hard to earn,” reported UFCW 400 Communications Director Jonathan Williams after Friday’s bargaining session.
“We are continuing to prepare our members to go on strike if we don’t have a fair contract by March 5th,” Williams said. If they vote to strike, pickets will begin at 6:00 AM Friday, March 6th. Negotiations resume with the company again on Monday.
Meanwhile, Local 400 is seeking solidarity from local unions and the general public to support the strike; email [email protected] if you and/or your organization can commit to join the picket line – please specify which Safeway location -- at least once a day from March 6-9. Click here to sign up for text alerts.
graphic by DC Jobs with Justice ; please post widely
Fairfax Connector workers ratify strong contract
After a four-day strike last December and the threat of a strike last week, a majority of Transdev workers at the Fairfax Connector represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1764 have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract. “These workers showed strength, unity, and solidarity,” said ATU International President John Costa. “The result was a strong contract that recognizes the commitment and dedication of these workers to providing safe and reliable transportation for the people of Fairfax each day.” Local 1764’s job action came in the midst of an 84-day strike by ATU Local 689 Transdev workers at WMATA’s Cinder Bed Road facility. During both strikes, the workers received strong support from riders, allies and elected officials. "We thank all the riders, elected officials, community partners and allies for their support during our strike and our fight for a fair and just contract,” Costa continued. “This is a victory for everyone, and we could not have achieved it without them.”
photo: ATU 1764 workers join ATU 689 strikers on the picket line in early December 2019
Kelley takes over as AFGE president as Cox resigns
AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Everett B. Kelley has assumed the office of AFGE National President following the Feb. 28 resignation of J. David Cox Sr.
"Thanks to the incredible solidarity of our members, your spirit, your determination, and your focus, the important work AFGE performs every day on behalf of the 700,000 federal and D.C. government employees we represent has continued uninterrupted as we have gone through this difficult period as a union," Kelley said in an email to AFGE members. "As I assume the role of National President, I am certain that our great union will continue leading the fight against attacks on our members’ pay, benefits, retirement, and rights on the job."
In accepting Cox's resignation, AFGE announced the conclusion of the processing of internal charges filed last November, noting that Cox "has forfeited his right to hold or run for any AFGE-elected office in perpetuity," adding that "This resignation does not affect the investigation being conducted by Working IDEAL, nor does it alter AFGE’s commitment to process the February 2020 or any future charges filed against Cox pursuant to the AFGE Constitution." In his email, Kelley said that "we know that there is still work that we can do to improve our culture here at AFGE and make sure our own actions as a union align with our values. We remain fully committed to continuing to pursue those changes, like our recently introduced Code of Conduct for all AFGE events."
photo: Kelley at the recent AFGE legislative conference
Today's Labor Quote: Moe Biller
“The struggle continues.”
The postal workers were granted the 8-hour day on this date in 1913, but with postal workers facing new threats and challenges today, Moe Biller’s signature phrase is more relevant than ever. Biller was president of the American Postal Workers Union for more than twenty years until retiring in 2001.
photo: Biller (right) meets Nelson Mandela during 1991 visit to Washington, DC
Today's Labor History
This week’s Labor History Today podcast: Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote
Professor Robyn Muncy, co-curator of “Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote,” on the role organized labor played in the lengthy and difficult struggle for women’s rights.
Plus Saul Schniderman on the origins of Women’s History Month and “Rise Up: Songs of the Women's Movement," the PBS show celebrating that history.
Last week’s show: African American Lumber Workers in the Jim Crow South
March 2
More than 6,000 drivers strike Greyhound Lines, most lose jobs to strikebreakers after company declares “impasse” in negotiations - 1990
March 3
Birth date in Coshocton, Ohio, of William Green, a coal miner who was to succeed Samuel Gompers as president of the American Federation of Labor, serving in the role from 1924 to 1952. He held the post until his death, to be succeeded by George Meany - 1873
Congress approves the Seamen’s Act, providing the merchant marine with rights similar to those gained by factory workers. Action on the law was prompted by the sinking of the Titanic three years earlier. Among other gains: working hours were limited to 56 per week; guaranteed minimum standards of cleanliness and safety were put in place - 1915
The Davis-Bacon Act took effect today. It orders contractors on federally financed or assisted construction projects to pay wage rates equal to those prevailing in local construction trades - 1931
- David Prosten
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