Starting at 8:00 AM

Defenders of Wildlife staff to go on ULP strike tomorrow

Defenders United represents the 80 hardworking staff at Defenders of Wildlife, a national conservation organization working to protect endangered wildlife and plants. Defenders staff unionized with OPEIU Local 2 in 2021 and they have been fighting a fierce anti-union campaign ever since as they work toward a first contract.?

Most recently, management has revoked annual raises for union members only, withheld improved benefits such as extended paid parental leave and bereavement leave to union staff, and more.


"Our members have endured over two years of stalled bargaining, toxic work culture, and bad faith actions under President and CEO Jamie Clark," Defenders United said in a statement.

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Defenders United is going on a two-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike starting tomorrow, July 9. Workers are demanding Defenders of Wildlife bargain in good faith and restore unlawfully withheld wages and benefits. Show solidarity with their effort by joining strikers outside the Defenders of Wildlife offices (1130 17th St NW) between 8:00 AM-5:00 PM tomorrow and Wednesday.

 

AFSCME Maryland Council 3 wins nearly $600,000 for Maryland Department of Health workers

Dozens of workers at state hospitals in Maryland will be paid a total of nearly $600,000 after the state acknowledged it had circumvented overtime pay laws. AFSCME Maryland Council 3 discovered the discrepancy in 2022, alleging that hospital employees were not paid overtime for working extra hours. Instead, the Maryland Department of Health made them pick up extra hours as independent contractors. Read more ?

 

Council Affiliates raise funds for training and assistance programs at Labor Night at the Nationals

Labor Night at the Nationals on Friday was a phenomenal time! Thank you to all the Affiliates who joined us to raise funds for our Community Services Agency. The 2,500+ tickets sold will go towards supporting our pre-apprenticeship training programs, and assistance for union members and families. Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a fun and meaningful night at the park!

 

Upcoming Actions + Events

DC Restaurant Workers Organizing Training
Monday, July 15, 2:00-4:00 PM
901 K St. NW, Suite 200
DC hotel and food service workers have fought for and won strong contracts and important policies. Want to organize your restaurant or food service workplace? Join UNITE HERE Local 25 next week to hear from restaurant workers about how they organized their union. All are welcome, lunch provided. RSVP to Allison Burket, [email protected] or 202-412-1612.

 

Around the Region

If you watched "A Capitol Fourth" on TV on July 4, you heard music by hardworking union members of DC Federation of Musicians, AFM?Local 161-710.?Musicians' skill and dedication to their craft make magical events like this possible. Catch the performance.

 

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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].

 

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