Missed this week’s Your Rights At Work radio show? Catch the podcast here. Erica Smiley (Jobs with Justice) and Sarita Gupta (Ford Foundation's Future of Work) on their new book, “The Future We Need, Organizing for a Better Democracy in the Twenty-First Century,” plus 1199SEIU organizer James Crosby on “Low-wage workers prop up the nursing home industry. They’re quitting in droves.”
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SEIU 32BJ endorses One Fair Wage Campaign in D.C.
SEIU 32BJ yesterday endorsed the One Fair Wage Campaign in D.C. to support tipped workers. The union, which represents more than 20,000 property service workers in the DC area, helped lead the Fight for $15 campaign and says it’s now endorsing the One Fair Wage campaign to ensure that D.C. restaurant workers aren’t forced to rely on tips to make up the difference for unlivable poverty wages. Jaime Contreras, Executive Vice President of SEIU 32BJ, said that “these unsustainable conditions drove thousands of working men and women out of the industry, after many got sick and even died keeping our economy alive during the pandemic.”
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DC JwJ Sues Mayor, DCRA
Is Power Design getting a free pass? That’s what DC Jobs with Justice has been trying to find out for more than two years. Despite finding that Power Design has hired unlicensed electrical contractors to perform work in the District of Columbia – as alleged by DC JWJ -- DCRA’s Board of Industrial Trades summarily dismissed JwJ’s complaint. This week, Mayor Bowser and DCRA Director Chrappah responded to JwJ’s suit, arguing that JwJ has no right to the Board’s reasons for dismissing their complaint and not taking disciplinary action against the company. Power Design paid $2.75 million to workers and the District after the D.C. Office of the Attorney General sued them for wage theft. DC JWJ says using unlicensed electrical subcontractors in the District puts residents, workers and the general public at risk.
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Introducing: Dejah Williams, MWC Political/Legislative Director
After managing and consulting on dozens of races throughout Anne Arundel County and the state of Maryland, Dejah Williams, the Metro Washington Labor Council’s new Political/Legislative Director, says she’s “really looking forward to working for the Metro Council’s affiliates and their interests.” The great-granddaughter of a long-time UFCW Local 400 member, Williams adds that she understands “the importance of making sure the rights of workers are at the forefront of municipal, county, state and federal legislation.” After the 2018 elections, Williams worked for Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and in 2020 went on to work for Delegate Nicole Williams (Prince George's County District 22). “I hope to bring my experience in state government, field organizing and managing campaigns to the Metro Council,” said Williams. “I look forward to building a long and fruitful relationship with the Council and its affiliates. Onward and upward!”
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Today’s labor quote: Dolly Parton
On this date in 1981, Dolly Parton hit number one on the record charts with "9 to 5," her anthem to the daily grind. |
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This week’s Labor History Today podcast: The Bread Uprising. Last week's episode: MLK at the AFL-CIO in 1961.
January 28
First U.S. unemployment compensation law enacted, in Wisconsin – 1932
January 29
Responding to unrest among Irish laborers building the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Pres. Andrew Jackson orders first use of American troops to suppress a labor dispute - 1834
Six thousand railway workers strike for union and end of 18-hour day - 1889
Sit-down strike (photo below) helps establish United Rubber Workers as a national union, Akron, Ohio - 1936
Newly-elected President Barack Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, making it easier for women and minorities to win pay discrimination suits - 2009
January 30
The Paris Peace Conference establishes the Commission on International Labour Legislation to draft the constitution of a permanent international labor organization, founding the International Labour Organization (ILO). Today, as part of the United Nations, the ILO is charged with drafting and overseeing international labor standards. -1919
- David Prosten
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