George Mason University Coalition for Worker Rights: Fri, February 18, 12pm – 1pm
Via Zoom; see link (map)

Metro Washington Council Delegate meeting: Tue, February 22, 5pm – 7pm
Nominations for Board elections!

NOTE: the MWC, CAP and CSA offices will be closed for the federal holiday on Monday.

If you missed yesterday's Your Rights At Work radio show -- One Fair Wage declares victory – catch the podcast here!

NALC Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive set for May 14

“This past year, the need for food relief was greater than ever and so was our determination to help,” reports AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler. “We stepped up to assist union members and struggling families keep food on their tables through the pandemic as well as to support striking workers. We’re doing what the labor movement does best: joining together in solidarity, lifting each other up and serving our communities.” The AFL-CIO is once again partnering with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) for the Stamp Out Hunger food drive campaign. The 2022 food drive is planned in person for Saturday, May 14. Because of concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation will be monitored closely to prioritize health and safety. This year’s campaign will help serve families affected by the pandemic and help give resources to striking workers around the country. “I urge all of you to help promote the Stamp Out Hunger campaign among your union members and affiliates,” said Shuler. “You can find more information on how to support these incredible efforts here. I recognize and thank each of you for your dedication to support our members and your communities this past year. Your determination and courage in the face of today’s challenges is nothing short of inspiring.” For more information, contact Kristie Small at [email protected].

Solidarity Center Report: Ukraine Whistleblower Wins Appeal
Unions in Ukraine are hailing the reinstatement of Olena Bebeshko (photo), leader of the Independent Trade Union of Aviation Workers, who was fired in retaliation for reporting widespread corruption at Kyiv's international airport. "This case is a milestone for labor rights protections and combating large scale corruption,” said Independent Aviation Workers Union of Ukraine President Veniamin Tymoshenko. Find out more at Solidarity Center.

Today’s labor quote: Chana Luria

“I was like, ‘You’re gonna have to find yourselves another sucker. Goodbye.’ And I left.”

Chana Luria is a travel nurse who quit an assignment in November 2021 due to inadequate COVID-19 safety measures. From “The Big Quit”

TODAY'S LABOR HISTORY

This week’s Labor History Today podcast: Last week's episode: The Irish Immigrant Miners’ Memorial.

February 18

One of the first American labor newspapers, The Man, is published in New York City. It cost one cent and, according to The History of American Journalism, “died an early death.” Another labor paper, N.Y. Daily Sentinel, had been launched four years earlier - 1834

Faced with 84 hour workweeks, 24 hour shifts and pay of 29 cents an hour, fire fighters form The International Association of Fire Fighters. Some individual locals had affiliated with the AFL beginning in 1903 - 1918

February 19

American Federation of Labor issues a charter to its new Railroad Employees Dept. - 1909

A few weeks after workers ask for a 25 cent hourly wage, the Philadelphia Rapid Transit (streetcar) Co. fires 173 union members “for the good of the service” and brings in replacements from New York City. Striker-scab battles and a general strike ensued - 1910

The U.S. Supreme Court decides in favor of sales clerk Leura Collins and her union, the Retail Clerks, in NLRB v. J. Weingarten Inc. – the case establishing that workers have a right to request the presence of their union steward if they believe they are to be disciplined for a workplace infraction - 1975

Farm Labor Organizing Committee signs agreement with Campbell Soup Co., ending seven-year boycott - 1986

February 20

Rally for unemployed becomes major confrontation in Philadelphia, 18 arrested for demanding jobs - 1908

Thousands of women march to New York’s City Hall demanding relief from exorbitant wartime food prices. Inflation had wiped out any wage gains made by workers, leading to a high level of working class protest during World War I - 1917

United Mine Workers settle 10-month Pittston strike in Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia - 1990

February 21

A California state law was enacted providing the 8 hour day for most workers, but it was not effectively enforced - 1868

Transportation-Communication Employees Union merges with Brotherhood of Railway, Airline & Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express & Station Employees - 1969

United Farm Workers of America granted a charter by the AFL-CIO - 1972

- David Prosten

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