Labor Day was won by the labor movement
This is the August 28, 2024 edition of our twice-weekly newsletter about labor movement news in the DC region. Sign up to get our newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.
Labor Day was won by the labor movement.
Workers who came before us fought for the contributions of American workers to be recognized with a national holiday. It is a day to celebrate workers, union victories, and everything that's possible when we are united.
Workers in DC and Maryland continue this effort every day. Union members have ratified new contracts and stood up for their rights in just the last few days alone. Amidst several recent victories, however, teachers, hotel workers, transit workers, coffee shop workers, Teamsters, and more workers in our region are fighting for their rights and fair conditions. We have more to win in the months ahead.
Labor Day is a day to celebrate how far we've come as a movement. Read more about what we have to celebrate this year and where you can join the labor movement this weekend in the news below. Here's to a joyful and powerful Labor Day 2024.
In solidarity,
Samuel A. Epps IV
President,
Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO
Workers at DCA call for a fair union process
Food service workers employed by Master ConcessionAir at DCA held informational pickets this week asking for a fair process to decide whether to form a union without threats and intimidation. Among the employees’ demands is a greater accommodation of the needs of immigrants working at the airport.
“MCA workers at our Nation’s Capitol airport deserve better,” said UNITE HERE Local 23 President Anthony Randolph. “They are serving lawmakers and travelers from across the world — yet they are struggling to make ends meet and afford healthcare. They deserve a fair process.” Read more »
Teamsters members ratify contract with Gate Gourmet
After seven years of negotiations, Teamsters Local 639 members have ratified a contract with Gate Gourmet.
"This could not have been accomplished without the help and patience of Shop Stewards Jose Ramirez, Talisha Smith, Rosendo Amora, and Chow K. Ng," Local 639 posted on social media."Business Agent John Estes who represents Gate Gourmet would like to thank Business Agents Mark Grinevicius, Ed Spilman, Shawn Matile and VP Wayne Settles who all attended the ratification in order to make sure the process went smoothly."
Workers at The Bazaar ratify their first contract
Workers at The Bazaar by José Andrés, represented by UNITE HERE Local 25, voted 97% this week to ratify their first contract. "We won raises across the board, affordable health care, transparency and fairness in the tipping policy, more paid sick and vacation days, fair scheduling, and more!" Read more »
Family and Friends of Rick Powell
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the funeral services for Richard 'Rick' Powell, Jr., who served as Political Director at the Metropolitan Washington Council for many years and the political director at UNITE HERE Local 25.
A Celebration of Life and funeral services will be held at R.N. Horton Funeral Home (600 Kennedy St. NW, Washington, DC) on Saturday, Sept 7, 2024 beginning at 2:45pm. The family will wear white and black attire. If you would like to send flowers, the family asks that only white flowers be sent. A repast will be held following the services for family and friends.
Labor Day Week Events
Labor Day Mass @ St. Camillus
Wednesday, August 28 — 5:00 PM
St. Camillus Church (1600 St Camillus Dr, Silver Spring)
Before you enjoy the Labor Day weekend, come honor and pray for working people at the Labor Day Mass at St. Camillus Church. Fr. Brian Jordan, OFM, presiding. All unions and working people are invited.
Labor in the Pulpit
Sunday, September 1 — 10am
Lutheran Church of the Reformation (212 East Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC)
Join Lutheran Church of the Reformation and Michael Szpak, Religion-Labor Coordinator in the Civil, Human and Women's Rights Department of the AFL-CIO, for a Labor in the Pulpit service on Sunday, September 1 at 10 AM.
2024 NoVA Labor Picnic
Sunday, September 1 — 12-3 PM
Fort Hunt Park, Alexandria, VA
NoVA Labor's annual Labor Day Weekend Picnic is coming up this year on Sunday, September 1 from 12-3 PM at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandra. Join our Virginia labor allies for food, music, speeches, bounce castle, face painting, soccer and more.
Walk with IUPAT DC 51 in the 2024 Greenbelt Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 2 — 9 AM-12 PM
Corner of Crescent & Ridge Roads, Greenbelt, MD
Join IUPAT DC 51 invites union members, families, and allies to walk in the Greenbelt Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 2, 2024. Confirm your attendance and reserve a t-shirt.
Walk with IBEW Local 26 Retired Members in the 2024 Greenbelt Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 2 — 8:30 AM
555 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt, MD
Come join the Local 26 Retired Member's' Club and bring your family. Participants should arrive before 9:00 AM and meet at Buddy Attic Park. Contact RMC President Susan Flashman or text/call 301-325-5708 with questions.
Bilingüe Misa por el dia del Trabajo
Lunes, 2 de Septiembre — 11 AM
Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (2700 South 19th Street, Arlington, VA)
Bilingüe Misa por el dia del trabajo, honrando a los trabajadores y sus sindicatos. Email Laura si tiene preguntas.
Bilingual Labor Day Mass for Workers and Their Unions
Monday, September 2 — 11 AM
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church (2700 South 19th Street, Arlington)
Bilingual Labor Day mass, honoring workers and their unions. Email Laura if you have questions.
Register now for CSA's 27th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament
The Community Services Agency's 27th Annual Golf Tournament is coming up in just under a month, on Monday, September 23 starting at 6:30 AM. Proceeds benefit the Emergency Assistance Fund for Union Members in Need and now is the time to register. Join us for this year's tournament.
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].