An unprecedented challenge for the DC region
This is the February 19, 2025 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.
Dear union family,
The recent actions at federal agencies will likely hurt communities across the country and around the world for years to come. That includes communities here in DC and Maryland.
Our region will also experience shorter term impacts as thousands of people here have lost jobs in recent weeks. DC has the highest proportion of federal workers of any locality in the country, followed closely by Maryland and then Virginia. Job losses here at such a large scale will create enormous challenge for our region. It's up to all of us to meet this coming need.
Leaders across our region are working to respond at the scale this situation requires. The State of Maryland's Resources for Impacted Workers website offers some initial information, and our Community Services Agency's Resources for Federal Workers includes more information about support services across the region. The Council and the Community Services Agency are currently working on additional supports for impacted workers, and we will share these resources as soon as they are ready.
We remain in solidarity with all workers in the DC region during this unprecedented time. Now is a moment to come together and support one another, to make sure every worker in our region has the dignity and security we deserve.
In solidarity,
Samuel Epps
President, Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO
Take Action
TODAY at 5:30 PM: Save Our Services Day of Action
Federal workers serve our communities every day, providing vital services that millions of Americans rely on. Instead of being intimidated into “resigning” by the world’s richest man, we’re going to stand up and make our voices heard. On Wednesday, February 19th, join fellow federal employees and community supporters across the country for a Save Our Services day of action. Details »
Hiring Hall: Union jobs in the DC region
AFL-CIO: Confidential Secretary
AFL-CIO: Special Projects Lead
AFL-CIO: Senior Researcher
AFL-CIO: Associate Director for Data
AFL-CIO: Director of Data and Technology
AFL-CIO: Strategic Researchers and Organizers
AFL-CIO: Senior Field Representative
AFSCME Maryland Council 3: Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
AFSCME Maryland Council 3: Organizer
AFSCME Maryland Council 3: Collective Bargaining Negotiator
AFSCME Maryland Council 3: Field Representative
AFT Pennsylvania: Communications Director
Alphabet Workers Union: Communications Coordinator
Global Labor Justice: Senior Staff Attorney
International Brotherhood of Teamsters: Grant Writer
International Brotherhood of Teamsters: Program Manager
Iron Workers International: Programs Administrator
LIUNA: Secretary IV
LIUNA: Support Analyst I
Metropolitan Baltimore Council, AFL-CIO: Political Director / Campaign Coordinator
NABTU: Junior Accountant
National Air Traffic Controllers Association: Public Affairs Administrator
Our Revolution: Organizer
SAG-AFTRA: Business Representative
SEIU CIR: Negotiations and Grievance Coordinator
Upcoming Meetings
Today: February Meeting of DC COPE
The Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO's Committee on Political Education (COPE) for the District of Columbia meets monthly on Zoom. The next meeting will take place this Wednesday, February 19 from 3:00-5:00 PM. Members of our Affiliated unions are invited to join us for this week's DC COPE meeting.
Thursday: February Meeting of the Prince George's and Montgomery County COPE
The Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO's Committee on Political Education (COPE) for Prince George's and Montgomery Counties meets monthly on Zoom. The next meeting will take place this Thursday, February 20 from 3:00-5:00 PM. Members of our Affiliated unions are invited to join this week's meeting of the Prince George's + Montgomery County COPE.
Solidarity Spotlight
"Thank you to everyone who came out to our Higher Education Lobby Night yesterday evening!" AFSCME Maryland posted on social media. "We had a great time speaking with our legislators to advocate for a state budget that doesn't hurt students or staff."
Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO President Sam Epps spoke yesterday with workers at Le Diplomate who are organizing with UNITE HERE Local 25 and DC Culinary Workers Rising. "Morning is coming for these workers," said President Epps.
Connect
Sign up to get our newsletters delivered to your inbox.
Affiliates: Submit news items to [email protected].
Want your union's work to be featured in this newsletter?
Apply to become an Affiliate of the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO.