The fight that fuels our movement
The labor movement in DC and Maryland went above and beyond in the effort to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Together we put in the work it takes for movements like this to win and while Tuesday's results were not what we hoped, the fight that fuels our effort is far from over.
Clockwise, from top left: canvassing efforts with UFCW Local 400, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, AFSCME Maryland, and IUPAT.
"Presidential administrations change, but the labor movement’s values do not," AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. "We stand for the freedom to organize and for the right to collectively bargain. We stand for solidarity—the kind that is built when working people stand together to take on the biggest, richest bosses and the most powerful extremist politicians. Most importantly, we know how to fight back when anyone comes after our freedoms."
We now face the reality of a second Donald Trump term. The Project 2025 agenda has promised to dismantle labor unions across the country, and our movement will need to be ready fight for our values. We also know the incoming administration will uniquely impact us here in DC and Maryland, from workers in federal government to DC government to our transit system, schools, and more.
"Our union will not stand by and let any political leader – regardless of their political affiliation – run roughshod over the Constitution and our laws," AFGE President Everett Kelley said in a statement. “Federal and DC government employees should be able to do their jobs without political interference, without violating their Constitutional oath, and without breaking the law – and as their elected representative, we will do everything in our power to make sure that’s possible."
To every person who knocked doors, made calls, spoke your with fellow members, or worked the polls, thank you. Your contributions were valuable and are an indispensable part of what makes our movement strong.
Organizing together is how we win, and that work matters now and for all our fights to come.
In solidarity,
Samuel Epps
President,
Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO
Celebrating state and local wins
The Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO endorsed a number of candidates for state and local office who won their elections on Tuesday. Congratulations in particular to Maryland's Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks, newly elected U.S. Representatives Sarah Elfreth and Johnny Olszewski Jr., and Wendell Felder, Councilmember-elect for DC's Ward 7.
In addition, congratulations to Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Steny Hoyer, Rep. Glenn Ivey, Rep. Kweisi Mfume, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, DC Councilmember Robert White, DC Councilmember Christina Henderson, and DC Councilmember Janeese Lewis George for their re-elections. As of Thursday morning, the race for Maryland's 6th Congressional District remains too close to call. See all of our endorsements in the 2024 general elections.
Join CSA's annual Holiday Baskets Program
Every year at holiday time, the Community Services Agency (CSA) of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO provides holiday baskets to families who could use a little extra support. Thank you to the Affiliate unions who have already signed up to sponsor families this year.
The deadline for Thanksgiving referrals is tomorrow, Friday November 8. Refer a family through our Contribution & Referral Form.
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