Unity Health Care workers authorized to strike
This is the September 9, 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.
Providers at Unity Health Care clinics and their union, Metropolitan District 1199 DC of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE), say leadership at the nonprofit recently terminated more than two dozen medical assistants and support staff, exacerbating burnout among physicians, who can see up to 24 patients a day. The conditions prompted the union last month to authorize a strike, the final step before union members on the bargaining committee can call for a work stoppage, potentially interrupting care for the 1 in 8 DC residents who are Unity patients. Read more »
Governor Moore recognizes Maryland labor leaders
Last week Governor Wes Moore presented honorable Governor's Citations to several labor leaders in Maryland for their service and accomplishments for workers' rights. Honorees included AFSCME Local 3661 President Rayneika Robinson, AFSCME Local 1072 President Todd Holden, UFCW Local 400's Darlene Butler-Jones, Ironworkers Local 5 Journeyman John Carroll, AFGE Local 2782 President Johnny Zuagar, 1199SEIU's James Ray, and ATU Local 689's Antonio Pollard. The ceremony was held in conjunction with Governor Moore's first Labor Relations Roundtable. Read more »
President Jackson: The Circulator’s death doesn’t have to leave riders, workers stranded
"The District has multiple laws on the books allowing the Mayor and DDOT to transfer and negotiate specifically over Circulator. This has made it all the more confusing and left us wondering, why?" Read ATU Local 689 President Raymond Jackson in Greater Greater Washington »
Biden-Harris administration issues executive order for strong labor standards
President Joe Biden signed a landmark pro-union executive order on Friday, which directs all federal agencies to adhere to a "clear list of labor standards" when awarding dollars for government funded projects, including prioritizing those using Project Labor Agreements, Community Benefits Agreements, voluntary union recognition, and neutrality with respect to union organizing.
"This executive order continues the Biden–Harris record as the most pro-worker administration in American history," AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. Read more »
Upcoming Actions + Events
CSA 27th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament
Monday, September 23 — 6:30 AM
Enterprise Golf Course (Mitchellville, MD)
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.
Rally with Sweet Spot workers
Thursday, September 12 — 4:20 PM
18070 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD
Sweet Spot workers are organizing with UFCW Local 400 and will be having their union election on 9/13, and management has been retaliating with increased rules and enforcement, including taking a chair away from a pregnant worker.
Rally with Circulator workers + ATU Local 689
Monday, September 23 — 10:00 AM
Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, DC)
Join Local 689 and DC Circulator workers for a rally on September 23 outside the Wilson Building to demand a transition of service to MetroBus! Details »
DC CLUW's Awards Reception & Fundraiser
Wednesday, September 25 — 6:00-8:00 PM
CWA Headquarters (501 3rd St. NW, DC)
Join Metro DC CLUW for the Gloria T. Johnson Awards! This year we are recognizing amazing women labor leaders and activists who help keep our movement strong. Join the celebration and help support the Metro DC CLUW chapter! See ticket and sponsorship details.
IBEW Local 26 Electrical Worker Motorcycle Riders Club Poker Run
Saturday, September 28, 2024 — 10:00 AM
IBEW LU26 Southern Maryland Office, 101 Skipjack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
The Motorcycle Riders Club of IBEW Local 26 is hosting its annual Poker Run event on Saturday, September 28. All bikes and riders are welcome to participate! Registration on the day of the Run is $40. More details.
Around the Region
Left: From Maryland to Pennsylvania and beyond, members of CWA District 2-13 are in solidarity with CWA District 3 workers on strike at AT&T. Right: Last Friday, AFSCME Maryland members from Charles County Public Schools had a great time at the Back-to-School Baseball Bash!
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].