University System of Maryland workers secure historic systemwide contract
This is the August 5, 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.
Workers at nine of 12 schools in the University System of Maryland are now protected under the first-ever system-wide union contract.
The new agreement raises wages, establishes health and safety protections, and guarantees permanent salaried positions for contractual employees after two years of service. Members of AFSCME Council 3 and university leaders gathered at a signing ceremony Friday to mark the official start of the standardized protections. Before, each campus had different contracts, and therefore different working conditions. Read more »
UNITE HERE Local 25 calls for boycott of Grand Hyatt Washington
UNITE HERE Local 25 organizers have been meeting with workers at the Grand Hyatt Washington and earlier this month the union filed an unfair labor practice charge alleging that Grand Hyatt management illegally surveilled and intimidated workers as they were meeting with organizers.
“We are calling on guests to not sleep, eat, or meet at the Grand Hyatt,” said Paul Schwalb, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 25.
The Grand Hyatt Washington is one of the largest non-union hotels in DC, and hosts a large number of federal government events. Daily picket lines will commence at the hotel starting today. Read more »
Alsobrooks meets with 32BJ and Latino leaders in Maryland
Angela Alsobrooks met with top Latino leaders in Maryland last week to discuss ways to improve the quality of life for immigrant communities.
"Thank you for the opportunity on behalf of the thousands of 32BJ SEIU members who live and work in Maryland," the union shared. "We will do whatever it takes to help you make history in the U.S. Senate!"
Bargaining Updates
— UFCW Local 400 shares that they have reached "a tentative agreement with Kroger on our next Richmond/Tidewater union contract! Now it's time to vote on it." UFCW members are invited to a Tele-Town Hall on Tuesday, August 6 to learn about the agreement in detail and ask questions. Voting will take place in select stores on August 7 and 8. Read more »
— ATU Local 689 met with representatives of the DC Streetcar for a second day of talks. The next bargaining session is currently scheduled for late August. Read more »
— Washington Teachers' Union shared an update on their contract negotiations with DC Public Schools: "We're glad to hear that they withdrew their non-negotiable stance on two articles. We did have some movement on discussing our MOAs on safety and diversity, so we're going to make some adjustments and resubmit those things. In addition, we had a victory at PERB. WTU Teachers are within our rights to talk with City Council and have them attend our sessions."
Upcoming Events
Community Services Agency 27th Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, September 23 – 6:30 AM
Enterprise Golf Course
You are invited to join the Community Services Agency for their 27th Annual Golf Tournament, to benefit the emergency assistance fund for union members in need. This year’s event will take place on Monday, September 23 at Enterprise Golf Course in Mitchellville, MD. Register for this year's tournament.
Around the Region
Ironworkers Local 5, IUPAT 51, Steamfitters 602, SMART 100, and IUOE 77 joined the 8th Annual Community Day in support of Prince George's County and The General's Future Charity this past Saturday at Ironworkers Local 5. The event distributed free backpacks and school supplies, and featured moon bounces, food, career opportunities, and more.
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