How Maryland unions are organizing for November
This is the October 7, 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.
When Darlene Butler-Jones, a 66-year-old shop steward for Giant, walks into a store, people listen.
Butler-Jones is part of a group of grocery store workers assigned by her union — UFCW Local 400 — to explain the organization’s political endorsements to her fellow employees.
As Democrats and Republicans argue over which party represents working people and who will secure their vote, Maryland union leaders say it’s not about party, it’s about policy. Read the story »
Workers at Airgas, Towson University, and Aramark at Georgetown Law all ratify new contracts
Clockwise from top: Workers with Teamsters Local 639 at Airgas, with UNITE HERE Local 23 at Aramark Georgetown Law, and with Workers United MARJB at Towson University all ratified new union contracts in the last week.
The new contract at Airgas comes after workers there went on strike. The new contract at Aramark Georgetown Law includes wage increases, parental leave, a pension plan, and improved language on equity. And the new contract at Towson University includes 20% in wage increases over the life of the contract. Congratulations to the workers with each of these unions for your victories!
Solidarity with Baltimore Sun workers
On Saturday, members of Washington-Baltimore News Guild stood with the Baltimore Sun Guild in their fight for a fair contract and the journalistic integrity that management is threatening to undermine. Want to help? Write a letter to management at the Baltimore Sun and let them know you're on the side of workers.
Heat protections for workers in Maryland go into effect
Maryland’s newly published and adopted heat standard, which goes into effect today, requires all workers to have access to water, shade, and rest breaks when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. Maryland joins just a handful of other states that have standards protecting workers from extreme heat. Read more »
Actions + Events
Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO and our Maryland federation are working to make sure labor-backed candidates up and down the ballot win in November. Join us one upcoming Saturday to knock doors, or to make phone calls on weekday evenings.
October 20: Night of Labor @ Washington Commanders
Get your tickets to see the Washington Commanders take on the Carolina Panthers on October 20 at 4:05 pm while also supporting the Community Services Agency. All tickets purchased include a $10 donation back to CSA's Emergency Assistance Fund. Get tickets and see more details.
Contribute or refer a member to CSA's 2024 Holiday Basket Program
The Need is Great! Support union families this holiday season through the Community Services Agency's annual Holiday Basket Program. Unions can donate funds, collect grocery store gift cards, or adopt a family. Referrals for members in need are also now open. Contribute or refer a member.
Today is Monday, October 7, 2024
29 Days
until Election Day