It's National Apprenticeship Week
This is the November 18, 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.
National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration of the ways Registered Apprenticeships strengthen our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity.
Affiliate unions of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO offer more than a dozen apprenticeship programs to teach the skills needed for skilled careers. See all our Affiliates' apprenticeship programs and how to apply:
Is your union's apprenticeship missing from our list? Contact us to let us know.
Recent News
Workers at the Hyatt Place White House vote to unionize with UNITE HERE Local 25
Union victory alert! Last week, housekeepers at the Hyatt Place White House voted by 96% to unionize with UNITE HERE Local 25. This is the seventh hotel to unionize in the DC region since workers returned to work after the COVID-19 pandemic. Congratulations, Hyatt Place White House workers and Local 25!
Arena + events workers visit DC Council to protect union jobs
UNITE HERE Local 23 workers at the Convention Center, Nationals Park, and the Capital One Arena showed up to DC Council to support the city taking the necessary steps to keep the Capitals and Wizards in the District and protect 900 union jobs.
UMD faculty rights group rebrands, pushes for collective bargaining
The University of Maryland’s AAUP chapter rebranded itself in October to become United Academics of Maryland – University of Maryland. “It’s a way of showing the Maryland General Assembly that there is support for unionization and for joining with the national union and for collective bargaining among all the campuses,” Rosemblatt said. Read more »
Upcoming Events
Forum: Maryland's New Heat Illness Prevention Standard
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 — 3:00-6:00pm
UMD School of Public Health (4200 Valley Dr, College Park, MD 20742)
Join AFSCME Maryland and workplace safety experts, government representatives, employers and fellow workers at a forum on Maryland’s new Prevention of Heat Related Illness Standard. Details and registration »
National Apprenticeship Week All Trades Open House
Friday, Nov 22, 2024 — 10:00am-5:00pm
Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 (500 Forbes Blvd., Lanham MD)
Join Bricklayers Local 1, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5, Ironworkers Local 4, Insulators and Allied Workers Local 24, IBEW Local 26, IUOE Locals 77 & 99, SMART 100, Steamfitters Local 602, Carpenters Local 197, and the Finishing Trades for an open house about their apprenticeship programs, including tours, exhibits, demos, and food. Details and registration »
Support a family this holiday season
Every year at holiday time, the Community Services Agency of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO provides holiday baskets to families who could use a little extra support.
The deadline for contributions for Thanksgiving is this Friday, November 15. The deadline for Christmas referrals is Friday, December 6. Refer a family or make a contribution using this form.
In Memoriam: Glen Middleton
Today we remember Glen Middleton, a fierce leader who served as the Executive Director of AFSCME Council 67 and President of AFSCME Local 44. Glen dedicated his life for working people across Maryland and left a fighting legacy that AFSCME Maryland continues today. "Our union mourns his loss, and in his memory, we will never stop organizing and fighting for the rights of working people across the state and this country." Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 22.
Around the Region
Top left: It's National Apprenticeships Week but LiUNA trains apprentices all year long! That includes a pre-apprenticeship training last week in Baltimore. Top right: "Thanks to everyone who attended the Workers United MARJB Scholarship Fund Golf Scramble at The Greenbrier on November 7!" Bottom left: On November 7, IUOE Local 99 hosted a retirement seminar for members approaching retirement, giving them the knowledge and tools to plan for a secure future. Bottom right: Our Community Services Agency joined AFSCME Council 3's convention to discuss how community services activities can build member support and engagement, boost community visibility, and strengthen partnerships for economic equity and strong social safety nets.
Share Your News
Got an action or other update you want labor leaders in DC and Maryland to know about? Submit news items to [email protected].