Tomorrow: All out for federal workers
This is the February 10, 2025 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.
Take Action
Tomorrow: Rally with AFGE and federal workers
The integrity of the American people’s government is on the line right now. In recent weeks the administration has moved to politicize civil servants, undo union contracts, jeopardize Department of Labor data, and more. That's an attack on all of us. AFGE is calling on union members and allies to show solidarity with federal workers at a rally tomorrow at 12 PM.
Important information about "deferred resignation"
Later today a federal judge in Boston will consider whether to block the administration's unprecedented attempt to get tens of thousands of federal employees to resign. Attorneys General in 20 states and the District of Columbia have publicly stated their support to block the action.
"AFGE urges federal employees not to take the so-called ‘deferred resignation’ offer being promoted by Elon Musk, because President Trump may not even have the authority to make such an offer, and federal workers who resign may not get paid." Read more »
Recent News
"Billionaires out, workers in!" Unions rallied last week at U.S. Department of Labor
Last Wednesday hundreds of workers together with members of Congress rallied outside the Department of Labor (DOL) ahead of a planned meeting between DOL staff and Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency."
"Elon Musk and DOGE, they want us to think this is about efficiency, right?" said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler at the rally. "They want us to think the DOL is some bureaucracy that doesn't matter. That could not be further from the truth. This is about our health, our safety, our fair pay, our jobs, and these are the people who fight for us.'" Read more »
UFCW Local 400 wins settlements from Union Kitchen, MOM's
UFCW Local 400 recently won settlements with Union Kitchen and MOM's Organic Market on behalf of workers the union represents at each workplace. The union won a $133,333.34 settlement from Union Kitchen to compensate 79 victims who were wrongfully denied tips, and won $17,302.67 from MOM's to compensate 74 victims who were wrongfully denied pay increases for hours worked on weekends and holidays.
Starr workers speak out about harassment
Last Thursday workers from Starr Restaurant Group (which owns Pastis, Le Diplomate, and St. Anselm) spoke out about the sexual harassment from managers and significant challenges faced by Spanish-speaking pregnant workers and mothers. UNITE HERE Local 25 is supporting the workers in their efforts to unionize. Read more »
Contribute to disaster support funds
Union members have been greatly impacted by recent disasters in Los Angeles and here in DC. Our Community Services Agency calls on union supporters to contribute to disaster recovery funds helping these workers and families with emergency needs:
Contribute to the Labor Community Services of Los Angeles to assist families impacted by the Los Angeles County fires.
Contribute to the UA Charitable Fund Trust to support families of the UA members lost in the crash of American Airlines Flight 5342.
Contribute to Greater Washington Community Foundation to support families impacted by the Flight 5342 as well as first responders and community trauma and grief counseling.
Around the Region
Left: ATU Local 689 held a mentorship training as part of ATU's workforce development program. Right: As part of Black History Month the Washington Informer reflects on the legacy of Rosina Corrothers Tucker, the native Washingtonian who served as a pivotal force of sistership for the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first all-Black labor union.
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