Defenders of Wildlife staff to go on ULP strike
This is the July 8, 2024 edition of our twice-weekly newsletter. Sign up to get news about the DC region’s labor movement delivered straight to your inbox.
Defenders United represents the 80 hardworking staff at Defenders of Wildlife, a national conservation organization working to protect endangered wildlife and plants. Defenders staff unionized with OPEIU Local 2 in 2021 and they have been fighting a fierce anti-union campaign ever since as they work toward a first contract.
Most recently, management has revoked annual raises for union members only, withheld improved benefits such as extended paid parental leave and bereavement leave to union staff, and more.
"Our members have endured over two years of stalled bargaining, toxic work culture, and bad faith actions under President and CEO Jamie Clark," Defenders United said in a statement.
Defenders United is going on a two-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike starting tomorrow, July 9. Workers are demanding Defenders of Wildlife bargain in good faith and restore unlawfully withheld wages and benefits. Show solidarity with their effort by joining strikers outside the Defenders of Wildlife offices (1130 17th St NW) between 8:00 AM-5:00 PM tomorrow and Wednesday.
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 wins nearly $600,000 for Maryland Department of Health workers
Dozens of workers at state hospitals in Maryland will be paid a total of nearly $600,000 after the state acknowledged it had circumvented overtime pay laws. AFSCME Maryland Council 3 discovered the discrepancy in 2022, alleging that hospital employees were not paid overtime for working extra hours. Instead, the Maryland Department of Health made them pick up extra hours as independent contractors. Read more »
Upcoming Actions + Events
DC Restaurant Workers Organizing Training
Monday, July 15, 2:00-4:00 PM
901 K St. NW, Suite 200
DC hotel and food service workers have fought for and won strong contracts and important policies. Want to organize your restaurant or food service workplace? Join UNITE HERE Local 25 next week to hear from restaurant workers about how they organized their union. All are welcome, lunch provided. RSVP to Allison Burket, aburket@unitehere.org or 202-412-1612.
Around the Region
If you watched "A Capitol Fourth" on TV on July 4, you heard music by the hardworking union members of DC Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 161-710. Musicians' skill and dedication to their craft make magical events like this possible. Catch the performance.
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 office@dclabor.org.