Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!
This is the September 16, 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.
Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month! This month we celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino workers from all backgrounds who’ve shaped the labor movement and who continue to fight for justice and equality every day.
Sweetspot workers rally ahead of union election
Maryland State Senator Jeff Waldstreicher and Delegates Julie Palakovich Carr, Vaughn Stewart, Joe Vogel, and Greg Wims joined Sweetspot Dispensary workers and UFCW Local 400 for a rally on Thursday ahead of their union election vote on Friday.
Arlington Transit workers hold practice picket
Arlington Transit workers with ATU Local 689 were at work before dawn today for a practice picket to draw attention to their fight for fair wages and a better contract. "ART workers are among the lowest paid transit workers in the region and they deserve better," said Local 689.
Solidarity with workers at Boar's Head Jarratt facility
Boar’s Head Provisions announced Friday that it would indefinitely close its southern Virginia plant at the epicenter of a deadly listeria outbreak. The company said its investigation pointed to “a specific production process that only existed at the Jarratt facility,” and that was used only to make liverwurst. About 500 union workers have been affected by the decision.
“Everyone agrees this unprecedented tragedy was not the fault of the workforce, so it is especially unfortunate that the Jarratt plant must close indefinitely and put so many men and women out of work," said UFCW Local 400, which represents the workers. "Thankfully these workers have a union they can count on to always have their backs. We appreciate the extraordinary efforts Boar’s Head has made to keep our members on the job as long as possible and to ensure everyone is taken care of during this process. We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the company that will provide our members with the opportunity to transfer to other Boar’s Head facilities or to accept a severance package well above and beyond what is required under the law. In the meantime, we will continue to meet the needs of our members to get them back on their feet, including coordinating with management and the state to provide job placement and other support services for those who choose not to remain with the company.”
Upcoming Actions + Events
One week from today: Rally with Circulator workers and ATU Local 689
Monday, September 23 — 10:00 AM
Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, DC)
Join Local 689 and DC Circulator workers for a rally on September 23 outside the Wilson Building to demand a transition of service to MetroBus! Details »
Get Out The Vote Election 2024 Kickoff with Maryland/DC Alliance for Retired Americans
Wed., Sept. 18 — 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Now more than ever, the policies we have fought for are under attack from a Republican-dominated House of Representatives — many of whom fail to understand the importance of Social Security, Medicare and other critical needs of seniors. Join the Maryland/DC Alliance for Retired Americans for this kickoff session to get out the vote.
DC CLUW's Awards Reception & Fundraiser
Wednesday, September 25 — 6:00-8:00 PM
CWA Headquarters (501 3rd St. NW, DC)
Join Metro DC CLUW for the Gloria T. Johnson Awards! This year we are recognizing amazing women labor leaders and activists who help keep our movement strong. Join the celebration and help support the Metro DC CLUW chapter! See ticket and sponsorship details.
IBEW Local 26 Electrical Worker Motorcycle Riders Club Poker Run
Saturday, September 28, 2024 — 10:00 AM
IBEW LU26 Southern Maryland Office, 101 Skipjack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
The Motorcycle Riders Club of IBEW Local 26 is hosting its annual Poker Run event on Saturday, September 28. All bikes and riders are welcome to participate! Registration on the day of the Run is $40. More details.
Around the Region
Left: LiUNA workers are repairing DC's Theodore Roosevelt Bridge because "#LIUNABuilds our Nation's Capital!" Right: With 50 days to go until November 5, members of 1199SEIU are out knocking doors for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania.
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.