Delegate Meeting Packed with People and Action

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

A standing-room only crowd turned out Monday night to get the latest local labor news at the May Metro Washington Council Delegate’s meeting. The jam-packed agenda included riveting reports from IAM members who are now in the fifth week of a strike against Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. IAM Business Rep Joe Alviar (at right, standing) explained that 3,600 Lockheed workers struck on April 22nd after the membership voted by a 94% margin to reject a contract that included unacceptable givebacks on health care and their pension plan. “We are up against a company determined to strip away our benefits and earning ability on the installment plan, one contract at a time,” said Alviar. “We’ve given up much the last few decades, while those at the top have reaped the rewards.” Also high on the agenda was the pitch by Mike Cavanaugh, Deputy Director of the Field Department at the AFL-CIO, to hit the phones to recall Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. “We’ve staked a lot on this battle,” Cavanaugh warned. “If we win it’s a big deal and if we lose it’s an even bigger deal.” Phone-banking runs 10a-8p daily at the AFL-CIO; show up anytime or email epark@aflcio.org. Phones are also available in Gaithersburg at UFCW 1994; contact Josh Ardison (240-750-9699 / jardison@mcgeo.org). Cavanaugh also introduced “Meet Mr. 1%,”, the AFL-CIO’s 7-minute video about presumed GOP Presidential nominee Mitt Romney, which features a montage of Romney's economy-related gaffes on the campaign trail, including his infamous statements that he likes being able to fire people and isn't concerned about "the very poor." The video also highlights some of Romney's anti-labor statements, such as his accusation that Obama is "kowtowing" to "union bosses" and his pledge of support for Ohio's Issue 2 anti-union law. - photo of Alviar speaking at delegates meeting (above right) by Chris Garlock; photo of Cynthia Yaffe at the AFL-CIO phonebank (below left) by Julia Kann