3 Big Wins Highlight Council Meeting
Thursday, September 20, 2012
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)A trio of victories highlighted last night’s meeting of the Metro Washington
Council, including Tuesday’s approval of the Displaced Workers Act in
Montgomery County, breaking news that CWA and IBEW had finally reached a
tentative agreement with Verizon (see story above) and the settlement of
the strike by Chicago teachers. “This was not 32BJ SEIU’s win alone,” said
32BJ District Chair Jaime Contreras, referring to the Montgomery County bill,
“this was a victory for everyone who came together in solidarity.” WTU 6
President Nathan Saunders credited national support “especially through social
media” for helping sustain the striking Chicago teachers in their 10-day
strike. Also front and center were ongoing registration and get-out-the-vote
efforts by the local labor movement throughout metro Washington, not only around
the Presidential election but in support of four referendums in Maryland as well
as other local issues and candidates, which will be covered in greater detail in
the days and weeks ahead. Draft minutes of the meeting and further reports on
Council actions there will also be posted soon. - photo: new delegates
getting sworn in at last night’s Metro Council meeting; photo by Chris Garlock