UDC Faculty Chartered by AFL-CIO

In a landmark affiliation, the University of the District of Columbia  (UDC) Faculty Association was officially chartered as an affiliate by the AFL-CIO at Monday night’s Metro Washington Council Delegate’s Meeting. “We’ll work very hard to ensure that our voice is heard throughout the city, if not the nation,” said Mohammed ElKhanas, UDC Faculty Association Vice-President. “We’ll work to encourage other NEA locals to join and we hope this will open the floodgates.” Last year, the national AFL-CIO and National Education Association approved a groundbreaking deal allowing for local arms of the NEA to affiliate directly with the AFL-CIO.  The UDC Faculty Association – which represents close to 200 teachers and education support professionals at UDC -- is among the first to receive such a certificate of AFL-CIO affiliation, which was presented by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, along with MD/DC State AFL-CIO President Fred Mason and Metro Council President Jos Williams.  “Welcome, brother,” said MD AFT President Loretta Johnson, “This will help us bring solidarity to the labor movement.” Added Nathan Saunders, General Vice-President of Washington Teachers Union Local 6, who studied at UDC, “Many of my best teachers – whose lessons I have used many times over the years -- were at UDC. These are good folks we can all be proud to be affiliated with.” Citing “mutual legislative priorities,” Mason said that “this new partnership provides greater unity for the benefit of all workers in the metropolitan area. By working together, we’ll be stronger in the fight for quality, affordable health care for all, retirement security, and a great education for our children.” photos by Chris Garlock