Community-Labor Alliance Celebrated

"If it wasn't for students, we wouldn't still have our jobs," an American University (AU) shuttle driver said at last Thursday's DC Jobs with Justice (DC JWJ) "I'll Be There" Awards. Dozens of area workers, activists, and community leaders celebrated labor solidarity and raised over $9,900 for DC JWJ at the fifth annual Awards. In addition to recognizing efforts by AU students and DC security officers to make the labor movement stronger, the event honored the work of Councilmember Phil Mendelson, DC Employment Justice Center Deputy Director Karen Minatelli and Howard University Professor and Global South Board Chair Walda Katz-Fishman. "One thing we are celebrating tonight is the victory of security officers," said Rev. Kay Johnson of Interfaith Worker Justice, adding that the commitment and dedication of the security guards "opened a lot of minds and hearts." Thanks to community support, security officers were "able to win a union and are now at the bargaining table," SEIU 32BJ organizer Bernard Hackett said over applause from the audience. Similarly, shuttle drivers and students battled the AU administration for over a year before the University recognized the union. In turn, the AU students thanked the workers and said that with negotiations starting next week, the university cannot stonewall workers again or "there will be hell to pay." DC JwJ Board member and National Writers' Union member Roger Newell closed the evening with a call to action, saying "We are in a serious fight. We have got to be just as serious as those we are fighting; we have to reach out to get a united front to say 'hell no!' to turning back the rights of working people." “The event was fantastic,” said DC JWJ Organizer Mackenzie Baris. “Not only did we raise over $9,900 but we also signed up 10 sustainers who will give monthly donations adding up to $960 over the coming year.” - report/photo by Andy Richards