Unions Meet to Strategize, Build Connections

Union representatives from local unions across the Metro-DC area met Thursday morning to update each other on their campaigns, strategize, and build cross-industry connections for upcoming contract, political and organizing campaigns at the Metro Council's first Director's Meeting of 2008. Political, organizing and communications directors reported on their unions' work during the recent Potomac Primaries, particularly the Maryland Democratic 4th Congressional District race, and discussed ways of mobilizing rank-and-file members for the Labor '08 campaign. Randolph Scott (IBEW 26), Eamon Clifford (IUOE 99) and Joe Kahraman (Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild) discussed their current contract negotiations with the Washington Post and emphasized the need for a collective strategy to beat the anti-union atmosphere at the Post. Mark Federici and Tony Perez (UFCW 400, which hosted the meeting) reported on the recent start of contract negotiations for 30,000 area grocery workers. Other political work - including an overtime and shift break bill in the Maryland House and Senate - and organizing efforts were also discussed. Other unions represented Thursday were AFSCME Council 26, CWA 2222, IUEC 10, OPEIU 2, SEIU 400PG, and MCGEO/UFCW 1994. - reported by Andy Richards