Young Trade Unionists Launch DC Chapter

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

More than fifty young union members from the MD/DC area turned out Wednesday night for an evening of networking and brainstorming. The first meeting of the DC Young Trade Unionists (DC YTU) provided a chance for local union members to talk about how to get young people more involved in the labor movement. In small-group discussions, the participants came up with solutions including creating mentorship programs in locals, forming student councils within apprenticeship programs, and working in solidarity with leadership and mature members to learn labor history and political structure. While the gathering touched on serious topics like decreasing market share and union density, the event focused on participant interaction and networking. The evening – which began with an introduction by DC YTU Chairperson Kevin Burton of IBEW 26 – concluded with an update on the AFL-CIO’s efforts to support and encourage young workers' activism from Jessica Ingerick (OPEIU Local 277), a member of the AFL-CIO’s Young Worker Advisory Council. The next meeting of the DC YTU is March 16 at 6P; location TBD; for current information, visit them on FaceBook and their website. - photo by Jessica Ingerick