Expanding AFGE 17 Re-Joins Council

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

AFGE Local 17 re-affiliated with the Metro Washington Council this week. “Given the current wave of attacks on public workers, solidarity is more important than ever,” said Local 17 President Bill Preston (left). “The House of Labor is stronger today thanks to Local 17,” agreed Metro Council President Jos Williams (right). “We look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters at Local 17.” The local – which represents employees at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office and is part of AFGE District 14 -- has increased membership to 553 in the last two years under Preston’s leadership. “We have two core missions for the local,” says Preston, “organizing new members and getting existing members more active.” As an example, Preston described an impromptu lobbying visit with Virginia Senator Mark Warner on Wednesday organized by AFGE Council 1 leaders and activists. “More than fifty people from a number of area AFGE locals showed up at Warner’s office to explain the devastating impact of a government shutdown on Virginia workers,” said Preston. “Streetheat works!” - photo by Chris Garlock