AFL-CIO Black History Month Event
A Future for Workers: A Contribution from Black Labor Symposium
February 4, 5:30-7:30 PM; AFL-CIO, 815 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
RSVP today, space is limited.
The AFL-CIO and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) cordially you to join us at our Symposium on the report, A Future for Workers: A Contribution from Black Labor, held to commemorate Black History Month. In 2015, leaders from Black labor came together to develop a plan for a fresh perspective on how to advance the labor movement that focuses on power over grievances, and connecting with workers around issues they care about--such as criminal justice, workplace discrimination, education and wages. The Symposium, which includes a light dinner, will begin with a discussion from labor leaders who have been successful at organizing workers of color through this lens. After the discussion, we'll work together to develop action steps we can take together to bring communities of color closer to the The AFL-CIO and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist (CBTU) cordially invite labor movement. Copies of A Future for Workers: A Contribution from Black Labor will be available.
Please reply by February 2, 2016. More info: Helen Gonzales [email protected]
February 4, 5:30-7:30 PM; AFL-CIO, 815 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
RSVP today, space is limited.
The AFL-CIO and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) cordially you to join us at our Symposium on the report, A Future for Workers: A Contribution from Black Labor, held to commemorate Black History Month. In 2015, leaders from Black labor came together to develop a plan for a fresh perspective on how to advance the labor movement that focuses on power over grievances, and connecting with workers around issues they care about--such as criminal justice, workplace discrimination, education and wages. The Symposium, which includes a light dinner, will begin with a discussion from labor leaders who have been successful at organizing workers of color through this lens. After the discussion, we'll work together to develop action steps we can take together to bring communities of color closer to the The AFL-CIO and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist (CBTU) cordially invite labor movement. Copies of A Future for Workers: A Contribution from Black Labor will be available.
Please reply by February 2, 2016. More info: Helen Gonzales [email protected]
2016 OPEIU Scholarships
The deadlines for the John Kelly Labor Studies Scholarship, the Howard Coughlin Memorial Scholarship, Union Plus Scholarship and the Romeo Corbeil/Gilles Beauregard Summer Camp are coming up soon!
The deadlines for the John Kelly and Howard Coughlin Scholarships are March 31, 2016, for the Union Plus Scholarship is January 31, 2016 and the Romeo Corbeil/Gilles Beauregard Summer Camp is May 16, 2016.
The OPEIU Scholarships are a great benefit for OPEIU members and their families. Find all necessary forms and information here!
The deadlines for the John Kelly and Howard Coughlin Scholarships are March 31, 2016, for the Union Plus Scholarship is January 31, 2016 and the Romeo Corbeil/Gilles Beauregard Summer Camp is May 16, 2016.
The OPEIU Scholarships are a great benefit for OPEIU members and their families. Find all necessary forms and information here!
Happy Retirement to 42 year member Janet Coyle!
OPEIU Local 2 thanks Janet Coyle, a help desk analyst with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), for her 42 years of service and membership. Throughout the years Janet has been an integral part in supporting the technological needs of AFGE staffers, many of whom are OPEIU Local 2 members.
As the sun begins to set on 2015 we wish Janet joy, happiness and relaxation in the next chapter of her life!
As the sun begins to set on 2015 we wish Janet joy, happiness and relaxation in the next chapter of her life!
Richard Lanigan named OPEIU President
The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, CLC, Executive Board named Richard Lanigan to serve as president, effective December 15, 2015, following the resignation of Michael Goodwin. The appointment was made at the Executive Board’s meeting in New York City. Lanigan has served as Secretary-Treasurer of OPEIU Local 153 and as an International vice president for Region II since 1994. “I’ve dedicated my life to OPEIU and its members,” said Lanigan, adding that “I’m excited to embark on this next phase of service to the working people of this union.” “Richard is the fifth person to occupy the position of OPEIU president, and the board could not have made a better choice,” said Goodwin. “I know he will do a great job for the members of the union.”
Click here to read full story.
Click here to read full story.
Local 2 Adopt-A-Family for the Holidays
It’s the holiday season, and it's time to show our generosity and support for a local union family in need. OPEIU Local 2 has found, through the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO Community Services Agency, a union family to adopt this holiday season.
Our family is American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3615 member Jennifer and her 9 month old son Jessiah. Unfortunately, Jennifer has not been able to work as much overtime with her 9 month old son and is having a hard time keeping up with her expenses. She is 2 months behind on her rent and has steep utility and child care monthly payments.
This holiday season we are looking to help this family catch up on rent payments, assist with groceries, gift cards, clothes and age appropriate toys for the son (size 18 months).
We will be collecting donations through Monday, December 14, to give the family time to shop with the gift cards prior to the holiday. We will gladly accept your generous gifts and deliver them to the families. You may send your contributions to: Local 2 Adopt-A-Family, Caniesha Washington-Seldon, 80 F St, Washington, DC 20001. You can email [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to arrange to pick up/drop off items.
Local 2 members can make a fellow union family’s holidays brighter with your gracious giving. Thank you in advance for all that each of you do!
Our family is American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3615 member Jennifer and her 9 month old son Jessiah. Unfortunately, Jennifer has not been able to work as much overtime with her 9 month old son and is having a hard time keeping up with her expenses. She is 2 months behind on her rent and has steep utility and child care monthly payments.
This holiday season we are looking to help this family catch up on rent payments, assist with groceries, gift cards, clothes and age appropriate toys for the son (size 18 months).
We will be collecting donations through Monday, December 14, to give the family time to shop with the gift cards prior to the holiday. We will gladly accept your generous gifts and deliver them to the families. You may send your contributions to: Local 2 Adopt-A-Family, Caniesha Washington-Seldon, 80 F St, Washington, DC 20001. You can email [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to arrange to pick up/drop off items.
Local 2 members can make a fellow union family’s holidays brighter with your gracious giving. Thank you in advance for all that each of you do!
Local 2 Members Holiday Partying...Again!
The Social Events Committee put on a really fun holiday party for Local 2 members once again! We had over 100 current/retired members and guests from dozens of different shops including Kaiser Permanente, AFGE, IAM Pension Fund, CWA, WMATA and many more. Members enjoyed holiday prizes, music, good food and good friends. Check out all of the pics and share in the comments on Local 2's Facebook page.
Thank you to everyone who rocked the party and especially the people who worked hard making it successful!
Thank you to everyone who rocked the party and especially the people who worked hard making it successful!
Recruiting Teams for CSA Bowling
The Community Services Agency (CSA) of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO is Proud to announce their 24th Annual "Bowling for Gold“ Union Bowling Tournament. Last year OPEIU Local 2 had several teams participate in this tournament and we're looking to do it again!
Sunday, January 31, 2016, Crofton Bowling Center, Crofton, Md; $25 per person to register.
We’ll have fun while helping to raise money for the Community Services Agency and its Emergency Assistance Fund for working families in need! Prizes include Highest Team Score, Highest Individual Score, Largest Dollar Amount of Pledges Collected by a Team and Individual, 50-50 Raffle, and MORE! We are looking to put some OPEIU Local 2 teams together to support the CSA! If you’d like to join us please email [email protected].
Sunday, January 31, 2016, Crofton Bowling Center, Crofton, Md; $25 per person to register.
We’ll have fun while helping to raise money for the Community Services Agency and its Emergency Assistance Fund for working families in need! Prizes include Highest Team Score, Highest Individual Score, Largest Dollar Amount of Pledges Collected by a Team and Individual, 50-50 Raffle, and MORE! We are looking to put some OPEIU Local 2 teams together to support the CSA! If you’d like to join us please email [email protected].
Recap: 2015 Walk to End HIV
Thank you to all those that donated to the OPEIU Local 2 team for the Walk to End HIV. We exceeded our fundraising goal and raised $1,185! On Saturday, Oct. 24 the OPEIU Local 2 walking team included OPEIU Local 2 members Tim Kauffman, Akua Laplanche, Denise Alves and Chelsea Bland. Other walking team members included Eboné Bell, Natalie Thompson and Ashley McKinley. Click here if you’d still like to donate to the efforts of Whitman Walker Health (the organizer of the walk).
You Can Make a Difference
The Community Services Agency helps hundreds of workers and their families every year but only because of the generosity of local unions and their members. As we head into the colder months, that support is needed more than ever.
Here’s how YOU can help:
Make a direct donation: give securely online by clicking here now; no contribution is too small or too big!
Distribute the flyer to your members or co-workers: click here to download and pass along. For hard copies of the flyer, call 202 974-8221 or email [email protected]
Invite a speaker from CSA to address your executive board or union meetings this fall while the United Way, DC One Fund, CFC and Maryland Charity Campaigns are running. Contact me at 202-974-8221 or [email protected].
Here’s how YOU can help:
Make a direct donation: give securely online by clicking here now; no contribution is too small or too big!
Distribute the flyer to your members or co-workers: click here to download and pass along. For hard copies of the flyer, call 202 974-8221 or email [email protected]
Invite a speaker from CSA to address your executive board or union meetings this fall while the United Way, DC One Fund, CFC and Maryland Charity Campaigns are running. Contact me at 202-974-8221 or [email protected].
Know Your Rights About Wage Theft
The Problem
A three-city study of workers in low-wage industries found that in any given week, two-thirds experienced at least one pay-related violation. The researchers estimated that the average loss per worker over the course of a year was $2,634, out of total earnings of $17,616. The total annual wage theft from front-line workers in low-wage industries in the three cities approached $3 billion. If these findings in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are representative of the entire U.S. low-wage workforce of 30 million, wage theft is costing workers more than $50 billion a year. (Source: Economic Policy Institute)
Local Consequences
Based on the above, we can estimate the loss of wages in one form or another in the District of Columbia to be in the area of millions. One DC worker is currently fighting to recover over $7000 from her former employer, Indigo Restaurant. Indigo did not pay her the minimum wage or for overtime hours over a period of months. The effect on the living standards in DC is dramatic. It is time for us to focus our attention on this problem and develop a strategy for bringing the violators to justice.
Attend the “Know Your Rights” presentation at the OPEIU Local 2 Office Saturday October 24th, 10 AM to 11 AM. The focus will be on the DC Wage Theft act that is now in force but not being enforced. Being informed is the first step.
A three-city study of workers in low-wage industries found that in any given week, two-thirds experienced at least one pay-related violation. The researchers estimated that the average loss per worker over the course of a year was $2,634, out of total earnings of $17,616. The total annual wage theft from front-line workers in low-wage industries in the three cities approached $3 billion. If these findings in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are representative of the entire U.S. low-wage workforce of 30 million, wage theft is costing workers more than $50 billion a year. (Source: Economic Policy Institute)
Local Consequences
Based on the above, we can estimate the loss of wages in one form or another in the District of Columbia to be in the area of millions. One DC worker is currently fighting to recover over $7000 from her former employer, Indigo Restaurant. Indigo did not pay her the minimum wage or for overtime hours over a period of months. The effect on the living standards in DC is dramatic. It is time for us to focus our attention on this problem and develop a strategy for bringing the violators to justice.
Attend the “Know Your Rights” presentation at the OPEIU Local 2 Office Saturday October 24th, 10 AM to 11 AM. The focus will be on the DC Wage Theft act that is now in force but not being enforced. Being informed is the first step.
Join the OPEIU Local 2 Team for HIV Walk
Saturday, September 26, 2015
The October 24 Walk to End HIV is a fundraising walk and 5K timed run benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker Health, a non-profit community-based health organization which provides dependable, high-quality, comprehensive and accessible health care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. This year’s theme is "Super Heroes Don’t Fly – They Walk to end HIV."
Get your spandex ready: we see OPEIU Local 2 capes in our future! If you are unable to participate in the walk you can click here to donate to the team.
The October 24 Walk to End HIV is a fundraising walk and 5K timed run benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker Health, a non-profit community-based health organization which provides dependable, high-quality, comprehensive and accessible health care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. This year’s theme is "Super Heroes Don’t Fly – They Walk to end HIV."
Get your spandex ready: we see OPEIU Local 2 capes in our future! If you are unable to participate in the walk you can click here to donate to the team.
Why Black Women Should Join Unions
Saturday, September 26, 2015
I started working as a classroom aide in Baltimore 50 years ago. My colleagues and I—mostly black women—were making $2.25 an hour with no benefits. A gallon of milk cost a dollar and a dozen eggs cost 60 cents, and we knew the work we did was worth a lot more than that. So, we organized. We joined with the Baltimore Teachers Union. And in 1970, when we negotiated our first contract, we won a grievance procedure and salary steps. That’s the power of a union. Being union members helped me and my colleagues win the respect we deserved as education support professionals. We all know the statistics: African-American women earning 64 cents and Latina women earning 56 cents for every dollar earned by a white, non-Hispanic man. But here’s a stat you may not have heard: Women covered by a union contract earn 31 percent more than their nonunion peers. Black women earn 34 percent more. And Hispanic women earn 42 percent more. No matter your job. No matter your community. No matter your race. If you are a woman and you are covered by a union contract, you earn more. Read more here.
By Lorretta Johnson
I started working as a classroom aide in Baltimore 50 years ago. My colleagues and I—mostly black women—were making $2.25 an hour with no benefits. A gallon of milk cost a dollar and a dozen eggs cost 60 cents, and we knew the work we did was worth a lot more than that. So, we organized. We joined with the Baltimore Teachers Union. And in 1970, when we negotiated our first contract, we won a grievance procedure and salary steps. That’s the power of a union. Being union members helped me and my colleagues win the respect we deserved as education support professionals. We all know the statistics: African-American women earning 64 cents and Latina women earning 56 cents for every dollar earned by a white, non-Hispanic man. But here’s a stat you may not have heard: Women covered by a union contract earn 31 percent more than their nonunion peers. Black women earn 34 percent more. And Hispanic women earn 42 percent more. No matter your job. No matter your community. No matter your race. If you are a woman and you are covered by a union contract, you earn more. Read more here.
By Lorretta Johnson