Full Plate For Metro Labor Caucus

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

At this week's Metro Labor Caucus meeting, Council affiliates discussed the status of their bills and hearings next week on the House side, including those dealing with "Shift Breaks" and "Fair Share" -- which would allow non-union State employees within a bargaining unit to pay a service fee -- supported by UFCW 400 and AFSCME. The following week is very busy with hearings on the Senate side dealing with "Employee Free Choice," "Fair Share," "Prevailing Wage", and the "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Bill" all on February 26th. The Montgomery County delegation approved going forward with UFCW 1994's Lyme Disease Bill, which would allow MCGEO union members working in recreation centers to file a work-related injury claim if Lyme Disease is suspected. Unions are also preparing for a fight to get the "Workplace Fraud Bill" passed, which would severely penalize employers who misclassify workers, giving those employees a private right of action. The Caucus recognized the following Assembly members who stepped up for labor and working families in Annapolis this week: Senators: Jamie Raskin, Jim Rosapepe, Rob Garagiola and  Doug Peters. Delegates: Roger Manno, Veronica Turner, Brian Feldman, Carolyn Howard, James Hubbard, James Proctor and Alisha Braveboy.
- Rick Powell