Defend DC Labor is the space for leaders of the worker justice community of Washington, DC to coordinate and develop strategies to preserve, support, and defend workers’ rights in the face of attacks by the billionaire-backed Trump administration. Unions, workers centers, and labor justice organizations are all key voices in Defend DC Labor.

Defend DC Labor’s strategy is to:

• Safeguard federal institutions that serve workers and advance labor rights like the Department of Labor (DOL) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

• Advocate for local labor legislation that protects DC workers in light of attacks at the federal level

• Promote the practice of solidarity and sense of community in the DC labor movement and beyond

We recognize that workers are facing many diverse and intersectional attacks based on their personal identities (including nation of origin, immigration status, race or ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and more) and the field or industry in which they work. We also know that the impact on DC in particular is different than in other jurisdictions that have statehood. There is a lot for our communities to be aware of so we are committed to sharing information regarding:

• Guidance on the rights of marginalized workers, including immigrants

• Federal challenges on Home Rule and DC autonomy

• Opportunities for individuals and organizations to build skills

Defend DC Labor will share these opportunities and information to individuals beyond meeting participants using our communications tools and through our partner organizations including DC Jobs With Justice, the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO, and the Metro DC DSA Labor Working Group.