Resolution Supporting the Rights of Didlake Workers

Workers with disabilities who are employed by the local contract-labor organization, Didlake, Inc., went on strike recently. They are custodians at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington. Some of the workers earn less than $13 an hour; none earn as much as $15 an hour. They endure difficult working conditions and lack access to affordable health-care coverage. They voted to join LiUna, an AFL-CIO affiliate, over a year ago, and in early May the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certified LiUna as their representative. However, Didlake has appealed the NLRB’s decision and refuses to negotiate with the union. WHEREAS​ Didlake, Inc., is a corporation based in Manassas, Virginia, whose stated mission is to “create opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities;” and WHEREAS ​Didlake workers at the Arlington National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Virginia, voted to unionize in a 2017 election compliant with the rules of the NLRB; and WHEREAS ​the workers came together to form a union in order to have a voice on the job to advocate for better pay, benefits, and working conditions; and WHEREAS ​Didlake has refused to recognize the union, and is calling on the NLRB to reverse the election results on the grounds that its disabled workers do not have the right to unionize; and WHEREAS​ the Regional Director of the NLRB ruled in favor of the workers and stated that Didlake’s disabled workers have the same rights as non-disabled workers; and WHEREAS​ the Arlington County Democratic Committee believes strongly in the dignity of all people, regardless of disability, and supports the freedom of all workers to unionize; therefore, be it RESOLVED​, that the Arlington County Democratic Committee calls upon Didlake, Inc. to respect the rights of its workers, recognize the union, and bargain in good faith for a fair contract. Passed and Approved on the 1st day of August, 2018.