Fighting for the Living

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Members of AFSCME Council 26 rallied in April for better working conditions, in a demonstration tied to Workers Memorial Day (April 28). The members are employees of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), which was cited 81 times for health and safety violations since 1998. The day's theme, "Mourn for the Dead — Fight for the Living," seemed especially appropriate as members — who perform maintenance duties for the House and Senate — accused management of not enforcing safety standards. They also complained that a too-small workforce puts extra strain on the employees that could lead to health problems.