All Sections ------------------------------- News & Events Pay & Benefits Departments & Divisions Members Only

Advanced Search

Printer-Friendly Page

Inauguration Day Update
Union Observance Limited to Madison Hotel

Inuaguration Jan. 20, 2009 Commemorative Buttons [read more - members only]

APWU Web News Article #005-09, Jan. 13, 2009

As Inauguration Day nears, planning for the event is in full swing in the nation’s capital — and at the union’s national headquarters. Security officials recently announced that the area surrounding 15th and M Streets NW [map - PDF], where we will gather to watch the festivities, will be closed to vehicular traffic. The area will be used for bus parking, and there will be many other road closures.

APWU members and their guests will still be able to assemble at the Madison Hotel, and we have arranged for a larger space there. We have cancelled our arrangement with the Home Builders Association, so that all our members and guests will be able to gather in one location.

Participants will be able to enjoy the festivities with other union activists, watching the proceedings on large-screen televisions. The hotel meeting room will be available from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. Limited refreshments will be available at a modest cost, $10 for lunch and $20 for dinner. Meals will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

Attendees will be responsible for their own lodging and transportation. The national union is unable to offer transportation to the site of the swearing-in ceremony or to the parade. Those who wish to witness the oath of office or the inaugural parade in person will have a long walk to spots along the parade route, and a longer trek to the National Mall.

“Excitement is building for this historic event,” said APWU President William Burrus. “The election of Barack Obama was a victory for working people — and we are eager to commemorate this momentous event together.”

[back to top]