Boston, Mass.-- AFSCME’s 39th International Convention opened today at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center with more than 5,000 delegates, alternates and guests converging on the city of Boston, Massachusetts. The convention will run through July 2. Cris Zaffuto and myself are representing our Local and plan to bring the convention to you through a series of posts, images and video.
International President Gerald W. McEntee set the stage this morning with a keynote address.
There was a special tribute to William Lucy, who retired as secretary-treasurer last week. Danny Donohue, CSEA President and candidate to replace Lucy, gave a very heartfelt and impassioned speech about Mr. Lucy and his 40-year plus legacy of dedicated work to improve the lives of working Americans.
Additionally, CSEA Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley addressed the delegates as well. You can watch a video of her speech right here. This afternoon we had a full schedule of committee meetings.
During the week, we’ll rally with Boston Council 93 to help protect public services, and urge Congress to approve the jobs bill. We will also consider key policy resolutions and Constitutional amendments.
Wednesday, AFSCME members who perform the same work will meet at 21 special caucuses to discuss ways to debunk the myths about public service workers.
Thursday, we’ll elect a new secretary-treasurer to replace Bill (pictured below). CSEA is firmly standing behind our President, Danny Donohue with a “block vote.”
We gather here in Boston at a time when public services are at risk, and during the worst fiscal crises to face state and local governments since The Great Depression. That’s why this year’s Convention battle cry is “Ready to Fight! Ready to Lead!”
Stay tuned to more posts, photos and video from the convention floor this week. Until then, keep fighting the good fight. Cris and I will see you all when we return!
In Solidarity,
Bess Watts
President, CSEA Monroe County Local 828
AFSCME Delegate 2010
(Above photo is Region 6 President Flo Tripi holding sign on the convention floor. Photos and video courtesy of Bess Watts)
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