AFSCME AND CSEA DELEGATES ARRIVE IN LOS ANGELES; HONORING SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY

(Photo by Hey Suk Chong)

Los Angeles, CA.-- More than 5,000 delegates, alternates and guests will gather in Los Angeles this week to elect a new president and secretary-treasurer, celebrate AFSCME’s 75-year history while charting a course for its next two years, and gear up the Green Machine for the re-election of Pres. Barack Obama.

CSEA Monroe County Local 828 president and Unit 7400 Unit President Cris Zaffuto are representing us this year at the convention. AFSCME is the international parent union of CSEA.

Pres. Gerald W. McEntee, who is retiring after holding that position for 31 years, will set the stage for the week on Monday with his keynote address. His final speech as AFSCME’s president will be followed by a special tribute recognizing his tireless work in service to the labor movement for the past 56 years.

On Tuesday, Sec.-Treas. Lee Saunders will deliver the keynote address, followed by Vice President Joe Biden speaking to delegates. Also that day, Ed Schultz, host of MSNBC’s The Ed Show, will emcee the “Battleground” program, featuring AFSCME activists who are fighting back for public workers in battleground states nationwide.

Honoring the spirit of “Solidarity” – this year’s Convention theme – all delegates will rally Wednesday at MacArthur Park with our California sisters and brothers who are fighting cuts to public services statewide and kicking off collective bargaining with the University of California system. Also Wednesday, delegates will hear from the candidates for AFSCME president and secretary-treasurer in an historic debate. Moderated by Art Pulaski, chief officer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, and such a debate is unprecedented in American labor history.

On Thursday, delegates will elect the new president, secretary-treasurer, and international vice presidents. Special programs will honor AFSCME members’ organizing work and PEOPLE, the union’s political action committee.

Throughout the week, delegates will consider key policy resolutions and Constitutional amendments. They will also be raising money for PEOPLE. Events wrap up Friday with the installation of the newly elected officers. Check the Local 828 Facebook page (see button at right on this homepage)  and the Voice Reporter starting Monday for Convention updates, videos and more.