Union conventions are staple gatherings for members to build solidarity, take part in democratic governance of their union and become re-energized to continue in growing the labor movement.
This summer, Council 4 members served as delegates for two union conventions held biannually — Connecticut AFL-CIO political convention and AFSCME International convention.
Members voted on resolutions, heard inspiring speakers and participated in workshops. These spaces provided an opportunity for members to connect across unions or states and hone their leadership skills.
Connecticut AFL-CIO convention focuses on politics
Council 4 sent the largest delegation of union members to Connecticut AFL-CIO’s political convention at the end of June at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino — a unionized facility.
Ninety-two delegates from Council 4 were among representatives from more than 100 local unions, labor chapters, building trades councils and area labor federations who attended the convention.
Delegates endorsed the AFL-CIO’s recommended candidates for the U.S. Senate and House, all statewide offices including gubernatorial, and the state General Assembly. They heard speeches from candidates running for state office and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
Click here to view those endorsements.
One of the highlights of the two-day convention was a panel led by Starbucks workers organizing unions in Connecticut. Baristas at the Corbin’s Corner Starbucks in West Hartford and at the Vernon store won their elections this summer and became the first unionized stores in Connecticut.
The workers, represented by Starbucks Workers United, are leading the way in a labor movement resurgence that is sweeping the nation with new levels of organizing not seen in decades.
Many of the workers spoke about how the movement is younger and more diverse.
"This is what the future of the working class looks like,” Travis Glenney, an organizing leader at the West Hartford Starbucks, said. “It's about time the retail workers of the next generation learn what a union can do for them.”
L-R: Travis Glenney, Jordan Adams, Kuzco Gong & Marc Tomko spoke on a panel about their work organizing the first Connecticut Starbucks stores.
A panel titled Understanding Racism and the Boomerang Effect of Implicit Bias in our Union featured Council 4 Secretary Stacie Harris-Byrdsong and Staff Representative Patrick Sampson, who also serves as president of the Black Trade Unionists.
Through curated videos and guided individual activities, they imparted to the audience a deeper understanding of structural racism and the boomerang effect of implicit bias.
“I wanted [members] to be empowered to address the sometimes blatant racism in our unions,”Byrdsong said, “and know that they have an ally in me to help eradicate the scourge of racism. Hopefully they’re encouraged to become involved in the CT AFL-CIO’s Racial and Economic Justice Committee and various groups committed to the fight against racism.”
Stacie Harris Byrdsong (right) with CT AFL-CIO Vice President Shellye Davis (left) and President Ed Hawthorne (center) after presenting on a panel addressing structural racism in our unions.
The presentation coincided with one of eight resolutions delegates passed during the convention, which would establish a racial and economic justice committee in each local union, council and statewide organization or designate representatives to serve on the Connecticut AFL-CIO’s committee.
This resolution emphasizes a strong commitment by the labor movement to address institutional racism head on.
As we continue to see corporations and billionaire-backed special interest groups attempt to derode worker organizing and unions, Council 4 joined with AFT Connecticut to create a venue for workers to push back and show support of their unions.
The two unions launched their “Union Yes” campaign, an organizing initiative to demonstrate that Connecticut workers are sticking with their union, at the convention. Delegates made signs describing why they were “Union Yes” and were featured in a video now circulating on social media.
Museum rally highlight of AFSCME convention
After a two-year hiatus as a result of the pandemic, AFSCME’s 45th International Convention convened in Philadelphia during the second week of July.
Approximately 2,000 AFSCME delegates attended the “All Together” themed week-long convention, which included about 80 members from 19 Council 4 locals, many of whom were first-time attendees.
Among the high-profile speakers who addressed delegates from across the country were the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Labor Marty Walsh, Georgia gubernatorial candidate and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler, AFSCME International President Lee Saunders and and AFSCME International Vice President Elissa McBride.
Throughout the week, Council 4 delegates used their leadership skills and expertise in their field to advocate for important union changes and create spaces for learning.
Sabrina Agbede, Local 749 vice president representing Judicial Branch employees, spoke on the convention floor surrounded by her union brothers and sisters in favor of a resolution which stated that locals would make a commitment to conducting new employee outreach.
The resolution, which passed overwhelmingly, ensures that new employees are acquainted with the union in a timely manner so they can become members.
“Since creating the new hire coordinator role and doing member worksite visits, our local went from a list of 300 to over 1,300 contacts,” Agbede said.
“We’re stronger when our new hires understand that unionism is not a spectator sport, why being active makes us a powerful force against injustices at work,” she added.
Sabrina Agbede (center), vice president Local 749, speaks on convention floor in support of locals committing to conducting new hire orientations. To her left is President Ron Nelson and to her right is recording secretary Sontonye Otunba-Paye, and southwest regional vice president Dan Jarowski.
Aimmee Reyes-Greaves, Local 391 treasurer representing corrections employees, led a sector caucus that brought together corrections, probation and parole staff from across the country to discuss the challenges they face in their workplaces and share best practices for union activists.
The caucus was attended by members of Local 391, Local 1565 and several Council 4 staff. Reyes-Greaves was the only Council 4 member to help lead a sector caucus meeting at the convention.
Aimee Reyes-Greaves (center) moderated a corrections causes that was attended by AFSCME correctional officers from across the country including members of Council 4 Local 1565 and 387.
It is an AFSCME tradition for delegates to participate in a worker-led action during the week of convention. This year’s action did not disappoint.
Roughly 2,000 delegates descended on the picturesque steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) to show solidarity with union workers who won their union two years ago with AFSCME DC 37 but are still fighting for a fair contract.
Luis Lorenzo, Local 233 vice president and a first-time delegate to the international convention, witnessed the magnitude of AFSCME and union solidarity firsthand.
“I was never fully aware of the extent of the labor movement until I saw everyone supporting one of our locals [at the rally],” Lorenzo said.
“It was a new experience,” he added. “The convention made me realize how big AFSCME is — this union is nationwide. It’s amazing to see everyone getting together and rallying for a good cause.”
Luis Lorenzo, vice president Local 233, (front center) rallies with fellow Council 4 convention delegates on the steps of the historic Philadelphia Museum of Art
To the sea of members sporting their AFSCME green T-shirts, PMA union president Adam Rizzo addressed the need for a fair contract to save the historic institution.
“I have a message for the [PMA] board chairs and chief operating officer,” he said. “Your union busting behaviors over the last two years show you have no respect for the workers who make it the incredible place that it is. We won't stand for it and neither will the City of Philadelphia. ”
The next International Convention is scheduled to take place in Chicago in 2024.
Click here to view photos of Council 4 members at the PMA Union rally
Council 4 convention delegates are bringing new energy and lessons learned from their attendance at these conventions back to their local members.
Efforts are already underway to continue engaging convention participants by connecting them with leadership opportunities for the 2022 statewide election.
“Sitting on the political sidelines isn’t an option for our members,” Council 4 Executive Director Jody Barr said, “because whether we like it or not, our union rights are on the ballot. Building political power is essential to achieving fair treatment at the workplace.”
In his keynote address AFSCME President Lee Saunders stated, “When we are all together there is no force that can stop us.”
Union conventions help remind us of this and the pride and power we have as union members when we come together.
Click here to see highlights of Council 4 members at the AFSCME International Convention
