Report on 49th Texas AFL-CIO
Constitutional Convention
July 16, 17 and 18, 2009
Attendees from Local 567: Gary Moffitt, Bill Seely, Harvey West, John Johnson,
Chris Holmes, Tom Tkadlec, and John Scott
Thursday, July 16, 2009
President Becky Moeller convened the convention to order at the Sheraton
Grand Hotel in Irving. T.C. Gillespie, Gwen Dunivent and Pauline Medrano
issued welcomes on behalf of local Central Labor Councils and the City of
Dallas.
Moeller reviewed the relationship between election success and the improvement
in labor's prospects at the national and state levels. President Obama,
Labor Secretary Solis and state-level friends are making a huge difference.
Moeller noted that Texas's congressional delegation will grow by up to four
members after the 2010 Census. She pointed up the need to work hard for
statewide political victories and more labor-friendly lawmakers.
Via satellite, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka discussed health
care reform, exporting of jobs and the Employee Free Choice Act. Moeller
informed Trumka that the Executive Board has unanimously endorsed his candidacy
for the presidency of the AFL-CIO and those of his running mates for the
other top offices. Trumka said he will work to "turn Texas blue."
State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte delivered the COPE solicitation speech,
noting progress by Democrats in the Legislature. She spoke of the failure
of Republican leadership to protect jobs, but suggested at least some jobs
should disappear. "Some Republican legislators have got to go," Van
de Putte said.
Secretary-Treasurer Paul Brown delivered his report, discussing a variety
of issues that affect jobs in the U.S. and Texas. After a strike status
report by Brother Danny Trull of UAW, delegates voted to "pass the
hat" and collected $2,306.25 for striking workers at Bell Helicopter.
Following lunch, Legislative/Political Director Rene Lara and Legal Director
Rick Levy reported on the results of the recently concluded legislative
session, focusing on unemployment insurance and workers' compensation as
issues that will factor heavily in the political cycle and the next legislative
session.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie detailed Democratic advances in
Texas and said voters have a chance to get the state back on track in statewide
elections. "You deserve better that the corruption and failure of one-party
rule that has dominated us for far too long," Richie said. "We
are better than this."
The convention adjourned for the day and delegates attended committee meetings
in various locations.
Friday, July 17, 2009
President Moeller called the meeting to order at 9 a.m.
Teresa Ball of Working America reported on the success the 2.5-million
member organization has achieved in promoting labor issues and pro-labor
candidates. Fully two-thirds of Working America's members backed President
Obama and the organization made a decisive difference in electing AI Franken
to the U.S. Senate from Minnesota. Ball said Working America has expanded
labor's reach.
AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker surveyed the national
labor landscape, including the "perfect storm" of economic difficulties
coupled with a period of growing optimism for working families. Baker said
health care reform, the Employee Free Choice Act and a fairer economy that
attacks "the gremlins of greed" are within reach. She said efforts
to unify the labor movement will continue. At the conclusion of the speech,
delegates voted unanimously to endorse Rich Trumka for AFL-CIO President,
Liz Shuler for Secretary-Treasurer and Sister Holt Baker for Executive Vice
President.
Community service and publications awards were presented.
Jerome Ringo, president of the Apollo Alliance, made a well-received case
for promotion of "green jobs" by a labor-environmental coalition. "We
can no longer have our energy destiny in the hands of other countries," Ringo
said. "Today is our time and today is our opportunity." Ringo
said labor does not have to reinvent the wheel, because long-standing apprenticeship
programs will serve well in developing the environmentally sound jobs of
tomorrow.
Jeff Rotkoff of the House Democratic Campaign Committee and Matt Angle
of the Texas Democratic Trust surveyed political prospects in Texas, seeing
progress and opportunity in legislative and statewide political contests. "We
should have a better choice for governor than between Rick Perry, who has
worn out his welcome, and Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is just worn out," Angle
said.
Phillip Ganley spoke to delegates about Helmets to Hardhats, which steers
military veterans to union jobs. At the lunch recess, delegates caucused
to elect Texas AFL-CIO vice presidents. An afternoon panel on corporate
responsibility featured Sister Susan Mika of the Socially Responsible Investment
Coalition and Dan Pedrotty, director of the AFL-CIO's Office of Investment.
Each suggested strategies for using union pensions and resources to work
for social and economic justice.
District caucuses were held and District Vice Presidents were elected.
The convention adjourned, delegates then attended a choice of four workshops.
In the evening, delegates enjoyed a reception honoring Texas AFL-CIO General
Counsel Walter Umphrey's contributions to the Texas labor movement. State
Senator Wendy Davis was the guest speaker.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
President Moeller called the meeting to order at 9 a.m.
T. C. Gillespie gave the Credential Committee final report.
Remaining committee reports were given.
Katie Gjertson, National Field Coordinator for AFL-CIO Turn Around America
Health Care Reform Campaign and Jesse Romero from Health Care for America
Now! (HCAN) spoke on health care reform. The health care reform going through
congress right now is desperately needed; the United States is nearly last
amongst developed nations last in the number of insured citizens. All union
members are asked to participate in a call your congressman campaign on
July 18, 2009. The number is 1-877-264-HCAN.
Election of Officers
Swearing in of Officers
Convention Adjourned.
The following organizations distributed information and membership application
forms:
Copies of all literature are available for review, contact any one of the
above listed attendees or contact me at this link: http://www.twu567.org/uploadpages/emailofficers/gary.html
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