AFSCME in Chicago -- Day 2 and our future is at stake.

by   |  August 08, 2006

By Nancy Swindell, President Local 2620, Council 57 My name is Nancy Swindell and I'm a state employee from Modesto, CA. I'm a proud member of AFSCME, and I am so pleased to be here in Chicago as a delegate to the International Convention. Yesterday was inspiring -- we heard from two U.S. senators, five amazing members and our president. But today, the business of the convention begins. Today, the future of our union is at stake. The crucial debate and votes on some of the key elements of the 21st Century Initiative are scheduled to take place during today's session, and I am committed to making AFSCME even stronger. We know we need to organize. We know we need to win political fights. We know we need good contracts. I know that the 21st Century Initiative is the best plan to make this possible. We’re going to make our union stronger by empowering locals to be more active, by increasing membership 5% a year, by running a year-round political program and by fighting for public policy that improves the quality of life for our members, their families and all working people in this country. We’re going to fight and win, just like we did when we took on my Governor and his propositions last fall. Our union is over 70 years old and we are the premier union for workers in the public service. With the votes we'll make today, we'll decide if we'll still hold that position in 70 more years.