AFSCME’s 40th International Convention Gets Under Way in Los Angeles

by Jon Melegrito  |  June 15, 2012

AFSCME’s 40th International Convention is taking place in the Los Angeles Convention Center. (Photo by Hey Suk Chong)

LOS ANGELES – More than 5,000 delegates, alternates and guests will gather in Los Angeles this week for AFSCME’s 40th International Convention. Delegates will 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.

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 Pres. 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 negotiations with the University of California system.

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 and legislative action program.

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 new officers.

Check back regularly starting Monday for Convention updates, videos and more.