“Ready to Fight! Ready to Lead!”

June 24, 2010

Let’s make history! AFSCME’s 39th International Convention opens in Boston on Monday with more than 5,000 delegates, alternates and guests. Having achieved such ambitious goals as the election of President Barack Obama and this year’s passage of major health care reform, we have proven our activism is second to none.

International Pres. Gerald W. McEntee will set the stage on Monday morning. His keynote address will be followed by a special tribute to William Lucy, who is retiring as secretary-treasurer after holding that position since 1972.

During the action-packed week we’ll rally on behalf of our sisters and brothers from Council 93 who are fighting to retain public services. We will also consider key policy resolutions and Constitutional amendments. In addition, AFSCME members from across the country who perform the same work will have an opportunity to meet at 21 special caucuses to discuss ways to debunk the myths about public services. On Thursday we’ll elect a new secretary-treasurer.

As we gather together this week, we find ourselves fighting what is perhaps our greatest challenge — preserving vital public services in the midst of the worst fiscal crises to face state and local governments since the Great Depression. That’s why this year’s Convention battle cry is “Ready to Fight! Ready to Lead!”

Lawmakers – who in many instances are our bosses – have chosen the easy way out of tough budget choices. Rather than increase revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes and raising taxes on millionaires, they’re cutting jobs, closing libraries, eliminating daycare centers, turning off streetlights and making other misguided decisions that threaten public health and safety.

To preserve the victories we’ve won, we’ve fought in the streets, at the state legislatures and city halls, in the U.S. Congress — even before the federal courts. We’ve had successes and defeats. But the battles are not over. That’s why we must gear up for this November’s crucial state, local and national elections as if our very jobs depend on it — because they do!

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