For Immediate Release
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Says AFSCME Must Be Voice for All Workers
William Lucy, Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, told 5,000 convention delegates and guests that AFSCME continues to lead the way in the American labor movement through its actions in the workplace and its ever-increasing power in the political arena.
Lucy told the crowd, "AFSCME is recognized as the most effective and aggressive political organization in the American labor movement. But as we get bigger, and as we get better, let us all remember this: bigger and better carries with it enormous responsibility. Responsibility for the 1.4 million members and their families who are our reason for being. But our responsibility goes beyond AFSCME. We must also be a voice for all workers — for every man, woman and child in our society who have no voice, who wield no power."
Lucy reminded delegates why the 2004 presidential election is crucial for workers: Nearly 2 million jobs since Bush took office, the worst job loss since the Great Depression. Instead of a plan to jump-start the economy, the President has cut taxes for the very wealthy. "Meanwhile, pensions are under attack. Health care is in crisis. State and local governments face staggering deficits. And while the President is attempting to rebuild Iraq, he’s neglecting basic needs here at home," Lucy said.
Lucy added, "Four years ago, our lives were very different. For eight years, we enjoyed a President who was committed to quality public services and willing to fight for them. Today, we have an administration at war with the people who need public services and at war with the workers who deliver them."
Lucy closed by telling the group, "We have no choice but to fight back. We must fight back against government-condoned corruption and corporate conspiracies. We must fight back against those who would put a prayer cloth in our right hand, and expect us to wave a flag with our left, as they pick-pocket our liberties and highjack our personal freedoms."
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, is the nation’s fastest growing public service employees union with 1.4 million members. AFSCME organizes for social and economic justice in the workplace and through political action and legislative advocacy. AFSCME represents a diverse group of service and health care workers in the public and private sectors including nurses, EMTs, bus drivers, child care workers, custodians and librarians.
- Text of William Lucy's speech
