Victories, political action and mobilization focus of NE District meeting

Hundreds of labor leaders and staff from throughout the AFL-CIO’s northeast region gathered in Providence, RI on Wednesday and Thursday to celebrate victories and strategize for the future. UFCW members who recently struck Stop & Shop received a thunderous standing ovation at the conference opening, and teachers and other strikers were also recognized and applauded. “The American labor movement is more vibrant and relevant than ever,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler. “Workers are taking risks, workers are being bold. Organize, organize, organize!” The Metro Washington labor movement was well-represented, with area leaders and staff, who attended workshops focused on political action, communications and organizing. Key plenary issues included saving the postal service, AFT’s Fund Our Future campaign, NAFTA and labor law reform. MWC Treasurer Eric Bunn called the conference “extremely informative, especially in terms of the steps we need to take to prepare for the next election and mobilize our members.” -report/photo by Chris Garlock

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