Local AFGE Steward "Speaks Truth To Power" At DOL

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

AFGE Local 12 Steward David Richardson (r, at last night's Council meeting) drew kudos from the local’s members and leaders last week when he challenged Labor Secretary Hilda Solis on working conditions at the Department of Labor. Local 12 President Alex Bastani applauded Richardson’s “brilliant and brave comments” at the Secretary’s Town Hall last Tuesday, noting that “the more the rank and file members stand up and articulate that the frustration they are feeling about this administration…the more likely that we will have progress with this administration.” Richardson – a longtime local labor activist -- forcefully pointed out to Solis that not only has the DOL failed to correct contract language forced on Local 12 under the Bush administration, but that her own subordinates are sabotaging her efforts to improve working conditions at the Department. Bastani urged the local’s stewards to “be a little bit more like David Richardson and speak truth to power. We must especially speak truth to power now since we put that power into office.” - photo by Adam Wright