AFL-CIO Diversity Summit

AFL-CIO Convention Events

The Diversity Summit began Sunday at 9 am. Thornton Alberg, Paulette Thompson, Jacquie Jones-Walsh, and Rodolfo Franco represented Council 28. I spent the morning at the summit prior to attending the AFSCME caucus for AFL-CIO delegates.

AFL-CIO President Sweeney addressed the Diversity Summit, stating that after 14 years of service in that role, he would be stepping down from Presidency of the AFL-CIO but stepping up to perhaps an even greater role as Labor Warrior At Large. He spoke about how important it is to engage those who are members of unions but not full participants in the union, particularly younger workers. He honored the commitment and dedication of AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lucy.

In 2005, Resolution 2 passed at the AFL-CIO convention and brought about significant change in the make up of Central Labor Council leadership across the nation. Through this resolution, the labor movement made a commitment to full participation and inclusion of all members regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, faith, age, sexual orientation, disability or immigrant status.

Clayola Brown, President of APRI, brought the crowd to its feet as she spoke of the changes in the labor movement since that time. She told the group that opportunities created in the efforts to achieve full inclusion in leadership for people of color, women, disabled, and LGBT had resulted in this wonderful rainbow of people attending the Diversity Summit.

Members were encouraged to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act by contacting Congressional Representatives. It is under consideration now and stands a good chance of passing if it is well supported now. One of the speakers said that in 38 states it is still legal to fire a worker based on gender identification or because there is a picture of their gay, lesbian, transgender partner on their desk. Please make the call and help end discrimination in our country.