Members Participate in National AFL-CIO Young Workers Summit
June 10, 2010
Young APWU members and staff met other union activists fighting for social and economic justice in the workplace at an AFL-CIO summit in Washington, DC. The three-day conference gave young union members an opportunity to share ideas on strengthening the labor movement.
President Richard Trumka, Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker, and Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler hosted the summit as a way to gather ideas about how to address issues facing the young workers in this country. Union members and activists 35 years and younger were invited to attend the conference, held June 10-13, which included networking events, speakers, and workshops.
The theme of the summit was “Next Up!” and emphasized activism among young workers from various labor unions across the country.
“In an economy where young workers are disproportionately hard hit, there are two options — lower our expectations or be Next Up in building a better future,” Shuler said.
Keith Richardson, a member of the Chicago Area Local, and Sherrice Wilfong, a member of the Baltimore Francis Stu Filbey Area Local, represented the APWU at the summit.
“It was great to be surrounded by energetic, like-minded individuals my own age,” Richardson said. “I will bring back ideas to APWU members on the local and state level.”
In addition to plenary sessions, the attendees participated in breakout sessions that focused on topics such as organization, education, mentorship, communication and leadership. Each group presented ideas and proposals to the other delegates and Secretary-Treasurer Shuler at the conclusion of the program.
“I came to gather information to take back to the membership and to get more youth involved in the labor movement,” Wilfong said. “This was an excellent idea, and I learned a lot.”
In March, President William Burrus announced that the APWU national union would help defray the costs associated with sending members 35 or younger to the union’s 2010 National Convention.
The union “depends upon a steady influx of activists to continue first-class representation far into the future,” Burrus said. “The APWU must make a concerted effort to encourage a high percentage of young employees to get involved.”
During the closing plenary session of the Young Workers Summit, Richardson commended Shuler and the AFL-CIO for their efforts to engage young workers.
“This is unheard of, bringing all these young workers together,” Richardson said. “The energy and ideas are great.”