Back from AFT National Convention

Sixteen UHP members are back from the AFT National Convention in Minneapolis, highlighted by an appearance by Hillary Clinton and the election of an AFT Connecticut officer to AFT’s national leadership team.

UHP’s delegation was among more than 2,600 delegates from throughout the U.S. and beyond who assembled at the Minneapolis Convention Center July 17-21.

“I was impressed by the dynamics of the whole thing, how large AFT is, and how strong they are,” says first-time UHP delegate Pierre LePage. “We heard stories from different states that showed what AFT does for us and what it's about, and it really opens our eyes to where we as a union get our strength from.”

Clinton addressed the convention toward the end of business Monday, following remarks from both U.S. Senators from Minnesota.

"I know you have some of the hardest and most important jobs in the world, and I want to say from the outset, I am with you," Clinton told the mostly supportive crowd of delegates and visitors on the convention floor, many holding “AFT for Hillary 2016” signs.

"When I am president, you will always have a partner in the White House and you will always have a seat at the table,” she later added.

First-time delegate Peter Baranowski says, “I’ve seen her on TV before, but I couldn’t believe I was standing right in front of her, like maybe 30 feet away. It was amazing.”

The following day, AFT delegates voted overwhelmingly to endorse Clinton for president.

"There are 1.6 million members in AFT, and 2,651 delegates from all over attended," says UHP President Bill Garrity. "As I was sitting in that convention thinking: 2,651 delegates, 2,600 UHP members... Imagine the power if we could ever mobilize and put 100 percent of our members in one place. Now that is this president's dream!"

The convention passed 24 resolutions, many addressing the AFT’s position on issues of economic disparity, race relations, and discrimination based on sexual preference or identity.

“Attending this convention reminds us that the labor movement is not just for employees, but for communities,” says Chief Steward Lucille Miller. “It’s a chance for people to come and be a part of everything that’s going on so they can understand. When you see it and are a part of it, experience it, that’s what makes you want to go out and be a leader and motivate other people.”

“Social reform has become a big part of union business, and this time it was focused on racism, diversity, and how to appreciate and understand our differences and work together,” says Karen Apruzzese. “The knowledge that I get from going to the convention is about all the involvement, the global approach to the labor movement, its evolution, how we learn to collaborate with other unions on issues that go beyond the workplace, and how that cooperation strengthens the middle class.”

Three of the resolutions approved on the convention floor came from the Healthcare Access/Quality Committee, chaired by AFT Connecticut 1^st Vice President Jean Morningstar, former UHP president who retains her UHP membership. The resolutions concerned professional standards, protection from workplace violence, and sepsis awareness and education.

“I enjoy interacting with others, and it’s eye-opening when you hear what’s going on,” says Swapna Das. “You see something on the news but when you hear about it from others, it’s a huge education.”

“This convention brings what’s going on at the national level to the forefront, what’s happening and where our priorities are as a union,” says Chris Frechette. “At the local level, we’re often focused on our own contract, until our eyes are opened to what we do at the national level, and what influence we have. Our delegates return with a better understanding of where we’re headed nationally.”

Over the course of the week, dozens of guest speakers and video presentations were weaved into the proceedings in the convention hall, many carrying the theme of unity and tolerance, defending the labor movement against political adversaries, and sharing success stories, both recent victories and historic ones over the course of the AFT’s century of existence. The AFT is celebrating the 100^th anniversary of its founding this year.

“You end up sitting next to people and you talk to them, you realize what’s going on in schools,” says Joan Williams. “I didn’t realize how bad it was. Knowing what’s going on at the national levels, we can  bring that home, bring to our committee meetings, and active in politics in our towns.”

“It is so easy to get caught up in our own world and take what we have for granted,” says UHP Vice President for Communication Chris DeFrancesco, another first-time delegate. “When you see and hear about the fights and wins over AFT’s history, it gives you a newfound appreciation for the power of organized labor and the influence it has. That goes not only for pay, benefits, working conditions and retirement for workers, but also for students, patients, and all those who lives are better because of those workers, and by extension, for communities.”

Officer elections were held on the last full day of the convention. Delegates re-elected Randi Weingarten as president, Loretta Johnson as secretary-treasurer, Mary Cathryn Ricker as executive vice president, and 37 vice presidents, plus six new VPs, including AFT Connecticut President Jan Hochadel.