This video is AFT CT Chief of Staff Stuart Salvekoul's insprational address to delegates on Right to Work (for less) and other anti-labor forces we should be aware of. Following that is a recap of the convention from AFT CT President Jan Hochadel.
Saturday, May 12, hundreds of elected delegates representing their fellow AFT Connecticut-affiliated local union members gathered in Southington for our state federation's annual business convention. They took action on a number of issues critical to advancing our strategic plan for 2018 — including an endorsement in this year's gubernatorial election, which I wanted to share now.
We held an interactive "straw poll" on delegates' preference among the four candidates for governor who completed all of the required steps in order to receive AFT Connecticut's formal endorsement. Those still seeking the state's highest elected office who completed an application and appeared before our legislative and political action committee (LPAC) to answer members’ questions are:
- Central Connecticut State University Professor of Political Science and Philosophy Ned Lamont;
- former Connecticut Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz;
- former Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Sean Connolly; &
- Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim.
The results of the straw poll were decisive; Ned Lamont was the overwhelming favorite, coming in well ahead of the remaining three candidates. Delegates then made a motion from the floor to endorse Lamont, which was seconded and passed by the majority of those in attendance.
As AFT Connecticut’s highest decision-making body, convention delegates provide the most democratic voice for a diverse and large membership across over 90 local affiliated unions. In the typical endorsement process, our LPAC forwards a recommendation to our executive committee. Today’s annual convention was an opportunity for the largest gathering of elected leaders to voice a wider range of members' opinions.
Now that delegates have spoken, we can begin having a positive impact on what will be among the most important elections in recent memory — and whose consequences cannot be overstated.
I hope I can count on you to be an active part of our political program going forward. It’s going to take the "U and I in Union" to protect our collective bargaining rights and resist the powerful special interests bent on stealing them.
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More to come, and in solidarity,
Jan Hochadel
President, AFT Connecticut