On the final day of the 79th UE Convention, delegates debated and passed resolutions on jobs, peace, healthcare, civil liberties, public education, climate, and the economy. Taken together, these resolutions outline a comprehensive vision of a future in which all working people have good jobs and safe workplaces; housing, education, healthcare, and a secure retirement; the freedom to speak their mind without fear of retaliation; and a peaceful and livable planet to leave to their children.

During discussion on the resolution “End Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” and “Disability Rights,” several gay, transgender and nonbinary UE members spoke movingly about their struggles in the workplace and in society, and their appreciation for UE’s commitment to fighting for all of our members. Together with the resolution “Disability Rights,” the resolutions on fighting racism and women’s rights passed on Wednesday, and “Stand Up for the Rights of Immigrant Workers,” passed on Tuesday, these policy resolutions reflect UE’s core principle of uniting all workers.

The final resolution considered by the convention, “Aggressive Struggle,” embodies another one of UE’s core principles. Delegates named aggressive struggle — mobilizing the membership instead of relying on legal processes — as the most effective way of winning fights with the boss, as a way to transform people’s consciousness, and as the best way to change the world for the better.

Following the adoption of “Aggressive Struggle,” delegates, alternates, guests and staff closed the convention by joining hands and singing the labor anthem “Solidarity Forever.”