Thursday Morning, September 17
President Hovis called the final session of the 71st UE Convention to order and called on the co-conveners of the Resolutions Committee. The delegates voted to approve a packet of 10 resolutions that was given to them for review earlier in the week. These included "Protect the Planet," "Rights of the Healthcare Worker," "Support the Family Farmer," "Build Jobs with Justice and the People’s Movement," "Restore the Right to Strike," "Pay Equity for Paraprofessionals," "UE Retiree Committees," "Bail Out the People, Not the Banks," "Stop the Ten-Hour Day," and "End Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation."
Jessica Harig, co-convener of the Resolutions Committee, read the resolution "Workplace Struggle," which was approved without discussion. Annie MacDonald (222) read the resolution "Promote High Speed Rail." Peter Knowlton pointed out that while members of our largest local, 506, build locomotives, this is not just their fight, but all of ours. The future of UE is in part dependent on the future of Local 506. Mark Haller (506) said, "This could not only save our jobs, but provide many more jobs." Carl Rosen (Western Region) said that on his recent trip to Japan, he got to ride high-speed rail and see what a modern rail transit system looks like. "You go 200 miles per hour, and it’s a smooth ride. It’s an embarrassment to our country that we don’t have this." Also speaking for the resolution were Mary Stewart (618) and Kim Peniska (1187). The resolution passed unanimously.
The resolution "End the Cuban Blockade" was read by Dee Nance (1004) and approved without discussion. Mark Haller (506) read the resolution "Protect and Expand Social Security." Carl Rosen said, "Some people thought we were crazy when we brought this idea up a few years ago, which is really an old idea that goes back to the 1940s. But more people are realizing that we need something like this," as pensions increasingly disappear and 401(k)s show how inadequate and insecure they are. We’ve been told for years that Social Security is "broken," said Andrew Dinkelaker (Eastern Region) when in fact it is the most secure part of the retirement income system and has resources to sustain it for decades. "In reality, everything except Social Security has collapsed."
Ray Pompano (243) said he’s even had arguments with his son, because of the widespread propaganda that Social Security will disappear before younger workers can collect. "It’s nothing but a lie," said Pompano. If we remove the "cap" on Social Security taxes so people like Bill Gates have to pay their fair share, he added, Social Security will be there far into the future. The resolution was approved.
The "Stop Privatization" resolution was read by Nathanette Mayo (150.) Marie Lausch (222) said her local is fighting this battle town-by-town in its over 60 bargaining units. The town of Winsted, CT is now trying to privatize its dispatching, which will make the jobs of police officers more dangerous. Larsene Taylor (Eastern Region) and Becky Dawes (893) also spoke in favor of the resolution and related their own locals’ experiences fighting privatizers. The resolution passed unanimously.
Jessica Harig (203) then read the resolves in the resolution "Public Education – Stop the Attacks and Fund Quality Education for All." Annie MacDonald affirmed the need to eliminate high-stakes testing. "It’s time to stop testing our kids to death! It causes stress and depression even among very young kids." She also called for teaching about unions in the schools. Jessica Harig also spoke for the resolution, which passed unanimously.
Harig then read the resolution "For a Safe and Healthy Workplace, Fix OSHA Now!" Speaking on the resolution were Lauro Bonilla (1103), Dee Nance (1004), Angaza Laughinghouse (150), Andrew Dinkelaker (Eastern Region), Mary Ann Zaleski (1107) and Mary Stewart (618). The resolution was unanimously adopted. The work of the Resolutions Committee being completed, Pres. Hovis asked for a motion to dismiss the committee with the thanks of the convention. It was so moved, seconded, and carried.
In a special order of business, Pres. Hovis then recognized Ed Havaich, Local 751, who stepped to the microphone accompanied by his local’s other delegates, Cheryl Hutchins, Amy Russell and Dennis Hayda. This was Local 751’s final convention – GE is closing what remains of their lighting plant in Niles, OH in a few months. "We were chartered as a local in 1940. We stand on the shoulders of those before us," said Havaich. He thanked Pres. Hovis, International Reps. Steve Tormey and Dennis Painter, and the officers of Local 506 – in particular Pat Rafferty and Frank Fusco – "who should be in the union hall of fame – they were always there to help us." Finally, he thanked the delegates to the 71st Convention, "our best convention", and on behalf of Local 751’s members – retired, passed away, laid-off, and those "still standing, said "Goodbye." The entire delegation stood and applauded, and several delegates approached the Local 751 group to offer handshakes and hugs.
Before adjourning the convention, Pres. Hovis asked Nathanette Mayo of Local 150 and the Fruit of Labor singing ensemble to lead the convention delegates in singing labor’s anthem, "Solidarity Forever." The delegates stood and joined hands as they sang.