Convention 2005 day 3
A brief rundown of the days events.
So far this morning we have heard from many
International labor leaders. They spoke passionately about the need to work
across international borders. We heard from leaders in Australia, Britain,
Scotland, China and Mexico. In many countries they are making great strides
against corporate greed, but in others they need our help more than ever. A
young woman from China spoke with much emotion about the plight of young girls
working in factories in Shanghai to provide goods to Wal-Mart. On the good news
side Larry Cohen the incoming PResident of CWA spoke jointly with the leader of
the Mexican counterpart of CWA about their joint efforts to work together to
build a cross border alliance for communications
workers.
We also passed a resolution
opposing the bad corporate practices of Wal-Mart. The fight against Wal-Mart as
we learned from the young Chinese woman is an international fight and a local
fight against greed. The Canadian labor leaders said that for every job Wal-Mart
creates in a local community they destroy 3 jobs in that same community. They
use taxpayer dollars to provide their workers with healthcare, and then ask
communities for tax breaks.
Wendell
Young III moved the convention delegates with an impassioned statement about
unity and the greater labor movement. He thanked the National for focusing on
the fight against Wal-Mart even as his own union, UFCW, is still talking about
disaffiliating. For those of you who don't know Wendell, he is the President
Emeritus of UFCW L. 1776. He also serves as a vice-president of the Pa. AFL-CIO.
As long as I have known Wendell he has been a strong supporter of labor unity
and solidarity. Whenever there's a union in a fight Wendell and his local local
are there to help. Even though he is semi-retired he is still active on many
fronts.
The day wrapped up with the
nomination and re-election of Pres. Sweeney, Sec-Treas. Rich Trumka , Exec.
Vice-Pres. Linda Chavez-Thompson and 43 vice-presidents on the Executive
Council. It was an emotional and exciting day.
Posted: Wed - July 27, 2005 at 12:34 PM