It’s that time of year when hundreds of AFGE members will gather in Washington, D.C. for our annual legislative conference on Feb. 12-15!
This year’s theme is AFGE Rising: Building Our Power By Raising Our Voices. Indeed, AFGE members will strategize on how to build power and raise our voices so that we have the tools we need to serve the American people while protecting our rights at work.
But first, here are 5 things you can expect at this year’s legislative conference:
1. An opportunity to learn and make a difference
We’ll hear from our in-house experts and lobbyists on issues that are important to us. This year’s conference will offer educational training workshops by district to help prepare you for lobbying and legislative advocacy. You do not need to pre-register for these sessions. You will be able to attend these sessions by registering for the full conference.
In addition to these workshops, you will be able to attend a variety of sessions including your district and council meetings and a Civil Rights Luncheon hosted by the Women’s and Fair Practices Departments.
2. Meet members of Congress in person
Several members of Congress are scheduled to speak at our legislative conference. This is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to the lawmakers who shape the policies that affect you. Here’s the latest list of congressional speakers:
Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser
Representative Glenn Ivey (Md.)
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.)
Representative Abigail Spanberger (Va.)
Representative Don Beyer (Va.)
Representative Gerry Connolly (Va.)
Also greeting AFGE members virtually are:
Representative Katherine Clark (Mass.)
Senator Tammy Baldwin (Wis.)
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.)
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.)
Senator Chris Murphy (Conn.)
Representative Katie Porter (Calif.)
Senator Amy Klobuchar (Minn.)
Congressman Jamie Raskin (Md.)
3. Meet TSA Administrator David Pekoske
This is an exciting time to be a Transportation Security Officer! A lot of positive changes are coming to TSA, thanks to the hard work of AFGE and our TSA Council 100. AFGE appreciates the support from Administrator Pekoske for TSOs’ huge pay bump and more workplace rights. So come hear him speak!
4. We’re honoring Retiree, LPC, and Veteran of the Year
AFGE is members-driven, and we are lucky to have outstanding activists who go above and beyond to promote our union’s values. Their commitment to the labor movement is contagious and inspiring. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients!
Donald Fowler from Local 498, Retiree of the Year
Melissa Schardine from Local 3448, Legislative and Political Coordinator
Edward James from Local 252, Veteran of the Year
5. Get in on the action
We are government employees and we make America work. We serve our communities and help provide security and prosperity for this nation. We deserve fair compensation, good benefits, safe workplaces, and retirement security. But the new House of Representatives is threatening our livelihood with their manufactured crisis on the debt ceiling. Join us at a rally at noon on Valentines’ Day to demand the right course of action by Congress.
Several members of Congress are scheduled to speak at the rally, including Senator Ben Cardin (Md.), Senator Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), Senator Tim Kaine (Va.), Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), and many more. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond will also be speaking.
See you in Washington!
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