Congratulations to AFGE President Everett Kelley and AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer Eric Bunn Sr. for winning the Willie Baker Jr. Award from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)!
The award, which recognizes individual achievement, is named after Willie Baker Jr., a trailblazer who dedicated his life to fighting for justice, equality, and the rights of workers.
Kelley said that it was an immense honor to be the recipient of the Willie Baker Jr. Award and that Willie Baker Jr.’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
“This award is not just a recognition of individual achievement, but a testament to the collective strength and solidarity of our community. And it’s a great achievement for my union, AFGE as well,” he said at the award ceremony. “This award serves as a reminder of the responsibility we all have to continue that work. And we all know, there’s plenty of work to be done around here.”
Kelley has served as AFGE national president since February 2020. He has received numerous awards recognizing his leadership and commitment to AFGE members and the labor movement, including the AFL-CIO’s Eyes on the Prize Award during the 2022 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference, and the Alabama AFL-CIO’s prestigious Labor Person of the Year Award for 2022.
Bunn has served in his position since April 2020 after serving three consecutive terms as District 14 national vice president.
“The Willie Baker Jr. Award recognizes my commitment to social justice, civil rights and workers’ rights. My journey shows the impact I have had on so many people lives when it comes down to the various levels of activism,” Bunn said. “In today's society, it sometimes seems as though everybody is looking out for themselves and don’t care about the next man or women. But as union activist, I do care about the next man or women who’s being treated unfairly, and I show up every day ready to fight for what is right and what is fair. I will continue to engage in this role so that I can help those in need.”
CBTU has been the voice of Black workers in the trade union movement since 1972. It is also the economic and political force within the African American community as one in five Black workers belongs to a union. Black union members earn more than non-union Black workers as unions help reduce disparity.
“By connecting the labor movement with the civil rights movement together here, and by fostering a sense of solidarity among us, CBTU can play a crucial role in the fight for economic and social justice not just today but for decades to come,” Kelley added.
The Office of Personnel Management last week took a huge step toward aligning the locality pay maps for employees on the Federal Wage System and General Schedule.
Read More
With the election approaching Marcial Gomez talks about what’s on the line for TSA employees and his concerns about Project 2025.
Read More
Members of AFGE’s DEFCON Steering Group met along with AFGE staff and elected leaders to discuss ways to better serve employees throughout the DoD in the year ahead.
Read More
