AFGE delegates attending AFGE’s 40th National Convention in Orlando have re-elected the union’s top three national officers.
National President J. David Cox Sr., National Secretary-Treasurer Eugene Hudson Jr., and National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices Augusta Y. Thomas all were returned to office for another three-year term. Cox and Hudson were first elected in 2012, while Thomas was first elected in 2009.
Cox won the top office with 63 percent of the votes. Dana Duggins, executive vice president of the National Council of SSA Field Operations Locals Council 220, received 21 percent of the vote. Alex Bastani, president of AFGE Local 12, received 11 percent. David Owens, retired chairman of AFGE’s Air Force Caucus, received 5 percent.
In the race for National Secretary-Treasurer, Eugene Hudson ran unopposed and was re-elected by acclamation.
Augusta Thomas was re-elected as National Vice President for Women and Fair Practices with 75 percent of the vote. Jacob Baker, main unit vice president of AFGE Local 1770, received 25 percent of the vote.
The officers were sworn in on Thursday by AFGE President Emeritus Bobby Harnage and National Secretary Treasurer Emeritus Rita Mason.
Thomas thanked the delegates for allowing her to finish what she had started: the AFGE Y.O.U.N.G and Pride programs. Hudson vowed to be a good steward of the union’s finances. Cox urged unity and solidarity to move the union forward.
“I’m firmly convinced AFGE and all the great entities in this room will fight like hell against every one of those people that want to take our jobs, contract out our jobs, take our collective bargaining rights, and shut down our units. Are you with me brothers and sisters,” Cox asked the delegates, which showed their approval with thundering applause. “Let’s grow this union. Let’s make this union number 1 in everything!”
More than 1,500 delegates attended the convention, which concluded on Friday.