From Long Island, With Solidarity: Local 1843 Takes Their Message to Capitol Hill
January 15, 2016
Categories:
Member Profile, Labor
“I left with a greater sense of what boots on the ground means for union activism,” AFGE Local 1843 Secretary Matt Bessell said after the Long Island Federation of Labor Local Union Leadership Training with local President Tim McLaughlin.
Three ways this eye-opening experience fired up these activists:
1. Connecting with people who care about Long Island labor.
The event brought together Long Island union activists from every profession such as building trades, retail, and other unions. It even brought them to Washington, D.C., where the group traveled to meet with their congressional representatives and AFL-CIO leaders. McLaughlin and Bessell even were given a personal tour of the Capitol by their House representative, Congressman Steve Israel.
2. Learning from our past.
McLaughlin and Bessell were inspired to learn about labor history, ethical conduct for unions, collective bargaining, negotiation training and practice, legislative issues, internal union communications and administration, and local economic development issues.
“This was our first time being able to participate in this training since our local recently became affiliated with the state federation in 2014,” said Bessell. “The tradition will certainly continue.”
3. Paving the way for our future—together.
The training ensured that these AFGE leaders will have a shared future will their fellow Long Island union activists.
“It gave me a much greater appreciation for the solidarity shared between AFGE members and the diverse membership of other local unions who walk with us in solidarity for fair pay, justice, and respect,” Bessell said.
“Local unions walk with us in solidarity for fair pay, justice, and respect.”—Matt Bessell
McLaughlin and Bessell encourage all AFGE members to get involved with their local state federation and take advantage of similar trainings that may be available in your area.
Click here to find a state or local AFL-CIO and get connected, and follow Local 1843 on Facebook.
