Planning For The Future!

The 7th Annual Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO Leadership Conference was a great success. I want to thank everyone who took time from their schedules to attend and to actively participate and provide feedback about the sessions so we can continue to respond to the comments and make the Conference relevant to future attendees.

AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Liz Shuler kicked off the Conference on Monday morning with a speech that stressed the importance of opening the doors of the house of labor to a younger worker force; while at the same time asking our current leaders and activists to be even more vigorous in taking worker’s voices to the forefront of an agenda for job creation and economic recovery.

Secretary-Treasurer Shuler was realistic about the uphill battle we have facing us in many areas of our agenda – a new jobs bill, healthcare reform, and the Employee Free Choice Act. While she didn’t shy away from the challenges, she also gave the audience a real energy and enthusiasm to keep fighting.

Other highlights included a session with journalist Phil Dine, author of State of the Unions; and a preview of Labor 2010 with AFL-CIO Political Director Karen Ackerman.

Also as part of the Conference this year, all in attendance participated in “Strategic Planning Breakout Sessions” designed to have people think through what programs of the Council were vital and important to the role of organized labor in Philadelphia; and to think about how participation from the local affiliates could be increased in these areas. All of the breakouts were lively discussions and I know we’ll be able to successfully use the results as stepping off points to the continued growth of the Council.

In 2010, we’re looking to have much more interaction with our affiliates and the members of our affiliate unions. There are a lot of ways to be involved in the work of the Council – through standing Committees, delegate meetings, assisting with yearly events like Labor Day, and through the political mobilization program. The strength of the labor movement in Philadelphia depends on how often we pull together and work together and this year we’ll redouble our efforts to bring all of you together as much as possible. And we’ll be counting on you to donate your time and talents to enhance labor’s voice in Philadelphia.

Visit the Philadelphia Council online.
The Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO has a new website at http://pa.aflcio.org/philaflcio/ and we’re now on Facebook! To become a fan on Facebook simply log in and search for “Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO”.

In Memoriam: Howard Deck

Howard Deck, President of AFSCME District Council 47 Local 590, passed away earlier this month. Howard one of the original organizers of AFSCME 590 in the 1960’s and served as its only President. He was a true trade unionist and a supporter of many progressive causes. In recent years, he always shared his knowledge and passion with those newer to the movement. He will be truly missed by all of us lucky enough to have called him colleague and friend. Donations in Howard’s memory can be made to any of the following: American Friends Service Committee (1515 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102-1403); Bartram’s Garden Annual Fund (54th and Lindbergh Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19143) or William Way Community Center (1315 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19107-5601).

Black History Month.

Did you know? In the mid 1800s Philadelphia was known as “The Black Capital of Anti–Slavery,” because of the strong abolitionist presence here and such groups as The Philadelphia Female Anti–Slavery Society, The Philadelphia Young Men’s Anti–Slavery Society and The Philadelphia Anti–Slavery Society. For more little known black history facts go to www.biography.com/blackhistory/history/101-facts-little-known

Census 2010
In a few weeks the Census questionnaires will be mailed out. Please take 10 minutes to complete the form. Also the U.S. Census Bureau is now recruiting for Crew Leader, Assistant Crew Leader and Enumerator. Call toll free to schedule for a basic skills test at 1-866-861-2010 or visit them on line at ww.2010censusjobs.gov.