Wisconsin State AFL-CIO 32nd Biennial Convention

Monday & Tuesday, September 19 & 20, 2022

Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor's ClubMadison, Wisconsin

Delegates

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 05:25pm

Towards a Better Wisconsin

Thank You Brothers and Sisters

That brings us to the end of the 2022 Wisconsin AFL-CIO Convention! Thank you to the Madison Concourse Hotel, the union workers who ran every aspect of the show, to the vendors, the sponsors and the guest speakers who traveled to Madison for these special appearances. But most of all thank you to the delegates, our brothers and sisters in the fight for dignity and fairness in the workplace.

Congratulations to President Bloomingdale on winning her 2nd term in office.

A dear thank you to retiring Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Delie, USW, thank you for 50 years of dedication to the union cause.

And a big welcome to newly elected Secretary-Treasurer Marcos Alfaro, USW.

Here’s to all Wisconsin workers. We stand in solidarity together. We will never give up the fight. When we Organize and Mobilize we Win!

President Stephanie Bloomingdale after her re-election speech.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 05:21pm

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 05:20pm

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 04:18pm

Workers’ soundtrack

The 32nd Convention’s Music Playlist

Stay inspired with our Spotify playlist from the 2022 32nd Biennial Convention in Madison:

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 04:12pm

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 04:10pm

It’s official!

Swearing In

Justice Dallet Swearing in the executive board and officers of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 04:07pm

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 04:05pm

Speaking up

Hearing From Delegates

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 02:56pm

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 02:33pm

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Tuesday, September 20, 2022 02:21pm

Laura Dresser addressing the convention hall.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 12:21pm

A panel discussion

New Union Organizing in Wisconsin

After AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler gave her remarks at the convention, she conducted a panel discussion with several workers who have recently organized their workplaces. Participants in the discussion were IBEW Local 494 member and Colectivo Coffee worker Hillary Laskonis, IAMAW Lodge 66 member and Milwaukee Art Museum worker Anne Wiberg, IAMAW District 10 Organizer Game Workers Alliance-CWA and Raven Software worker Erin Hall, Workers United member and Starbucks worker Evan McKenzie, and IBEW Local 2150 member and Ingeteam worker Akinlana “A.K.” Abdalla. The panelists shared their stories of their successful organizing efforts and detailed the struggles it took to get there. Common themes emerged across their stories including persistent and often illegal union busting activities by employers, attempts by employers to divide workers and the strength and determination of workers in forming unions once those barriers were overcome.

Hillary Laskonis, IBEW Local 494.
Anne Wiberg, Machinists Union District 10.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler engages with the panel.
Erin Hall, Game Workers Alliance CWA.
AK Abdalla, IBEW Local 2150.
President Shuler grabs a photo with panelist Evan McKenzie, Starbucks Workers United.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 12:15pm

The workers of Wisconsin thank you!

Organizing Award Presentations

This year four IBEW Local 2150 members were presented with awards in recognition of outstanding organizing work to grow the labor movement. The recipients of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO 2022 Organizing Awards are: Daniel Furru, AK Abdalla, Sabino Garcia and Magnolia Taylor (not pictured).

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 12:02pm

The rise of organizing

AFL-CIO President Shuler Addresses Delegates

On the 100th day since her historic election in June, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler addressed the delegates and guests of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO 32nd Biennial Convention. In her remarks, President Shuler talked about the rise of organizing that has taken place across the country and in Wisconsin. “Just look at the support you’ve been providing to UAW Local 180 workers who’ve been on strike for months at Case New Holland in Racine … and to the UW nurses who have been without union recognition for years and were prepared to strike for better working conditions,” Shuler said. “That’s what our federation is about - looking out for one another, making each other’s fights our fights,” she said. Shuler also tied in the importance of the midterm elections in November. “We’re going to re-elect Governor Evers! When Governor Evers heard about the UW nurses’ fight, he got involved and helped them find a real path forward to help them get back into a union. That’s a pro-worker champion and we need to make sure he wins in November!” Shuler said. “We’re going to send Ron Johnson packing and send Mandela Barnes - who comes from a union family and knows the union difference - to Washington,” she declared.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler spends her 100th day in office addressing delegates in Madison, Wisconsin.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 11:02am

What we stand for.

Delegates Discuss Resolutions

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 10:30am

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 10:25am

Progress and midterms

Bill Samuel from National AFL-CIO

Bill Samuel, legislative director for the national AFL-CIO addressed the convention on Tuesday and reviewed the long list of national policies that have been advanced by the Biden Administration and how it all is working to improve the lives of working people everywhere. Samuel discussed the massive investment in infrastructure and the Biden Administration’s orders that PLAs be used in all sizable projects. Samuel discussed the appointments the Biden Administration has made like naming Marty Walsh as Secretary of Labor and the appointment of worker friendly members of the NLRB. He connected all the progress to the need to win in the midterm elections in order to keep up the progress. “Keep fighting, keep organizing and keep voting!” Samuel told the delegates.

Bill Samuel is legislative director for the national AFL-CIO.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 10:20am

Public Health Nurse

Sara Rodriguez Running for Lt. Governor

Sara Rodriguez, candidate for Lt. Governor, spoke before the convention on Tuesday. Rodriguez talked about her work as a public health nurse as the lens through which she views her various positions of public service. “I can think of nothing more critical to our daily lives than re-electing Governor Evers’ in November,” she said. “I know there is more that unites us, than divides us, and that’s how we’re going to win this election,” Rodriguez said.

Sara Rodriguez, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 10:11am

On inclusivity

State Representative Kalan Haywood

State Representative Kalan Haywood addressed the delegates of the convention Tuesday morning and congratulated them for all of the progress unions have been making through the years. Haywood also commended unions for being inclusive organizations that have increasingly counted women, immigrants and people of color among our ranks. “I am here to celebrate those successes,” Haywood said.

State Representative Kalan Haywood.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 09:54am

For future generations

Investing in Wisconsin Higher Education

Jon Shelton, AFT Wisconsin.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 09:44am

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 09:40am

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 09:35am

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 09:25am

Championing Tony Evers

Wisconsin DoR Secretary Peter Barca

Wisconsin Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca addressed the convention on Tuesday. Barca, a former union member himself, proudly declared himself an ally of labor and made the case for re-electing Governor Evers in November. “Tony Evers is the most pro-labor governor Wisconsin has had in a half century,” Barca said. Barca touted the strong fiscal situation in Wisconsin as proof of Evers’ effective stewardship of the state’s finances. He also pointed to Evers’ working class tax cuts and credits as an added benefit of the governor’s fiscal policies. Finally, Barca pointed to Governor Evers’ determination to protect collective bargaining rights and repeal Wisconsin’s right to work law and said that he will continue to push to do just that.

Peter Barca is a former union member.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 09:10am

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 09:00am

Together again!

We Are Ready for Day Two

Frank Riedijk, IAMAW Local 55
Sam Schumacher, Workers United Local 65 and Chanell Biami, Workers United CMRJB
Kirk, IATSE Local 251, at the wheel.
Teresa Mambu-Rasch, WI AFL-CIO Research and Legislative Director and Karen Hickey, WI AFL-CIO Communications Director.
Monday, September 19, 2022 07:56pm

The celebrations continue

Monday Night Delegate Reception

After Monday’s rousing conference session delegates were excited to meet up for a cocktail party at CIRC on the first floor of the Madison Concourse Hotel. Newly re-elected President Bloomingdale had a chance to mingle and share stories with fellow union brothers and sisters.

Monday, September 19, 2022 05:24pm

Monday, September 19, 2022 05:16pm

Monday, September 19, 2022 05:12pm

Protect the right to organize

U.S. Senate Candidate Mandela Barnes

U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes closed out the first day of the convention and rallied everyone to get involved in his race. “I am so proud to stand in solidarity with all of you,” Barnes said. “We don’t want handouts, we just want a fair shot,” he said. “And we want dignity at work, and with Ron Johnson in the Senate we’re just not getting that,” he said. “People can trust that I will go to the mat to protect the right to organize, and of course we need to pass the PRO Act,” Barnes said to thunderous applause.

Monday, September 19, 2022 05:05pm

Monday, September 19, 2022 05:00pm

Monday, September 19, 2022 04:30pm

In support of Mandela Barnes

Professor Bill Holahan

Bill Holahan, professor emeritus of economics at UW Milwaukee, gave a presentation to the convention on macroeconomics and how the policy priorities that we fight for actually better the lives of working people. Professor Holahan reviewed how investment in infrastructure and workers actually saves on costs and bolsters productivity. “The most fundamental asset of any nation is its people,” Holahan said.

Professor Bill Holahan addresses the convention delegates.
Monday, September 19, 2022 04:12pm

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Monday, September 19, 2022 01:55pm

Monday, September 19, 2022 01:47pm

Delegates Returning From Break

Jake Bailey President, UFCW 1473 and Brian Romanowich, UFCW Local 1473.
Kevin McDonald and John Swan III hand out the afternoon materials.
Cindy Czappa, USW Local 59
Mary Webber, CWA Local 4671 and Ann McNeary, CWA WI Political Council
William McClaren, Stage Employees Local 18 (IATSE)
Elda Salinas, UAW Local 578 signs a petition to keep tariffs on China in place.
Carina Smogoleski, USW Local 2-482
Jeremy Terlinser, Wisconsin State Council of Machinists
Carlos Ginard, Workers United - CMRJB and Robyn Schultz, Pride at Work - Milwaukee Area Chapter.
Paul Beimborn, Operating Engineers Local 420.
Monday, September 19, 2022 01:33pm

Alternates represent!

Afternoon Session Up Next

Monday, September 19, 2022 12:20pm

Some great services

Thanks to Our Vendors

Thank you to the vendors of the 32nd Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO for your sponsorship!

Wisconsin Vision
American Income
The American Deposit Management Co.
Care Plus Dental
Labor First
Humana
Included Health
Wilson-McShane
The Previant
Union Histories
The Alliance for American Manufacturing
Well Rithms
Helloheart
Union Plus
WRTP/BIG STEP
NVA

Check out these convention supporters.
Monday, September 19, 2022 12:04pm

For Wisconsin workers

Passed Resolutions

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO Convention passed a number of resolutions on Monday morning, including a resolution to strengthen our U.S. supply chain, a resolution to encourage the purchase of Wisconsin paper products and a resolution to improve workplace safety. Other resolutions included one to support call center consumer and worker protections, one to support the United States Post Office and build its next generation of delivery trucks with union labor in Oshkosh. The resolutions passed at the convention will guide the work of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO for the next four years.

Monday, September 19, 2022 12:00pm

Stepping up

Delegates Speaking on Resolutions

From behind the podium.
Michael Bink UAW speaks in support of a resolution to support good jobs in Oshkosh.
Kurtis Sauer UAW 578 Chief Steward
Thomas Stanislawski, Painters Local 579
Dawn Ahnen, NALC Wisconsin Sate
Listening to their union brothers and sisters.
Monday, September 19, 2022 11:53am

Running to replace Congressman Ron Kind

Wisconsin State Senator Brad Pfaff

Wisconsin State Senator and congressional candidate Brad Pfaff addressed the convention this morning, making his case to replace retiring Congressman Ron Kind in the 3rd congressional district. Pfaff, who is endorsed by the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, said “I am very proud to represent the values of the working families of West Central Wisconsin,” he said. “Let’s get out there, we have 50 days!”

Monday, September 19, 2022 11:52am

Monday, September 19, 2022 11:51am

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Monday, September 19, 2022 11:19am

Monday, September 19, 2022 11:05am

Invest in our workforce

Scott Paul on Trade and Infrastructure

Scott Paul with the Alliance for American Manufacturing spoke before the convention on Monday. In his remarks, Paul discussed the harm that bad trade policies have had for working people in our communities. He also talked about infrastructure investment and its importance for our local economies. Finally, Paul called for continued and increased investment in our workforce as a means of making sure we create good jobs now and in the future. “This is the most manufacturing intensive state in the country,” Paul Said.

Monday, September 19, 2022 11:01am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:51am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:49am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:48am

Getting out the vote

State Senator Melissa Agard Rallies for Midterm Turnout

Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Agard addressed the convention this morning and rallied those in attendance to action for the midterm elections. She implored delegates and guests to do everything in their power to re-elect Governor Evers and Attorney-General Kaul and to elect Mandela Barnes to the US Senate. Senator Agard also emphasized the need to elect pro-worker candidates to the state legislature to stop the extremist attacks on our freedoms that is happening across the Country.

Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Agard
Monday, September 19, 2022 10:47am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:46am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:40am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:32am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:30am

Opening Ceremony

The Presentation of Colors

Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin.
Monday, September 19, 2022 10:22am

Mahlon Mitchell Presents the Honor Guard

Mahlon Mitchell, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin.
Monday, September 19, 2022 10:18am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:15am

And We’re Live!

Opening Ceremonies Underway

President Stephanie Bloomingdale called the 32nd biennial Convention of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO to Order. Mahlon Mitchell, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, and the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Honor Guard proceeded with opening ceremonies with the Presentation of the Colors and Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Sheila Stubbs provided the Invocation. Kevin Gundlach, President of the South Central Federation of Labor provided a welcome to delegates. We are ready for an energizing and motivating convention!

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:09am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:09am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:08am

Monday, September 19, 2022 10:03am

Monday, September 19, 2022 09:40am

Almost underway

Delegates are Assembling

Kurtis Sauer and Robert Link, UAW Local 578.
Thomas Stawicki and Scott Tate.
Decorah Gordon IBEW 2150.
Elliott Anderson, Alex Tetzlaff and Mark Maierle, Operating Engineers Local 420.
Trae James, Plasterers-Cement Masons Local 599 and Ben Mau, Laborers Local 464.
Lee Pallan, Mark Lovell and Ron Romback.
Timothy Baeten and Eugene Hyler up front.
Jon Shelton, AFT Wisconsin and Ben Delie AFSCME Local 3055.
Monday, September 19, 2022 09:25am

Here to help

Sergeants-at-Arms

Joe Nicosia, Scott Bartz and Frank Rodriguez.
Ian Marten.
Monday, September 19, 2022 09:18am

The technical team is ready

At the Controls

These pros have it covered.
Ready for the start of the convention.
Monday, September 19, 2022 08:04am

Kicking off

Organize, Mobilize, Win 2022

The 32nd Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is kicking off today, Monday, September 19, 2022 at the Madison Concourse and Governor’s Club. Delegates will elect new federation officers and Executive Board members, set the agenda of the organization and strategize innovative ways to lead the Wisconsin labor movement forward.

Delegates will hear from thought and policy leaders, organizers, union leaders and politicians, including Governor Tony Evers, Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Attorney General Josh Kaul, COWS Associate Director Laura Dresser, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing Scott Paul, Representative Sara Rodriguez, Senator Brad Pfaff candidate of Congress District 3, Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca and more!

Sunday, September 18, 2022 03:30pm

Laptop at the ready

Newly Registered

Jake Bailey President, UFCW 1473.
Sunday, September 18, 2022 03:24pm

Pen at the ready

Help at the Registration Table

Kevin McDonald with the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Local 311.
Sunday, September 18, 2022 03:20pm

All checked in!

Ready with Resolutions

Steve Breitlow, UA Local 75, has his copy of the resolutions!
Sunday, September 18, 2022 02:56pm

Time to register

Welcome Delegates!

Jim helps register the first of the convention delegates.
Sunday, September 18, 2022 01:44pm

Lots of attendees expected!

Assembling Name Tags

Linda Sadowski and Dave Branson attach lanyards to the delegate name tags.
Sunday, September 18, 2022 01:05pm

It takes many hands!

Getting Ready for the Delegates

Linda OPEIU Local 9 and Jason CWA sort names for the delegate name tags.
Sunday, September 18, 2022 12:54pm

The set-up pros!

More Help From IATSE

Spencer IATSE Local 18 and Alex IATSE Local 251 are here to help set-up the convention.
Sunday, September 18, 2022 11:51am

IATSE Hard at Work

Behind the Scenes

Kirk (center), an IATSE Local 251 Madison cameraman, and his fellow workers busy double-checking plans during convention set-up.
Saturday, September 17, 2022 02:02pm

Key Info!

Fast Facts about the 32nd Biennial Convention

Dates:
Monday, September 19
Tuesday, September 20

Convention Headquarters & Hotel:
Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club
1 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 800-356-8293 or 608-257-6000

Registration of Delegates and Guests:
Madison Concourse: Sunday, September 18, from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Resuming Monday, September 19 at 8:00 a.m.

Hashtags:
#organize
#mobilize
#win

Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisaflcio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wisaflcio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisaflcio/

In Downtown Madison.
Friday, September 16, 2022 08:07am

Welcome convention delegates!

Delegates Arrive in Madison

Thank you for joining us in the great city of Madison, a city chock-full of rich labor history and inspiring labor action. This week, we come together for the 32nd Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.

At this Convention, we will build power for workers through the state federation by engaging union leaders and union members on issues that matter most to working families. We will elect officers of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. This will be the last convention with Dennis Delie as our Secretary-Treasurer. Nominations and election of Wisconsin AFL-CIO Officers and Executive Board members will take place. Our democratically elected officers and board will lead our organization into the future.

Issues of new organizing, strike assistance, safety on the job, higher wages, fighting inflation, infrastructure investment and more. We’ll organize our brothers and sisters, worksite by worksite and person by person. We will strategize how to best support new organizing campaigns and ways to make our movement the most welcoming it can be. We’ll strengthen the grassroots energy that’s already rallying workers to build membership across our movement. When we organize and mobilize, we win.

Milwaukee members of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 01:39pm

2022 Convention

Preparations for 32nd Biennial Convention Underway!

Coming off a historic Labor Day in Wisconsin, with a Presidential visit to Milwaukee’s Laborfest and celebrations across the state, Wisconsin union members are preparing for the 32nd biennial convention of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. The 32nd biennial Wisconsin AFL-CIO Convention will be held September 19 and September 20 at the Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison. This year’s convention theme is Organize, Mobilize, Win.

Convention delegates will hear from a variety of elected officials, labor leaders, organizers, labor economists, thought leaders and more. Get ready for an exciting week in Madison!

We gather during a time of unprecedented worker action and organizing. All across our state and country, working people are demanding a better deal by joining together to claim our seat at the table. Working Wisconsinites from all sectors will gather this week to organize our membership, mobilize for the future, and win for working people.

President Biden speaks at Laborfest in Milwaukee, Monday September 5, 2022.