Wisconsin State AFL-CIO 32nd Biennial Convention

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!

Our PFFW Leadership representing our membership at the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Convention. Pictured here with President Stephanie Bloomingdale and S/T Marcos Alfaro. pic.twitter.com/Ts8r7c5CdF

— Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin (@PFFW) September 21, 2022

It's been a busy couple days for Peter Couto of Local 212 and @prof_shelton VP of Higher Ed at the @wisaflcio convention! Peter shared some of his thoughts on it all. pic.twitter.com/sVq4bZ1Huh

— AFT-Wisconsin (@AFTWisconsin) September 21, 2022

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

A tradition. Closing the WI AFL-CIO Convention with Solidarity Forever. pic.twitter.com/TAdvkvIa87

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

WI Supreme Court Dallet swears in new WI AFL-CIO Officers and Executive Board members. pic.twitter.com/2aBqx8ZX0S

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Delegate Schultz (IATSE) and delegate Gordon (IBEW) speak in support of the resolution on advancing a diverse and inclusive labor movement that welcomes all workers. pic.twitter.com/ySPvpgunxR

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Delegates speak to resolutions on immigration reform and retirement security for all workers. pic.twitter.com/Y8LXpHoZHs

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Stephen Cousins and Jason Miller, AFL-CIO, going over Labor 2022 work ahead. Ready to work for candidates that support workers. pic.twitter.com/gJSXsCs63H

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Farewell remarks from outgoing Sec.-Treas. Dennis Delie, USW. "I've been doing this work for 50 years. First as shop steward of my union. Then Secretary-Treasurer and President of my local. I am extremely humbled and honored to have served as your Secretary-Treasurer." pic.twitter.com/KYCfERXQRm

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Round of applause for our IATSE Local 251 crew -- Alex, TJ, Becca, Aaron, Kirk on camera (not pictured). Dustin (on sound yesterday). Erika setup on Sunday. And Nathaniel and Buckles with Studio Gear. @IATSE strong pic.twitter.com/wwNLp5tXPl

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Aaron Richardson -- WI AFL-CIO-endorsed candidate for State Treasurer takes the stage. pic.twitter.com/zmvwqIgrfa

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Laura Dresser, COWS, goes over the state of working Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/o1cHihS4qN

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

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.

What an inspiring worker-led panel on new union organizing in Wisconsin. Thank you to all the panelists for speaking out, standing up, and organizing your union! #WIunion #1u Shout out to @AFLCIO Pres. @LizShuler for moderating this great panel. pic.twitter.com/hcbQuN3ZhL

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

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).

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 @LizShuler: "Building power collectively is the only way to balance the scales. We're getting to basics. Back to organizing. Back to the workplaces. Back to one-on-one conversations." pic.twitter.com/uHtlzAn36M

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Resolution on organizing to move our country forward is adopted by delegates. "This is the heart and soul of our movement." pic.twitter.com/UtcMpvXFKk

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Resolution on fixing our broken labor law to build our middle class and support the next generation of workers passes. pic.twitter.com/lpVKL5FInK

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Congress is in session. Delegates heard special messages from Rep. Mark Pocan and Rep. Gwen Moore who are in Washington DC right now fighting for workers. pic.twitter.com/phqgdIO733

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

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.

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.

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.

Delegates rise in support of investing in the UW education System and WI Technical College System for accessible and affordable education for all. pic.twitter.com/mmJh7h0jPv

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Dean Warsh @ibewlocal494 speaks from the convention floor in support of stopping the one week "Walker Waiting Period" for those out of work to receive unemployment insurance. The resolution on opposing cuts to unemployment insurance is adopted by delegates. pic.twitter.com/W0CvN2RBEl

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Jeff Mehrhoff Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer IUPAT Painters Union DC 7 speaks in strong support of stopping worker misclassification which is stealing wages from and harming working people every day. This resolution is adopted by delegates. pic.twitter.com/ckIErFgzGe

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Resolutions continue. Up next resolutions on fixing worker misclassification, opposing cuts to unemployment insurance, and fully funding our community K-12 schools. Sister Feistel (USW) and Sister Gruber (OPEIU) guiding our resolution work this morning. pic.twitter.com/4V2D2Z5AAk

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

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.

Secretary of the Department of Revenue Peter Barca going over the state's fiscal health. State's fiscal health is the strongest it's been in half a century. This is why we need to re-elect Governor Tony Evers in 49 days. Taxes down, revenue up. pic.twitter.com/Epw6Udu25l

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Day 2 is underway. Rabbi Jonathan Biatch is providing the morning invocation. "We offer this prayer for all who labor with their body and soul." pic.twitter.com/PIUOZdLmzB

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

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.

Ready to unseat Ron Johnson this November and elect pro-worker, pro-union Senate candidate Mandela Barnes. pic.twitter.com/zD5Kehd7mu

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 20, 2022

Lt. Gov. and US Senate candidate and proud union family member Mandela Barnes stops by the 32nd biennial convention to loud cheers applause from the crowd! pic.twitter.com/P7yod6qhfz

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

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.

Vince Gallo UA 75 speaks in support of the resolution on safe training and licensing standards for safe services and communities. pic.twitter.com/1UR9cGH95Q

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Mark Pelzek @afscme Council 32 reads a Resolution on safe licensing standards. pic.twitter.com/BKa4CqNx3b

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

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.

Kent Miller @WILaborers speaks from the convention floor in support of the Infrastructure Investment for a Strong Economy Resolution. pic.twitter.com/bHqSj1khxH

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Union members are ready to get to work to re-elect Tony Evers as Governor of Wisconsin this November. We won't go backwards to the dark days of anti-worker politicians. pic.twitter.com/u8cNAIiTMd

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Governor Tony Evers in the house! Delegates are on their feet. #WIunion #organize #mobilize #win pic.twitter.com/EAlBW14VKK

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Marcos Alfaro USW has been elected the new Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. Congrats to the Bloomingdale-Alfaro Team. #organize #mobilize #Win pic.twitter.com/YKaZYEN7IT

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Thank you and congrats to outgoing WI AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Delie (USW) who is retiring at this convention. pic.twitter.com/fEV5mBs2iE

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Ready to win in 2022 and beyond with @s_Bloomingdale unanimously re-elected as Wisconsin AFL-CI0 President. pic.twitter.com/Nfq98sIMqk

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

President Bloomingdale delivering a rousing acceptance speech. pic.twitter.com/zJtEh1c502

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Brother Breitlow also comes to the podium to third the nomination of Stephanie Bloomingdale to President of the WI AFL-CIO. pic.twitter.com/BMWaIRWphS

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Alex Hoekstra @MachinistsUnion District 10 seconds the nomination of @s_Bloomingdale for President at the 32nd biennial convention of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. pic.twitter.com/oE2ZSvtINb

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Nominations for President. Connie Smith President of @WFNHP nominates @s_Bloomingdale to the office of President. "Seventeen years ago my life changed when I met Stephanie and joined my union." #WIUnion pic.twitter.com/KOqU7irEig

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Special message from POTUS kicks off the afternoon! #WIUnion #1u pic.twitter.com/UDxEgGFeaN

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

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

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.

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!”

"We need an NLRB that has teeth. That we have trade policies that work. We have to invest in infrastructure." Sen. Brad Pfaff telling delegates his plans to advance Wisconsin if elected to Congress this fall. pic.twitter.com/JvmFJzkhFa

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Andrew Stark with UAW Brewery workers Local 9 stands and speaks from the convention floor in support of the resolution to make USPS trucks union made in Oshkosh. pic.twitter.com/sWNMHUIfQx

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

"There is no reason other than pure greed that we are not building this postal truck. We have the facility. We have the ability. We have the workforce." says UAW 578 President Lynk. pic.twitter.com/NWIlxjAyTa

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Delegate Gruber reads resolutions on supply chains, Buy Wisconsin-made Paper, Workplace Health and Safety. pic.twitter.com/XaLKtZ5d4B

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Sally Feistel, Chair of the Legislation Committee and USW Sub-District Director, puts for the slate of resolutions adopted by the committee during their Sunday meeting. pic.twitter.com/Dz0Ez3rlfx

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Getting down to business. Resolution time. Voting together on our priorities going forward. pic.twitter.com/RWBEYRrulb

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

A special message from Senator Tammy Baldwin plays in the convention hall. pic.twitter.com/gqDYockEvi

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

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.

Scott Paul, @KeepitMadeinUSA talks industrial policy and shaping the economy we want to see for workers. #organize #mobilize #win pic.twitter.com/reVXcMz1pr

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Steve Breitlow, Plumbers Local 75, concludes the report on the Secretary-Treasurer's Committee and is adopted by delegates. pic.twitter.com/CBLLdxLD4b

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Secretary Treasurer Delie calls Brother Breitlow to the podium to read the Secretary Treasurer's Committee Report. pic.twitter.com/tbrF2wyOTV

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

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.

Bob Stone, IBEW Local 2150, reports of the Credentials Committee. pic.twitter.com/Djura1ZfTm

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Greg Tennyson CWA reads the report of the rules committee. pic.twitter.com/ckAZw0aUMR

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

"We're still here. We're still strong. This is a union town and a union state." -says South Central Federation of Labor Pres Kevin Gundlach pic.twitter.com/C2O0EuEFaW

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Pastor Shelia Stubbs providing the invocation to start the morning. "It is great to gather with brethren. Bless our unions." pic.twitter.com/f3HyGAdFSF

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

President Bloomingdale ready to gavel in to kick off the 32nd biennial convention Organize, Mobilize, Win. @s_Bloomingdale pic.twitter.com/PAOuCqCC4n

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

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!

United Association ready to roll at the WI AFL-CIO Convention pic.twitter.com/2gfY2eT3vT

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

CWA @CWAUnion delegates ready to start the day. Follow convention updates at https://t.co/4eaN6ldRYk pic.twitter.com/Ta4KMW1Ssd

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

IBEW strong pic.twitter.com/OLK1SLVwdN

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 2022

Letter Carrier delegates at the 32nd biennial WI AFL-CIO Convention. @NALC_National pic.twitter.com/EXr3DeEjjA

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 19, 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!

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/

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.

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.