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62nd Annual Convention Honors Power of Working People

Jeremy Sprinkle
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Count me in!

We kicked off our 62nd Annual Convention in Charlotte, Thursday, Sept. 19. The two-day convention brought together labor, community, and political leaders from across the state to discuss ways to fight for a better future through organizing, political power, and community building.

Click here to support UNITE HERE by calling on American Airlines to make sure one job is enough to survive in Charlotte!

During the convention, delegates joined UNITE HERE airport catering workers who are fighting for dignity from American Airlines with their “#1Job is Enough” campaign. Attendees walked picket lines with members of the United Auto Workers who are on strike to win fair wages, a fair share of profits, job security, and affordable healthcare at General Motors in Charlotte.  And immediately following the convention, people supported the Farm Labor Organizing Committee with a solidarity picket in their “Boycott Vuse” campaign. 

Support GM Workers on the picket line in Charlotte!

Featured speakers this year included UNITE HERE President D. Taylor, AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson, IAMAW Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, Charlotte City Councilmember and IATSE member Braxton Winston, and CWA member Yvonne Kinston, candidate for Fayetteville City Council.

One of the convention highlights each year is the presentation of the PR Latta Award for outstanding service to the labor movement. The award is named for named for PR Latta, a longtime labor leader with the Communications Workers of America who passed away in 2014 at the age of 95. This year’s award went to IAMAW Victory Lodge 1725 in Charlotte.

“I was really excited to bring together so many diverse voices at this year’s convention,” said MaryBe McMillan, President of the North Carolina AFL-CIO.

“Working people across North Carolina are on the rise, and we are continuing to build our power on the job, in our communities, and through our political program. I am confident that by working together, we can make our state a better place for working people.”