International Union Convention Photos
Welcome to IU Convention!!
These are the various photos that were taken during the 47th Annual IU (International Union) Convention. The first collage of photos were pictures taken from around the city proper of Chicago. After session closes for the day, Delegates are encouraged to go out into the hosting city. From the boats off of Lake Michigan at the Navy Pier to the city skyline at night in the Canal Park area. Chicago offers a lot more than just deep dish style pizza and the Chicago Hot Dog. Recognized as the birthplace of the steel-framed skyscraper, you will get the chance to see the Willis Tower (with the Skydeck Ledge) and historic boat cruises along the river. As you can see in the photo to the left Millennium Park also has the Centennial Ferris Wheel. Chicago is also the birthplace of house music, electric blues, gospel and juke/footwork!!
Congratulations to Carrington Melton for being awarded the "AFSCME Never Quit " Service Award!! This award is a national honor to recognize public service workers who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve their communittees with exceptional dedication, commitment to helping others and tireless everyday efforts that visibly improve public spaces and essential services.
IU Convention has several moving parts. Delegates got to meet the previous IU President Lee Saunders. Meet up with old friends and make new ones along the way. Session time is when your elected delegates are hard at work voting on different Amendments and lengthy Resolutions.
Delegates get to see various exhibits like interactive booths, Union history and live entertainments. A few of the booths were the 90th Anniversary Booth that showcased milestones and key moments from AFSCME's 90 year history on the front lines of the labor movement. The PEOPLE Booth where you could purchase official Union items. The Retiree Booth that provided retirement planning and opportunities to connect with local retirees. A "Get Loud" stage with keynote speakers like Tom Morello, pin trading and a silent disco.
While attending session at the IU Convention, Delegates learned that the Shed Aquarium employees were unionizing and trying to get their very 1st contract. All delegates United and rallied at the Shed Aquarium to show their Administration that the Green Machine was in the house! This rally was a sea of green and made it on the news!
As you can also see there were well over 100,000 delegates in attendance. Session times got busy and filled with debates! Some were passionate while others spoke in strong opposition for the Resolutions and Amendments that were presented. At any meeting everyone's favorite part is "calling the question" and "motion to adjourn".
Like any good Convention, it has a beginning and an end. Local 1092 Delegates met up with other Minnesota Delegates from different locals at the train station. This was unique way to travel to and from the Convention hosting city. Being able to see the sights and experience a breakdown or two keeps the trip interesting in more ways then one!!
Thank you again, Chicago, for hosting the 47th Annual AFSCME International Convention!
Remember to contact your Local E-Board if you are interested in attending events like these. There is significant value in building bonds, knowledge and experiences within these events!
In Solidarity - Local 1092 E-Board