RWDSU Convention Closing Day
Saturday, March 3, 2018
The second and final day of the RWDSU Convention featured addresses by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, and United We Dream Executive Director Cristina Jimenez. The session also saw the re-election of RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU Secretary-Treasurer Jack Wurm, and Recorder Joseph Dorismond. Several resolutions were considered and passed, including one to urge Ivanka Trump to sign on to the Bangladesh Accord, which many other clothing companies have signed to ensure safer workplaces for garment workers in Bangladesh. Trump has so far refused to sign the Accord, despite the fact that thousands of garment workers have been injured or killed in unsafe workplaces in Bangladesh.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio didn't let the northeast storm keep him away from the RWDSU Convention. The Mayor spoke with the Convention via Skype, praising the RWDSU as an organization that "helps improve the lives of working people, which helps lift us all higher."
De Blasio said he's proud to work with the RWDSU on important issues that help build stronger communities in New York City.
President Stuart Appelbaum
Secretary-Treasurer Jack Wurm
Recorder Joseph Dorismond
(above) Global unions Federacion de Servicios de CCOO, Handels, and Unionen were given an award recognizing their efforts in helping workers around the world.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
(above) Fruit of Labor Singing Ensemble - a group of labor activists from North Carolina - brought music of inspiration and action to the convention floor.