AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride delivered her keynote speech Tuesday at our union’s 46th International Convention in Los Angeles.
Addressing thousands of delegates from communities across the country, McBride urged them to seize on our union’s momentum, on the resurgence of worker power, and grasp what she called, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “the fierce urgency of now.”
“In every corner of this country, workers are rising up,” she said. “Whether you are a social worker, or a health care provider, or public safety officer, there is a place for you in our movement. Every new worker who joins us, gives all of us greater strength. And that is exactly what terrifies bosses and billionaires the most: a working class that stands up when they tell us to sit down.”
McBride delivered the speech a day after AFSCME President Lee Saunders announced a “Fearless Agenda” for the future of our union, and on the same day that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in this year’s presidential election, addressed the delegates.
McBride said AFSCME members must continue to fight for the freedoms that define the labor movement.
“We will not be put down or pushed aside because we must stand up for our freedoms,” she said. “Our freedom to retire with dignity. Our freedom to enjoy time off with a new baby or take a loved one to the doctor. Our freedom to organize and bargain collectively.”
Our union is already powerful, and we have the wind at our back, McBride said. But we must not be complacent.
“These are the moments when I think of a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” she said. “’We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous, positive action.”
We must make our union a more welcoming place for all our co-workers, McBride said, and by setting ambitious goals.
One of our union’s goals for the next few months must be to do everything in our power to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to the White House.
“One of the best places to start is with voter registration,” she said. “Because our voices have more power when we vote and we speak on behalf of other members who vote.”
She encouraged delegates to be fearless about the task and challenges ahead.
“Do not be daunted by the big goals,” McBride said. “We have done it before, we will do it again! This week is the perfect opportunity to think about what goals you want to set with other local union leaders when you return home.”
