The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO 30th Biennial Convention WI AFL-CIO 30th Biennial Convention

A summary of the events and speeches from all three days of the convention is available here. Enjoy!

You asked for it and here it is - the Spotify playlist from the 2018 30th Biennial Convention in Milwaukee:

Special thanks to photographer Susan Ruggles, AFT 212 for capturing the convention in stunning color and detail. Check out the album on our Flickr page: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO 30th Biennial Convention

The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO enthusiastically announces the election two new leaders at the 30th Biennial Convention in Milwaukee.

An excerpt from his speech:

“Brothers and sisters, the seeds you planted in 2011 and nourished in the years that followed are alive and well today. 262,000 new members joined unions in 2017…and here’s the best part…three quarters of them were under the age of 35. Gallup just did a poll that found our approval at 62 percent…a 15-year high. And new research from MIT shows half of non-union workers would vote to organize today if given the chance. That’s more than 60 million people!

Something is happening in America. Collective action is on the rise. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen in my 50 years in the labor movement.

The teacher strikes. #MeToo. Black Lives Matter. Students speaking out for safer schools.

From coast to coast, and all over the heartland of America, ordinary people are recognizing that the best way to win is by standing with the person next to us. And as a labor movement, it is our job to ignite the flames of justice, not contain them.

That’s what we did in Missouri. Last month, voters there went to the polls to decide the future of right to work. And with more than 67 percent of the vote, the Show Me State sent that horrible law into the ash heap of history. It wasn’t even close! Democrats voted no. Half of Republicans voted no.

After the Supreme Court ruled against us in Janus, many pundits wondered if it would be the death of the labor movement. Well, brothers and sisters, they got their answer! The Chamber of Commerce said that, for every punch they threw, working people threw ten more. Even the Wall Street Journal warned CEOs that unions are on the attack.

Hell yeah, we are!”

Read Richard Trumka’s full remarks at AFL-CIO

Delegates to the 30th biennial Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Convention made history by electing Stephanie Bloomingdale (AFT) as the state federation’s first-ever woman president. She will serve alongside newly elected Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Delie (USW).

Speaking at the convention, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) honored the fighting spirit of retiring Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President Phil Neuenfeldt and told delegates, “I believe the hope and progress of 2018 were made possible by the heroes of 2011,” referring to the worker uprising following passage of Wisconsin Act 10. “Workers are on the march again. We’re writing a comeback story,” Trumka said.

Read more at Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO

Thank you delegates! #wintogether pic.twitter.com/Wafi9XjsYY

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2018

Solidarity forever. #wintogether pic.twitter.com/QyY2duMQFl

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2018

The Honorable Judge Pedro Colón swearing in new officers and Executive Board. #WinTogether pic.twitter.com/x5NE19p2IJ

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2018

"There's no place like Wisconsin!" says @rweingarten @AFTunion as she thanks delegates for their work over the convention and over the years fighting for worker rights! #WinTogether pic.twitter.com/774smXNH24

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2018

AFL-CIO's @CDrakeFairTrade giving trade update and NAFTA overview for #wintogether delegates

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2018

. @cmowley @WFNHP @AFTunion rises from #wintogether convention floor in support of resolution to protect safe professional licensing standards in Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/tUvi9386U5

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2018

Combat veteran Will Attig with the @unionveterans Council and UA Local 160 joins delegates. Vets issues are unions issues. #WinTogether

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2018

Will Attig @unionveterans "When veterans come home, we come home to a system that's rigged against the working class. I think that's a shame" #WinTogether pic.twitter.com/etDFBaxK8z

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 26, 2018

I came today to be with @wisaflcio, to support our brothers and sisters in the fight for dignity and respect. Respect that people like the Koch brothers and others using Walker as their tool tried to strip from the good people of Wisconsin. #WinTogether https://t.co/daCWY4ZsCX pic.twitter.com/7mPpAVxqKB

— Randi Weingarten (@rweingarten) September 26, 2018

Spoke to the @wisaflcio convention in Milwaukee today. Congratulations to Stephanie Bloomingdale on your election and thank you to Phil Neuenfeldt for your work fighting for working families in Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/JwcUwXSSd5

— Josh Kaul (@JoshKaulWI) September 25, 2018

Gordon Lafer: "Greedy corporations don't want workers organized. Want to keep you isolated and divided, meak and quiet."

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

I was honored to speak at the @wisaflcio Convention this morning. We have an unprecedented opportunity this November to elect new leaders for Wisconsin who will fight to preserve American jobs, protect workers' rights and grow our economy. Proud to join you in this fight! pic.twitter.com/rtrng70Ih1

— Dan Kohl (@DanKohlWI) September 25, 2018

Our Attorney General should stand up for rights of workers and the people says AG candidate Josh Kaul.

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

Great to hear from both Congresswoman Gwen Moore and gubernatorial candidate Tony Evers at the Join Fight #WinTogether 2018 convention pic.twitter.com/wwqvVroTje

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

By Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Richard Trumka came to Milwaukee Tuesday to fire up labor activists and tear into Gov. Scott Walker.

The national president of the AFL-CIO used his address at the group’s state convention to portray Walker as a “little puppet” of the billionaire Koch brothers.

Walker, the two-term Republican governor whose Act 10 crippled organized labor in 2011, faces Democrat Tony Evers in the fall.

“On November 6 we’re going to have one hell of a party — a Scott Walker retirement party,” Trumka said.

He indicated that the party would see labor gather at a union hotel and thank Walker for bringing it together.

“And then we’re going to put his sorry ass on a bus and send him back to Koch land where he belongs,” Trumka said.

Trumka also pushed back at Walker’s accusation that Evers is being “bought and paid for by the unions.”

Trumka said Evers will “represent workers” to try to raise wages and make sure people are employed.

Link: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

AFL-CIO Julie Greene: The more we talk to members, and talk about issues, not party or candidate, the more union families turn out. pic.twitter.com/iUbwWpPy1N

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

This morning I was proud to join @wisaflcio at their conference in Milwaukee. We must protect workers’ rights, raise wages, and ensure Wisconsin’s economy works for everyone. pic.twitter.com/bDmR75lDuJ

— Tony Evers (@Tony4WI) September 25, 2018

Brothers and sisters, when I think about the attacks against us…from corporations…from the Supreme Court…from anti-worker politicians like Scott Walker…I get angry. And sometimes, I even get discouraged.

But on the darkest of days, I remember something my grandmother used to tell me. Stana tupe benne. In Italian, it means: from everything comes some good.

Now you might be wondering….what good can come from Act 10 and Janus and the proposals to gut our financial, health care and retirement security? What good can come from a Supreme Court that rules with corporations 90 percent of the time and a nominee like Brett Kavanaugh who would push that number even higher?

What good can come from a governor and a president who have used their office to actively hurt working people?

The answer is this. The vicious attacks on our unions have brought us closer together.

"From coast to coast, and all over the heartland of America, ordinary people are recognizing that the best way to win is by standing with the person next to us. And as a labor movement, it is our job to ignite the flames of justice, not contain them." @RichardTrumka

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

"Workers are on the march again. We're writing a comeback story," says AFL-CIO President @RichardTrumka addressing delegates at the #wintogether convention

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

Evers: "Our roads are a mess. Our infrastructure is horrible. Infrastructure jobs are family supporting jobs. We're going to reverse that. We are going to fix the roads in the state of Wisconsin." #WinTogether

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

Tony Evers tells delegates at #WinTogether convention: "I believe we can reverse Right to Work. We can restore prevailing wage."

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

Wisconsin’s next Governor @Tony4WI addressing the @wisaflcio convention! “Here’s the deal, I’m going to win on November 6th!” #WinTogether #LIUNA #1u #wiunion #FeelThePower pic.twitter.com/qzIyL7FxSW

— Wisconsin Laborers (@WILaborers) September 25, 2018

@dankohlwi speaking at the @wisaflcio 30th Biennial Convention about how he will fight for working families when he is elected to Congress. #wintogether #wiunion #1u #IBEW @ Hyatt Regency… https://t.co/jcuBF4Ifwz

— IBEW Local 494 (@ibewlocal494) September 25, 2018

Laura Dresser, PhD, outlining 'Great Divergence' between productivity and compensation. "Someone else made out with all the money. That's the story of inequality in US" #WinTogether

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

Senator Jennifer Shilling giving overview of legislative battles of past and opportunities ahead. Thanks outgoing Pres. Neuenfeldt for his work and congratulates newly elected officers Bloomingdale and Delie. #WinTogether

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 25, 2018

By Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

On Tuesday, national AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will address the group.

Trumka is a long-time foe of Walker, who last week accused his Democratic rival Tony Evers of being “bought and paid for by the unions.”

The state AFL-CIO is going through a leadership transition. Phil Neuenfeldt is retiring after serving as president for eight years.

He was succeeded by Stephanie Bloomingdale, who was unanimously elected president Monday afternoon. Bloomingdale, formerly the secretary-treasurer, became the first woman to lead the state AFL-CIO.

…

Neuenfeldt was upbeat about labor’s chances this fall, noting a string of Democratic successes in special elections.

“You’re seeing more and more engagement, more and more involvement and people are ready for a change,” he said.

Neuenfeldt said his tenure has been “interesting” with all the labor law changes pushed through by Republicans, which he called a “low-wage strategy” for Wisconsin.

“No matter what they’ve thrown at us, we’ve stood together in solidarity, we continue to organize, we continue to build,” he said. “We’re continuing to be a force in the political world. That’s why they attack us so much. If they weren’t afraid of us they wouldn’t attack us.”

Bloomingdale said labor will “win in November. Working people are ready for a change in Wisconsin and union membership is united behind our candidate, Tony Evers.”

Complete article at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The crowd was moved by a touching tribute to Phil Neuenfeldt that included a photo slideshow of friends, family and union brothers and sisters over the years. The slideshow was set Tom Morello’s “Union Town” inspired by 2010 Wisconsin protests. Neuenfeldt was presented with Proclamations throughout the day for his service to working families from Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. Friends and former colleagues honored Phil by sharing workplace memories and stories. Jeannine Rivers, Milwaukee-based Jazz singer, sang Phil an acapella song to close out the afternoon’s tribute.

The first day of the convention wound down with a “Toast and Roast” of outgoing President Phil Neuenfeldt. The laugh-out-loud Roast was held at Vue on the 21st floor of the Hyatt Hotel. Over drinks and Phil’s favorite mash potato bar, delegates told stories and shared fond memories of Phil’s time in the labor movement. It is clear that many friendships have been forged with union members, union leaders and elected officials across the state during Phil’s tenure.

When it comes to strengthening unions and protecting workers rights, now is the time to take action! Thank you to @wisaflcio for your partnership and to Phil Neuenfeldt for your years of service to Wisconsin’s working men and women. pic.twitter.com/KhRxmM1BoD

— Tammy Baldwin (@tammybaldwin) September 24, 2018

Congratulations to Stephanie Bloomingdale -- the first woman elected to lead the @wisaflcio! #wiunion #wipolitics #1u pic.twitter.com/vGJk4b59jb

— MARY BOTTARI (@MARYBOTTARI) September 24, 2018

Congratulations to our newly elected WI AFL-CIO Officers! President-elect Stephanie Bloomingdale, the first woman elected President of the WI AFL-CIO and Secretary-Treasurer-elect Dennis Delie. #WIunion #WinTogether @s_Bloomingdale pic.twitter.com/5vKSN62mT4

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

"Don’t ask for our support if you’re afraid to show the world which side you are on. We are not a blue movement, we are not a red movement, we are the union movement." #WIunion #WinTogether @s_Bloomingdale
addressing Convention delegates

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

Congratulations to @s_Bloomingdale elected @wisaflcio President today. #WinTogether #1u pic.twitter.com/LHeOknx4QA

— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) September 24, 2018

"Brothers and sisters, now is the time we hold the liars and fools in Wisconsin accountable." - @s_Bloomingdale

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

"Without strong unions, working people are stuck on a treadmill, doomed to chase an American Dream that will never come." - WI AFL-CIO President-elect Stephanie Bloomingdale

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

"Brothers and sisters, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the trust you have placed in me on behalf of your members. I humbly accept the charge as your next Wisconsin State AFL-CIO president" newly elected President Stephanie @s_Bloomingdale pic.twitter.com/8iM1KfCOG3

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

Josh is an integral part in internal organizing of IBEW’s young workers. Business Manager of IBEW Local 159 Mike Grassy and WI AFL-CIO Officers presented the award.

Congratulations to Joshua Stern IBEW Local 159 on receiving The 2018 Organizing Award for his work in organizing young workers! #wintogether GO union! pic.twitter.com/4aAe67LHyW

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

"I'm sick of living in the Badger state with a weasel for Governor. " says @TheIronworkers #wintogether

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

"Always great to be with my union brothers and sisters, my union family." - @IronStache pic.twitter.com/rO4X5rWZ3L

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

Wisconsin’s next Lt. Governor @TheOtherMandela speaking to the @wisaflcio convention. #WinTogether #LIUNA #1u #wiunion #FeelThePower pic.twitter.com/o3dlcJMnEd

— Wisconsin Laborers (@WILaborers) September 24, 2018

Both Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin have presented outgoing President Phil Neuenfeldt with Proclamations for his service to Wisconsin working families.

Senator Tammy Baldwin presents outgoing President Phil Neuenfeldt with a Proclamation for his service to Wisconsin workers. #WinTogether pic.twitter.com/2Ozp6fALt9

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

Senator Baldwin: "We can't just play defense on worker rights. We need to go on offense. When it comes to strengthening unions and worker rights we have to take action now and that means passing the Workplace Democracy Act" #winTogether

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

Neuenfeldt: "As first Act of Phil Neuenfeldt Day don't worry about any tickets. Let's take care of that!" #winTogether pic.twitter.com/IWcsZvoJcA

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

@wisaflcio President Phil Neuenfeldt kicking off the Wisconsin AFL-CIO 30th Biennial Convention. #wintogether #wiunion #1u @ Hyatt Regency Milwaukee https://t.co/S8dqkadNTQ

— IBEW Local 494 (@ibewlocal494) September 24, 2018

Pam Fendt, President of @MALC_WI welcoming delegates to Milwaukee. #WinTogether pic.twitter.com/CGZ3pMxjMR

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

With the Presentation of Color by the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin the Join Fight #WinTogether 2018 Convention is underway! #WIunion

Presenting the Color @PFFW #WinTogether pic.twitter.com/kePGKMYfqu

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

Honor Guard presentation of Colors: Professional Fire Fighter of Wisconsin. #WinTogether pic.twitter.com/6hlsLbAwcR

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2018

What’s in store during the 30th Biennial Convention:

Thank you for joining us in the great city of Milwaukee, a city full of rich labor history and invigorating labor action. This week, we come together for the 30th Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. Working people from all corners of Wisconsin, from all different sectors and job sites, gather this week to build for our future, set the agenda of our movement and continue to grow solidarity among working people. We are ready to join, fight, win together.

The 30th Biennial Convention will take place at the Hyatt Regency, 333 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203.

The Convention will be called to order 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 24 and run until continue until close of business.

5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 24, there will be a Toast and Roast to Phil Neuenfeldt at Vue located on the 21st floor of the Hyatt Regency.

Tuesday, September 25, will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until close of business.

Wednesday, September 26, will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until close of business (approx. 12:00 p.m. noon)

Follow #WinTogether and #WIunion on social media or WisconsinTogether.org for convention updates and news.

Convention Website: TogetherWisconsin.org

Convention Hashtag: #WinTogether

At our 2018 Join, Fight, Win Together Convention, you will hear from a variety of thought and policy leaders, organizers, labor leaders, politicians and more.

In Milwaukee, at this 30th biennial convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, we will chart the path forward toward a thriving labor movement with a renewed commitment and a bold agenda to improve the lives of all Wisconsin working families.

In Solidarity,

Phil Neuenfeldt, President
Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer

Delegates of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO are gathering in Milwaukee the week of September 24 for a three-day conference to democratically set the agenda of the state labor federation, elect federation officers and strategize innovative ways to lead the Wisconsin labor movement into the future.

Delegates are hearing from a variety of thought and policy leaders, organizers, labor leaders, and politicians.

Follow #WinTogether on Twitter, Facebook and this site for updates and news!

Welcome Convention Delegates!

Thank you for joining us in the great city of Milwaukee, a city full of rich labor history and invigorating labor action. This week, we come together for the 30th Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. Working people from all corners of Wisconsin, from all different sectors and job sites, gather this week to build for our future, set the agenda of our movement and continue to grow solidarity among working people. We are ready to join, fight, win together.

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. Issues of economic opportunity, higher wages, safe jobs, a secure retirement and a fair return on our hard work. We’ll organize our brothers and sisters, worksite by worksite and person by person. We’ll strengthen the grassroots energy that’s already rallying young workers and surging membership across our movement. We are working to ensure that every job is a good job. We join, fight, win together!

At this 2018 Convention, we will elect new officers of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. This will be the last convention with Phil Neuenfeldt as our President. Nominations and election of officers and Executive Board will take place. Our democratically elected officers and new board will lead our organization and movement into the future.

Your voice and insight are an essential component of this convention. You have the important opportunity to set the agenda and direction of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. Your active participation and engagement with our democratic process is the backbone of creating a smart, nimble and diverse labor movement. Please take this charge in earnest as we together forge a new and innovative path to advance the rights of Wisconsin workers.

As we look ahead to November, we prepare to mount a large Labor 2018 political mobilization campaign to unseat Gov. Scott Walker, replace Representative Paul Ryan with union brother Ironworker Local 8 member Randy Bryce, re-elect Tammy Baldwin to the U.S. Senate and elect labor endorsed candidates up and down the ballot. We’re ready to win campaigns at all levels to put a check on growing corporate control of our politics.

That’s our job at this convention, to represent our members while positioning our unions and our movement to grow in order to give millions more the freedom to come together and bargain for good jobs and fairness. In Milwaukee, at this 30th biennial convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO in 2018, we will chart the path forward toward a thriving labor movement with a renewed commitment and a bold agenda to improve the lives of all Wisconsin working families.

“Working people united through unions remain the single greatest force for delivering equality and opportunity to all working people, regardless of background. It’s time for working people to thrive, not merely survive.”

– Phil Neuenfeldt, President

“We are an independent movement for working people. We are a unified and diverse labor movement. Together, we unite working families to have stronger voices around the state, be better equipped to hold politicians accountable and better able to advance union rights and workplace safety.”

– Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer