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

September 24th - 26th, 2018

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Thursday, October 04, 2018 01:06pm

Summary of the Convention

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

Monday, October 01, 2018 05:52pm

The Convention Playlist

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

Thursday, September 27, 2018 07:06pm

All the photos from the Convention

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

Thursday, September 27, 2018 04:32pm

Meet our new executives Stephanie Bloomingdale and Dennis Delie

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

Thursday, September 27, 2018 04:24pm

From the AFL-CIO

Trumka: Wisconsin Uprising Helped Spur Wave of Collective Action

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

(Photo: AFL-CIO)
Thursday, September 27, 2018 04:19pm

From the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO

The History-Making 30th Biennial Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Convention

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

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 12:23pm

President Stephanie Bloomingdale

Congratulations to the first woman to lead the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 12:02pm

The 30th Biennial Convention is adjourned

Thank You Delegates!

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 11:59am

The closing of the 30th Biennial Convention

Solidarity forever.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 11:56am

Swearing in new officers and Executive Board

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 11:11am

AFT President Randi Weingarten

There’s no place like Wisconsin!

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 10:44am

Celeste Drake

Overview of NAFTA

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 10:01am

Candice Owley

Protect safe professional licensing standards

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 10:00am

Combat Veteran Will Attig

Vets issues are unions issues.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 09:58am

Combat Veteran Will Attig

We come home to a system that’s rigged against the working class

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 07:13pm

AFT President Randi Weingarten

Koch brothers used Walker as their tool.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 06:12pm

That’s a wrap for Day 2 of the convention!

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 03:58pm

Candidate for Attorney General

Josh Kaul

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 03:23pm

Meek and quiet

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 03:21pm

US House Candidate Dan Kohl

Proud to join you in this fight!

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 03:00pm

AG Candidate Josh Kaul

Attorney General should stand up for rights of workers

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 02:40pm

Join, Fight, #WinTogether

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 02:32pm

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

On November 6 we’re going to have one hell of a party — a Scott Walker retirement party

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

(Photo: Bill Glauber)
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 01:54pm

Julie Greene, AFL-CIO Mobilization Director

It’s all about issues

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 01:07pm

Gubernatorial Candidate Tony Evers

Ensure Wisconsin’s economy works for everyone

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:57am

Stay tuned for the afternoon sessions…

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:43am

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

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

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.

Richard Trumka.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:23am

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

It is our job to ignite the flames of justice, not contain them

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:21am

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka

We’re writing a comeback story

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:15am

Gubernatorial Candidate Tony Evers

Infrastructure jobs are family supporting jobs.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:14am

Gubernatorial Candidate Tony Evers

We can reverse Right to Work.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:09am

Tony Evers fires up the crowd

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:08am

Dan Kohl ready to fight for working families

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:06am

Laura Dresser

The story of inequality

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 11:05am

State Senator Jennifer Shilling

Battles and opportunities

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 10:02am

Media Reports from the convention floor

Wisconsin’s organized labor seeks to reverse political fortunes in midterms

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

(Photo: Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Monday, September 24, 2018 05:59pm

A Moving Tribute to Phil Neuenfeldt

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.

Monday, September 24, 2018 04:01pm

From Senator Tammy Baldwin

Monday, September 24, 2018 03:59pm

Stephanie Bloomingdale

The first woman elected to lead the WI AFL-CIO

Monday, September 24, 2018 02:51pm

Stephanie Bloomingdale and Dennis Delie

Your newly elected officers

Monday, September 24, 2018 02:32pm

We are the union movement.

Monday, September 24, 2018 02:31pm

Congratulations from National

Monday, September 24, 2018 02:30pm

Liars and fools…

Monday, September 24, 2018 02:29pm

President-elect Bloomingdale:

Monday, September 24, 2018 02:26pm

Congratulations to newly elected Wisconsin AFL-CIO president Stephanie Bloomingdale

Monday, September 24, 2018 01:46pm

Joshua Stern receives the 2018 Organizing Award

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.

Monday, September 24, 2018 11:41am

Bravo @IronStache

Monday, September 24, 2018 11:26am

Congressional candidate Randy Bryce takes the podium

Monday, September 24, 2018 11:24am

Mandela Barnes addresses delegates

Monday, September 24, 2018 11:13am

Proclamation to outgoing President Phil Neuenfeldt

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.

Monday, September 24, 2018 10:56am

Senator Baldwin “We need to go on offense”

Monday, September 24, 2018 10:48am

Milwaukee Mayor declares today Phil Neuenfeldt Day

Monday, September 24, 2018 10:41am

From IBEW Local 494:

Monday, September 24, 2018 10:26am

Welcoming Delegates to Milwaukee

Monday, September 24, 2018 10:24am

Presenting the Color

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

Monday, September 24, 2018 10:22am

Honor Guard

Sunday, September 23, 2018 07:35pm

Agenda for the Convention

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

Friday, September 21, 2018 01:13pm

Greetings 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.

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

Phil Neuenfeldt and Stephanie Bloomingdale of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.
Friday, September 21, 2018 08:32am

Join, Fight, Win, Together 2018

30th Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO

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!

Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Thursday, September 20, 2018 12:14pm

Welcome Letter From President Phil Neuenfeldt and Secretary-Treasurer Stephanie Bloomingdale

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.

Phil Neuenfeldt and Stephanie Bloomingdale.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 04:17pm

Hear From the Officers

“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

Phil Neuenfeldt (right).
Stephanie Bloomingdale (center).