The Colorado AFL-CIO is the strongest, most effective and united organization of working families.  We are at the forefront of a movement to expand workers' power in the workplace and the community through education, politics, legislation and activism.  We fight for economic, social, and workplace justice for all Coloradans.  We are democratic, dynamic and accountable to our members.  We lead the broad
community of workers, elected officials and business leaders to build a Colorado that provides the highest standard of living and quality of life for its' citizens.

"All workers deserve decent wages, healthcare, and a pension no one can
take away."*

The October 2009 CO AFL-CIO convention was very well attended by NALC members-we had 11 delegates including Ami Nawrocki Br 229, Katrina Lindell Br 5996, Cindy Kirby Br 47 representing the State Association, Patti Heinz, Brenda Willis, Ron Drews representing Br 47, Kathy Corcoran, Kevin Corcoran and Don Marino representing Br 204 and Ken Barber and John McCloskey representing Br 5996.  I am very excited to announce that Ken Barber Br 5996 was elected to one of the Vice President At-Large Executive Board positions and I was elected Secretary-Treasurer.  Jackie Skene Br 5996 gave a presentation on the new chapter of Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) being organized in Colorado.

Highlights of the Convention:

Strategic Planning: The delegates worked on ideas for specific events/activities which would advance the CO AFL-CIO toward its *vision for the future.

State Senate President Brandon Shaffer, State House Speaker Terrance Carroll and US Senator Michael Bennet addressed the delegates.  All three indicated their support for working families and ask that we continue to communicate with them regarding our issues so that we can work toward our common goals together.  Senator Bennet then met with union leaders in small groups.  I was fortunate enough to be part of one group and we discussed the Postal Service and the need for a long term, well thought out, formula for pre-funding retiree health care benefits to relieve the undue burden of over funding in these difficult financial times.

Presentations by constituency groups-Alliance for Retirees (ARA), A. Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI), Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and the newly formed chapter of Coalition for Labor Union Women (CLUW) helped illustrate how we can work with community groups to advance the rights of all working Americans.

A presentation by FRESC for Good Jobs and Strong Communities and representatives from the Building Trades on Green Jobs and the Economy explained how we can help revive the economy along with providing living wage, good benefit jobs now and in the future.  Union apprenticeships are a great way to learn a trade and get on board!

In Solidarity, Cindy Kirby

* Note there are 6 Central Labor Councils in Colorado of which one is the Denver Labor Federation.  If your branch is affiliated with the AFL-CIO CO State Federation you can call them at 303-433-2100 and they will direct you to your CLC.  If your branch is not affiliated please call 303-433-2100 to find out how today.