Wisconsin State AFL-CIO 33rd Biennial Convention

Full house at the 33rd @wisaflcio state convention in #lacrossewi #1u @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/bjvhx6nZ4I

— Western Wisc AFL-CIO (@wwaflcio) September 17, 2024

Ben Wikler chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin addresses delegates: "Trump's Project 2025 is Scott Walker's 2011" playbook super-charged. #upup24

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 17, 2024

Representative Greta Neubauer talks about the decade long process of tackling and removing gerrymandered maps and highlights some of the great union member candidates running for office under nonpartisan maps in place this November. pic.twitter.com/1RfrZ2Cmda

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 17, 2024

Wisconsin is the key battleground state this election. Union members are mobilizing with power and pride to turn out the union vote. Be part of historic election by participating in our Labor Votes political education and mobilization program. Visit wisaflcio.org/mobilize to volunteer and get involved.

Sign up here: wisaflcio.org/mobilize

Together, we will knock doors, make phone calls, have member to member workplace conversations, write letters and support our union-approved candidates up and down the ballot. Sign up today: wisaflcio.org/mobilize

Dawn Ahnen President of the Wisconsin State Association of Letter Carriers rises in support of Resolution 13: Protecting our Letter Carriers who face increasing amounts of crime while serving our communities. pic.twitter.com/zySYL4imkc

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 17, 2024

Rocking the Resolutions. Delegates have adopted a variety of resolutions including resolutions to support Made in Wisconsin/Made in America legislation, fully funding our public schools, and organizing to stop Project 2025, Trump's anti-worker, anti-democracy playbook. #upup24 pic.twitter.com/bYsGONee88

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 17, 2024

Resolutions Adopted

Resolutions help shape the work of our organization. At each convention, delegates develop, discuss, and adopt Resolutions to outline overarching priorities that guide the direction of our movement going forward.

Here are the 2024 Resolutions adopted by the delegates of the Union Power, Union Pride 33rd Convention of the WI AFL-CIO:

Resolution 1: Restoring our Labor Rights

Resolution 2: Freedom for Working People

Resolution 3: Stop Project 2025

Resolution 4: Invest in Our Infrastructure, Strengthen the Middle Class

Resolution 5: Strengthen Child Labor Laws

Resolution 6: In Support of Strengthening Public Service

Resolution 7: In Support of a Manufacturing Policy that Puts Workers Over Profits

Resolution 8: Increase State Funding for Public K-12 Education

Resolution 9: In Support of Prevailing Wage Laws and Project Labor Agreements

Resolution 10: In Support of Funding the Wisconsin Idea

Resolution 11: Safe Jobs are a Fundamental Right

Resolution 12: Quality, Affordable Childcare for Every Working Family

Resolution 13: Protect Our Letter Carriers

Resolution 14: In Support of Strengthening Social Security

Resolution 15: In Support of a Worker-Centered A.I. Policy

Resolution 16: Labor 2024

Resolution 17: Reaffirms Past Convention Action on Legislative Issues

Secretary-Treasurer Marcos Alfaro talked about his upbringing in a migrant farm worker family living in Texas and California and how joining a union as an adult in the Green Bay area changed his life.

“Being in a union means togetherness, inclusion, and making sure everyone feels like they belong,” stated Secretary-Treasurer Alfaro. “Growing up, I learned what it felt like to feel excluded, left out, left behind. Unions can bring people together and change lives. Let’s make sure we are welcoming all workers and living up to our values of solidarity.”

Rep. Jill Billings kicks off Day 2 of the #upup24 convention. "Unions have held the line for us. Unions have been there to maintain a healthy middle class and a healthy democracy." pic.twitter.com/rN8OihI1Et

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 17, 2024

33rd @wisaflcio AFL-CIO Convention 1st day highlights. https://t.co/5Hu4D6qbtY @aflcio #1u #Upup24

— Western Wisc AFL-CIO (@wwaflcio) September 17, 2024

Delegates had a beautiful view of the Mississippi River and amazing weather to enjoy the La Crosse Center’s outdoor Terrace after an energizing first day of the 33rd biennial convention.

Delegates came together for an evening reception celebrating solidarity and comradery. Union-made beer and a light dinner were served as delegates mixed and mingled, getting to know their fellow convention attendees and union kin.

The Harvest Moon was rising as the reception wrapped up. (Later when it’s full there will be a partial lunar eclipse known as the ‘Super Harvest Moon Eclipse.’)

Share your photos from the reception with the hashtag #upup24 or @wisaflcio on social media.

@MachinistsUnion deletes including Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Mike Davis Jr. @AFLCIO @wisaflcio #Upup24 #1u pic.twitter.com/C0gkus1TFc

— Western Wisc AFL-CIO (@wwaflcio) September 17, 2024

In the labor movement, we look at politicians’ records and back candidates who will work to create good union jobs for our families and communities. We support candidates who will protect our contracts and advance union rights. This November, we are calling on all our union brothers and sisters to reject the divisive anti-union record of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance and stand together in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.

Click here for a candidate comparison guide.

Vice President Harris has been a true partner of President Joe Biden in leading the most pro-union administration in history. Kamala Harris is a champion of worker organizing and strong unions. In the Senate, Harris strongly supported the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Vice President Kamala Harris has played a key role in rebuilding our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, investing in good-paying union jobs, expanding apprenticeship programs, bringing manufacturing back to the USA and saving worker pensions. Under her leadership, we can build on the pro-worker legacy of the Biden-Harris administration to create good union jobs and provide meaningful economic opportunity to all workers.

In contrast, Donald Trump has refused to pay hundreds of workers for performed work and boasts about firing workers for exercising their lawful right to strike. If elected, Trump would once again stack the federal agencies that exist to protect workers with union-busting corporatists and anti-union extremists. He would strip funding for workplace health and safety, and do everything in his power to take away workers’ voices on the job—just like he did in his first term. That would mean weaker union contracts, lower pay and fewer benefits for workers, all so bosses and Trump donors can get richer. As Vice President, J.D. Vance would be fully engaged in helping Trump roll back decades of worker gains.

Click here for a detailed candidate comparison guide from the AFL-CIO.

Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski with WI AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale on the #upup24 convention stage. pic.twitter.com/okqWfKarAx

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Fighting @MachinistsUnion #upup24 pic.twitter.com/6eGyx9hC5e

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Delegates were on their feet after a moving speech as IBEW Local 159 member Mitch Johnson graciously accepted the 2024 Wisconsin AFL-CIO Organizing Award. The award was presented by Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Bloomingdale who detailed how Mitches behind the scenes efforts organizing.

Joining organizing award winner Mitch Johnson on stage were his union brothers from the IBEW Local 159 including IBEW Local 159 Business Manager Michael Killian who nominated Mitch for this prestigious organizing award.

Mitch was honored for his outreach in working with formerly incarcerated people as well as members of the LGBTQ community to spread the word about the benefits of union careers.

“Joining a union changed my life. I just want others to know about this opportunity,” explained Mitch as he accepted his award alongside his union brothers and sisters.

Brothers and sisters, please join us in honoring Mitch Johnson, IBEW Local 159, for his tireless work organizing and growing our union!

René Lara, AFL-CIO State & Local Legislative Issues Coordinator, gives an important presentation on the attacks on child labor law happening in states around the country. pic.twitter.com/YD7yLT53qT

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Delegates conduct the important work of adopting and passing resolutions to guide and focus our movement. #upup24 pic.twitter.com/JAki2Se0pb

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Attorney General Josh Kaul on how his office can protect and advance workers' rights in Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/pJBUmsYzzK

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Rep. Pocan -- fellow union member with the @GoIUPAT pic.twitter.com/pid4o9WhFX

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su: "We say union as loudly, as proudly, and as often as we can. In this administration, unions just aren't at the table, unions are helping set the table." pic.twitter.com/ViUbDw7Lrl

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Standing together with co-workers in a union makes a tangible difference you can feel every day. Here are just a few benefits:

• Union contracts negotiated in 2023 gave workers an average first-year wage increase of 6.6%. This is more than double the average in 2020, and the highest level since Bloomberg Law started tracking more than 36 years ago.

• Union households have 1.7 times the median wealth of nonunion households, and workers in labor unions make 18% more in wages than our nonunion counterparts.

• We are more likely to have health care benefits. More than nine out of 10 union members have access to employer-provided health insurance, compared to 68% of nonunion workers, according to the Department of Labor.

• We work in safer workplaces. One study found job sites that were unionized have lost-time claims at a 31% lower rate than non-unionized sites.

• We have more job security—even and especially in moments of economic crisis.

Countries where most workers are in a union are among the happiest and healthiest on Earth.

Life is better in a union.

Great to have AFL-CIO President @LizShuler BACK in Wisconsin as we energize and organize to turn out the union vote in November 2024. When we fight, we win! #upup24 pic.twitter.com/l0IPaYMoZg

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

“Something amazing is happening all over this country. Workers are reclaiming their power,” stated AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler during her address. “Workers are realizing there is a way to fight back. There is a way to come together and it’s through a union. It’s better in a union.”

Wisconsin is where a dynamic and inclusive labor movement is taking shape. Thanks to the work of union members, rigged partisan maps are now fair. Roads and bridges that were falling apart are being repaired and upgraded thanks to federal investments from President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris. New organizing is happening in new and growing industries.

Referring to Donald Trump’s Project 2025, President Shuler pointed out that “you don’t spend so much time putting a playbook together if you don’t intend to use. Project 2025 is a CEO’s dream and a worker’s nightmare.” Click here to learn more about the dangerous impact of Donald Trump’s Project 2025.

AFL-CIO President @LizShuler addressing delegates at the Wisconsin AFL-CIO biennial convention, detailing how Wisconsin workers are leading the charge, organizing new unions in industries of the future. #upup24 pic.twitter.com/EYvBkselSG

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Governor Tony Evers at the Union Pride, Union Power convention talking about how we can restore collective bargaining rights to workers in Wisconsin for a stronger economy. #upup24 pic.twitter.com/VK9j3KGwPW

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

“Unions have been at the forefront of our state and nation’s progress for generations. It is thanks to union members that are state is the strong position it’s in today,” stated Governor Tony Evers in his address to delegates.

Having declared 2024 the Year of the Worker in Wisconsin, Governor Evers went over his new initiatives to reduce barriers to work, support new apprenticeship opportunities, and bolster our state’s ability to retain workers to support critical sectors across the economy.

“We are not letting up on our work to grow and build Wisconsin’s workforce in 2024 and beyond,” continued Gov. Evers. “We are going to continue our fight to restore collective bargaining rights and prevailing wage protections. Fight to repeal right to work and improve protections for wage theft and worker misclassification. That is a promise.”

Walking out to the White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army, President Bloomingdale thanked delegates for coming to the convention and reminded delegates that “everything we do flows from a simple but powerful truth: an injury to one is an injury to all.”

“That’s why the first page of the playbook for those who oppose us is always divide and conquer,” continued Bloomingdale. “Despite all of the current attempts to distract us with divisive rhetoric, we know our strength has been and always will be expressed in a single word – solidarity.”

Solidarity is how we win good contracts. Solidarity is how we pass pro-worker legislation and elect those who will fight for us in the halls of power. Let’s continue the work of those who went before us with union power and union pride. Let’s mobilize and organize our members to fully participate in our democracy.

President Stephanie Bloomingdale called the 33rd Convention of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO to Order on Monday, September 16. Mahlon Mitchell, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin union, and the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Honor Guard proceeded with opening ceremonies with the Presentation of the Colors. Rev. Ellen Rasmussen, Pastor at Algoma Blvd United Methodist Church, provided the Invocation. Mike Davis Jr., President of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO and member of the Machinists Union, provided a welcome to delegates. Our Code of Conduct was read by WI AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Marcos Alfaro. Wisconsin AFL-CIO Officers and Executive Board members introduced themselves from the stage.

Committee Reports

Report of the Rules Committee was read by Greg Tennyson, President of Communications Workers of America Local 4603 and adopted by the delegates. The Report of the Credentials Committee was read by Chair Jim Meyer IBEW Local 2150 Business Manager and adopted by the delegates. Dan Bukiewicz, President of the Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council and IBEW Local 494 member, chaired the Legislative Committee and read the series of resolutions advanced from the Legislative Committee meeting.

Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin union members present the colors. #upup24 pic.twitter.com/kj9l8c3064

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Union power and union pride in La Crosse! #upup24 pic.twitter.com/6lfYMKSQck

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Our Convention is LIVE. Welcome delegates and union members from across the state! This week we gather with union power and union pride. #upup24 pic.twitter.com/1dPOVV6nLw

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 16, 2024

Union Power and Union Pride, the 33rd biennial convention of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO will convene at 10:00 am on Monday, September 16, 2024 at the La Crosse Center Riverside Ballroom and continue in session until the business of the Convention is completed on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Your online source for all things related to the Wisconsin AFL-CIO 2024 Convention is here at upup24.org. Use this website to find important delegate information including agenda, resolutions, delegate reports and more.

The 33rd Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is a time to join together with fellow union members across region and industry in strength and solidarity to strategize, organize, and empower workers to grow our labor movement. Union members are the engine that sustain our American middle class. We stand together to advance union rights and secure strong union contracts for all. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful city of La Crosse while in town.

A Special Message from Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale

As we gather in La Crosse for our Wisconsin AFL-CIO 33rd biennial convention, we are energized and excited for the future of our Wisconsin labor movement. This week, we come together with union power and union pride as we look forward to creating a better future for all Wisconsin workers.

As union members, we stand for safe workplaces, fair pay, and dignity and respect on the job. We fight for a future in which every worker can return home safely to their family at the end of every shift. A future where workers can achieve the American Dream through the freedom to join a union. As we work to make this happen, we need elected leaders who share our values and vision of a just American workplace protected by strong unions.

Thank you for being an essential part of our movement. The work we do these next few days will set the direction and agenda of our democratically-run organization. This is YOUR convention so please speak up, participate, and use your voice and your union power to create a better and brighter future for all Wisconsin workers.

This November 5 presents a historic opportunity for voters. For the first time in over a decade, Wisconsinites will go to the polls with new legislative maps that don’t stack the deck in one party’s favor. Securing a pro-worker legislature is a critical step in restoring worker rights and repealing Act 10 and Right to Work. November 5, 2024 marks the start of that journey.

We won’t go back to the union-busting days of Scott Walker and Donald Trump. It’s time to move forward with Kamala Harris and a pro-worker majority in the Wisconsin Legislature.

Get ready for a great convention as we take stock of where we’ve been and kick off the start of an exciting new era for the Wisconsin labor movement!

There’s lots in store over the next 2 days from the pageantry of the opening ceremony to speakers, reports, special guests… see what the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO has planned for the next 2 days.

Download here.

Don’t forget to showcase your union pride by wearing your union colors on the convention floor.

Share your convention photos with us at @wisaflcio on Twitter/X or tag us on Facebook and Instagram.

On behalf of the delegates and officers of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO I offer all delegates to the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Convention held in La Crosse on September 16 & 17th a heartfelt welcome.

La Crosse has much to offer including ancient bluffs, unique bridges, breathtaking landscapes, historic monuments, and legendary parks, and we invite you to take in what our beautiful city has to offer…

Read the rest here: Mike Davis Welcomes State AFL-CIO Convention to La Crosse

At the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, we’re working to keep you informed and engaged about our democracy.

We reviewed key votes across the 2023-2024 Wisconsin legislative session and tracked how our Wisconsin Representatives and Senators voted.

Check out the 2023-2024 Wisconsin AFL-CIO Working Families Voting Record and see if your elected representative is supporting your right to a strong union.

Use our Wisconsin AFL-CIO Working Families Voting Record as a resource to talk with union members, friends and family about the importance of the upcoming November 5 elections and the importance of supporting elected officials who will support our right to a strong union contract.

Download here.