Richmond, VA -- Sunday evening, Virginia AFL-CIO kicked off their legislative conference with a full room of over 200 union members from across the state who all traveled to the city in preparation for the state-federation's lobby day on Monday.
After registration, Delegates were led in a lobbying workshop led by Campaign Manager Julie Hunter and Communications Director Destiny LeVere where they gained more insight lobby day legislation, how to talk about the legislation with legislators, learned tips and tricks on lobbying, and of course engaged in a fun interactive lobbying role play for practice.
Union members were greeted by President Doris Crouse-Mays and Secretary Treasurer Lorne Seay who welcomed everyone to "a new atmosphere" at the General Assembly. Majority Leader Senator Dick Saslaw, House Speaker Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, and Labor and Commerce Chairwoman Delegate Jeion Ward were in attendance and gave remarks on the importance of labor and this year's assembly session with topics like raising the minimum wage and granting public employees the right to collectively bargain.
Union members Joe Mirabile of International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 2598, Don Baylor of the Communication Workers of America - National Coalition of Public Safety Officers (CWA-NCPSO) Local 2201, and Tiffany Finck-Hayes of American Federation of Teachers- Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT) Local 2401, and Jason Parker, President of the Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council also gave remarks on collective bargaining, current legislative wins their respective unions have had thus far during session, prevailing wage, and the importance of union solidarity in order to assist in the moving the labor movement ahead in Virginia.
To view photos of the legislative conference, click here.