October 25, 2023 — After being treated to remarks from the most powerful leaders in the international and New York labor movements, President Spence welcomed this year’s keynote speaker to the stage. National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler praised the delegates for their show of democracy on the floor.
“You all know Robert’s Rules of Order better than anyone I’ve ever seen!” Shuler said.
Shuler said that PEF is doing the good work of not only making sure PEF members are taken care of, but making sure that the labor movement continues to grow. She was impressed with the number of members around the age of 35 in the delegation.
“I have been clear since day one of becoming president of the AFL-CIO — we are getting back to our roots. Organizing on the ground, doing the hard work, having conversations with our friends, our coworkers, taking the collective effort that we need to,” Shuler said. “That is our No. 1 priority, and it will always be our No. 1 priority: to grow this labor movement. I cannot think of an organization that understands that better than PEF.”
Shuler echoed the sentiments of previous speakers: People are fed up. Corporate greed and disrespect for workers have made people look to unions for solutions to improve their lives. According to a poll done by the AFL-CIO, two-thirds of Americans support and agree with unions. Likewise, 88% of young people under the age of 30 are pro-union.
“Finally, they’re looking to you and to our movement in this moment,” Shuler said. “Because they know that if we stand together, we are more powerful. That’s the secret.”
Shuler reflected with the delegates on the days when working for the state was the gold standard. Retirement plans, healthcare and compensation for state workers and PEF members are still some of the biggest issues facing workers today. Although progress has been made, Shuler says, it’s time to fix it all.
“Our members love what they do, they’re good at their jobs. But love doesn’t pay the bills. The days when loving your job is the standard for earning a fair wage — you can’t get by on love alone,” Shuler said.
Shuler believes that while the politics of this moment are tense and toxic, unions are in a powerful position to change the minds of the state and even have direct influence on how government operates. PEF members hold the power as activists to influence who our state leaders are, she said.
“This is the moment to use our power. This family — this PEF family — is the heart and soul and strength of the labor movement in New York state. You’ve got a lot of responsibility on your shoulders,” Shuler said. “So, let’s use that power to elect people who believe in what we’re fighting for, who will stand up for us. Let’s use that power to fight for safe workplaces, and let’s use that power to fight for better pay and dignity and respect for all working people!”