June 12, 2026 — Several PEF members attended the AFL-CIO’s 30th Constitutional Convention in Minneapolis, Minn., from June 7 to 10, with Region 7 Coordinator Barb Stransky representing the Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties Central Trades and Labor Council; and Region 9 members Marisa Clinton (OPWDD), Dan McCormick (DOL), and George Marrett (Tax and Finance), representing the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation.
Convention delegates from across the nation’s largest labor federations reelected Liz Shuler and Fred Redmond to lead the nationwide AFL-CIO, as president and secretary-treasurer, respectively. Other business included debating Constitutional amendments, resolutions, and discussions on issues important to the labor movement, such as Building Worker Power, Artificial Intelligence Should Work For Us, Organizing to Win, and Creating the Economic Future We Want.
“It was an honor to be a delegate representing my local labor council,” Stransky said. “While conversing with my fellow AFL-CIO leaders from across the country, I learned we are all fighting for better wages, a better way of life for middle-class Americans, and we are all organizing and fighting for better collective bargaining agreements.”
Melissa McClinton found the experience unifying.
“This convention has been a true eye-opening and spirit motivating experience,” she said. “With all that we are learning and all the connections we are making I have seen clearly how PEF is not in this fight alone. I have learned how organizing the members for fearless action is ever so crucial right now than it’s ever been. The call to unify for the good, justice, and fairness of all was heard loud and clear. The move towards impactful change starts with one collective step and with the power of PEF’s bold action we can fight and we will win!”
Every four years, the AFL-CIO holds a convention to elect officers. Delegates representing working people from across the country and from every job category come together to choose their leader and express their policy preferences. Check out the Convention page here.