Turning Point Labor Convention “Organizing to Win Together”

When the newly organized baristas from Corbins CornerStarbucks in West Hartford took the stage at the Connecticut AFL CIO convention, along with baristas from Starbucks in Vernon, delegates jumped to their feet in a standing ovation. The coffee shop workers, the first to win a union in Connecticut, told their stories of hardship and disillusionment that drove them to organize.

The inspiring convention, themed “Organizing to Win Together,” under the leadership of newly elected president Ed Hawthorne and Executive Vice President Shellye Davis, embodied renewed commitment to unity and solidarity for the rights of multi-racial working class families and communities.

“Working people across the state and across the country are tired of being exploited. They have been on the front lines during a global pandemic,” said Hawthorne.

“Young workers are fighting back and declaring the status quo will no longer stand...These young workers are not just the future - they are our present,” declared Hawthorne, adding that “organizing is where everything starts. We must meet this moment with solidarity and unity.”

Davis, who also serves as president of the Para Educators union in Hartford, encouraged those with experience in the labor movement to mentor younger members.

She led a plenary workshop designed to raise consciousness among white workers on the need to challenge racist influences and increase union strength. A resolution to establish committees for Racial and Economic Justice in every union local passed unanimously.

The convention celebrated a 15-year legislative victory. As of July 1, 2022 Connecticut will be the second state in the nation to prohibit corporations from requiring workers to attend anti-union captive audience meetings. The workers who had courageously shared their stories of intimidation were honored. Co-chairs of the Judiciary Committee Sen Gary Winfield and Rep Steven Stafstrom and Attorney General William Tong were presented with Workers Voice Awards.

“It's time to organize to win in the workplace, at the ballot box, at the Capitol, and for workers right to join a union,” said Hawthorne.

Acting on Resolution 1 to give full support to the Labor 2022 get out the vote program, many delegates signed up for at least five shifts of door knocking or phone banking to talk with co-workers about their needs and the high stakes of this election for workers rights.

The convention encouraged delegations to run for local office, following the example of AFT Connecticut president Jan Hochadel, candidate for State Senate in Meriden.

After interviewing candidates for state-wide office the convention made endorsements including Richard Blumenthal for US Senate, Ned Lamont for Governor, Susan Bysiewicz for Lt. Governor, William Tong for Attorney General and Maritza Bond for Secretary of State.