UNITE HERE Convention Celebrates New Haven's Union Victories

 

On June 20th, New Haven union members and community supporters attended the UNITE HERE convention in New York City, which brought in delegates and guests from all over the US and Canada. It was themed “It’s Up to Us - Nuestros,” highlighting US labor’s unique role in advancing our rights and defending them from the far right

Upon arrival, the delegates and guests from Connecticut were tasked with triumphantly flooding the stage to welcome incoming UNITE HERE President Gwen Mills. Mills, a native of New Haven who has since brought her organizing skills to the national level, was greeted by hugs from her New Haven friends and allies.  In 2011 as the Political Director for UNITE HERE in New Haven, Gwen Mills led the effort by New Haven Rising to run union members to win a supermajority on the Board of Alders.

Mills' speech was centered on the importance of generosity in coalition building. She committed to doubling spending on organizing, as well as redoubling efforts to fight MAGA fascism by sending volunteers to knock on doors in key battleground states

In addition to sharing their own accomplishments, the Connecticut group was inspired by the victories of the labor movement across the country. Delegates from Los Angeles celebrated the victories they won for hotel workers across the city as the result of months of striking, including a $35 per hour for hotel room attendants, daily room cleanings, and the Juneteenth holiday.

Los Angeles State Senator María Elena Durazo attended the convention as a former leader of UNITE HERE. She spoke about how the union is increasing the breadth of its struggles, fighting for language justice for workers who often do not speak English well, and bringing forth women leaders.

In Chicago and Philadelphia, union workers highlighted their fight for fair treatment at work as well as at home. UNITE HERE has not only fought for increases in wages, but also funds for union members threatened with eviction. In Hawaii, workers resisted the rising costs of living threatening to push them out of their communities.

As the Connecticut group’s bus departed, New Haven Rising Director Rev. Scott Marks delivered a call to action to bring the spirit of the convention back to New Haven. He thanked all of the coalition members, who returned to New Haven ready to keep fighting.