Al Gore calls Chris Dugovich and Council 2
U.S. Vice President Al Gore called Council 2 president and executive director Chris Dugovich and the Council 2 Executive Board during the 44th biennial convention.
The call came while the Executive Board was meeting on the Friday afternoon, July 9.
Gore spoke about the need for strong unions and sent his best wishes for a successful convention.
He apologized that he was unable to attend the convention in person.
Dugovich reported on the conversation to the delegates on the Saturday morning.
AFSCME's Lucy praises Council 2
Council 2 has been doing remarkable work for the last seven or eight years, AFSCME Secretary Treasurer Bill Lucy told the convention.
Lucy was the featured speaker at the convention.
"I think you guys are doing a fantastic job and we are proud to be associated with the work you are doing," Lucy told the delegates.
Lucy said, too, that a way needs to be found to include everybody in the economic prosperity being experienced by the country.
Proceedings on Saturday began with the traditional People breakfast followed by several keynote speakers and the convening of the convention. Committee meetings and workshops were held during the afternoon and a hosted dinner/dance reception was held on the Saturday evening.
The convention reconvened for the final session on Sunday.
At the People breakfast, Rep. Steve Conway said pension reform is the one goal for which he wants to work.
"We are trying to create a pension structure in which you will have a voice," he said. "We have got to change the present structure and talk about sharing in this extraordinary gain.
"I am going to carry on the fight on this pension issue. I pledge that to you. I think it is what has to be done. It is only fair to you."
