Public Employee Press

The next wave is here and now for Local 1549

Saturday, Sept. 13, was the scene of union building for 140 activists in Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549.

A training session focused on the dual goals of sharpening the skills of shop stewards and concentrating on the “next wave” of leaders who will be charged with carrying on the mission of the union.

DC37’s national union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, offers the “next wave” program as an opportunity to involve the younger generation in the goals of union organizing and educating the membership.

“It’s been a longstanding goal of Local 1549 to get the younger people involved,” said Alvin Williams, 3rd vice president. “We’ve been trying to bridge this gap for a long time and we think this new initiative by AFSCME will help us to accomplish this goal.”

Ralph Palladino, 2nd vice president, emphasized the strength of the “next wave” program. “Young members need to understand what organized labor is all about and appreciate the opportunities that are available to them when they get involved.”

Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez emphasized the importance of getting a new generation to appreciate the role of the union in winning the benefits that they enjoy today.

“The AFSCME program was tailored to meet the needs of our local,” he said. “We are off to a great start in building this next generation of committed members who will help to shape our future. Eventually, they will be the leaders, and we are preparing ourselves for that day.”

Clerical Division staff facilitated the training, along with AFSCME representatives Phil Allen and Yolanda Medina.

Local 1549 Officer-at-Large Carmen Flores enthusiastically endorsed the event. “The training was excellent,” she said. “The interaction between the facilitators and the shop stewards was great and we all learned a lot of history.”

Flores will now head up the next step as the chair of a committee of volunteer “next wavers” — the future leaders who will carry the program to the next level. “We sharpened our skills so that we can be at our best as the frontline soldiers for our union,” she said.

“Our strength lies in shaping and involving our youth,” said Rodriguez. “This training was a breakthrough for us.”