WHEREAS:
Elissa McBride began her career in the labor movement 37 years ago as a member of United Auto Workers District 65. She served as the New England organizing director for the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, helping factory workers across the country form unions and win first contracts, and she stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with members of the United Mine Workers as they took on the Pittston Coal Company. McBride then joined, and later led, the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute, where she trained hundreds of union members and staff to help workers form unions at their workplaces; and
WHEREAS:
McBride joined AFSCME as the Director of Education and Leadership Training in 2001, preparing union members, leaders and staff to become more effective organizers, leaders and champions for justice and dignity on the job. She led the creation of key AFSCME innovations: the Volunteer Member Organizer program, which trains rank-and-file members to organize workers like themselves into new unions; the AFSCME Leadership Academy, which strengthens and broadens member education; and the Faces and Voices training program, which facilitates members’ efforts to communicate the work they do for the public and why they do it, allowing working people to be heard in public debates over workers’ rights and public services; and
WHEREAS:
In 2017, McBride was elected Secretary-Treasurer and was reelected twice by delegates at AFSCME International conventions; and
WHEREAS:
As Secretary-Treasurer, McBride helped build the financial support infrastructure that allowed affiliates to thrive, developing innovative tools like the Secretary-Treasurer Online Resource Center to support the work of local secretary-treasurers. She traveled the country tirelessly, mobilizing members. And she stood with AFSCME activists on picket lines, organizing campaigns, rallies and get-out-the-vote efforts; and
WHEREAS:
Secretary-Treasurer McBride has led the work of the Jerry Wurf Memorial Fund, a partnership between AFSCME and the Harvard Trade Union Program that provides targeted scholarships for union leaders to attend an intensive six-week training program, co-funds a summer internship and scholarship focusing on social justice and workers’ rights and hosts lectures and public discussions reflecting President Emeritus Jerry Wurf’s core commitment to the dignity of public service and work; and
WHEREAS:
Secretary-Treasurer McBride is a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council and has served as vice chair of its Civil & Human Rights Committee, a member of its Immigration and Women Workers Committee and Racial Justice Task Force, and on the boards of AFSCME allies the National Employment Law Project and Emerge; and
WHEREAS:
Secretary-Treasurer McBride is a proud member of AFSCME Maryland Local 1072 (Council 3), which represents members at the University of Maryland; and
WHEREAS:
Throughout her years of service to our union, Secretary-Treasurer McBride has exemplified deep knowledge, solidarity, kindness and a powerful ability to connect with working people across the country and across all sectors. Her dedication to AFSCME members shines through her own words, “Our union has a history of fighting and winning against tough odds, and we will continue to do that this year and beyond. I am profoundly inspired by the strength, solidarity, and passion for public service demonstrated each day by AFSCME members. I know that you and all of our current and future AFSCME leaders will step up to the challenges and opportunities ahead of us;” and
WHEREAS:
Elissa McBride is stepping down from the office of secretary-treasurer of AFSCME at this 47th International Convention after a quarter-century of service to our union.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will continue to fight every day for the dignity of working people, inspired by the example and grateful for the service of Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That in recognition of Secretary-Treasurer McBride’s extraordinary leadership, delegates to AFSCME’s 47th International Convention bestow upon her the title Secretary-Treasurer Emerita. AFSCME members pay tribute to and honor her unwavering service to our union and our members nationwide.
SUBMITTED BY:
International Executive Board