WHEREAS:

More than 20 years ago there was elected to the International Executive Board of AFSCME an energetic Minnesota priest who also happened to be a state employee; and,

WHEREAS:

That event continued a career of dedication and accomplishment within the leadership of the union that is probably unique in the annals of the American trade union movement; and,

WHEREAS:

Critically situated both as the living historian as well as the conscience of the union, Father Blatz has firmly and quietly provided direction for AFSCME from his seat on the International Executive Board, from his position as perennial chair of the International Convention Constitution Committee, and from his vantage point as a rank and file local and council leader; and,

WHEREAS:

Some members of AFSCME have thought that the President and Secretary-Treasurer were the top officers of the union, but it is established history that when it comes to constitutional trends and controversial directions Father Blatz calls the tunes.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The International Executive Board seizes this last opportunity to recognize and commend the dean of the Board for his 20 years of service as an International Vice President, and even longer years of service to his fellow public employees in Minnesota locals and councils; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

The International Executive Board acknowledges the store of wisdom and experience possessed by Father Blatz and formally requests that after retirement he consider making himself available as a fraternal consultant as AFSCME charts new paths through the thickets of the future; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT:

The officers be directed to prepare this resolution in an appropriate format for presentation to Father Blatz, with the unanimous approval and signatures of all the other members of the International Executive Board.

Done in San Francisco, California, this 13th (or 14th) day of June, 1984.