WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy has submitted his resignation from the office of International Secretary-Treasurer, effective June 25, 2010; and

WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy has served as the Secretary-Treasurer of AFSCME for more than 38 years, fulfilling the duties of that office with vigor, skill and integrity; and

WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy has provided exemplary leadership on a broad range of issues throughout his 57 years as an AFSCME member, helping to establish AFSCME as a frontline standard-bearer in the fight for social justice; and

WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy has strived throughout his career to make the labor movement more diverse and inclusive, leading him to serve as a founding member and long-time leader of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists; and

WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy’s commitment to labor solidarity is global in scale, leading him to serve as an officer of the Public Services International for more than two decades and to travel the world to aid workers’ struggles for a better life wherever they may arise; and

WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy played a central role in building a powerful world-wide movement to aid the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, eventually leading to the establishment of a free, democratic South Africa; and

WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy has served on the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO for more than a decade, providing principled leadership and practical guidance for the entire labor movement as it seeks to bring new members into its ranks and build the power of working families in the political and legislative arenas; and

WHEREAS:

Despite his national and international renown, Bill Lucy has never become removed from the day-to-day struggles and aspirations of rank-and-file AFSCME members; and

WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy has stood ever ready to assist AFSCME councils and locals in the battles they face, traveling the length and breadth of our country to help motivate and inspire AFSCME members in their battles; and

WHEREAS:

Bill Lucy has helped to burnish the image of AFSCME wherever he goes, garnering admiration and good-will for his eloquent speeches, his commitment to the members, and his personal kindness.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 39th International Convention of AFSCME will honor and pay tribute to Bill Lucy’s long record of service and commitment to this great union; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That this “Tribute to Bill Lucy” shall be made a part of the official convention proceedings on a day of his choosing, subject to the approval of the International President, and shall include an opportunity for remarks from persons designated by Bill Lucy, as well as rank-and-file delegates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That Bill Lucy shall be afforded the opportunity to make his farewell address to the delegates as part of this tribute; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That Bill Lucy and his family shall be invited to attend this Convention as honored guests of AFSCME; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That Bill Lucy shall be invited as an honored guest to all future AFSCME International Conventions.