The second day of the NFFE 50th National Convention began with much fanfare as delegates enthusiastically welcomed Susan Grundmann, Chair of the Merit Services Protection Board (MSPB) and former NFFE General Counsel, to the podium to speak about the assault on due process protections in the federal sector. Following sister Grundmann was Chair of the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), Carol Waller Pope. Ms. Pope highlighted NFFE’s success and dedication to facilitating effective labor-management partnerships at the Local, Agency and National level. She thanked delegates for their dedication to improving the lives of federal employees, and by extension, the American public.
Following a morning focused on the ever-changing federal government landscape, IAM International President (IP), Robert Martinez, Jr., delivered an absolutely electric speech that brought delegates to their feet with raucous applause. In his remarks, IP Martinez reported on the successes of last month’s IAM quadrennial Grand Lodge Convention and committed the full resources of the IAM in protecting the pay and pensions of NFFE-IAM members. He also committed to fighting the misguided attempts to privatize the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Later in the afternoon, delegates participated in two panel discussions focused on growing membership and building powerful, well-informed Locals. The first panel, entitled “Building a Stronger Union One Local at a Time” discussed best practices used to grow membership from a variety of federal agencies. Panelists included: Liz McDargh (Local 1450), Charron Alfonso (Local 1450), Patti La Sala (Local 1), Kym Valdez (Local 1), Rosie Camacho (Local 2035), Tony Hernandez (Local 2035), Rob Arnold (Local 1998), Mike Garrafano (Local 1998), Chris Casteel (Local 2189) and Jerry McCarty (Local 2189). After exploring different membership growth strategies used at various NFFE Locals, National Vice President Liz McDargh closed out the day with a presentation entitled, “Using Technology to Grow your Membership.” The presentation focused on different digital channels and technology available to better engage with bargaining unit employees with the intent of growing membership.
On Wednesday, convention delegates will transition from speakers and information sessions into essential internal Union business, such as electing National Officers and debating and voting on various proposed amendments and resolutions. For a full list of candidates, proposed resolutions and amendments, visit the Convention 2016 page of nffe.org.
#NFFE50 delegates hear from a panel of Local leaders on best practices for membership growth