AFT President Randi Weingarten inspires PEF members on the importance of unionism

ALBANY, NY (03/16/2016)(readMedia)-- Canisteo, NY – Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, addressed a full house of union activists this morning at the Canisteo Town Hall where she emphasized the importance of member engagement to strengthen the labor movement.

Weingarten, who is a nationally known formidable union leader, one the media has referred to as tough, savvy and with smarts to spare, stood in solidarity with the president of the New York State Public Employees Union, Wayne Spence.

The labor leaders invigorated the audience as they spoke about spotlighting the work of public employees and making the services they provide a visible part of the community.

"You have to get the community to say, we can't afford to be without it," Weingarten said.

Weingarten warned against the anti-labor movement in the country and the importance to safeguard collective bargaining and to protect pension plans. She also cautioned the PEF activists to make smart political choices.

Spence said, "Every individual in this union is the life blood of PEF. We have to remain united, and proud to be in our union. That is the way to make a difference in achieving our goals."

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