Western New York Area Labor Federation Holds Annual Conference Kicking Off Labor's 2008 Political Campaign

ALBANY, NY (04/12/2008)(readMedia)-- The Western New York Area Labor Federation, representing 120,000 union members, today held its annual meeting to kick off labor’s 2008 political program. The agenda focused on outlining labor’s aggressive grassroots field operation, which will be implemented to help labor endorsed candidates gain election in November.

The annual conference drew more than 100 delegates, including labor leaders, political activists and rank and file members.

While addressing the assembled delegates, Western New York Area Labor Federation President Angelo Vellake stated, “A huge turnout like we have here today shows labor’s commitment to winning in November. I’m confident that with the coordinated strategy we are putting in place, and with the dedication of our local unions throughout Western New York, labor’s endorsed candidates will emerge victorious on Election Day.”

Earlier this week, the New York State AFL-CIO announced the “early endorsement” of Eric Massa, who is running for the seat in the 29th Congressional District. Massa addressed the gathering and pledged his commitment to standing with working men and women and their families.

Eric Massa enjoys the overwhelming support of the local labor movement in the 29th congressional district, and as a result the New York State AFL-CIO’s executive board decided to vote for an endorsement four months earlier than usual.

As a result, labor’s extensive grassroots initiative can be developed and implemented immediately, well in advance of the November elections. It should be noted that local unions represent approximately 56,000 members in the 29th congressional district.

Key strategic, field operation discussions took place at the conference, including: knocking on doors of union households; phone bank operations; worksite contacts; member to member communication; and energizing and engaging members around critical issues important to working families such as health care reform.

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