AFL-CIO confab starts today in Butte

By The Montana Standard Staff - 06/25/2004

About 100 union members from throughout the state are expected Friday and Saturday for the Montana State AFL-CIO biannual political convention in the Ramada Inn Copper King in Butte.

"Our members are very much tuned in to this year's elections — both nationally and at the state level," said Jerry Driscoll, AFL-CIO executive secretary. "Based on AFL-CIO membership numbers, labor in Montana has the potential of delivering over 100,000 votes in this year's important

election."

The AFL-CIO has

47,000 active and retired union members in Montana, he said, while the 100,000 figure includes spouses and family members.

In addition to making recommendations for the 125 legislative races, delegates will make decisions on all statewide and district candidates and ballot issues.

National AFL-CIO western region director, Ron Judd, will make a special presentation on the importance of this year's presidential election Friday following the 1 p.m. opening of the gathering. Other labor leaders expected to talk include Rick Sawyer, regional vice president and executive assistant to the general president, Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees.

Candidates for state and national offices also will speak, including Brian Schweitzer, Democrat, and Bob Brown, Republican, who are running for

governor.

A barbecue follows at

7 p.m. Friday at the Depot, 818 S. Arizona St.

On Saturday, the convention reconvenes at 9 a.m. with more addresses from candidates and from labor leader Randy Kelly, regional director of the International Union of Bricklayers' and Allied Craft Workers in

St. Louis.