(Columbia, MO) - Dozens of AFSCME activists from Missouri and Kansas gathered in Columbia on Saturday, June 21 for a day-long training on a variety of topics. Those in attendance also got a visit from Attorney General and Democratic candidate for Governor, Jay Nixon.
Nixon spoke for thirty minutes with those assembled, imploring AFSCME activists to involve their co-workers, families and children in what will be a critical election. The four-term Attorney General also shared the story of his lifelong relationship with public service and expressed his respect and appreciation for the work done by public workers like AFSCME's members.
Though Nixon's visit was a highlight, the day included a comprehensive agenda of activist training. Participants engaged in training units on internal and external political action, union finances, communicating with manangement, the grievance process and bargaining and negotitations. The day was capped off by a question and answer session with a panel of distinguished local union leaders.
Local 2078 activist Jeffrey Everett said of the weekend's events, "I myself learned a great deal, and I hope to use this training in signing up new members and in the other day-to-day workings of employee-management relations."
