PACE Special Merger Convention convened at 9:10 AM on Tuesday, April 12, 2005. Roger Heiser opened the meeting with the national anthems of the United States and Canada followed by an opening prayer. All of the regional officers were introduced as well as past officers present. Jim Dunn then introduced President Boyd Young who gave the keynote speech. After the speech, guest speakers Fred Higgs of ICEM and Richard Trumka of the AFL-CIO were introduced. Trumka repeated a quote by a very visible local politician, Tom DeLay. Mr. DeLay was quoted as saying “the union movement is a clear and present danger to homeland security”. We (members) had no idea that we were such a danger and threat to the very country in which we live and so often protect. The convention delegates were then addressed by Leo Gerard, president of the USWA. Mr. Gerard was greatly applauded after his address. The convention then broke for lunch. After lunch discussions began concerning the merger. After lengthy debate (both pro and con) a vote was taken and the outcome was an overwhelming majority FOR the merger.
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Secretary-Treasurer AFL-CIO |
Cheryl Arnold and Joe Meyer |
FOR merger! |
President of USWA |
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