Our union’s biennial convention helps to lay the foundation for organizing, mobilizing and political action victories in 2019
Every two years, the TSEU General Assembly brings together elected delegates from every part of the state to adopt our union’s political/legislative and organizing programs and to make the decisions that will guide TSEU for the next two years. In 2018, over 150 activists, elected by fellow TSEU members as delegates, met in Austin for our General Assembly on September 21-23. They came from multiple state universities, over a dozen state agencies; retirees; and several private employers.
It began with an ACTION!
The three-day TSEU General Assembly kicked off with a march in front of the Governor’s mansion. We were calling on Governor Abbott to tap Texas’ Rainy Day to help fund a REAL pay raise and to protect the benefits of state employees as well as to improve state services and education at all levels in Texas.
Setting the agenda, making goals, preparing upcoming mobilization
A major task of General Assembly is adopting our organizing and political programs. Sector caucuses also met and adopted legislative goals specific to their issues; a summary of those and TSEU’s overall legislative agenda are listed below.
Delegates selected Cora Bennett (TJJD, pictured below) as our candidate for the ERS Board of Trustees election and started planning the mobilization required to win. More ERS election details can be found on page 9.
Delegates also watched a short film of our last Lobby Day in 2017 created by TSEU Board Member Anne Lewis (UT Austin). We discussed our next Lobby Day coming up on Wednesday, April 10, and made plans to mobilize thousands to attend. More Lobby Day details are on the back cover, your Lobby Day ticket is on page 10 or can be filled out online at the TSEU website.
Awards Banquet and Dance
During the Saturday night banquet, attendees were treated to speeches by [left] Texas AFL-CIO Secretary- Treasurer Montserrat Garibay, Texas Gubernatorial candidate and former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and CWA District 6 Vice-President Claude Cummings. Awards were given to a number of attendees for organizing excellence, COPE mobilization, and for helping to make our union unbreakable! Following the banquet, delegates, along with other members, family and guests danced the night away at our dance party where fun was had by ALL!
Finalizing plans, honoring our own
On Sunday morning, after a moment of silence was held for TSEU members who had passed away, delegates took care of final business including honoring longtime member, activist and leader Judy Lugo (pictured at podium below), who was recognized for her years of dedication and work.We concluded with the singing of our union movement’s anthem, Solidarity Forever.
Thanks to all our delegates, TSEU staff, invited guests, family, friends and others who came together to make this a memorable and productive General Assembly!