SAG-AFTRA Represented at Washington State Labor Council Convention

SAG-AFTRA Seattle Local President Rik Deskin has attended the Washington State Labor Council Convention for the past six years. For the July 17-19 Convention in Wenatchee, Deskin was joined by his fellow delegates, which included Seattle Local Board member Robert Fuentes, Local Executive Director Shellea Allen and Contracts Administrator Chris Comte.

“Solidarity is insurance against common foes,” Deskin said. “The WSLC is the most powerful voice for workers in our state.”

The theme of this year’s convention was “Union Strong.” It included three days of speakers, workshops, committee meetings, networking and action, including a rally at Central Washington Hospital to show support for UFCW Local 21 members in their ongoing contract negotiations. Speakers included AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Schuler; Coalition of Labor Union Women President Elise Bryant; writer and activist Bill Fletcher Jr.; labor photojournalist David Bacon; Mark Dudzik, national coordinator of the Labor Campaign for Single Payer; and Fawn Sharp, president of the Quinault Nation in Taholah.

State Sen. Karen Keiser, a SAG-AFTRA member, received a legislative award from the WSLC for her work on behalf of workers in the Labor and Commerce Committee. Another SAG-AFTRA member, comedian Will Durst, provided the featured entertainment.

“It was inspiring to be among so many like-minded, pro-union individuals,” said Fuentes. “From day one to closing day, when we dealt with constitutional amendments, every moment was engaging.”

Photo: Seattle Local Executive Director Shellea Allen, Seattle Local Board member Robert Fuentes, SAG-AFTRA Contract Administrator Chris Comte, and Local President Rik Deskin show they are “Union Strong” at the 2018 WSLC convention. Photo by Rik Deskin.