30th Anniversary: Affiliate leaders pay tribute to UUP

Edward McElroy, a stalwart of the modern labor movement and a longtime leader in the AFT, praised the growing strength of UUP before hundreds of enthusiastic members at the 2003 Winter DA.

“Your influence extends far beyond here, and far beyond the state of New York,” McElroy said. “We know you’re a powerful political player. The kind of work I see all of you doing makes a union great.”

McElroy has been AFT’s secretary-treasurer since 1992. He rose to national prominence from a career as a teacher and union leader in Rhode Island.

NYSUT President Thomas Hobart introduced McElroy, calling him “a great state leader … who has helped us all.”

Hobart also delivered a rousing endorsement of UUP’s work, noting that NYSUT is united with its second largest local in fighting proposed state budget cuts that would harm all education unionists in New York.

“We hope to make our point to everybody in the labor movement that you can’t grow out of this problem on the backs of the labor people delivering services in New York state,” he said.

McElroy praised the solidarity among UUP, AFT and NYSUT, and singled out the contributions of UUP President Scheuerman. In addition to his UUP responsibilities, Scheuerman is a member of the NYSUT Board of Directors and an AFT vice president. He also heads AFT’s Program and Policy Council on Higher Education.

McElroy and Hobart had appeared earlier that day at a UUP rally against the proposed $183.5 million in cuts to SUNY. The rally, held in bitterly cold weather in front of the Capitol, drew hundreds of marchers from UUP and NYSUT. “You’re still on the line for things you believe in, and I congratulate you on that,” McElroy said.

Noting UUP’s 30th anniversary, McElroy said the goals and concerns of AFT match those of UUP. Specifically, he cited the needs of part-time faculty and strong health care benefits for all unionists, especially in such a poor economy. He urged members to continue making their voices heard.

Said McElroy: “The only way we can have an impact on the political system is for every one of you to be a volunteer, and take $10 or $20 out of your pocket, or whatever you can afford, and put it into political action.”

— Darryl McGrath