HPAE at the AFL-CIO “Next Up” Summit

Representing HPAE, Public Policy Staff Sandra Lane joined over 1,000 young workers and union members from across the country at the AFL-CIO “Next Up” summit in Chicago from March 19 to March 22. Young workers from different industries and states came together to hear speakers, attend workshops, and develop strategic plans for how young workers can fight the attack on unions and strengthen social justice.

The film actor, Danny Glover, urged the young workers to “use your intelligence, creativity, and imagination to create the world we want to live in.” Democratic Minnesota Representative Keith Ellison asserted that “Young Workers are indispensible. You are the ingredient we need to make this cake rise.”

Other speakers included AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, as well as social activists, including hip-hop artist Rhymefes, who co-wrote the award-winning music for the movie, Selma.

While at the summit, young workers also engaged in rallies and actions in Chicago to raise the minimum wage, canvass for union members running for office, and to support the struggle for the rights of workers at the Guitar Center, Zara, and Nissan.

Young workers also strategized by region and state to put together a plan so we can continue the momentum from the conference to bring back a plan to engage young workers in NJ and Pennsylvania!

Photo below: New Jersey Contingent at the Summit: