By Kathy Jasper, EVC ESL Retiree and Secretary, AFT 6157R
On May 18, 2024, Steven Mentor, Jessica Breheny (AFT 6157), and Paul Fong and I (AFT6157R) attended the South Bay Labor Council’s Brunch to raise funds for candidates who support labor and educational concerns. More than 300 people filled the ballroom of the San Jose Convention Center to honor people instrumental in the labor movement. The keynote speaker was California Attorney General, Rob Bonta.
This year’s honorees were:
- Unionist of the Year: Mullissa Willette, SEIU 521
- Ally Award: Chris Platten, ESQ.,
- Labor Coalition Award: City of San Jose Union
- Labor Champion Award: Hon. Cindy Chavez.
I found Cindy Chavez’s speech particularly inspirational. She says, like in any family, the labor family doesn’t always agree, but we work through our differences and we fight for what is important to us. We don’t have as much money as the Republicans, but we have the boots on the ground to get our candidates elected. It was an honor for me to represent you at this brunch.
