APALA Successfully Organizes First National Convening of Asian Pacific American Workers and Students at 10th Biennial Convention

For Immediate Release

Contact: Amado Uno
Phone: 202-508-3733
Email: muno@apalanet.org
Website: www.apalanet.org

Las Vegas, NV - The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO, successfully convened over 400 Asian Pacific American union members, community allies and student leaders at APALA's 10th Biennial Convention, Generations United, Organizing for Change, in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 9-12, 2009.  Generations United, Organizing for Change marked the first national gathering of Asian Pacific American workers and students and provided participants with a renewed sense of optimism for multi-generational leadership in the Labor Movement as well as in the broader struggle for social and economic justice.

"This convention marks a historic juncture for APALA and the Labor Movement," said John Delloro, incoming APALA President.  "We have an opportunity, and indeed an obligation, to continue building stronger worker and student alliances in the fight for worker's rights."

APALA elected a new slate of officers and national executive board.  The officers elected include John Delloro (AFT), President; Luisa Blue (SEIU), First Vice President; Matt Finucane (NEA), Second Vice President; Johanna Hester (AFSCME), Treasurer; and Lila Chui (AFT), Secretary.

"APALA's commitment to advocate for worker, immigrant and civil rights requires new energy, new ideas and a renewed commitment frmo the next generation of Asian Pacific American leaders," said Amado Uno, APALA Executive Director.  "Young workers and college students embraced this challenge and are poised to work hand in hand with the established APALA leadership to help revitalize the Labor Movement."

Speakers at the convention included Alberto Torrico, Majority Leader of the California Assembly, Warren Furutani, California Assembly Member, Greg Junemann, IFPTE President, Eliseo Medina, SEIU Executive Vice President, Danny Thompson, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Nevada State AFL-CIO and D. Taylor, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226.

Convention highlights included the following:

• Johanna Hester received the Philip Vera Cruz Award, given to an outstanding Asian Pacific American union organizer.
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• Victor Unio received the Art Takei Leadership Award, given to an outstanding APALA member sho has exemplified strong leadership within APALA and/or their union.
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• SEIU Local 521 APALA Caucus received the Vincent Foo Award, given to an outstanding local union or labor organization working with the Asian Pacific American community.
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• The United States Student Association received the Generations Rising Award, given to an outstanding student or youth advocacy organziation committed to worker, immigrant and civil rights.