I just got this in my e-mail box: Chris Chafe will become the new executive director of Change To Win. I can say, without any hesitation, that Chris is a real–to use a technical term–mensch. He was most recently a senior advisor for the Edwards’ campaign; he took his whole family from New York to North Caroline because he believed in Edwards’ vision. Here’s the whole announcement:

I am writing you today to let you know that today I will be announced as the new Executive Director at Change to Win, a labor federation of the SEIU, UNITE HERE, the UFCW, LIUNA, Teamsters, Carpenters, and United Farm Workers, representing six million workers across the US.  My appointment will begin in July, and I am honored and excited by this new challenge, and humbled by the CTW Leadership Council’s confidence in me.  In addition to serving as Executive Director, I will also be working with CTW and AFL CIO affiliates to support the labor movements’ developing role in the greening of the US economy and society.  In this moment of opportunity and change, it is essential that labor help lead the fight for a truly sustainable future for this country, its workforce, and our planet.

 

I have been blessed to work with so many of you at ACTWU, UNITE, UNITE HERE, through the AFL-CIO and Change to Win, and in the Edwards campaign.  In many ways, this next step is a continuation of the lessons I began learning on housecalls 17 years ago in Kannapolis, North Carolina with textile workers who sought an organization of their own, to stand firm with them as they sought justice, dignity, and respect at the mill and in their community.  My work at Change to Win will be focused on strengthening the power and pride of the 10% of unionized workers in the US, with a keen eye on new strategies to organize the 90% of American workers who do not yet have the living wages, safe jobs, retirement with dignity, and economic mobility that a union contract guarantees.  We face great odds in that struggle but we have an inspiring heritage that serves as our foundation and that propels us forward into our global future.      

 

Our common work and shared vision demand that we stick together, fight harder, learn from one another, and continue to give workers good choices and greater power to determine our nation’s destiny.  I am so thankful for the many leaders who continue as my mentors, from shop stewards to union presidents and candidates for president of the United States. One thing I have learned in my travels is that our challenges require that we all stand and develop one another as leaders- so I ask you to take this step with me and stay candid, clear, focused, and in touch with me, so that we can move and work together, and keep the American Dream alive and vibrant. 

 

Today is a proud moment for me, Katherine, Lila, Jordan, and my entire family.  We are all thankful for the community and friendships we have built, and I appreciate you taking the time to read this and hear this news from me. 

 

With warm regards and in solidarity,

Chris Chafe