LANSING – Today, Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates announced the official launch of the Michigan Electeds Labor Caucus (MELC).
Advocates’ mission is to unite labor leaders, policy makers, and the general public to educate and advocate around policies, programs and projects that can bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan. Advocates relies on local elected leaders to advocate for workers’ rights in their communities. They’re the key to the fight to change communities across Michigan.
The Michigan Electeds Labor Caucus will work to connect labor-friendly elected officials into one body, validate their important work, and increase cooperation between them. Members will collaborate on pro-worker policies, meet with like-minded elected officials, and network with labor leaders across the state.
Warren City Councilmember Angela Rogensues will co-chair the Michigan Electeds Labor Caucus alongside Derek Dobies, Mayor of Jackson and Chief of Staff at the Michigan AFL-CIO. “I’m thrilled to be working with the Michigan AFL-CIO to promote a working people’s agenda at the local level,” says Rogensues, who also serves as the President of Ignition Media Group and Chair of the Democratic Municipal Officials Labor Council.
Vice Chairs include Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa, Political and Communications Director for AFSCME Council 25, and the first African American Mayor of Lathrup Village, Mykale (Kelly) Garrett. “Standing up for working families has always been a priority for me in Trenton. By helping launch the MELC, I’m looking forward to working alongside local officials all across the state to improve the lives of all of Michigan’s working families,” says Rzeppa.
“With all the progress being made at the State and Federal levels, people tend to overlook those same opportunities at the local levels. I’m thrilled to be working collaboratively with the MI AFL-CIO to make it easier for Michigan’s elected officials to help working people,” said Garrett.
The MELC has already started its push to encourage local elected officials to pass resolutions in support of the PRO Act, the most significant piece of pro-worker legislation since the Great Depression. “The PRO Act represents generational change for Michigan, and local elected officials know firsthand why it’s needed in our communities,” said Jasmine Kaltenbach, MI AFL-CIO Advocates Executive Director.
Elected officials interested in learning more about Advocates should head to miaflcio.org/advocates.
