Metro NY Labor Communications Council Holds 41st Annual Convention

On Friday, May 6 the Metro NY Labor Communications Council held its 41st Annual Convention and Awards ceremony. 

NYC Public Advocate Letitia James gave the opening remarks, which were followed by a panel discussion entitled “Unmasking the Gig Economy: Helpful or Harmful?” Panelists included Michelle Chen (writer, The Nation and contributing editor at In These Times); Bhairavi Desai (Executive Director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance), Mauricio Niebla (3rd VP National Writers Union); and Katie Unger (writer, City Limits), who provided their insight into the gig economy.

The afternoon session opened with the presentation of the Communicator of the Year Award to Gawker reporter Hamilton Nolan, who helped to lead the union’s organizing campaign with the Writers Guild of America, East. Other awards included the Mary Heaton Vorse Award for “#AllKidsNeed public education,” by UFT member and PS 204 teacher Trisha Arnold, and Best Work by a Rank and File Member “#BroklynCollege,” a social media campaign by Professional Staff Congrees-CUNY.

The convention concluded with an afternoon workshop entitled “Using Your Smartphone as a Communicating Tool,” led by NYC District Council of Carpenters’ Communications Director Liz McKenna.

The day began with an election, where NYC District Council of Carpenters Communications Director Liz McKenna was elected co-chair, United Federation of Teachers’  Digital Content Specialist Ebony Martin was named Treasurer, and Council of School Supervisors and Administrators’ Associate News Editor Maria Smith was named Secretary.