New Retiree Council brings energy and insight

By Fabrizio Sasso
Executive Director, Sacramento CLC

Our political landscape looks bleak right now, but history tells us even the darkest times can be overcome—with solidarity and commitment.

Which is why I am pleased to announce that the Sacramento Central Labor Council has a new Retiree Council, already with more than 20 members.

This council, long in the making, reminds us that many of our members have been at this for decades, through good times and bad, and have much still to offer and teach. This is a group of individuals who have lived with union commitment and union values their entire lives and are still ready and willing to show up for a good cause.

As many of you know, there was a push for years to include a dedicated seat for a retiree on our Board. That finally happened a few years ago, but wasn’t enough to truly meet the needs of our retirees and allow us as a Council to benefit from their energy and knowledge.

Now, with our new Retiree Council, we have a formal body to help us tap into all of that potential and institutional knowledge. These are members who not only have insights and experience, but the time and spirit to help us as we fight to make our Council, our community and our country better.

Surprisingly, these Retiree Councils are rare. As far as we can tell, there are only a few throughout the United States, which makes me all the more proud that we have this here in Sacramento.

Our Retiree Council held its first meeting in September and already is active with plans—and is looking for new members. Any AFL-CIO union or CLC affiliate with a retiree chapter can affiliate with this Council, and any retiree whose union does not have a retiree chapter can join as an associate member. The president of the council is our own Nancy Yamada, and you can reach out to her at NancyUAW2350@gmail.com for more information.