By The PA. AFL-CIO

– Rick Bloomingdale and Frank Snyder were fortified by a full chorus of support Wednesday morning as both were re-elected by unanimous acclamation and will begin their second terms as Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President and Secretary Treasurer, respectively.

Bloomingdale was nominated by David R. Fillman, Director of AFSCME Council 13. Fillman said, “I am proud to put into nomination one of my AFSCME brothers,” adding, “we need Rick Bloomingdale to steer us through these troubled waters.” Fillman’s nomination was seconded by Don Siegel (IBEW), Michele Kessler (UFCW) and John Zanetti (USW).

Bloomingdale thanked the delegation for standing with him in the fight, paid an emotional tribute to his wife Karen, and thanked his predecessor Billy George for helping pave the road forward. “We have to fight every day to rebuild the middle class,” Bloomingdale said. “But we can’t lead if the people aren’t with us. This is not something Frank and I can do alone. Thank you for building the labor movement and for fighting with us.”

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard stood to nominate Snyder, calling him a third-generation steelworker who worked his way up through the rank and file and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Gerard’s nomination was seconded by Ken Washington (LIUNA), Marge Krueger (CWA) and Fillman.

“I’m proud of what Rick and I have been able to accomplish over the last four years, I think we make a great team,” Snyder said. “But, we have a lot of work to do and I’m excited about all the opportunities ahead of us. Your fight is our fight.”

Source: http://www.paaflcio.org/?p=3883