IFT Convention 2007

The convention was held in Chicago and there were almost 600 delegates representing Locals throughout the state.

Delegates to the IFT convention compromise the highest-level policy-making body of the IFT.
This year, the delegates:

Elected a president, 40 vice-presidents, and secretary-treasurer
Debated and voted on amendments to the union's constitution and by-laws
Considered policy resolutions
Attended workshops
Had fun with their union brothers and sisters from across Illinois

Fourteen members from Local 943 were among the almost 600 delegates from across the state to the 2007 IFT Convention held in Chicago March 2 - 4. Delegates were kept busy not only attending the general sessions, but also going to some of the many and very informative workshops, and socializing with our fellow union members.

The highlights of the convention were:

Members Kathy Setlak and Deneen Pajeau elected IFT vice-presidents
Guest speaker was Governor Rod Blagojevich
Senator Dick Durbin was an unexpected and most welcomed speaker
Ed Geppert, Jr. and Marilyn Stewart were elected president and secretary-treasurer by acclamation to a three-year term of office that begins July 1, 2007
Eddie Caffey, Bob Goldsbury, Karen Kendall, and Judy Spirakes served as sergeant-at-arms for the convention

For a first-hand account of the convention by a first-time delegate


Senator Dick Durbin, D-IL, addresses the convention	IFT President James Dougherty accepts accolades	Governor Rod Blagojevich makes a point to the delegates

Dick Manley, president of Local 604 speaks to a resolution	Some of the many delegates who attended listening attentively	Jane Russell, president of Local 571 speaks to a resolution

One of the many informative workshops that was presented	Margaret Blackshere accepts the first IFT Lifetime Labor Achievement award	IFT president-elect Ed Geppert addresses the convention

Sue Mirabella, treasurer of Local 943 addresses a resolution	Local 943's delegates to the 2007 IFT Convention (Photos by Amy Excell)

Local 943 Delegates

The fourteen member who were delgates are pictured above. From the left: Nancy Tauchman, Jerry Rucker, Karen Kendall, Bob Goldsbury, Donna Rehm, Dawn Stanovich, Nan Slewoski, Deneen Pajeau, Debra Terry, Judy Spirakes, Karen Smith, Eddie Caffey, Sue Mirabella, and Kathy Setlak, ranking delegate.

AFT Local 943
15521 South 70th Court
Orland Park, Illinois 60462
(708) 633-0943
(708) 633-0944 (Fax)

Kathy Setlak, president

IFT Field Staff

Tonia Havard-Dew

Deneen Pajeau