New federal union chief promises change
Jeffrey David Cox Sr., who became president of the American Federation of Government Employees on Thursday, said his chief goal is to raise the visibility of the union at a time when federal workers are coming under fire from many Republicans.
Cox, a North Carolina native better known as “J. David,” is a 61-year-old nurse who for the past six years served the union as secretary-treasurer, the second in command. He succeeds John Gage, who retired after nine years as leader of the largest federal employee union.
“People need to understand the value government employees provide for this country,” Cox said in an interview Wednesday night after ballots were counted in Las Vegas, where the AFGE is holding its annual convention.
AFGE has endorsed President Obama for reelection, and Cox said he plans to campaign for the Democratic ticket in the fall. “Strategically, we’re going to take this union to a much higher level,” said Cox, who added that he grew up in a “very anti-union” community.
full: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/new-federal-union-chief-promises-change/2012/08/16/4e124774-e7af-11e1-936a-b801f1abab19_story.html
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