Abdul Johnson recently announced that he was stepping down as AFSCME Council 57's president, and the Executive Board voted to appoint Steve Jovel as the new president, effective April 1. Jovel has been the Council 57 vice president since 2019, and he will serve as president through the remainder of the board's two-year term. The following message is Jovel's message to the membership:
"Let me start by wishing you health and safety during the difficult time our nation is going through with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This health crisis is placing a lot of stress on all of us. But it is through these difficult times that we must come together. We must work united as labor and, as leaders, it is time for us to step up.
"AFSCME Council 57 President Abdul Johnson has stepped down from the position to join Council 36 as their field director. I would like to first congratulate Abdul for this great opportunity for him and his family, as I know he will be great in his new role.
"I would also like to thank Abdul for his leadership and everything he has done for the council as president. He will be missed.
"At the recent board meeting on March 20, the Council 57 Executive Board members asked me to serve as president. In these challenging times for our nation, for AFSCME and for our council, there is no way I would or could turn the opportunity down.
"I am grateful to be able to step into this role and look forward to every challenge that we face and I promise to continue the vision of this Council Executive Board.
"It is fitting that we celebrate Cesar Chavez Day today, Tuesday, March 31, remembering the legacy of Cesar Chavez in the Labor Movement and everything that he stood for. It is a great reminder that the Labor Movement has always taken the lead in difficult times, fighting to protect worker rights, benefits and fair pay for all workers.
"In times like this, organized labor has the voice and we have the power to ensure workers are treated fairly and afforded the ability to protect themselves and their families.
"I would like to thank Council 57 Director Charles Allen, all AFSCME staff and Business Agents. I have heard from many of the Business Agents and they are working very hard to ensure our members’ health, safety and benefits continue through this crisis.
"Most importantly, they are fighting employers daily to ensure the safety of our members who are working the frontline and in essential occupations exposing them and their families to COVID-19. They are fighting to ensure employers are providing the proper PPE and are being provided working conditions to perform their jobs as safe as possible during this health crisis.
"I thank all AFSCME members, first responders and medical professionals on the front line! Please stay safe and we all appreciate all you do!
"I ask that we all take this health crisis seriously and continue practicing washing your hands frequently, physical distancing and avoiding in-person meetings and gatherings. Please keep yourself and your family safe and healthy. Also, now that the federal Families First Act has been signed into law, all employers (including your local) are required to post this poster if their office is closed or partially closed. For more information about the law and requirements, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor's website.
"I look forward to serving Council 57 as president and please let me know if there is anything I can do to provide guidance, information or assistance to our locals and affiliates. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at president@afscme57board.org."
