Huntsville's Unions Endorse Watkins and King in Municipal Runoff

The North Alabama Area Labor Council (NAALC) endorses Michelle Watkins and Patricia King in Huntsville’s District 1 city council and school board runoff on Sept. 24. Both candidates promise to support Huntsville’s organized labor and other workers. With this endorsement, the NAALC is committing to do everything we can to mobilize voters and win this election for our endorsed candidates.

“In Huntsville’s District 1, as with all other parts of the country, workers are the majority,” said Jacob Morrison, member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1858 and President of the NAALC. “These candidates—union members themselves—have made strong, material commitments to Huntsville’s working class. It is because of those  commitments, and their history of support for working people, that our members voted overwhelmingly to endorse each  candidate.”

Watkins and King, both members of AFGE Local 1858, agreed to the following efforts to support Huntsville workers:

• Supporting the appointment of union members and working people to existing City Boards and Commissions.
• Supporting the creation of a commission devoted to labor and workforce participation led by representatives of  organized labor.
• Respecting the current “Meet and Confer” policy for school worker organizations.
• Opposing attacks on the Retirement Systems of Alabama and fight attempts to cut pensions.
• Supporting and helping the NAALC expand our current Labor in the Schools campaign.
• Using union print shops moving forward.
• Publicly supporting unions and union campaigns.
• Maintaining dialogue with North Alabama’s unions.

Watkins also suggested regular monthly meetings with the NAALC to ensure that workers and organized labor are considered  when creating municipal policies. She has already followed through on using union print shops for campaign materials.  

“Michelle Watkins gives all she can to her community,” said Nadine Washington, a member of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 359 and a longtime District 1 resident. “As an educator, Federal Government employee, and as a school board member, Michelle’s work to ensure equity and inclusion is changing lives and making a great impact on our City. I am proud to stand with her for City Council and know her fight for fairness, transparency, equity, and justice is exactly what we  need in our City.”

“Pat King is the most qualified person to run for District 1’s school board position. As an educator of STEM, Pat King’s  commitment to a cause is unwavering and she will always follow through on her word,” Washington said. “In all she does, Pat exemplifies honesty, fairness, and thoughtfulness. Pat will use those qualities to create a better balance between the school board, stakeholders, students, and constituents.”

Gavin Brunner, a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local Lodge 44 has known Michelle Watkins for 30 years. “Michelle’s work on Huntsville’s School Board has shown transparency and A+  communication with the Community that will be a fresh breath when added to Huntsville’s City Council,” Brunner said. 

"As a resident of District 1, I want the rest of District 1's residents to have quality representation like I strive to provide in my  role as a union representative,” explained Jared Legget, President of the Marshall Engineers and Scientists Association (MESA – IFPTE) Local 27. “As members of AFGE Local 1858, Michelle Watkins and Pat King know how quality representation can  improve the environmental quality—physically and mentally—of one's life. Since both candidates have received the North  Alabama Area Labor Council's endorsement, I will gladly cast my vote for Michelle Watkins and Pat King to represent  Huntsville District 1."

NAALC will have volunteer opportunities for members and supporters the weekend before the election. Folks interested in  volunteering can reach out to us on the North Alabama Area Labor Council Facebook page.