WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The
American Federation of Government Employees mourns the loss of two
of our union's beloved former national officers: Augusta Y. Thomas, national vice president for
women and fair practices emeritus, and Ken
Blaylock, national president emeritus.
"Augusta Thomas was an
inspiration to everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed by
all of her AFGE brothers and sisters. She was a tireless advocate
for civil and human rights, and we will make sure that her legacy
continues for generations," AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. said.
"Ken Blaylock served as AFGE
national president from 1976 to 1988, working to achieve passage of
legislation ensuring collective bargaining rights for federal
workers. Ken was a visionary who laid the groundwork for building
AFGE into the growing, diverse union we are today," Cox
said.
Ms. Thomas, who died Wednesday, served as AFGE National Vice
President for Women and Fair Practices from 2009-2018 and was named
an emeritus officer at the 41st National Convention in
August. Born in Kentucky during
segregation, Thomas spent her life fighting for racial equality and
union rights.
Thomas entered the federal government in 1966 as a nursing
assistant at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Louisville, Ky. She loved to tell people that
she joined AFGE on her first day on the job. Thomas served more
than 42 years in positions of local and regional union leadership
prior to attaining national office.
In recognition of her work on civil, human, and workplace
rights, AFGE's 6th District developed the Augusta Thomas
Humanitarian Award, which is presented every three years to an AFGE
member who comes closest to following Thomas's example. Thomas also
was recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for her efforts to promote racial
equality and economic development, declaring April 4th as Augusta
Thomas Day.
"Augusta was AFGE's most iconic leader – a champion who
sacrificed everything to ensure future generations have a voice and
a seat at the table," said Jeremy
Lannan, who in August was elected to succeed Thomas as
national vice president for women and fair practices. "The best way
to honor her legacy is to keep fighting for fairness and equality,
as she did for her entire life."
Mr. Blaylock, who also died Wednesday, believed in constant
organizing, developing strong locals, and educating local officers
to handle worksite problems.
Blaylock was known for his natural eloquence and his success in
raising AFGE's union profile nationally and internationally. He
took a brave, progressive stand for international union and human
rights and built relationships with leaders in the civil rights
movement. He emphasized grassroots political action, and under his
leadership AFGE members were encouraged to get involved in the
issues of the day – including people's struggles in South Africa and Central America.
Passage of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 was one of
Blaylock's greatest achievements as AFGE national president. The
Act expanded collective bargaining rights for government workers
and created the Federal Labor Relations Authority. In codifying
these rights in law, rather than relying on presidential executive
orders, AFGE protected federal employees when anti-union
administrations sought to destroy their rights.
The American Federation of Government
Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union,
representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the
government of the District of
Columbia.
For the latest AFGE news and information,
visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us
on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees