On October 11 – 12, 2017, more than 200 union members representing over 100 local union affiliates gathered in Charleston for the West Virginia AFL-CIO’s 29th Constitutional Convention to adopt policies and elect officers. District Council 53 Business Representative Andy Walters was elected Secretary-Treasurer for the West Virginia AFL-CIO and will assume his new duties effective November 1, 2017.
Brother Walters joined DC 53/LU 91 back in 2003, working as a drywall finisher apprentice. After completing his apprenticeship and achieving journey worker status, he continued to work in the field while also serving as a DC 53 delegate and trustee, as well as trustee to the Building Trades Health and Welfare Fund. In 2014, Walters was appointed business representative for Local Unions 91
(Wheeling, West Virginia) and 438 (Steubenville, Ohio). “I plan on working 24/7 for the Labor Movement in West Virginia, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Walters said. “I’m glad to be part of the team.”
Josh Sword, who is also a member of DC 53, was elected president of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, and is looking forward to working closely with Andy Walters. “Andy brings years of experience as both an organizer and a financial agent,” Sword said.
In addition to Brothers Sword and Walters attaining positions, DC 53 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Dan Poling was re-elected to another four-year term as vice president on the West Virginia AFL-CIO Executive Board.
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades congratulates Brothers Walters, Sword and Poling on their achievements. We know you will do great work for the organization and continue to represent the IUPAT well.