ENCON leader honored for active, consistent role

By DEBORAH A. MILES 
Dozens of PEF members attended the Capital District Labor-Religion Coalition’s 8th Annual Awards Dinner in February where PEF Division 169 leader Mike Keenan received the Jeanette Dworkin Labor Award. 

The award is presented for understanding the importance of unions to workers and their families, and is named after Dworkin for being a strong advocate for justice and equality.
Keenan said he was delighted to receive the award.

“I respect the Capital District Labor-Religion Coalition because it does a lot of work exposing sweat shops, and takes an active interest in issues revolving around the North American Fair Trade Agreement,” Keenan said. “I’m being honored for my participation in rallies and picket lines, and being active in the community. I’m for fair wages and health insurance.”

“Mike has done a lot to advance labor councils,” said Tim Lebarr, PEF Division 169 steward. 
Keenan is a PEF Executive Board representative for the state Department of Environmental Conservation and president of the Troy Area Labor Council.

“He’s done a lot in the Troy area to organize and mobilize his members and the community,” said Doug Bullock, first vice president of the Albany Central Federation of Labor. 
“Mike’s been a champion for democracy in the union and has defended the autonomy of local divisions and local unions,” Bullock added. 

The Capital District Labor-Religion Coalition is a growing alliance of unions, religious institutions, community organizations and individuals who share in a commitment to challenge economic injustice.