(AMHERST) - If Organized Labor in Western New York is to indeed grow and thrive in the years to come, it's imperative young Union Members get involved in the process.  That's the aim of a newly-formed group called New York Young Unionists, which is reaching out to the under-40 crowd with the hope of involving and empowering them in the local Labor Movement.

Courtney Brunelle, a 28-year-old political action coordinator with CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association) Western Region 6, and Michelle Pancoe, a 30-year-old NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) member and newly-elected Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation Executive Board member, are leading the charge locally.  They recently met with WNYLaborToday.com to discuss what they're doing to attract and involve younger Union members in the Labor Movement and what they're encountering in the process.

First off, the two are preparing to attend the first annual New York State Young Unionists Conference, which will be held May 7th-May 9th in Albany.  The New York State AFL-CIO is hosting the conference, whose aim is to bring those under the age of 40 into the Union Movement and have those attending share their experiences and assist the NYS AFL-CIO is coming up with real solutions to obstacles they must overcome as individuals and as a movement.  Several workshops have been scheduled, including a number of small group discussions, ranging from What are the obstacles to more young Unionists getting involved? to What can we do to get more young Unionists involved?

"We want everyone to keep their younger members in mind and we'll do a full-court press to get them involved," said Brunelle, who underscored the point that, "We're not encouraging them to upset the apple cart and not to use this as an opportunity to run against their Union's presidents."

Pancoe, who teaches fourth grade at Dodge Elementary in Amherst, said, "Our hope is to get these people into the room and let them see what it's like to get involved in their Union.  We want to let them know that they are valued and we want their enthusiasm.  Young blood is wanted by Unions if they are going to continue to be successful."

While the two are buoyed by the initial response they've received from younger Union members, both say they have received skeptical feedback at the same time.

"Some are skeptical of whether this will go anywhere.  They ask if their Union leadership Will want to hear what I have to say?'  They wonder, Will they listen or listen to appease me?  One of the challenges I've found is the perception by some that we are going to step on the toes of seasoned leaders.  And, by the way, you hear that from both sides.  You have to remember ours is the first generation not to grow up in a Union household, so there are a lot of misconceptions out there when you talk about Unions.  The media perception of Labor Unions is not positive, especially when you're talking about public sector Unions," said Pancoe who did grow up in a Union household.  Her mother was a teacher and she attended many Union meetings with her, learning first-hand what the Union Movement was all about.

Added Brunelle: "Some feel they're fighting within their own Union for a voice.  Some are nervous about getting more involved, but we tell them, remember, there's room for everyone."

In reaching out to younger Union members, Brunelle says Organized Labor must do things in an entirely different way: "Labor's younger members are getting their information in new and different ways.  We need to find out from them what they want and what they expect to make their Union more responsive.  They come with new ideas and thoughts.  These people are excited.  While they're respectful of their seasoned leadership, they're interested in learning and learning how to lead.  We also have to make it easier for those who have children to attend meetings, such as providing child care at those meetings.  Our seasoned Union leaders who once had young kids and had to go to their Union meetings have forgotten what they went through.  So it's a good example of what we have to do to work together and make a change to get more people involved."

However, Brunelle says the overall message she carries is a simple one, and one that should connect with Union members both young and older: "I say hey, I'm the person who moved to Western New York for a job... to work for a Union.  If you want people to come back to Western New York, it's the Unions that will bring them back with jobs."

Both Brunelle and Pancoe, meanwhile, admittedly get a bit down when encountering the teasing they receive from older Unionists about being so young and involved in a movement that at times appears to be graying - much like the Western New York community itself.

"You always get teased, so you always come back and joke about it," Brunelle said. "But what concerns me is there aren't enough under the age of 30 who are participating."

However, while Pancoe says she is surprised by the reaction from some, she's also "surprised when people come up and shake my hand and thank us for getting involved."

Editor's Note: For more information on the New York Young Unionists group the May conference in Albany, and how you can get involved here in Western New York, contact either Courtney Brunelle via e-mail at courtneybrunelle@hotmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Michelle Pancoe at mpancoe@gmail.com