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VT AFL-CIO Holds 2025 Annual Convention

JP Isabelle
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Barre, VT — The Vermont AFL-CIO proudly held its 2025 Annual Convention this past weekend in Barre at the historic Old Labor Hall, bringing together union leaders and members from across the state to chart the course for a stronger, more united labor movement.

A total of 85 union delegates and 4 alternates were in attendance, representing 34 affiliate unions with members throughout Vermont. The strong showing reflected the continued growth, solidarity, and resilience of organized labor in the Green Mountain State.

During the convention, the body took several historic actions. Delegates formally endorsed Proposal 3, a proposed amendment to the Vermont Constitution that would enshrine Vermonters’ right to collectively bargain. Vermonters will be voting on the ballot question in next year’s general election.  The body also voted in favor of a resolution calling on all lawmakers, federal and state, to legalize strikes for all workers. Together, these actions reaffirm the AFL-CIO’s commitment to defending and expanding the rights of working people in Vermont.

Travon Leyshon, a longtime labor leader in Vermont, was awarded the 2025 Eugene V. Debs Award for his decades of service to the Vermont State Labor Council as a board member, and to the Vermont labor movement as a whole.

Delegates further cast unanimous votes to reaffirm the leadership team that has guided the organization through a period of renewed energy and activism. Larry Moquin (LIUNA 668) was reelected as President, Aimee Bertrand (VSEA) as Executive Vice President, and Danielle Bombardier (IBEW 300) as Secretary/Treasurer of the Vermont AFL-CIO.

In addition, the convention elected a new Executive Board, representing a broad cross-section of Vermont’s union movement:

  • VSEA: Karen Hango, Bee Hasselbach, Melissa Hurt, Thomas Randall, Bob Stone, Benjamin Tabor

  • AFT: Ken Allen (AFT 3203), Melissa Lavallee (AFT 5223), Grace Murphy (AFT 5566), Matt McGrath (AFT VT)

  • AFSCME: Graham Lebel (AFSCME 1674)

  • IBEW: Jeffrey Wimette (IBEW 300)

  • AFGE: David Schraffenberger (AFGE 2076)

  • APWU: Paul Montague (APWU-VT)

  • Building Trades: Matthew Glavin (IW 7)

  • At-Large: Brian Steele (IATSE 919)

Regional Delegates elected include:

  • Franklin & Grand Isle: Brett Rhodes (AFT)

  • Chittenden County: Nolan Rampy (AFSCME 1674)

  • Lamoille County: Becca Dill (AFSCME 3977)

  • Washington/Orange Counties: Tammy Johnson (AFT)

  • Rutland/Addison Counties: Chris Dube (PFFV)

  • Bennington County: Sandra Tumosa (IBEW 2326)

  • Windham/Windsor Counties: Renee Neid (UFCW 1459)

  • Northeast Kingdom: Ruben Serrano (AFSCME 2413)

“This convention showed the power and unity of Vermont’s labor movement,” said Vermont AFL-CIO President Larry Moquin. “By endorsing Proposal 3 at our convention, we are making it clear that Vermonters deserve the strongest possible protections for their rights on the job. I want to thank the outgoing board members for their service, and welcome our new board members. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our affiliates and members as we fight for a more just and equitable Vermont.”

The 2025 Annual Convention marks another milestone in a year of progress for Vermont workers and their families. With strong leadership, bold action, and unwavering solidarity, the Vermont AFL-CIO continues to lead the fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and the rights of working people across the state.