Labor on the Move (11/21/07)

Longtime Community Services Agency staffer JACKIE BARNES was showered with effusive and heartfelt thanks for a dozen years of commitment and dedication at a special reception following Monday night’s Delegate’s meeting. “This is not farewell but thank you,” said Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams. CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy reeled off a long list of programs and projects that Barnes had been key in staffing, including the Emergency Assistance Program, Holiday Basket Project, Banquet Server and Hospitality Worker Training, as well as strike and layoff support over the years and much more. “We simply can’t thank you enough,” said McKirchy. “You will be hugely missed.” Other local leaders expressing their – and their members’ – deep appreciation included UFCW Local 1994’s Gino Renne, ATU 689’s Jackie Jeter, senior Council Board member Fred Allen and Rick Powell, formerly of UNITE HERE Local 25, who said that Barnes’ efforts to support area hotel workers after 9/11 “will never be forgotten.” An obviously moved Barnes thanked everyone, saying “I am so blessed to be part of such a great family. I’m not leaving my family; I’ve just grown up and moved on a little.” Barnes, who has taken a position counseling ex-offenders, promised that she’ll continue to make the connections between labor and community and said “I’ll always be an organizer at heart.”