Who rose from a telephone operator to be the first woman to serve as CWA's secretary-treasurer

[Omaha Steve]

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Easterling to Retire in 2008

Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Easterling, whose trailblazing work has inspired women in the labor movement around the world, announced this week that she will retire at the 2008 CWA Convention.

"It has been an incredible 56 years as a CWA member -- an unbelievable ride for a coal miner's daughter," said Easterling, an Ohio native who rose from a telephone operator to be the first woman to serve as CWA's secretary-treasurer.

CWA President Larry Cohen praised Easterling as a tireless advocate who has served the union with integrity, compassion and boundless enthusiasm.

"Barbara has made innumerable contributions to building CWA during her remarkable career, including most recently chairing the Committee on Executive Board Diversity, resulting in adding the voices of local leaders to our Board for the first time," Cohen said. "When Barbara steps down, her talents, wisdom and activism will be missed not only throughout CWA, but also by the labor, women's and human rights movements around the world."

Easterling's efforts include passionate advocacy for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which has been officially designated CWA's "charity of choice." Among many boards and other charities, she is an executive committee member of the Democratic National Committee, a member of the board of governors for the United Way of America and vice chair of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Following Easterling's announcement, CWA Executive Vice President Jeff Rechenbach announced that he will seek the secretary-treasurer post at the 2008 convention, and District 7 Vice President Annie Hill announced that she will run for executive vice president. The two will join President Larry Cohen as a unity slate for the three top leadership positions.

FULL story at link.