News release from the Indiana AFL-CIO:
Voorhies elected Indiana AFL-CIO President, Breedlove re-elected Secretary-Treasurer
Convention elects 20 vice presidents to serve on executive board
(December 3, 2013) TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Following a vote of delegates to its state convention, the Indiana State AFL-CIO announced today that Brett Voorhies has been elected as the organization’s new president and Joe Breedlove has been re-elected as its secretary-treasurer.
The Indiana State AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) is a federation of 800 local unions across the state belonging to 50 International Unions. In total, the Indiana State AFL-CIO represents more than 300,000 working Hoosiers. The federation holds conventions every two years to set policy and every four years to elect new officers.
“As someone who grew up in this movement and spent my entire career working on its behalf, I’m humbled to be given this responsibility by my union brothers and sisters,” said Voorhies, a member of the United Steelworkers Union. “I look forward to working with Secretary-Treasurer Breedlove, our affiliates and each and every one of our members to find new ways to strengthen this federation and to grow the voice of working people across this state.”
Born and raised in a labor family, Voorhies started his career working on the shop floor at Rexnord/Link in Indianapolis. He served as shop steward, on numerous committees including the safety and legislative committees and as editor of his local union newsletter. For the past 13 years he has worked in various capacities for the United Steelworkers International Union.
Additionally, Voorhies has served as the president of the Central Indiana Labor Council since 2011. Under his leadership, the organization increased its membership, posted record high voter turnout numbers amongst its members in 2012 and launched the popular Labor Fest Labor Day celebration in downtown Indianapolis.
Joe Breedlove, who was elected to his third term as secretary-treasurer, began his career as an apprentice lineman in 1977 for the Boone County REMC. A member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 481, he studied as an apprentice, served as journeyman wireman, a foreman, as the business representative and referral agent before joining the Indiana State AFL-CIO. He is a graduate of Antioch University.
Along with Voorhies and Breedlove, 20 vice presidents were elected to serve on the Indiana AFL-CIO Executive Council. The four year terms begin immediately.