Brommer, 60, has been an officer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO since 1979. He was executive vice president from 1979 to 1985, secretary-treasurer from 1985 to 1990 and president since 1990. "I believe I'm the only person in the history of the state federation to hold all three offices," he noted. No one else will ever do the same, as the office of executive vice president was eliminated in 1985.
Prior to his work with the state federation, Brommer was executive director of AFSCME Council 6, the union representing many state employees.
As leader of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, which has more than 1,000 affiliated unions and 400,000 members in all walks of life, Brommer has been a visible and eloquent spokesman for working people's concerns. He has fired up crowds on picketlines, testified numerous times before the state Legislature and debated business executives on TV.
Brommer said he will have time in the next few months to reflect on his accomplishments. But he said he wants people to know "I'm not going anywhere. I intend to be involved in the work of the labor movement in some way, shape or form."
Election possible in June
The Executive Council has authority to elect a successor to fill out the remainder of Brommer's term. He said the vote may be taken at the council's regular June meeting or at a special meeting. Ray Waldron, currently secretary-treasurer of the federation, will be a candidate for the presidency, Brommer said.
Barb Kucera is editor of www.workdayminnesota.org