The Young Democrats of America met in sunny Anaheim, CA for the winter meeting of the National Committee. Roughly 200 YD leaders came from across the country, for the 3 day meeting.

This meeting focused on Labor and Union issues. YDA met with representatives from the Writer’s Guild of America that just successfully resolved a dispute with movie and TV publishers. They talked about the importance of having a unified clear message when making demands, while also being willing to approach negotiations with an open mind. Their strike was successful, and may serve as a model for many future labor actions.

YDs also walked in support of local hotel workers Unite Here Local 681. The workers of 681 are having their healthcare benefits threatened, while still earning sub-standard wages. We heard from many workers who commute 2 hours daily on public transportation, and accept poverty level wages only because healthcare is so crucial to them. In the afternoon, hotel workers from all fields joined with Young Democrats and picketed in front of a hotel while YDA leadership met with hotel management to present the Union’s case and express solidarity with the workers.

The next meeting of YDA will be in Nashville, TN, just slightly ahead of the DNC Convention in Denver, CO.