Secretary Suzanne Bump Leads and Listens at Packed COPE Roundtable

In a historic meeting marking the embodiment of a new, hopeful era in state government, Governor Deval Patrick's Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Suzanne Bump, was on hand at an exciting and informative Political Roundtable that brought out exactly 100 labor leaders and political activists from across the Commonwealth.

At the onset of the 2007 kick-off Political Roundtable the standing-room-only crowd broke into a spontaneous standing ovation as soon as Secretary Bump set foot in the room, unable to contain the hopeful attitude so many in the labor movement feel about the new Administration, particularly Secretary Bump's role. President Haynes kicked off the meeting praising Governor Patrick's selection of Suzanne Bump as Labor Secretary, commenting on her experience, talent, energy, and understanding of the importance  to workers of her mission in the Administration. President Haynes also acknowledged how refreshing it is after sixteen years of Republican governors to have an Administration who actually cared about the well-being and quality of life of the working families in Massachusetts. One need look no further than the Governor keeping his word to appoint a Cabinet-level Secretary of Labor and choosing such a quality person as Suzanne Bump.

Special guests Bruce Herman, Executive Director of the National Employment Law Project, and Paul Harrington, professor and Co-Chair of the Patrick-Murray Transition Workforce Development Working Group, kicked off the official program praising labor's role in the Transition, and highlighting the many policies and departments that can have an impact on the state's economy and the state's workforce. Secretary Bump then spoke of the importance of her Department, gave an update on the progress for filling important positions and restructuring the Executive Branch, and working with organized labor to ensure that working people have a voice in the Administration and were given fair consideration in the Administration's deliberations over at least the next four years.

After addressing the audience for approximately 25 minutes, Secretary Bump listened and participated in a question and answer session for more than two and a half times as long, signifying her willingness and appreciation for the expertise and experience of the labor representatives in the room.

You can view pictures of the meeting here.