Alameda Labor Council
2026 UNIONIST OF THE YEAR DINNER
Oakland City Center Marriott
COALITION
WELCOME Dear Friends and Siblings, Welcome to the 2026 Unionist of the Year Dinner. Tonight’s theme - "All Gas, No Brakes" - isn’t just a slogan. Coming off the heels of our nation’s 250th birthday, we’re reminded that the work of democracy never pauses. With so much at stake, there is no option but to keep moving forward, together. There are those defining moments when the fight for working people demands every ounce of our energy. We are in one of those moments right now in Alameda County. The Alameda Labor Council and the Fuerza Educational Coalition aren't just moving - we are surging forward with a mission defined by both urgency and heart. Tonight, we celebrate what it means to keep showing up - for our families, our neighbors, and all working people. We are honoring the people whose livelihoods depend on our solidarity, and the leaders who don’t just champion that charge, but live it on the ground every day. We’ve already felt the raw power of what we can achieve together. Look at the Prop 50 victory. We are currently staring down millions of dollars in special interest and billionaire spending, and we continue to advance our movement. It is the people - the workers themselves - hold the real power, and we are actively exercising that power in our ongoing fight. When our union siblings are on the line, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder. We don’t leave anyone behind. That same commitment drives us into the midterms, where we will continue fighting for working families and protecting our most vulnerable neighbors. Tonight is more than a celebration. It’s a gathering of hearts and minds—a chance to affirm those who truly embody the "All Gas, No Brakes" spirit. Please join me in honoring our 2026 awardees: Unionist of the Year – Kat Bedford, AFSCME 3299 Elected Champion – Hon. Dylan Boldt, San Leandro City Council Solidarity Award – Painters Local 3, SEIU 2015, Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, and UAW Region 6 Boots on the Ground – William Harvey, Musicians Local 6 & Mr. B Jackson, SEIU 2015 Your participation this evening is a critical investment in keeping our pedal to the metal; you fuel our organizing, the political power, and the solidarity that delivers real victories for our members and our community. Thank you! Your generosity will ensure 2026 continues to be a year of forward acceleration for Alameda County’s working people. In solidarity,
Keith D. Brown Alameda Labor Council
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Oakland City Center Marriott
COALITION
EVENT PROGRAM
LABOR FORWARD: ALL GAS, NO BRAKES! RECEPTION Music by Eric Grove, DJ “About the Music”, AFSCME Local 2428 Member 7:00 pm - Welcome & Dinner Buffet Lines Open Thank you, UNITE-HERE Local 2 Staffing! PROGRAM Welcome - Lorena Gonzalez, CA Federation of Labor Unions, Emcee Remarks - Hon. Barbara Lee, Mayor, City of Oakland Meeting the Challenge – CA Attorney General Rob Bonta Labor Forward: All Gas, No Brakes! – Keith Brown, Executive Secretary-Treasurer
2026 UNIONIST OF THE YEAR DINNER Unionist of the Year
AWARD PRESENTATIONS Kat Bedford, AFSCME 3299 BOOTS ON THE GROUND AWARD William Harvey Musicians Local 6
Elected Champion SOLIDARITY AWARD ELECTED CHAMPION AWARD Hon. Dylan Boldt, San Leandro City Council District Council 16 Hon. Dylan Boldt, Councilmember Painters & Drywall
City of San LeandroSolidarity Award
Finishers Local 3
• District Council 16 Painters & Drywall Finishers Local 3 presented by Keith Brown
• SEIU 2015 SEIU 2015 • Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 104 • UAW Region 6 Sheet Metal Workers
Mr. B Jackson SEIU 2015
UNIONIST OF Local Union No. 104 Boots on the Ground THE YEAR AWARD ALL G AS N O B RAKES To be announced in early JuneUAW Region 6 Kat Bedford, AFSCME 3299 presented by
presented by Shaniah Ritzie-Hernandez
SAVE THE DATE
presented by Yeon Park
Friday, August 28th • 6 pm – 8:30 pm Oakland City Center Marriott
Martha Kuhl
EDUCATIONAL
COALITION
EMCEE
LORENA GONZALEZ
Lorena Gonzalez has dedicated her career to expanding workers’ rights through organizing, politics, and legislation. From transforming the San Diego region as head of the San Diego Imperial Counties Labor Council, to passing landmark labor laws in the State Assembly, to her historic leadership of the California Federation of Labor Unions, Lorena has relentlessly championed the cause of the working class. Her efforts have achieved groundbreaking advances for millions of working Californians. Under her leadership, the Federation has built a stronger, more accessible Labor Movement through prioritizing all forms of organizing and building solidarity across unions. She has revived the Member-to-Member political program to build engagement and power for all Union families. Lorena consistently and unapologetically ensures that the voices, needs, and rights of all workers remain at the forefront of public discourse in California. Alameda Labor Council
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Oakland City Center Marriott
COALITION
SPONSORS
Thank you to everyone for your participation, in particular we want to acknowledge our incredibly generous event sponsors!
Alameda Labor Council
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Oakland City Center Marriott
COALITION
SPONSORS
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Oakland City Center Marriott
COALITION
AWARDEE
UNIONIST OF THE YEAR Kat Bedford, AFSCME Local 3299 Kathreen “Kat” Bedford is a dedicated union leader and advocate with a lifelong commitment to the labor movement. She began her union career with the Teamsters while working in a warehouse, where she developed her passion for workers’ rights, solidarity, and fairness on the job. She has been a proud member of AFSCME Local 3299 for 29 years, where she serves on the executive committee, is an active member of the bargaining team, and serves on the Racial Justice Committee—reflecting her deep commitment to equity, justice, and fair working conditions for all workers. Kat began her service with the Alameda Labor Council as a delegate in 2003. At the encouragement of then Secretary-Treasurer (now Assemblywoman) Liz Ortega, she advanced to trustee and now serves on the Executive Board, continuing her leadership and commitment to strengthening the labor movement. In addition, she serves as Correspondent Secretary for Northern Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, where she continues to advocate for equity, representation, and justice within the broader labor community. Known for her resilience, integrity, and strong voice, Kat leads with purpose and conviction. Her recognition as Unionist of the Year reflects her decades-long dedication to unity, fairness, and the power of collective action.
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Oakland City Center Marriott
COALITION
AWARDEE
ELECTED CHAMPION Hon. Dylan Boldt, San Leandro City Council Dylan Boldt was elected to the San Leandro City Council in 2024. Prior to his council role, he served two years as a Board of Zoning and Adjustments Commissioner and six years as a Planning Commissioner in San Leandro, during which time he served as the chair for three years. As a city council member, he serves on multiple boards and committees throughout Alameda County, including the Alameda County Veterans Affairs Commission, Alameda County Fire Advisory Commission, East Bay Discharge Authority, and Oakland Airport-Community Noise Management, among others. Dylan Boldt is a 26-year member of Sprinkler Fitters Local 483 and has dedicated the past decade of his career to serving his membership as a Business Agent. His experience spans both Santa Clara and Alameda Counties. As a council member, he will ensure that any and all policies presented and voted on will prioritize the values of working families. Dylan Boldt married his best friend, Adelina, whom he has known since the second grade. Adelina is a special needs instructor at San Lorenzo Unified School District. Together, they have three children: a daughter currently a junior at Saint Joseph’s High School and twin sons who enlisted in the military at the age of 19. After six years of service, they now serve in the United States Army’s special operations division. Dylan is a consummate public servant and labor leader – he brings the two together in a way most deserving of our 2026 Elected Champion award.
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Oakland City Center Marriott
COALITION
AWARDEE
SOLIDARITY AWARD District Council 16 Painters & Drywall Finishers Local 3 • SEIU 2015 Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 104 • UAW Region 6 “Solidarity is more than just a word – it’s the force that moves history forward. It means standing together when the odds are stacked against us, refusing to let anyone fight alone and recognizing that when one worker is exploited, the rights of all workers are at risk.” – Solidarity Center. https://www.solidaritycenter.org/what-solidarity-means-and-why-it-matters/
Our Council is lifted by the solidarity of the 2026 Solidarity Awardees’ leadership and rank & file members who have stood shoulder to shoulder, walking precincts and walking picket lines, reaching out to voters through phone and text, and helped our allies secure victories for working people. Thank you for your commitment and generosity of time!
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Congratulations to
William B. Harvey
Musicians Union Local 6 is proud of our brother in music and labor, William B. Harvey, on receiving the Alameda Labor Council’s Boots on the Ground Award! A great trumpet player knows that you have to show up, take a deep breath, and make some noise—and William has been doing exactly that, both on stage and on the picket line. Whether he’s playing a high note or standing up for worker’s rights, William brings commitment, energy, and a whole lot of heart.
Glad to partner with Alameda Labor as we build and support the next wave of Leaders!
Congratulations to the 2026 Honorees!
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Alameda Labor Council
2026 UNIONIST OF THE YEAR DINNER
Oakland City Center Marriott
COALITION
AWARDEE
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
2026 UNIONIST OF THE YEAR DINNER
Mr. B. Jackson, SEIU 2015
With more than two decades of dedicated service, Mr. B. Jackson is a California State Certified In-Home Supportive Services healthcare Unionist of the Year provider and professional first responder, committed to promoting Kat Bedford, AFSCME 3299 health, safety, dignity, and compassionate care. He is an active Elected Champion member of SEIU 2015 and answers the callHon. before called upon. Dylan Boldt, San Leandro City Council
His life's work has been devoted to serving humanity through dependable, Solidarity Award person-centered support and community• cultural services. District Council 16 Painters & Drywall Finishers Local 3 • SEIU 2015
Mr. B. is also the founder of MACMO (Music Communications Arts Local Union No. 104 • Sheet Metal Workers • UAW Region 6 Media Organization), a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through cultural arts education and engagement, Boots on the Ground gallery exhibitions events, consulting, and creative outreach. To be announced in early June
ALL G AS N O B RAKES
Through both SAVE healthcare and nonprofit leadership, he strives to inspire healing, education, THE DATE creating opportunities for positive change, empowering individuals and enriching communities Friday, August 28th • 6 pm – 8:30 pm EDUCATIONAL throughOakland service. City Center Marriott COALITION
AWARDEE
BOOTS ON THE GROUND William Harvey, Musicians Union Local 6, AFM William Harvey was born in Berkeley and attended Berkeley Public Schools, San Francisco State and Boston University. A member of Musicians Union Local 6, American Federation of Musicians, he has worked in the Symphonic, Recording, Theater, Nightclub and Casual sectors and has served on negotiating committees, as a union steward, labor council delegate, players association delegate, and trustee. During election season, William enjoys talking with other union members, both by phone and in person, in support of labor-endorsed candidates and measures, especially near his home in East Oakland, where he lives with his wife, Josepha Fath, also a member of Musicians Union Local 6. Alameda Labor Council
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LABOR FORWAR
RD: ALL GAS, NO BRAKES!
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Congratulations to the 2026 Unionist of the Year Honorees
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HON. URSULA JONES DICKSON CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2026 Unionist of the Year Awardees Kat Bedford | Unionist of the Year Hon. Dylan Boldt | Elected Champion District Council 16 Painters & Drywall Finishers Local 3 • SEIU 2015 Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 104 • UAW Region 6 | Solidarity Award William Harvey • Mr. B Jackson | Boots on the Ground
"I am glad to have been your endorsed candidate and look forward to more "all gas, no brakes" together!"
– Ursula Jones Dickson Alameda County District Attorney
Paid for by Re-Elect Ursula Jones Dickson for District Attorney 2028, FPPC# pending. 26
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Joins the Alameda Labor Council In Honoring: Elected Champion Award Hon. Dylan Boldt, Councilmember City of San Leandro Unionist of the Year Award Kat Bedford, AFSCME 3299 Solidarity Award District Council 16 Painters & Drywall Finishers Local 3 SEIU 2015, Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 104 UAW Region 6 Boots on the Ground Award William Harvey, Musicians Local 6 Mr. B Jackson, SEIU 2015 80 Swan Way, Suite #110, Oakland, CA 94621 510-577-9394 • www.afscme57.org
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Building & Construction Trades Council of Alameda County
Congratulates
Kat Bedford
AFSCME 3299 Unionist of the Year
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OFFICERS Yeon Park, President SEIU 1021 Keith Brown, Executive Secretary-Treasurer IBT 665 Martha Kuhl, 1st Vice President CA Nurses Association Andreas Cluver, 2nd Vice President Roofers 81 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Carrie Anderson, NEA OEA Nathaniel Arnold, ATU 192 Kat Bedford, AFSCME 3299 Greg Bonato, IBEW 595 Rosemarie Boothe-Bey, OPEIU 29 Don Crosatto, IAM 1546 Cloudell Douglas, CBTU Yulisa Elenes, Unite Here 2 Rich Fierro, IBT 70 Chris Finn, ATU 1555 Al Fortier, IBEW 1245 Keith Gibbs, CWA District 9 Eugenia Gutierrez, SEIU USWW Mike Henneberry, IBT 853 Ben Kim, IAFF 689 Adam Masters, SMART 104 Maliha Noamani, SEIU 2015 Devin Ramos, UFCW 5 Omar Sabeh, IATSE 107 Jennifer Shanoski, PFT 1603 Chris Snyder, IUOE 3 Julian Ware, IFPTE 21 Randall West, IAFF 55 Cindy Zecher, CSEA 27
www.alamedalabor.org