Local 6450's Chaney Honored as Union Advocate of the Year

Chere Chaney, executive board member and past president of Local 6450, receives the Seth Slocum Union Advocate of the Year Award.

Chere Chaney, an executive board member and former president of CWA Local 6450, has been honored as the Seth Slocum Union Advocate of the Year by the Labor Education Political Club Independent in Kansas City, Mo.

In a message of congratulations, CWA President Larry Cohen praised Cheney as a longtime activist and advocate for the labor movement. "CWA is very proud to have such a strong labor leader and activist fighting every day for the rights of working people and for social justice. Chere, keep them fired up and ready to go."

Cohen also commended the work of the LEPCI as critical in legislative and political efforts to win social change and defend the rights of working women and men.

Local 6450 President Colleen Downing expressed the local's pride in Chaney's accomplishments and said 10 members were on hand, along with state and local elected officials, as Chaney received the award last Friday.

Among her many achievements, Chaney worked for 44 years on behalf of CWA and working families, dedicating her efforts to her local, the labor community and building an effective political process. She has served Local 6450 as president and executive vice president and currently serves as legislative chair of the local and the state AFL-CIO.

Chaney also has been a leader in the Missouri Coalition of Labor Union Women, Greater Kansas City Coalition of Labor Union Women and Women's Political Caucus, among other organizations.