Delegates to the GCIU's North American Conference of Specialty Union Members and the Southern Conference of Graphic Communications Unions refused to let the Sept. 11 terrorists' attacks deter them from their agenda. Delegates to both groups overcame the airlines' shutdown and met as scheduled on Sept. 13 in Nashville, Tenn.

Because of the shutdown of airline and other travel services and the heightened security throughout the country, delegates had to reach Nashville's famous Opryland Hotel by car or bus or other means. Some delegates and the Graphic Communicator reporter scheduled to cover the conference could not attend.

But, according to NACSUM Pres. Ralph M. Meers, also president of Atlanta 527S, conference officers never considered canceling the meeting. "We do not defeat terrorism by yielding to the control of terrorists," he declared.

At the combined meeting of GCIU's North American Conference of Specialty Union Members and the Southern Conference of Graphic Communications Unions, held in Nashville just days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Canadian delegate Mike Dadswell of Toronto 100M voices his support for the stars and stripes.

Understandably, the delegates had terrorism on their minds in the first few days after the assaults that killed more than 4,000 Americans in New York City, the Pentagon, and on the aircraft that was forced down by brave passengers in central Pennsylvania before it could reach the nation's capital.

Eddie Bryan, secretary-treasurer of the Tennessee AFL-CIO, welcomed the delegates and praised those who had come a long distance at a perilous time to conduct their union business.

"It is much more than union solidarity; it is being united against terrorism," said GCIU General Board Member Tom Jolley, a native of the state of Tennessee.

A delegation from Canada, led by Toronto 100M Vice Pres. Mike Dadswell, arrived safely before the airport shutdown. Other locals attending the conference included: Atlanta 8M, Battle Creek 705S, Birmingham 121C, Chattanooga 197S, Chicago 415S, Denver 440M, Greensboro 465S, Midwest 128N, Nashville 513S, Newark 690S, Newnan 641S, Philadelphia 16N, St. Louis 6M, Washington Court House 774S, Washington 713S. International Representative Phil Roberts also attended.

Among the issues discussed at the conference were health care, right-to-work laws, plant closures, and developing relationships with community organizations to expand support against plant closings. Also, a GCIU health and safety training session was conducted by Nashville 513S Pres. Dan Jernigan, Atlanta 8M Pres. Dale Harrell, and Atlanta 527S safety trainer Eddie Williams.

Delegates also passed a resolution honoring General Board Member George Novak of Toronto 100M who "has earned the respect of his USA brothers and sisters" during the 26 years he has been an officer of the Specialty Conference. In all of his activities for the GCIU, Novak "has promoted unity and mutual respect between the USA and Canadian locals," the resolution added.