Tony McCann honored for 50 years of union activism

nionists stepped up in a big way when Retiree Council 10 decided to honor longtime activist Tony McCann with a NYSUT Legacy Fund award. Donations flowed in across the labor community, from individual RC 10 members to the Shenendehowa Teachers Association to the Troy Area Labor Council. Everyone who’d worked with McCann, learned from McCann or taught with McCann chipped in to honor the respected unionist and former longtime STA president and NYSUT Board member.

More than $2,500 — the largest NYSUT Legacy Fund donation ever — was collected in honor of the union stalwart. “Tony recognized everyone’s individual strengths and tried to promote them,” said Barbara McCarthy, RC 10 president. “His guidance and mentorship for nearly 50 years meant so much to so many.”

NYSUT Second Vice President Ron Gross presented McCann with the Legacy Fund Award at RC 10’s October meeting at headquarters where many admirers shared stories about his impact. “Tony McCann epitomizes the kind of member we had in mind when we created the NYSUT Legacy Fund,” said Gross. “His many years of dedicated service are an inspiration to us all.”

To honor an in-service or retiree activist from your area, visit nysut.org/legacyfund.