
August 19, 2009
WashTech News
The executive board of the Washington State Labor Council today announced its unanimous endorsement of the leadership team headed by Richard L. Trumka for president of the national AFL-CIO. Also on the ticket is Arlene Holt Baker who is seeking re-election as executive vice president and Liz Shuler, who is seeking to fill Trumka's current position as secretary-treasurer.
"Rich Trumka has exactly what it takes to rally the labor movement as we fight to restore the middle class, battle for reform of our health insurance industry and pass the Employee Free Choice Act," said WSLC President Rick Bender. "He is a dedicated leader whose sense of justice and equality will help raise the consciousness of this country in the debate between corporate interests, government and the working families who are the backbone of this nation."
The diversity of the Trumka ticket was embraced by the WSLC executive board. Vice President Patty Rose, who is also the secretary-treasurer of the Pierce County Central Labor Council, said, "There is a tremendous excitement within the union movement to throw their support behind two strong women who will represent labor in this country. Arlene Holt Baker has rallied our union grassroots volunteers time and time again in support of political candidates who will champion labor's causes. Liz Shuler is breaking a glass ceiling within the labor movement. Her election will mark a new path for women in labor and we support her one hundred percent."
Shuler is a friend of the labor movement in the Pacific Northwest having served as a legislative representative and grassroots organizer for IBEW Local 125 in Portland, Oregon. She currently serves as the executive assistant to IBEW International President Ed Hill.
"Liz lobbied with us in Olympia on behalf of the working families of this state," said WSLC Secretary-Treasurer Al Link. "We are excited to have her work with us on the national level and look forward to seeing her talent and energy in action. Her familiarity with the Northwest is also a bonus -- she knows our issues and we are proud to support her."
Richard Trumka is a third generation coal miner from southwestern Pennsylvania, who rose through the ranks to the presidency of the United Mine Workers of America and went on to become secretary-treasurer of the National AFL-CIO. He is endorsed by retiring President John J. Sweeney and, to date, is the only announced candidate for president of the 11 million-member AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO will hold the elections at its convention scheduled for September 14th through 17th in Pittsburgh.
The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is the largest labor organization in Washington State representing over 400,000 working men and women and more than 600 affiliated unions. A state federation of the AFL-CIO, the WSLC is a voluntary non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the rights and conditions of working people and their families.
Copyright ����© 2009 -- Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
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WSLC backs AFL-CIO's Trumka, Shuler, Holt Baker
The Washington State Labor Council distributed the following press release Tuesday afternoon:"Rich Trumka has exactly what it takes to rally the labor movement as we fight to restore the middle class, battle for reform of our health insurance industry and pass the Employee Free Choice Act," said WSLC President Rick Bender. "He is a dedicated leader whose sense of justice and equality will help raise the consciousness of this country in the debate between corporate interests, government and the working families who are the backbone of this nation."
Shuler is a friend of the labor movement in the Pacific Northwest having served as a legislative representative and grassroots organizer for IBEW Local 125 in Portland, Oregon. She currently serves as the executive assistant to IBEW International President Ed Hill.
Richard Trumka is a third generation coal miner from southwestern Pennsylvania, who rose through the ranks to the presidency of the United Mine Workers of America and went on to become secretary-treasurer of the National AFL-CIO. He is endorsed by retiring President John J. Sweeney and, to date, is the only announced candidate for president of the 11 million-member AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO will hold the elections at its convention scheduled for September 14th through 17th in Pittsburgh.
The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is the largest labor organization in Washington State representing over 400,000 working men and women and more than 600 affiliated unions. A state federation of the AFL-CIO, the WSLC is a voluntary non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the rights and conditions of working people and their families.
Copyright ����© 2009 -- Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
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