AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement:
It’s essential that the Democratic Party prioritizes the needs and aspirations of working people. Over the past several months, the labor movement engaged directly with those who seek to lead the party going forward to ensure that workers’ issues are at the forefront of the debate about the direction of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). At the recent DNC Labor Council forum, working people asked pointed questions of the candidates for DNC chair about how they plan to re-establish the party’s focus on working-class issues and values to expand its reach to all workers.
Throughout this process, the labor movement stood together to ensure the voices of working people are driving the debate. As a result, working people’s issues have remained front and center as the DNC considers candidates for leadership, an unequivocal victory regardless of whom the party ultimately chooses. While we deeply appreciate the candidates’ willingness to engage in this imperative discussion with workers and the thoughtful answers they’ve provided on some of the most pressing issues we face, the AFL-CIO has decided not to endorse in the race for chair. Simply put, we recognize there are different perspectives which makes a consensus difficult. Individual affiliated unions and union leaders are currently evaluating the candidates and some may choose to endorse even though there is no endorsement forthcoming from the AFL-CIO.
In December, we issued a statement of principles that outlined workers’ priorities for the direction of the party. As this process moves ahead, the labor movement will continue to stand together to elevate working people’s priorities. This race isn’t about individuals; it’s about vision. We need leaders who listen intently to working people instead of acquiescing to the consultant class and corporate donors whose selfish interests may conflict with the Democratic Party’s ability to engage and mobilize working people across the country.
While we won’t be endorsing a candidate for chair, we’re laser-focused on working closely with DNC leaders to lift up working people across geography and ideology so that together we can fight off anti-union attacks from billionaire bosses and advance an agenda that will grow the labor movement, mobilize at worksites and the ballot box, and empower workers and our families.
Contact: Steve Smith, 202-637-5018