Press Release

Arena Football Players Affiliate with AFL-CIO

Partnership builds a stronger labor movement

(Washington, DC, May 13, 2014) – The Arena Football League Players Union (AFLPU) has affiliated with the AFL-CIO following a unanimous vote by its Board of Player Representatives. The hardworking athletes of the AFLPU join the 57 international unions representing more than 12 million working men and women in America.

“The labor movement is stronger when all workers– from nurses in California to teachers in New York or arena football players across the country – speak with a collective voice,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “We are excited to welcome the AFLPU into America’s labor movement and look forward to working together to improve the lives of all working people.”

“This partnership will help grow the AFLPU and level the playing field for players as our league continues to grow,” said AFLPU Executive Director Ivan Soto. “The AFL-CIO’s resources will provide our athletes with training, education and many other benefits that will help us achieve our goal: a workplace that treats athletes fairly and puts player safety first.”

This partnership is the culmination of nearly a year of discussions between the AFL-CIO and the AFLPU.

Contact: Josh Goldstein (202) 637-5018