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Convention Resolution

Resolution 9: A Labor Movement Agenda for a Stronger, Cleaner and More Just Global Economy [amended]

… fall by 4.3 percent in 2009 across the OECD as a whole—and by 2 percent globally. In 2010, most countries are projected to experience stagnation at best—if not further reductions in GDP. These are the worst forecasts ever made by the OECD. The crisis has now spread to emerging and developing economies as well, where growth has stalled and GDP per capita is falling. The International … and democratic unions. The Solidarity Center has 25 field offices and implements programs in 60 countries. This work is supported by public funding, foundation grants and AFL-CIO, affiliate and individual member contributions. The …
Executive Council Statement

Call for Negotiations Toward an International Minimum Wage

… has increased in far too many nations. At the same time, too many multinational corporations have been engaged in a “race to the bottom,” seeking to locate their operations in nations with the lowest wages and most vulnerable workers.  In an … the middle class in all nations must be the goal. Fair trade requires that workers can receive fair compensation for their work. Protection of core workers’ rights must be coupled with minimum wage laws that are negotiated through trade agreements. … – that means not only the quality of life, but helping to create consumers who will purchase the products of all nations. Right now, the United States is left holding the short straw – our trade expansion efforts have disproportionately aided our …
Convention Resolution

Resolution 2: An Independent Political Voice

… rich and powerful, the political system has been taking away, one after another, the pillars that support working people’s right to good jobs and secure benefits. Our opponents know that unions are the last bulwark for working people, and so set as their top priority taking away the freedom of working people to negotiate for a better life. Moreover, politicians restrict voting rights, legalize unlimited contributions and …
Legislative Alert

Letter Supporting Nomination of Todd Edelman to the U.S. District Court

… Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Chairman Durbin and Ranking Member Grassley: I am writing on behalf of the AFL-CIO to urge your support for Judge Todd Edelman's nomination to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Throughout his career as a public defender, labor lawyer, and judge, Judge Edelman has demonstrated a dedication to the principles of equal justice under the law, a work ethic and intellectual rigor, and a concern for the access of low-income and working families to our courts that would …
Executive Council Statement

Senator John Kerry for President

… election of 2004 may be the most important in our lifetimes, and the unions of the AFL-CIO are unified in our commitment to elect a president who will stand with and for working families. Instead of moving forward toward an America of promise and … workers can afford nor employer-funded pension benefits that will provide a secure retirement after a lifetime of work. The result is that while the yachts of the wealthy and giant corporations are being lifted by a rising economic tide, … service in Vietnam, even despite misgivings about the conduct of that war. He showed us what the words, “my country, right or wrong,” really mean when he repeatedly offered his own life to save the lives of the men under his command. He …
Legislative Alert

Statement for the Record - Child Labor

… of 60 affiliated unions representing more than 12.5 million workers across all sectors of our economy. Our members work in every state in the nation and they come from every region of the world. We represent working people with all types of … and TPS holders, non-immigrant visa beneficiaries, legal permanent residents, refugees, and citizens. Together, we strive to ensure that every person who works in this country receives decent pay, good benefits, safe working conditions, and fair … existing loopholes that allow for children to work in agriculture at very young ages, under harsh conditions. Protect the right to organize. Like it was for generations before, the labor movement is a natural home for immigrants and refugees …
Blog

Pride Month Profiles: Tom Barbera

… Throughout Pride Month, the AFL-CIO will be taking a look at some of the pioneers whose work sits at the intersection of the labor movement and the movement for LGBTQ equality. Our first profile is Tom Barbera. … Tom Barbera was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but moved to Boston and grew to become a legend in the movements for LGBTQ rights and working people, both in his adopted hometown, and … loved his wicked sense of humor and his insistence on what was fair and just. Tom had a strong belief in equality and the right of people to love who they love without judgment. He stuck his neck out and demanded equality for LGBTQ people long …
Speech

Shuler: The Labor Movement Is Committed to Racial Justice

… March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and championed the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. We recognize the work so many of you have done over the decades to stand up to racism in systems of justice and politics—our workplaces and economies. Through visionary clarity, working … progress we celebrate is because those who have been cut out or marginalized, have nevertheless fought on—demanded their right to a voice, to a say in shaping this country. But after so many attacks by the wealthy and powerful, we’ve reached a …
Speech

Shuler Launches 2021 AFL-CIO Executive Paywatch

… keeps getting better and really highlights the disparities we in the labor movement talk about day in and day out. I want to thank Brandon Rees, the AFL-CIO’s Deputy Director of Corporations and Capital Markets for his hard work in bringing this important project to life. The headline is: In 2020, on average, CEOs of S&P 500 companies were given a … That’s crystal clear in this year’s Paywatch, which shines a spotlight on the difference between companies in so-called “right to work” states versus those in union security states.  “Right to work” laws take away workers’ rights. They undermine …
Blog

Black History Month Labor Profiles: Arlene Holt Baker

… intersection of civil and labor rights. Our first profile this year is Arlene Holt Baker. … Arlene Holt Baker began her work in the labor movement in Los Angeles in 1972. As a member of AFSCME, she began organizing clerical employees who worked for the city. That process taught her that collective bargaining was the way to empower people economically. Her undying optimism was boosted by the fact that soon after she started her organizing work, … focus on collective bargaining rights, health care, fair trade, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights and the right for all union members to fully participate in democratic unions that reflect the rich diversity of the workplace. She …