Executive Council Statement
President Emeritus Lane Kirkland
… the AFL-CIO, the federation created the George Meany Human Rights Award—an award that not only reflected the contributions to human rights of Kirkland's mentor George Meany, but also uniquely mirrored his own vision and values. Every year, the award is given to a union activist who has shown both extraordinary courage and commitment to human rights for working people. Its … the Masters, Mates & Pilots. He was proud to carry their card for the rest of his life. Soon after the war, he started work for the AFL and then the AFL-CIO. After serving as executive assistant to President Meany in the 1960s, he was elected …