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New Officers to be Voted in at AFL-CIO Convention

September 14, 2009

The spirit of trade unionism is in full stride in Pittsburgh as the city hosts the AFL-CIO’s 26th Constitutional Convention September 13 - 17. Highlighting the summit is the election of a new slate of officers – including the IBEW’s Liz Shuler – to helm the 11 million-member federation.

A rising star in the movement, Shuler’s role as secretary-treasurer will combine her union expertise with that of AFL-CIO presidential candidate Rich Trumka and vice presidential candidate Arlene Holt Baker to champion health care reform, the Employee Free Choice Act and workers’ rights, while striving to create better lives for working men and women.

The labor movement is an"American tradition that needs revival at a time when millions of our fellow citizens are suffering below the radar," Shuler wrote in a recent op-ed for Oregon's StatesmanJournal.com. "Let’s shine a light on these and other issues that will make a difference in the lives of all workers and retirees of all ages." The candidates will be voted in on Thursday.

For the first time, The AFL-CIO will provide a live webcast of the convention. Workers nationwide can take a virtual trip to the conference by visiting the convention page and following official updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Featured speakers include President Barack Obama, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Sen. Arlen Specter, among others.

The AFL-CIO will also honor retiring President John Sweeney for his decades of contributions to working families.

(Click here to view a slideshow tribute to Brother Sweeney.)

Stay connected at www.ibew.org for daily updates.