New Leadership To Take AFL-CIO Helm Today
September 16, 2009
 The fourth day of the 26th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention will feature the election of a new leadership of the 11-million member labor federation. The “Together We Can, Together We Will” slate is expected to take the helm of the AFL-CIO this afternoon after its election by delegates.
Heading up the ticket is former Mineworkers president and current AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka.
According to Trumka:
In this economy, still manipulated by Wall Street, many Americans are struggling to have decent jobs with security and to simply survive. Unions are more important than ever because we speak up for the disadvantaged. We can make their voice heard.
Running to be the next secretary-treasurer is the IBEW’s own Liz Shuler, whose top priority is reaching out to younger workers.
Says Shuler:
Our message needs to resonate across generational lines … It’s not that today’s young people don’t like unions; it’s just that they really don’t know about us ... we need to open our ears and open our minds to new approaches for reaching some unconventional audiences.
Up for reelection as vice president is former American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
leader, Arlene Holt Baker.
Watch the speech live by visiting www.aflcio.org/convention2009.
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