It is fitting that Barack Obama will be chosen as the Democratic nominee for President just a few days before Labor Day. Because this election is all about labor and working families. Wages have been stagnant for decades. Prices for gas, food and tuition have gone through the roof. Jobs are disappearing by the tens of thousands. Millions of working Americans have no health insurance or retirement security. Home foreclosures reach ever-higher, record levels.
At the same time, corporate profits have soared and the richest 1% in our country continue to get richer. In John McCain's America, where he can't even remember how many houses he owns, everything is just fine. But for the hard-working men and women who are the back-bone of our country and our economy, times are tough. Very tough.
Barack Obama understands that we will need unions to help us solve these problems. That's his message as Labor Day approaches. Watch him discuss the important role that unions have played in our history, continue to play today, and will play in building our future. Here are two videos of different appearances where he addressed the same question: do you support unions? Barack's answer was an emphatic "yes."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ3ibE6LtEE&eurl=http://www.facebook.com/home.php?
http://www.necn.com/category/32/15988
You can help us spread the word about these videos. Invite your friends, neighbors, union brothers and sisters, and anyone else who cares about working families to visit this blog, read this post, and watch these videos. Then, encourage them to spread the word to everyone they know.
This is our candidate talking about our issues. You can help him let everyone know which side he is on.
Update:
If you are wondering what the reference to John McCain not knowing how many houses he owns is all about, watch this new commercial:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/seven_ad
On our nation's birthday, this important news of an endorsement from the nation's largest union comes from the NEA web site:
Educators Vote to Endorse Obama Nearly 10,000 NEA delegates approve presidential endorsement WASHINGTON —The National Education Association voted today to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for U.S. president. Nearly 10,000 educators, representing the NEA’s 3.2 million members, officially endorsed Obama as part of the NEA’s Representative Assembly. Obama will address the delegation on Saturday via satellite. The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Reg Weaver: “NEA’s 3.2 million members, like most Americans, are ready for change. Barack Obama understands that a child is more than a test score, that schools need adequate resources, and that creating great public schools for each and every child is a shared responsibility. We need a president who understands that the strength of our country, the vitality of our economy and the health of our democracy depend on quality public schools. NEA members have shown today that they’re prepared to help put a friend of education in the White House, and get this country back on track.”
WASHINGTON —The National Education Association voted today to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for U.S. president. Nearly 10,000 educators, representing the NEA’s 3.2 million members, officially endorsed Obama as part of the NEA’s Representative Assembly. Obama will address the delegation on Saturday via satellite.
The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Reg Weaver:
“NEA’s 3.2 million members, like most Americans, are ready for change. Barack Obama understands that a child is more than a test score, that schools need adequate resources, and that creating great public schools for each and every child is a shared responsibility. We need a president who understands that the strength of our country, the vitality of our economy and the health of our democracy depend on quality public schools. NEA members have shown today that they’re prepared to help put a friend of education in the White House, and get this country back on track.”
As of now, Barack Obama's campaign for change has been endorsed by both teachers unions, both labor federations, and dozens of other unions. Labor has come together to take back our country.
Senator Obama today released the following statement on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' unemployment numbers report:
As we head into the 4th of July weekend, today's report that our economy has lost another 62,000 jobs is a stark reminder that far too many Americans will spend this holiday out of work and struggling to provide for their families because of the failed policies of the last eight years.Our economy has not shed 438,000 jobs over the past six months, while workers' wages fail to keep pace with the skyrocketing cost of gas, groceries and health care. The American people are paying the price for the failed economic policies of the past eight years, and we can't afford four more years of the same. That is the essential issue of this campaign because Senator McCain has fully embraced the Bush economic agenda. I believe it has to change.But, as these numbers demonstrate, the American people can't wait another six months. We need action now.That's why I'm calling on Congress and the Preasident to enact real, immediate relief with energy rebates for working families this summer, a fund to help families avoid foreclosure, extended benefits for the long-term jobless, and assistance to states that have been hard-hit by the economic downturn.As President, I'll move us in a new direction with policies to restore broad-based, bottom up growth that benefits all Americans. I will provide working families with a middle-class tax cut; fith for affordable health care and college tuition; work to help raise workers' wages; and invest in infrastructure, education and a clean energy future to create millions of new jobs. That's the change the American people need."
As we head into the 4th of July weekend, today's report that our economy has lost another 62,000 jobs is a stark reminder that far too many Americans will spend this holiday out of work and struggling to provide for their families because of the failed policies of the last eight years.
Our economy has not shed 438,000 jobs over the past six months, while workers' wages fail to keep pace with the skyrocketing cost of gas, groceries and health care. The American people are paying the price for the failed economic policies of the past eight years, and we can't afford four more years of the same. That is the essential issue of this campaign because Senator McCain has fully embraced the Bush economic agenda. I believe it has to change.
But, as these numbers demonstrate, the American people can't wait another six months. We need action now.
That's why I'm calling on Congress and the Preasident to enact real, immediate relief with energy rebates for working families this summer, a fund to help families avoid foreclosure, extended benefits for the long-term jobless, and assistance to states that have been hard-hit by the economic downturn.
As President, I'll move us in a new direction with policies to restore broad-based, bottom up growth that benefits all Americans. I will provide working families with a middle-class tax cut; fith for affordable health care and college tuition; work to help raise workers' wages; and invest in infrastructure, education and a clean energy future to create millions of new jobs. That's the change the American people need."
This news of another union endorsement arrived today via press release (no link):
The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers has officially endorsed the candidacy of Democratic Senator Barack Obama for the office of President of the United States.The Insulators Union is an affiliate of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, with members employed in the insulation sector of the construction industry across the United States and Canada.The union’s General Executive Board unanimously voted to endorse Senator Obama and has called upon every member of the union to participate in a determined effort to elect a Democrat to the White House in November and to broaden the Democratic Party’s margin of control in Congress.General President James A. Grogan announced the union’s endorsement, noting that working Americans, including union members, have suffered almost eight years of economic decline as a direct result of governmental policies that have reduced job opportunities, lowered our nation’s standard of living and enriched the pockets of the wealthy at the expense of the middle class.In contrast, the union’s president said, Senator Obama has advanced programs and policies designed to reverse the misguided actions of a Republican Administration and its supporters, including GOP presidential nominee Senator John McCain, whose position on the issues suggests a continuation of domestic and foreign policies that have undermined our economy and our nation’s standing as a world leader.“The policy positions embraced by Senator Obama reflect the values and a pathway to economic growth that are of vital importance in restoring job opportunities and economic prosperity to the working men and women of this nation. “Our support of Senator Obama, our active involvement in his campaign and his subsequent election to the office of President of the United States will restore and fulfill the hopes and aspirations that are at the core of the American dream of fairness, opportunity, growth and prosperity for the entire nation and not just a privileged few,” President Grogan stressed.
I know you all join me in welcoming these building tradesmen and tradeswomen to the campaign for change that works for you. We're looking forward to canvassing with you and getting out the vote this summer and fall.
I am a little late posting this news, but here's a statement that Senator Obama issued on Wednesday after the historic and overwhelming vote in the U.S. House of Representatives in favor of the ADA Amendments Act --- a revised version of the ADA Restoration Act:
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the House Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Restoration Act WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Americans with Disabilities Restoration Act, H.R. 3195."We have a collective responsibility to ensure that every American has access to the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and live independent lives. With nearly fifty-four million Americans living with disabilities today, it must be a priority for our government to do everything it can to protect and respect the needs of these Americans."The House of Representatives took an important step today by passing this legislation, and I applaud Leader Hoyer and Congressmen Conyers, George Miller, and Sensenbrenner for their efforts. I look forward to working with a true leader on this issue, Senator Harkin, to reaffirm our nation's commitment to giving every American an equal chance."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Americans with Disabilities Restoration Act, H.R. 3195.
"We have a collective responsibility to ensure that every American has access to the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and live independent lives. With nearly fifty-four million Americans living with disabilities today, it must be a priority for our government to do everything it can to protect and respect the needs of these Americans.
"The House of Representatives took an important step today by passing this legislation, and I applaud Leader Hoyer and Congressmen Conyers, George Miller, and Sensenbrenner for their efforts. I look forward to working with a true leader on this issue, Senator Harkin, to reaffirm our nation's commitment to giving every American an equal chance."
The ADA Restoration Act is critical legislation that will overturn several Supreme Court decisions that dramatically narrowed the ADA's coverage. These ill-conceived decisions left potentially millions of Americans with disabilities unprotected from discrimination in the workplace, the job market, public services, and other aspects of their lives. The ADA Restoration Act will expand coverage to protect all of those Congress originally intended to protect.
Barack has been a long-time supporter of the ADA Restoration Act. Take a look at his Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities and his video endorsing the bill at www.barackobama.com/issues/disabilities. But Barack understands the critical connection between restoring the ADA and making sure that it is interpreted fairly by judges. Here's what his Plan says about the judges he will appoint:
Appointing Judges and Justices Who Respect Laws Designed to Protect People with Disabilities: Barack Obama will appoint judges and justices who respect Congress’ role as a co-equal, democratically elected branch of government and who exhibit empathy with what it means to be an American with a disability. The Supreme Court’s interpretations of the ADA have shown disrespect for Congress’ intent and frustrated the law’s goals of fully integrating people with disabilities into society.
That's the kind of President that Americans with disabilities need. That's the kind of President all Americans need.
This gigantic endorsement news comes from the AFL-CIO's web site:
AFL-CIO Votes to Endorse Senator Barack Obama for PresidentEndorsement Triggers Largest Ever Mobilization of Working Families AFL-CIO Program to Reach Union Voters Nationwide, 13 Million in 24 Priority States Calling Sen. Barack Obama a champion for working families, the top leaders of AFL-CIO unions today voted without opposition to endorse him for president of the United States, thrusting the labor federation’s largest ever grassroots mobilization effort into high gear. “In so many ways―on jobs, health care, gas prices and the war in Iraq―our country is headed in the wrong direction,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said. “Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency, that he’s leading the fight to turn around America. He’s a champion for working families who knows what it’s going to take to create an economy that works for everyone, not just Big Oil, Big Pharma, the insurance companies, the giant mortgage lenders, speculators and the very wealthy. We’re proud to stand with Sen. Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children.” In its endorsement statement, the AFL-CIO General Board cited Obama’s strong support of working families on issues such as health care reform, fair trade that will lift up workers here and around the world, retirement security and the freedom to form unions and bargain for middle-class living standards. Obama has a 98 percent voting record on working families’ issues, compared to just 16 percent for Sen. John McCain.“Senator Barack Obama has secured the nomination of his party in a campaign that has energized millions of Americans and spoken to the hopes and dreams of people from every corner of our nation,” read the AFL-CIO General Board’s statement to endorse Obama. “His leadership can re-engage disenfranchised Americans and bring our country together.” The General Board, which includes presidents of all 56 unions in the federation as well as Executive Council members and representatives of state and local federations, trade departments and constituency groups, votes by per capita membership.“Senator Obama has advocated a change of direction for our nation that mirrors the priorities of the labor movement,” the statement continued. The endorsement is not only a stamp of approval; it marks the beginning of a huge, united political mobilization among working class voters. The AFL-CIO will focus on mobilizing more than 13 million union voters―including union members, families of members, retirees and members of the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America―in 24 priority states, working to elect U.S. senators and representatives, as well as state and local candidates. “We’ll work our hearts out for Barack Obama,” said AFSCME President and AFL-CIO Political Committee Chair Gerald McEntee. “Our program is going to be worker to worker and neighbor to neighbor. We’re ready to mobilize. We’re ready to rock and roll. This country and our people are ready for change.”
AFL-CIO Votes to Endorse Senator Barack Obama for President
Endorsement Triggers Largest Ever Mobilization of Working Families AFL-CIO Program to Reach Union Voters Nationwide, 13 Million in 24 Priority States
Calling Sen. Barack Obama a champion for working families, the top leaders of AFL-CIO unions today voted without opposition to endorse him for president of the United States, thrusting the labor federation’s largest ever grassroots mobilization effort into high gear.
“In so many ways―on jobs, health care, gas prices and the war in Iraq―our country is headed in the wrong direction,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said. “Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency, that he’s leading the fight to turn around America. He’s a champion for working families who knows what it’s going to take to create an economy that works for everyone, not just Big Oil, Big Pharma, the insurance companies, the giant mortgage lenders, speculators and the very wealthy. We’re proud to stand with Sen. Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children.”
In its endorsement statement, the AFL-CIO General Board cited Obama’s strong support of working families on issues such as health care reform, fair trade that will lift up workers here and around the world, retirement security and the freedom to form unions and bargain for middle-class living standards. Obama has a 98 percent voting record on working families’ issues, compared to just 16 percent for Sen. John McCain.
“Senator Barack Obama has secured the nomination of his party in a campaign that has energized millions of Americans and spoken to the hopes and dreams of people from every corner of our nation,” read the AFL-CIO General Board’s statement to endorse Obama. “His leadership can re-engage disenfranchised Americans and bring our country together.” The General Board, which includes presidents of all 56 unions in the federation as well as Executive Council members and representatives of state and local federations, trade departments and constituency groups, votes by per capita membership.
“Senator Obama has advocated a change of direction for our nation that mirrors the priorities of the labor movement,” the statement continued.
The endorsement is not only a stamp of approval; it marks the beginning of a huge, united political mobilization among working class voters. The AFL-CIO will focus on mobilizing more than 13 million union voters―including union members, families of members, retirees and members of the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America―in 24 priority states, working to elect U.S. senators and representatives, as well as state and local candidates.
“We’ll work our hearts out for Barack Obama,” said AFSCME President and AFL-CIO Political Committee Chair Gerald McEntee. “Our program is going to be worker to worker and neighbor to neighbor. We’re ready to mobilize. We’re ready to rock and roll. This country and our people are ready for change.”
Needless to say, this is an important development in the campaign. The AFL-CIO's press release hints at what this endorsement will mean to the campaign: hundreds of thousands of volunteers making hundreds of thousands of phone calls, distributing millions of fliers, and engaging in countless shop floor and office suite discussions about why Barack Obama is the best choice for working families. As part of its endorsement, the AFL-CIO las also launched a new web site to help union members learn about Barack's positions on issue and to give them a place to sign up to help the campaign for change. As I've said before, tested organizing tactics and new technologies all being harnessed to elect Barack Obama.
Of course, you can also learn about Barack's positions by clicking on "Learn Where Barack Stands" on this page.
But the AFL-CIO endorsement, and the earlier endorsement by the Change to Win Federation, mean more than the mobilization of new activists to supplement the grass-roots organizers who have fueled this campaign to date. It means that we are unified. We are fired up. And we are ready to go. This isn't the end. This is the beginning of a long and hard fight to take out country back. So, don't just sit there. Organize!
Here's some news about a likely forthcoming endorsement from the American Federation of Teachers that can be found on the AFT web site, http://www.aft.org/presscenter/releases/2008/062408.htm:
AFT Executive Council Recommends Endorsement of Barack Obama1.4 million-member union to vote on mobilizing around candidacy of Illinois senatorCiting his commitment to take on the key challenges facing AFT members and our nation as a whole, the 42-member executive council of the American Federation of Teachers Monday voted unanimously to approve a motion recommending that delegates to the 2008 AFT national convention endorse the candidacy of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for president of the United States. The 3,000-plus delegates are scheduled to convene July 11-14 at Navy Pier in Chicago.“The executive council agreed that Sen. Obama offers the best solutions to the important issues facing the country today,” said AFT President Edward J. McElroy. “When the AFT’s delegates meet in convention in July, we will ask that they accept the council’s recommendation and place the AFT’s full support behind electing Sen. Obama the next president of the United States.”During the primary process, the AFT turned out a record number of members in 14 key states with an unprecedented political and mobilization program on behalf of Sen. Hillary Clinton that involved door-to-door contact, mail, and personal member-to-member telephone outreach. These efforts will now be continued and increased during the general election campaign in support of Sen. Obama, McElroy said.“We’re proud of our member-driven, grass-roots campaign efforts during the primary, and we look forward to mobilizing an expanded effort on behalf of Sen. Obama,” McElroy said. “AFT members are an electoral force to be reckoned with, and we will prove it again by helping elect Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States.”
AFT Executive Council Recommends Endorsement of Barack Obama1.4 million-member union to vote on mobilizing around candidacy of Illinois senator
Citing his commitment to take on the key challenges facing AFT members and our nation as a whole, the 42-member executive council of the American Federation of Teachers Monday voted unanimously to approve a motion recommending that delegates to the 2008 AFT national convention endorse the candidacy of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for president of the United States.
The 3,000-plus delegates are scheduled to convene July 11-14 at Navy Pier in Chicago.
“The executive council agreed that Sen. Obama offers the best solutions to the important issues facing the country today,” said AFT President Edward J. McElroy. “When the AFT’s delegates meet in convention in July, we will ask that they accept the council’s recommendation and place the AFT’s full support behind electing Sen. Obama the next president of the United States.”
During the primary process, the AFT turned out a record number of members in 14 key states with an unprecedented political and mobilization program on behalf of Sen. Hillary Clinton that involved door-to-door contact, mail, and personal member-to-member telephone outreach. These efforts will now be continued and increased during the general election campaign in support of Sen. Obama, McElroy said.
“We’re proud of our member-driven, grass-roots campaign efforts during the primary, and we look forward to mobilizing an expanded effort on behalf of Sen. Obama,” McElroy said. “AFT members are an electoral force to be reckoned with, and we will prove it again by helping elect Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States.”
The AFT is another of the AFL-CIO's largest affiliates. The unions endorsing Barack Obama for President this week --- just today and yesterday --- represent more than 2 million workers. That's an army for change. Welcome!
This news of an important endorsement comes from www.cwa-union.org, the Communications Workers of America web site,
CWA Endorses Barack Obama for President The Communications Workers of America overwhelmingly endorsed Senator Barack Obama and pledged to work harder than ever to elect him President of the United States. The 2,000 delegates to the union's 70th convention voted by acclamation to support Senator Obama's bid, citing the values that he shares with working families and his support for the critical issues of Employee Free Choice, health care, fair trade and jobs and retirement security. Senator Obama addressed the CWA convention by satellite. He stressed that families across the country want real change: "an economy that rewards not just wealth but the work and workers who create it." "Change is having a President who's been an organizer…and who lets unions do what they do best and organize our workers. That's what change is and that's the choice in this election," he said. CWA President Larry Cohen said CWA had committed to the 2008 elections like never before, "in ways we never dreamed of," to bring about the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.Cohen pointed out that CWA and its Alliance partners – the Steel Workers, Auto Workers, and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers – has more than 1 million active and retired members in the critical election states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. "In these states, we will unite working families and take our message to members in the workplace like never before. With President Obama, we can reform health care, we can win the Employee Free Choice Act and bring about real, positive change for working families in our country," he said. Senator Obama has declared that "we are ready to play offense for America's workers" and CWA is ready to work to make that happen," Cohen said.Delegates noted that Senator McCain is in lockstep with President Bush, voting with the administration 89 percent of the time overall and 95 percent in 2007.Senator Obama's message of hope and real change has invigorated a new generation of voters and touched Americans of all ages – Democrats, Republicans and Independents, CWA delegates said. "He is determined to change the culture in Washington, to dispel the current tone of bitter partisan rhetoric and to work to address our nation's many challenges. If anyone can inspire our leaders and all Americans to make this vision a reality, we believe it is Senator Obama," they declared. "His historic presidency will be a victory for every American."
The Communications Workers of America overwhelmingly endorsed Senator Barack Obama and pledged to work harder than ever to elect him President of the United States.
The 2,000 delegates to the union's 70th convention voted by acclamation to support Senator Obama's bid, citing the values that he shares with working families and his support for the critical issues of Employee Free Choice, health care, fair trade and jobs and retirement security.
Senator Obama addressed the CWA convention by satellite. He stressed that families across the country want real change: "an economy that rewards not just wealth but the work and workers who create it."
"Change is having a President who's been an organizer…and who lets unions do what they do best and organize our workers. That's what change is and that's the choice in this election," he said.
CWA President Larry Cohen said CWA had committed to the 2008 elections like never before, "in ways we never dreamed of," to bring about the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.
Cohen pointed out that CWA and its Alliance partners – the Steel Workers, Auto Workers, and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers – has more than 1 million active and retired members in the critical election states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. "In these states, we will unite working families and take our message to members in the workplace like never before. With President Obama, we can reform health care, we can win the Employee Free Choice Act and bring about real, positive change for working families in our country," he said.
Senator Obama has declared that "we are ready to play offense for America's workers" and CWA is ready to work to make that happen," Cohen said.
Delegates noted that Senator McCain is in lockstep with President Bush, voting with the administration 89 percent of the time overall and 95 percent in 2007.
Senator Obama's message of hope and real change has invigorated a new generation of voters and touched Americans of all ages – Democrats, Republicans and Independents, CWA delegates said.
"He is determined to change the culture in Washington, to dispel the current tone of bitter partisan rhetoric and to work to address our nation's many challenges. If anyone can inspire our leaders and all Americans to make this vision a reality, we believe it is Senator Obama," they declared. "His historic presidency will be a victory for every American."
Unions representing every kind of worker --- construction workers, high-tech workers, auto workers, and government employees --- are rallying behind Barack Obama and his campaign for change. It's been a big day and an important few weeks in laborland.
In an announcement issued today, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers announced their endorsement of Barack Obama for President of the United States. Here are a few excerpts from the Iron Workers' announcement, beginning with a statement from General President Joe Hunt:
Hunt said it was Obama's "universal appeal" that won over the Iron Workers. "He can unite the country. With his extraordinary vision of how great this country can be, he has created a firestorm of excitement that has been embraced by all segments of our society. He will make a great Commander in Chief.""Barack Obama is a strong friend of labor," said Hunt. In Congress he was one of the leaders fighting to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. On the campaign trail, Obama declared "we need to strengthen our unions by letting them do what they do best --- organize our workers."The Illinois senator is a strong supporter of job creation, proposing long-term investments in education, training and workforce development "so that Americans can leverage our strengths to create new high-wage jobs and prosper in a world economy."Senator Obama said, "I'm honored to receive the endorsement of the Iron Workers. Their leaders and members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to fighting with them for the causes that unite us: worker protections and the right to organize, affordable health care for all who want it, an economy that works for all, and a 21st century infrastructure that creates jobs and makes America more competitive. I thank them for standing with me, and I will stand with them when I am President."
Hunt said it was Obama's "universal appeal" that won over the Iron Workers. "He can unite the country. With his extraordinary vision of how great this country can be, he has created a firestorm of excitement that has been embraced by all segments of our society. He will make a great Commander in Chief."
"Barack Obama is a strong friend of labor," said Hunt. In Congress he was one of the leaders fighting to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. On the campaign trail, Obama declared "we need to strengthen our unions by letting them do what they do best --- organize our workers."
The Illinois senator is a strong supporter of job creation, proposing long-term investments in education, training and workforce development "so that Americans can leverage our strengths to create new high-wage jobs and prosper in a world economy."
Senator Obama said, "I'm honored to receive the endorsement of the Iron Workers. Their leaders and members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to fighting with them for the causes that unite us: worker protections and the right to organize, affordable health care for all who want it, an economy that works for all, and a 21st century infrastructure that creates jobs and makes America more competitive. I thank them for standing with me, and I will stand with them when I am President."
Today, Senator Obama released this statement:
U.S. Senator Barack Obama today announced his cosponsorship of the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2008 (S. 3140), which would allow federal employees to use four weeks of paid leave, as well as any annual or sick leave, for the birth or adoption of a child under the Family and Medical Leave Act. This bill was introduced by Senator Jim Webb."We must do everything we can to ensure the best and the brightest Americans are recruited to serve in our federal agencies and programs, and that means providing them with quality work environments as well as competitive benefits packages. Our government should reflect our nation's values and aspirations, and we cannot ask federal employees to choose between caring for their children and serving their country. I believe strong families are the foundation for a strong community and nation, and that is why I am cosponsoring the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2008. By making four weeks of paid leave available to employees for the birth or adoption of a child, we are showing our public servants that we value them and their families, and we are making government service a viable option for young people entering the workforce.I commend Senator Webb for his leadership in introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues in the Senator to pass it as soon as possible."
U.S. Senator Barack Obama today announced his cosponsorship of the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2008 (S. 3140), which would allow federal employees to use four weeks of paid leave, as well as any annual or sick leave, for the birth or adoption of a child under the Family and Medical Leave Act. This bill was introduced by Senator Jim Webb.
"We must do everything we can to ensure the best and the brightest Americans are recruited to serve in our federal agencies and programs, and that means providing them with quality work environments as well as competitive benefits packages. Our government should reflect our nation's values and aspirations, and we cannot ask federal employees to choose between caring for their children and serving their country. I believe strong families are the foundation for a strong community and nation, and that is why I am cosponsoring the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2008.
By making four weeks of paid leave available to employees for the birth or adoption of a child, we are showing our public servants that we value them and their families, and we are making government service a viable option for young people entering the workforce.
I commend Senator Webb for his leadership in introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues in the Senator to pass it as soon as possible."
Barack's support for paid leave for federal employees fits perfectly with his willingness to launch a new program that encourages states to create paid leave systems for workers in the private sector. You can read more about it by clicking on http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5hq4.
In an Obama Administration, the federal government will be a model employer --- a nice change from an administration that vilifies and blames federal employees for its own missteps.
Today, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Barack met with working women to discuss the state of the economy and how it is affecting working women, as well as critical issues like his middle tax cut, equal pay, and paid leave. He also highlighted his differences with Senator McCain on issues of concern to working women.
You can read the full text of his remarks, and look at some pictures from the event, at http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5hq4. It's worth a look.
UPDATE: Here's another link where you can find the full text of the speech along with the latest fact sheet: http://www.barackobama.com/2008/06/23/obama_remarks_for_discussion_w.php.
In order to know where someone is going, it is instructive to consider where they have been. What choices have they made in their lives? Did they make choices you might have made?
That choice says a lot. Barack learned from his organizing experience. Organizing workers and communities is how we can hold government and employers accountable and assure that they fulfill their obligations. Organizing gives working people the power to check the wealthy and powerful interests that have too much influence in Washington. Organizing gives workers a voice in the workplace, our political process, and our public policy debates. And unions raise wages and assure health insurance and pensions. In the process, they strengthen and expand our middle class.
The lesson was learned. Barack Obama is FOR organizing. Because he has been an organizer. And because he understands the important role that organizing plays in bringing change.
You can see that lesson being played out in this campaign. The Obama campaign has out-organized everyone. It has used traditional tools like door-to-door canvassing and phone banking. Take a look at this story --- http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5hZQ --- about the Obama Organizing Fellows to get a sense of the campaign's traditional organizing on a massive scale. But the campaign has also used high-tech tools like social networking and, well, this blog. While the strategy has been implemented by millions at the grass roots, it came from the very top. From our organizer-in-chief.
So, when you hear that Barack Obama has supported and advocated for the Employee Free Choice Act to make it possible for workers to organize without fear of intimidation, coercion, or threats to their livelihoods, it’s not a politician’s promise designed to win endorsements. Obama is FOR organizing, because he has been an organizer, and he wants workers, not employers or anti-union consultants, to decide if they want a union.
The same is true for local, state, and federal employees. Barack Obama wants more public-sector workers to have the choice to organize and bargain collectively. He supports the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, which would give first responders in states without collective bargaining the right to bargain collectively. He will restore the collective bargaining rights of federal employees who have had them taken away by the Bush Administration. That’s only part of his agenda. You can learn more about where Barack stands on worker organizing by clicking on http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/laborissues, or the "Learn Where Barack Stands" link on this page.
So, yes, we can have an organizer as President. But only if we organize. Take this opportunity to tell us your stories about organizing in your community for Obama, for your union, for change, for yourselves.
Here's our second endorsement of the day, and it's a big one. From the AFSCME web site, www.afscme.org:
AFSCME Endorses Senator Barack Obama for President The International Executive Board of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, today unanimously endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. “Barack Obama has mobilized a historic movement to reclaim the greatness of America. With his leadership, our nation will rise up to rebuild the middle class at home and restore America’s reputation in the world,” said AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee. “AFSCME will mobilize more members and invest more resources than ever before to help Senator Obama win the White House. We will turn out an army of 40,000 AFSCME activists to knock on doors, make phone calls and talk with their co-workers and neighbors to produce an unprecedented turnout in the 2008 election.” “Barack Obama is a proven fighter on the issues our members care about most, such as ending privatization, providing state and local fiscal relief, fully funding and supporting public services and the workers who provide them, and guaranteeing that everyone in our country has access to quality, affordable health care they can count on,” McEntee said. “We can elect a champion for working families or we can elect John McCain and have four more years of George W. Bush’s disastrous policies,” McEntee said. “When you look at McCain’s record on the issues instead of his rhetoric on the stump, it’s obvious that he’s just another Bush. McCain and the high-priced lobbyists who run his campaign promise us four more years of destructive economic policies at home and 100 more years of occupation in Iraq. We need a change now.” “Barack Obama will change the direction of our country, and end the Bush era of corruption and incompetence that has led to increased unemployment and home foreclosures, higher gas prices and grocery bills, in addition to putting health care and college out of reach for millions of America’s working families,” said McEntee. “During the primary season, AFSCME showed that when we make an endorsement, we back it up with everything we’ve got. That is exactly what we’re going to do until November to elect Barack Obama and take back the White House for America’s working families.” “We are proud of our members’ efforts over the past months in support of Senator Hillary Clinton. They worked their hearts out,” McEntee said. “We completely agree with Senator Clinton that: ‘The way to continue our fight now – to accomplish the goals for which we stand – is to take our energy, our passion, our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States.’” As a U.S. senator, Barack Obama has been a strong advocate for critically important legislation to help working families. Those include bills opposed by Senator McCain, such as the Employee Free Choice Act, which would enable more Americans to improve their lives by joining a union to negotiate for better wages and benefits, and expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to provide health coverage for an additional 10 million children from low-income families. Senator Obama also opposes McCain’s plans to privatize Social Security and vital public services. “This election is about rebuilding America’s middle class, providing affordable, quality health care for all and ending the war in Iraq,” McEntee said. “It’s about prosperity and opportunity, and giving us a government that responds to the needs of the American people. It’s about combating the greed of corporations and their hired hands who run the Republican Party and set its bankrupt agenda. It’s about rising up and reclaiming the great promise of America, a nation conceived in liberty where men and women who work hard and play by the rules can get ahead and give their children a better life.” “Barack Obama has the experience, judgment and strength to reinvigorate our economy and resurrect the American Dream,” McEntee said.
The International Executive Board of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, today unanimously endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States.
“Barack Obama has mobilized a historic movement to reclaim the greatness of America. With his leadership, our nation will rise up to rebuild the middle class at home and restore America’s reputation in the world,” said AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee. “AFSCME will mobilize more members and invest more resources than ever before to help Senator Obama win the White House. We will turn out an army of 40,000 AFSCME activists to knock on doors, make phone calls and talk with their co-workers and neighbors to produce an unprecedented turnout in the 2008 election.”
“Barack Obama is a proven fighter on the issues our members care about most, such as ending privatization, providing state and local fiscal relief, fully funding and supporting public services and the workers who provide them, and guaranteeing that everyone in our country has access to quality, affordable health care they can count on,” McEntee said.
“We can elect a champion for working families or we can elect John McCain and have four more years of George W. Bush’s disastrous policies,” McEntee said. “When you look at McCain’s record on the issues instead of his rhetoric on the stump, it’s obvious that he’s just another Bush. McCain and the high-priced lobbyists who run his campaign promise us four more years of destructive economic policies at home and 100 more years of occupation in Iraq. We need a change now.”
“Barack Obama will change the direction of our country, and end the Bush era of corruption and incompetence that has led to increased unemployment and home foreclosures, higher gas prices and grocery bills, in addition to putting health care and college out of reach for millions of America’s working families,” said McEntee.
“During the primary season, AFSCME showed that when we make an endorsement, we back it up with everything we’ve got. That is exactly what we’re going to do until November to elect Barack Obama and take back the White House for America’s working families.”
“We are proud of our members’ efforts over the past months in support of Senator Hillary Clinton. They worked their hearts out,” McEntee said. “We completely agree with Senator Clinton that: ‘The way to continue our fight now – to accomplish the goals for which we stand – is to take our energy, our passion, our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States.’”
As a U.S. senator, Barack Obama has been a strong advocate for critically important legislation to help working families. Those include bills opposed by Senator McCain, such as the Employee Free Choice Act, which would enable more Americans to improve their lives by joining a union to negotiate for better wages and benefits, and expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to provide health coverage for an additional 10 million children from low-income families. Senator Obama also opposes McCain’s plans to privatize Social Security and vital public services.
“This election is about rebuilding America’s middle class, providing affordable, quality health care for all and ending the war in Iraq,” McEntee said. “It’s about prosperity and opportunity, and giving us a government that responds to the needs of the American people. It’s about combating the greed of corporations and their hired hands who run the Republican Party and set its bankrupt agenda. It’s about rising up and reclaiming the great promise of America, a nation conceived in liberty where men and women who work hard and play by the rules can get ahead and give their children a better life.”
“Barack Obama has the experience, judgment and strength to reinvigorate our economy and resurrect the American Dream,” McEntee said.
Just one editorial comment on this big week for endorsements. Both IUPAT and AFSCME were important pillars of the Clinton campaign, as were other unions. Their strong statements of support, and their pledges of substantial investments to help bring change that works for working families, show that the Democratic Party and the labor movement are unifying in support of Barack Obama.
Don't believe the doubters and the naysayers. We are coming together. Yes. We. Can.
Hot on the heels of the Building and Construction Trades Department's endorsement yesterday comes news of this endorsement from the Painters and Allied Trades from their web site, www.iupat.org/news/subnews/061908-2.htm:
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Endorses Obama for President The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades today endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. The union, which represents more than 140,000 skilled construction and design workers, cited Obama's leadership on labor issues, workers' rights and strengthening the economy for hardworking Americans."Barack Obama is a champion for working Americans, and his economic plan has the vision and strength to secure American prosperity for the future," said James Williams, President of IUPAT. "The IUPAT and our members are proud to stand with Senator Obama for real change.""I'm honored to receive the IUPAT's endorsement. Their leaders and their members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to working with them to strengthen our economy and protect workers' rights and their right to organize," said Senator Obama.
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Endorses Obama for President
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades today endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. The union, which represents more than 140,000 skilled construction and design workers, cited Obama's leadership on labor issues, workers' rights and strengthening the economy for hardworking Americans.
"Barack Obama is a champion for working Americans, and his economic plan has the vision and strength to secure American prosperity for the future," said James Williams, President of IUPAT. "The IUPAT and our members are proud to stand with Senator Obama for real change."
"I'm honored to receive the IUPAT's endorsement. Their leaders and their members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to working with them to strengthen our economy and protect workers' rights and their right to organize," said Senator Obama.
And this important union joining the Obama campaign is just the first endorsement to announce today! Stand by . . . there's more news on the way.
Just a quick post to encourage everyone to get the facts about the recent Fortune magazine article suggesting that Obama believe that "NAFTA is not so bad after all." Go to the Fact Checking Page: http://factcheck.barackobama.com/.
I won't repeat the whole post here, but it is well worth reading.
This hugely important news flash comes courtesy of the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department's web site, www.bctd.org:
Building and Construction Trades Department Endorses Senator Barack Obama for President Vote by Governing Board of Presidents is Unanimous…All 13 Affiliated Unions Vow Unprecedented Political Education and Mobilization EffortThe Building and Construction Trades Department today announced its endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. The endorsement was made official after the Department’s Governing Board of Presidents approved the endorsement by unanimous vote.“Our endorsement today of Senator Obama marks the beginning of the fight to return the reins of power to a presidential administration that places high value on the interests of America’s working families,” said Building Trades President Mark H. Ayers. “We have pledged to Senator Obama our determination to engage our members in detailed conversations concerning the stark differences between his view of America and that of Senator John McCain – whose candidacy, in our minds, is simply a warmed-over version of the anti-worker, anti-union tenure of George W. Bush.”In response to today’s endorsement, Senator Obama stated, “"I'm honored to receive the endorsement of the Building & Construction Trades Department. Their leaders and members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to fighting with them for the causes that unite us: worker protections, the right to organize, an economy that works for all, and a 21st century infrastructure that creates jobs and makes America more competitive. I thank them for standing with me, and I will stand with them when I am President.”This endorsement of Senator Obama is offered with compelling reason. Through both word and deed, Senator Obama has made it unmistakably clear that he is the right candidate to represent the interests of building trades members and their families. “But, perhaps most importantly,” said Ayers, “our unions believe in the promise of the future…and the promise of what this country can be. We accept as true Senator Obama’s belief that in the face of war, we believe there can be peace. In the face of despair, we believe there can be hope. And in the face of a politics that's shut us out, that's told us to settle, that's divided us for too long, we believe we can be one people, reaching for what's possible, building a more perfect union.’”
Building and Construction Trades Department Endorses Senator Barack Obama for President
Vote by Governing Board of Presidents is Unanimous…All 13 Affiliated Unions Vow Unprecedented Political Education and Mobilization Effort
The Building and Construction Trades Department today announced its endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. The endorsement was made official after the Department’s Governing Board of Presidents approved the endorsement by unanimous vote.“Our endorsement today of Senator Obama marks the beginning of the fight to return the reins of power to a presidential administration that places high value on the interests of America’s working families,” said Building Trades President Mark H. Ayers. “We have pledged to Senator Obama our determination to engage our members in detailed conversations concerning the stark differences between his view of America and that of Senator John McCain – whose candidacy, in our minds, is simply a warmed-over version of the anti-worker, anti-union tenure of George W. Bush.”In response to today’s endorsement, Senator Obama stated, “"I'm honored to receive the endorsement of the Building & Construction Trades Department. Their leaders and members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to fighting with them for the causes that unite us: worker protections, the right to organize, an economy that works for all, and a 21st century infrastructure that creates jobs and makes America more competitive. I thank them for standing with me, and I will stand with them when I am President.”This endorsement of Senator Obama is offered with compelling reason. Through both word and deed, Senator Obama has made it unmistakably clear that he is the right candidate to represent the interests of building trades members and their families. “But, perhaps most importantly,” said Ayers, “our unions believe in the promise of the future…and the promise of what this country can be. We accept as true Senator Obama’s belief that in the face of war, we believe there can be peace. In the face of despair, we believe there can be hope. And in the face of a politics that's shut us out, that's told us to settle, that's divided us for too long, we believe we can be one people, reaching for what's possible, building a more perfect union.’”
News of this endorsement comes from the ATU's web site, www.atu.org/agenda/atu-endorses-barack-obama.html:
ATU Endorses Barack ObamaWASHINGTON, June 17 - The Amalgamated Transit Union Executive Board Has Unanimously Voted to Endorse Sen. Barack Obama for President, the Union Announced."While the ATU originally supported Hillary Clinton, we recognize how important this election year is. John McCain represents more of the same anti-worker, anti-union policies that we have suffered under for eight years. "Senator Obama has shown through this historic campaign that he has a vision for a better America; a stronger, safer, more secure nation, where all will prosper and none will be left behind," said ATU President Warren S. George. "On issues near and dear to transit employees nationwide, Barack Obama has pledged to provide tax relief to millions of working class Americans, to support continued transit employee protections and transit funding, while working with Congress to eliminate poverty, reduce unemployment and restore economic prosperity. His plan for a better America includes assurances that each citizen will be treated with dignity and respect."Senator Obama has shown more than any other candidate in recent history the ability to unite and inspire Americans, and has mobilized and energized millions of citizens new to the political process."As a community organizer in the blue-collar streets of Chicago, Obama fought to train community leaders; and emerged as a strong leader, eminently qualified to lead our nation forward and to restore our status in the international community."We are proud to endorse Senator Barack Obama for president. He will work to improve the quality of life of transit employees across the nation, as well as all Americans from all backgrounds. Our great nation will surely prosper under his guidance and leadership, and the ATU is eager to work with him to advance and improve America.""I'm honored to receive the ATU's endorsement," said Senator Obama. "Their leaders and members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to fighting with them for the causes that unite us: a 21st century infrastructure, worker protections, the right to organize, affordable health care for all who want it, and an economy that works for all. I thank them for standing with me, and I will stand with them when I am President."
ATU Endorses Barack Obama
WASHINGTON, June 17 - The Amalgamated Transit Union Executive Board Has Unanimously Voted to Endorse Sen. Barack Obama for President, the Union Announced."While the ATU originally supported Hillary Clinton, we recognize how important this election year is. John McCain represents more of the same anti-worker, anti-union policies that we have suffered under for eight years. "Senator Obama has shown through this historic campaign that he has a vision for a better America; a stronger, safer, more secure nation, where all will prosper and none will be left behind," said ATU President Warren S. George. "On issues near and dear to transit employees nationwide, Barack Obama has pledged to provide tax relief to millions of working class Americans, to support continued transit employee protections and transit funding, while working with Congress to eliminate poverty, reduce unemployment and restore economic prosperity. His plan for a better America includes assurances that each citizen will be treated with dignity and respect."Senator Obama has shown more than any other candidate in recent history the ability to unite and inspire Americans, and has mobilized and energized millions of citizens new to the political process."As a community organizer in the blue-collar streets of Chicago, Obama fought to train community leaders; and emerged as a strong leader, eminently qualified to lead our nation forward and to restore our status in the international community."We are proud to endorse Senator Barack Obama for president. He will work to improve the quality of life of transit employees across the nation, as well as all Americans from all backgrounds. Our great nation will surely prosper under his guidance and leadership, and the ATU is eager to work with him to advance and improve America.""I'm honored to receive the ATU's endorsement," said Senator Obama. "Their leaders and members are committed to hardworking Americans, and I look forward to fighting with them for the causes that unite us: a 21st century infrastructure, worker protections, the right to organize, affordable health care for all who want it, and an economy that works for all. I thank them for standing with me, and I will stand with them when I am President."
This is Barack Obama's 25th endorsement from a labor union. So, keep watching this space for more news and opinions.
The United Farm Workers have announced their endorsement of Barack Obama:
On Saturday, June 14, the United Farm Workers, its executive board and worker leadership from throughout the United States wholeheartedly threw its support behind Sen/ Barack Obama in his question to be the country's next President."Throughout his career, beginning as a community organizer to his present position as Senator, Barack Obama has shared the values of the United Farm Workers. He understands the tremendous role played by our country's farm workers in helping to feed our nation. Sen. Obama stands firm in his conviction for comprehensive immigration reform. He has been a strong support of the UFW-sponsored AgJOBS --- legislation that would help stabilize our nation's agricultural workforce.As President, he will continue to hold fast to his convictions by signing comprehensive immigration reform, increasing the minimum wage and making sure every American has affordable and quality health care. The United Farm Workers will do everything in our power to make sure Barack Obama reaches the White House this fall, because we know he will be a voice to all working Americans," said UFW President Arturo Rodriguez.
On Saturday, June 14, the United Farm Workers, its executive board and worker leadership from throughout the United States wholeheartedly threw its support behind Sen/ Barack Obama in his question to be the country's next President.
"Throughout his career, beginning as a community organizer to his present position as Senator, Barack Obama has shared the values of the United Farm Workers. He understands the tremendous role played by our country's farm workers in helping to feed our nation. Sen. Obama stands firm in his conviction for comprehensive immigration reform. He has been a strong support of the UFW-sponsored AgJOBS --- legislation that would help stabilize our nation's agricultural workforce.
As President, he will continue to hold fast to his convictions by signing comprehensive immigration reform, increasing the minimum wage and making sure every American has affordable and quality health care. The United Farm Workers will do everything in our power to make sure Barack Obama reaches the White House this fall, because we know he will be a voice to all working Americans," said UFW President Arturo Rodriguez.
And here's an important endorsement from the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen from their web site, www.brs.org
Railroad Signalmen Endorse Obama June 13, 2008, Front Royal, Virginia — The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) Grand Executive Council voted unanimously today to endorse Democratic Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen joins numerous other rail and labor organizations that have overwhelmingly placed their support behind the Illinois Senator since the field narrowed to a single Democratic candidate.Founded in 1901, the BRS is a craft union that represents about 9,500 railroad signalmen across the nation. Signalmen are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of railroad signal systems and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems. "For eight years rail labor, unions, and America’s working families have witnessed the Bush Administration placing the well-being of corporations and the nation’s elite before working-class America," stated BRS International President W. Dan Pickett. "The time has come to bring respect and greatness back to our nation and return the jobs that corporations have sent to low-wage parts of the world. I, along with the senior officers, believe that electing Barack Obama as Commander-in-Chief is a critical first step to reach these goals."Obama has committed to bring parity back to our economy. His 21st-century economic agenda will help ensure that America can compete in a global economy and ensure the middle class thrives and grows. He understands that America needs a President who will commit to correcting our nation’s health care, energy, and educational problems. Barack Obama supports working families and has promised to use his power as President to protect workers’ rights and implement trade policies that benefit American workers.
Railroad Signalmen Endorse Obama
June 13, 2008, Front Royal, Virginia — The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) Grand Executive Council voted unanimously today to endorse Democratic Presidential Candidate, Barack Obama. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen joins numerous other rail and labor organizations that have overwhelmingly placed their support behind the Illinois Senator since the field narrowed to a single Democratic candidate.
Founded in 1901, the BRS is a craft union that represents about 9,500 railroad signalmen across the nation. Signalmen are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of railroad signal systems and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems.
"For eight years rail labor, unions, and America’s working families have witnessed the Bush Administration placing the well-being of corporations and the nation’s elite before working-class America," stated BRS International President W. Dan Pickett. "The time has come to bring respect and greatness back to our nation and return the jobs that corporations have sent to low-wage parts of the world. I, along with the senior officers, believe that electing Barack Obama as Commander-in-Chief is a critical first step to reach these goals."
Obama has committed to bring parity back to our economy. His 21st-century economic agenda will help ensure that America can compete in a global economy and ensure the middle class thrives and grows. He understands that America needs a President who will commit to correcting our nation’s health care, energy, and educational problems.
Barack Obama supports working families and has promised to use his power as President to protect workers’ rights and implement trade policies that benefit American workers.
These two endorsements bring the total number of unions supporting Barack Obama to twenty-four. Keep watching this page for more news about working families and their unions rallying in support of change that works for you!
From the United American Nurses, AFL-CIO, web site, http://www.uannurse.org:
National Staff Nurses Union Endorses Obama for President UAN Leaders Cite Obama’s Commitment to Working Families, Health Care SolutionsSilver Spring, MD – Leaders of the United American Nurses, AFL-CIO, announced today that the union of staff nurses endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) for president of the United States and will be working to ensure that Obama is elected.“After a long and careful look at the candidates and listening to our staff nurse members and activists, it is clear that Sen. Obama is the best choice to make sure that the needs of staff nurses, their families and all America’s working families come first, not as an afterthought or an empty campaign promise. We look forward to working hard on his election.” said UAN President Ann Converso, RN. UAN’s Executive Council voted unanimously to endorse Obama, acting on input from the UAN RN PAC Board and results of a straw poll of delegates to UAN’s National Labor Assembly. Last fall, UAN asked presidential candidates to begin a dialogue on patient care and nursing issues that would address concerns of staff nurses. Through this exchange, Sen. Obama outlined a platform that includes key priorities for staff nurses, from enactment of federal RN staffing standards to safe patient handling legislation.“Sen. Obama has demonstrated a larger understanding of the problems in our health care system and a vision for how we can fix them,” added Converso. “For nurses fighting for our patients and ourselves day-in and day-out, our next president must make health care a priority. I believe Sen. Obama will do that.“Our country has endured eight long years of an administration that puts the corporate bottom line ahead of working families. As nurses, we know all too well what happens when profits take precedence over people—whether in a hospital or in the White House. It is time for a president who advocates strongly and unwaveringly for working families. We will be working alongside our sisters and brothers across the labor and progressive communities to make sure we elect Sen. Obama as our next president.”
UAN Leaders Cite Obama’s Commitment to Working Families, Health Care Solutions
Silver Spring, MD – Leaders of the United American Nurses, AFL-CIO, announced today that the union of staff nurses endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) for president of the United States and will be working to ensure that Obama is elected.“After a long and careful look at the candidates and listening to our staff nurse members and activists, it is clear that Sen. Obama is the best choice to make sure that the needs of staff nurses, their families and all America’s working families come first, not as an afterthought or an empty campaign promise. We look forward to working hard on his election.” said UAN President Ann Converso, RN. UAN’s Executive Council voted unanimously to endorse Obama, acting on input from the UAN RN PAC Board and results of a straw poll of delegates to UAN’s National Labor Assembly. Last fall, UAN asked presidential candidates to begin a dialogue on patient care and nursing issues that would address concerns of staff nurses. Through this exchange, Sen. Obama outlined a platform that includes key priorities for staff nurses, from enactment of federal RN staffing standards to safe patient handling legislation.“Sen. Obama has demonstrated a larger understanding of the problems in our health care system and a vision for how we can fix them,” added Converso. “For nurses fighting for our patients and ourselves day-in and day-out, our next president must make health care a priority. I believe Sen. Obama will do that.“Our country has endured eight long years of an administration that puts the corporate bottom line ahead of working families. As nurses, we know all too well what happens when profits take precedence over people—whether in a hospital or in the White House. It is time for a president who advocates strongly and unwaveringly for working families. We will be working alongside our sisters and brothers across the labor and progressive communities to make sure we elect Sen. Obama as our next president.”
The UAN is the twenty-second union to endorse Barack Obama for President.
From the United Transportation Union's web site, http://www.utu.org:
Obama promised full UTU supportWhen John McCain seeks advice on transportation issues, he consults with railroad management.When Barack Obama seeks advice on transportation issues, he consults with UTU Illinois State Legislative Director Joe Szabo.Thus, as long-time UTU friend Hillary Rodham Clinton exited the race for Democratic presidential nominee June 7, the UTU assured Sen. Obama -- another long-time UTU friend -- that he could depend on the extensive resources of America’s largest railroad union and its 125,000 active and retired rail, transit, bus and airline worker members in his fight to claim the White House."Sen. Obama can count of our using every resource at our disposal to elect a labor-friendly administration this Election Day," said UTU International President Mike Futhey. "We will work with Sen. Obama at every opportunity to get out the vote in support of his campaign to bring the change we all can believe in."Szabo was in touch with the Obama campaign Saturday afternoon after Sen. Clinton ended her bid for the Democratic nomination. The Obama campaign expressed to Szabo, for circulation to UTU members and their families, Obama's gratitude for UTU support. Obama indicated he understood the reasons for the UTU’s previous support for Clinton, who had worked with the UTU on Capitol Hill in support of Railroad Retirement, the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA), Amtrak and a revision in commercial driver-license standards that threaten the livelihood of bus operators. "Sen. Obama similarly and fully understands these issues from the perspective of working families and UTU members, and has been and will continue to be in our corner," said Szabo, who serves on the Obama campaign’s Transportation Policy Committee, with approval of President Futhey. In that role, Szabo helps to define for Obama various rail, transit and bus public policy issues and the transportation public policy approaches an Obama administration might pursue. Obama recently was quoted as supporting a policy favoring "significant investment" in the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including connecting the Midwest with a fuel-efficient high-speed rail-passenger system that would provide immediate jobs.Szabo’s close professional relationship with Obama extends back more than a decade to Obama’s first run for public office in Illinois, where Obama served in the state senate. "There is a strong history of Sen. Obama never failing to support UTU's legislative agenda in the Illinois State Senate," Szabo said. "That track record has continued in the U.S. Senate." In bowing out of the presidential race, Clinton sent to President Futhey on Saturday a letter hand-delivered by one of her staff members expressing appreciation "for the tremendous support that you have given me and my campaign," and a promise to continue her "fight for the issues and causes that are important" to UTU members and their families."We agree wholeheartedly with Sen. Clinton," Futhey said, "that the way to continue our fight now, to accomplish the goals for which we stand, is to take our energy, our passion and our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama the next president of the United States."UTU National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer said, "The UTU is looking forward to working with the Obama administration and I am certain his policies will improve the lives of all UTU members and their families."
When John McCain seeks advice on transportation issues, he consults with railroad management.
When Barack Obama seeks advice on transportation issues, he consults with UTU Illinois State Legislative Director Joe Szabo.
Thus, as long-time UTU friend Hillary Rodham Clinton exited the race for Democratic presidential nominee June 7, the UTU assured Sen. Obama -- another long-time UTU friend -- that he could depend on the extensive resources of America’s largest railroad union and its 125,000 active and retired rail, transit, bus and airline worker members in his fight to claim the White House.
"Sen. Obama can count of our using every resource at our disposal to elect a labor-friendly administration this Election Day," said UTU International President Mike Futhey. "We will work with Sen. Obama at every opportunity to get out the vote in support of his campaign to bring the change we all can believe in."
Szabo was in touch with the Obama campaign Saturday afternoon after Sen. Clinton ended her bid for the Democratic nomination. The Obama campaign expressed to Szabo, for circulation to UTU members and their families, Obama's gratitude for UTU support.
Obama indicated he understood the reasons for the UTU’s previous support for Clinton, who had worked with the UTU on Capitol Hill in support of Railroad Retirement, the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA), Amtrak and a revision in commercial driver-license standards that threaten the livelihood of bus operators.
"Sen. Obama similarly and fully understands these issues from the perspective of working families and UTU members, and has been and will continue to be in our corner," said Szabo, who serves on the Obama campaign’s Transportation Policy Committee, with approval of President Futhey. In that role, Szabo helps to define for Obama various rail, transit and bus public policy issues and the transportation public policy approaches an Obama administration might pursue.
Obama recently was quoted as supporting a policy favoring "significant investment" in the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including connecting the Midwest with a fuel-efficient high-speed rail-passenger system that would provide immediate jobs.
Szabo’s close professional relationship with Obama extends back more than a decade to Obama’s first run for public office in Illinois, where Obama served in the state senate. "There is a strong history of Sen. Obama never failing to support UTU's legislative agenda in the Illinois State Senate," Szabo said. "That track record has continued in the U.S. Senate."
In bowing out of the presidential race, Clinton sent to President Futhey on Saturday a letter hand-delivered by one of her staff members expressing appreciation "for the tremendous support that you have given me and my campaign," and a promise to continue her "fight for the issues and causes that are important" to UTU members and their families.
"We agree wholeheartedly with Sen. Clinton," Futhey said, "that the way to continue our fight now, to accomplish the goals for which we stand, is to take our energy, our passion and our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama the next president of the United States."
UTU National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer said, "The UTU is looking forward to working with the Obama administration and I am certain his policies will improve the lives of all UTU members and their families."
