Burger: Working Together for Change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 16, 2009

CONTACT: Greg Denier, 202-486-2365

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Change to Win Chair Anna Burger issued the following statement regarding the AFL-CIO Convention in Pittsburgh and the anticipated election of Richard Trumka to lead the labor federation.

"Working families across America salute John Sweeney for his decades of service.  President Sweeney helped reinvigorate labor's political strength, raised important challenges about the need for labor to organize more members, and helped create pathways to citizenship and dignity for millions of immigrant workers.  His successor Richard Trumka will be a strong, passionate voice for working people.

"In the last two years, the labor movement has begun to reverse a decades-long steady decline.  This couldn't come a moment too soon as American workers are at a crisis point.

"Too many hardworking women and men will go to bed tonight worried about what they will do if their kid gets sick.  Too many fear they won't own their homes a year from now.  Too many don't know how -- or if -- they can afford to send their kids to college and far too many know they will never be able to retire.

"The labor movement is uniquely poised to help these workers, but only if we are bold, take risks, and we commit ourselves to delivering on our promises:
we must reform our healthcare system, help workers get a voice on the job, and make sure that when our economy recovers, working people are not left behind.

"Change to Win looks forward to working with Rich Trumka and the AFL-CIO to bring about the changes this country needs and helping put the American Dream back within the reach of women and men who work hard for a living."