FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 9, 2009

CONTACT: Greg Denier, 202-486-2365
Noreen Nielsen, 202-721-6047

WASHINGTON, DC -- Change to Win executive director Chris Chafe issued the following statement regarding today's confirmation hearing of Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Cali., for the U.S. Secretary of Labor.

"Today's hearings reaffirmed that Rep. Hilda Solis is the best person to lead the fight for America's working families. From being raised in a union household to her support of investing in green collar jobs and protecting the right of workers to have a voice in the workplace, Solis has proven she is dedicated to stimulating our economy and putting working families back on the path of prosperity.

"With the news that the jobless rate jumped to 7.2 percent for December and employers cut 524,000 jobs, the need for bold action couldn't be greater. Eight years of woeful mismanagement have led to a fall in real family income, stagnant wages and disappearing pensions. Our nation's leaders must act immediately to implement a bold new agenda that promotes sustainable, long-term economic growth.  The Employee Free Choice Act is a vital component of any economic recovery program and its passage will help end the wage gap, reform our health care system, and provide retirement security.

"Hilda Solis has proven she is more than qualified to serve as Secretary of Labor. We are confident that she will restore the U.S. Labor Department to fulfilling its original purpose -- fighting to protect workers' rights and open the door of opportunity for all Americans to achieve the American Dream. We look forward to working closely with Secretary-designate Solis. We urge the Senate to swiftly vote for her confirmation."

** Note: Media representatives interested in scheduling an interview with Change to Win leaders should contact Noreen Nielsen at Noreen.nielsen@changetowin.org. **

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About Change to Win
Change to Win is a 5.5-million member partnership of five unions founded in 2005 to represent workers in the industries and occupations of the 21st century economy. Change to Win is committed to restoring the American Dream for a new generation of workers – wages that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure retirement, and the opportunity for the future. The affiliated unions are: Service Employees International Union, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers' International Union of North America, and United Farm Workers of America.