Local 1109 President Invited to White House for Meeting on Jobs Bill

Local 1109 President Rolando Scott was among union members and other progressive activists invited to a White House meeting this week to discuss the jobs bill with President Obama. Scott stopped by CWA headquarters beforehand to meet with President Larry Cohen (below).

Calling it the "experience of a lifetime," a CWA local president was among two dozen union members invited to the White House on Tuesday afternoon to meet with President Obama about the American Jobs Act.

"I was glad to be a part of history," Local 1109 President Rolando Scott said. "I don't believe any sitting president has ever had a symposium of that sort, to have regular working people come into the White House and speak directly to the president."

The union members, many from skilled trades who are eager for the opportunity to rebuild America's crumbling infrastructure, were among 150 progressive activists invited to the East Room meeting.

Before Obama spoke, Scott said he had the opportunity to mention concerns about offshoring during a give-and-take with White House senior advisor, Valerie Jarrett. She was followed by Vice President Joe Biden and finally Obama, who spoke and took questions for about a half hour.

Scott described the president as articulate and eloquent, but also very firm in his resolve to put Americans back to work. Scott had hoped to ask a question and said, "I had my hand up, and he looked in my direction, but he acknowledged the woman next to me."

But as Obama left the room, Scott positioned himself perfectly near the exit. "I stuck my big hand out and I was the last hand he shook," he said. "And then as he started to leave, I said, loudly, 'My international president, Larry Cohen, sends his regard.' He turned back around and shook my hand again. I was humbled and so proud to be able to be there."