Obama Vows Support for Labor's Goals, Delegates Endorse Labor Unity

President Barack Obama promised AFL-CIO convention delegates that he was dedicated to rebuilding America's middle class by giving workers and unions the tools to rebuild a strong labor movement. "When labor succeeds – that's when the United States of America succeeds," he said.

At the AFL-CIO Convention, President Obama vowed to build the middle class by fighting for labor's goals.

The president said he will fight for labor's goals – restoring the economy, protecting and creating good jobs, fighting for quality and affordable health care, and passing the Employee Free Choice Act. "These are the reforms the American people need, and these are the reforms I intend to sign into law," he said.

President Obama said he refused to go back to a business and political culture that hurt the nation and economy. "We're not going to go back to those days," he declared. "It would be bad for unions, bad for the middle class...We're not turning back. We're moving forward," he said.

Delegates pass Unity resolution. Submitted by CWA, AFL-CIO delegates adopted a resolution on labor unity that supports continuing the work of the National Labor Coordinating Committee to reunify labor. The NLCC is made up of Change to Win, the AFL-CIO, the 10 largest unions plus the National Education Association which has never been affiliated with the AFL-CIO. 

AFL-CIO leaders elected. Delegates elected Richard Trumka, former AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, to head the AFL-CIO. Liz Shuler, former executive assistant to the IBEW president, was elected secretary-treasurer and Arlene Holt Baker was re-elected executive vice president.