Obama vows to back union issues at AFL-CIO Convention

UUP and NYSUT members were among thousands of unionists to witness President Barack Obama’s pledge to fight for working families.

During the AFL-CIO Convention this week (Sept. 13-17) in Pittsburgh, the president said he is committed to the same goals as the union movement: restoring the economy, getting health care for everyone, and passing the Employee Free Choice Act.

“These are the reforms I’m proposing,” Obama said in a speech punctuated by cheers and standing ovations. “These are the reforms labor has been championing. These are the reforms the American people need. And these are the reforms I intend to sign into law.”

UUP Treasurer Rowena Blackman-Stroud was among the NYSUT-affiliated members attending the convention. She said the president spoke forcefully about the need for real health care reform and the need to restore manufacturing jobs in the U.S. as a way to stimulate the economy.

“He gave a really good, uplifting message,” said Blackman-Stroud. “I especially liked his comments about the need to make the saying, ‘Made in America,’ not merely a slogan but a reality.”

For more on the convention, go to www.aflcio.org. To send a message to Congress urging support for real health care reform, go to www.unionvoice.org/ct/6dAozv519Q1o/.