NEWS FROM THE NEW YORK CITY CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL

HISTORIC ELECTION DAY FOR WORKING PEOPLE

NEW YORK CITY AND STATE LABOR UNIONS PLAY PIVOTAL ROLE TO GET OUT THE VOTE WITH RECORD NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS

WORKING PEOPLE SATURATE PHONE BANKS, ELECTION SITES AND BATTLEGROUND STATES

NEW YORK, November 5, 2008 -- Following the most historic election of our time, New York City's labor unions today are celebrating the incredible victories of labor-backed candidates throughout the city, state and nation. An unprecedented number of union members knocked on doors, manned phone banks, distributed literature and visited battleground electoral states to educate their union brother and sisters on the importance of change and new leadership for our nation.

New York's labor unions backed winning candidates in a multitude of competitive races that have proven to be a pivotal and defining moment in American history. With tens of millions of Americans lacking health insurance, losing their homes, jobs and savings, the nation's economic anxiety is weighing heavily on working people and families. The labor movement is proud to have supported candidates who are committed to economic fairness and restoring civil liberties for all Americans.

We are filled with pride for each and every union member who chose to be a huge part of this new spirit of patriotism, democracy and empowerment of the people. There is much work to do with all of our nation's current challenges, but now we have the tools and renewed optimism to get it done.

 

The Central Labor Council and its affiliated organizations recognize the historic election of Barack Obama and Joe Biden as a new beginning for our nation. Organized labor is ready and eager to work with the Obama Administration on rebuilding our broken economy. We now call on the newly elected 111th United States Congress to restore workers rights by passing the Employee Free Choice Act when they convene in January.