Obama to address family of labor at AFL-CIO convention today

September 15, 10:20 AMDC Special Interests ExaminerRon Moore

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AFL-CIO convention delegates stand for change they can believe in

The sense of optimism and energy are palpable today in Pittsburgh as delegates at the AFL-CIO convention anticipate a rousing address from a friend of working people. Long security lines and strict security measures cannot tamp down their enthusiasm. It is commonly misstated by the enemies of working people that unions are in the pockets of politicians especially Democrats. In fact workers support political leaders and candidates who support them. So the president’s speech today is a homecoming but also an opportunity to reiterate that support. From health care reform to the Employee Free Choice Act workers expect this leader to support working people rather than bailout the bosses.

Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) will address the gathering this morning.  Specter who was for the right to organize before he was against it will face thousands of working people it what could be a transformative experience and it is hoped that he will not betray workers and support the full Employee Free Choice Act. Specter appeared on The Union Edge radio program in Pittsburgh earlier this year and faced pointed questions from the show’s host Charles Showalter and Allegheny County AFL-CIO President Jack Shea.  A week later Specter switched parties.

Delegates heard from Labor Secretary Hilda Solis yesterday who spoke of her affinity with working people. “I feel at home when I’m with the men and women of the AFL-CIO, because my story is not that different from many of the people in this room. My father toiled in a battery recycling plant as a Teamster shop steward for more than 20 years.”

Solis best represents change workers expected when they organized to elect Obama. The Department of Labor under former President Bush was lead by Elaine Chao who was openly hostile to working people who had the audacity to organize.

So this homecoming today is an affirmation that in solidarity working people can control the levers of the government ensuring that it functions for the people rather than against their interests.

The president’s address to working people can be heard live The Union Edge.