FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2009
July 13, 2009
Caroline Kelly
(202) 639-6419
(202) 639-6419
AFGE Endorses AFL-CIO Trumka Leadership Ticket
WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees today endorsed the Trumka ticket for leadership of AFL-CIO. Richard Trumka, currently AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer is joined by running mates Liz Shuler, executive assistant to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Arlene Holt Baker, executive vice president of AFL-CIO. “While bringing new knowledge and new perspective to the AFL-CIO, these three candidates also bring years of experience to the table that will help usher in a new era for labor,” commented AFGE National President John Gage.
Liz Shuler currently holds the position of executive assistant to Edwin Hill, president of IBEW. She has served in this role at IBEW since 2004. Shuler is running to replace presidential candidate, Richard Trumka, as AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer.
Arlene Holt Baker, also running on ticket with Trumka, is seeking re-election as the executive vice president of AFL-CIO. Holt Baker has worked for AFL-CIO since 1995, but more recently obtained the role of executive vice president in September 2007.
The candidacy of Liz Shuler and Arlene Holt Baker is historic for AFL-CIO, as this is the first time more than one woman has run for a top office position in the federation. In 1995 Linda Chavez-Thompson became the first woman to be an officer of the AFL-CIO. Her role as executive vice president sets forth a precedent, encouraging other women to aim for officer positions.
“Having known Richard Trumka, Liz Shuler and Arlene Holt Baker for years, I know they have the ability and skills to strengthen and unify America’s labor movement in the coming years. AFGE welcomes the candidacy of a new AFL-CIO executive team,” concluded Gage.
Liz Shuler currently holds the position of executive assistant to Edwin Hill, president of IBEW. She has served in this role at IBEW since 2004. Shuler is running to replace presidential candidate, Richard Trumka, as AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer.
Arlene Holt Baker, also running on ticket with Trumka, is seeking re-election as the executive vice president of AFL-CIO. Holt Baker has worked for AFL-CIO since 1995, but more recently obtained the role of executive vice president in September 2007.
The candidacy of Liz Shuler and Arlene Holt Baker is historic for AFL-CIO, as this is the first time more than one woman has run for a top office position in the federation. In 1995 Linda Chavez-Thompson became the first woman to be an officer of the AFL-CIO. Her role as executive vice president sets forth a precedent, encouraging other women to aim for officer positions.
“Having known Richard Trumka, Liz Shuler and Arlene Holt Baker for years, I know they have the ability and skills to strengthen and unify America’s labor movement in the coming years. AFGE welcomes the candidacy of a new AFL-CIO executive team,” concluded Gage.
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