(WASHINGTON)- The 7th District of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)—which represents 16,000 federal employees in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin—today announced its support of Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States. The announcement follows a unanimous vote by the district’s board to endorse Sen. Obama.
“While Sen. Obama’s views on the issues are shared by other candidates, his passion and approach set him apart from the rest,” said Dorothy James, national vice president of the 7th distinct. “Sen. Obama has been a friend of labor, displaying a firm understanding of the critical importance of both a healthy labor movement and strong government in America.”
“Staff shortages and budget restraints have affected federal workers as well as the public they serve in my region,” James said. “We are confident that as President, Sen. Obama will look closely at issues, such as Veterans Affairs and Social Security access, and will work to reestablish the necessary working relationship between agencies and bargaining unit employees. His willingness to engage individuals from all sides is the kind of leadership that brings about real change.”
“Members of AFGE’s 7th District desire leadership that respects the value of its employees and seeks their input as the agency moves through the 21st century. We believe the candidate most apt to bring about that change is Sen. Barack Obama and we expect other groups within AFGE will follow suit,” added James.
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