DC Laborers Welcome Return To AFL-CIO

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

“We’ve been with the Metro Council all along,” said Laborers 657 Business Manager Anthony Frederick (center) after Monday’s announcement that the Laborers (LIUNA) are re-affiliating with the AFL-CIO. “Now we can all act as one. United, we’re big,” Frederick added, “divided, we’re small.” LIUNA disaffiliated from the AFL-CIO in June 2006, but continued to organize much of its political efforts through the AFL-CIO. Saying that “now is the moment for a unified labor movement,” AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka said that “Together, brick by brick, we will build an economy that works for everyone.” – photo: Laborers 657 joined District residents and labor allies to rally for healthcare reform on Capitol Hill in August, 2009; photo by Adam Wright