The ideals of the American labor movement – an honest wage for a day’s work, a strong and prosperous middle class, quality jobs for all and leaving behind a better world for the next generation -- stand as strong today as they did yesterday.
Do not let disappointment or despair become silence. As working people and active members of our great democracy, it is up to us to make sure that workers’ ideals and voices are part of each and every conversation.
This election represents a seismic shift in how we think about politics and our economy. Let’s be honest, politicians and CEOs have stacked our economy against working people with policies that hold down wages, increase inequality, diminish opportunity and ship American jobs overseas. Voters in both the primary and general election have delivered a clear message: enough.
The work of the labor movement continues with renewed vigor. The change voters demanded will be found in standing together in unions and upholding strong collective bargaining rights for all workers.
Unfair trade deals and the reality of massive changes in technology left unchecked will continue to hurt working people. Attacking unions and eroding our middle class is no way to move forward if we want an economy that works for all.
President-elect Trump made promises to reject bad trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and bring back jobs. We hope he makes good on those promises and moves beyond soundbites, divisive rhetoric, and generalities. We are willing to work with anybody to rethink the world of work and help working people get ahead in a 21st century global economy.
Brothers and sisters, when the call goes out, you never fail to demonstrate the kind of solidarity that makes our movement great. In the midst of an incredibly divisive campaign, that at times seemed to threaten the basic principles of our democracy, you stood up as always on behalf of your union brothers and sisters. And for this we thank you.
We extend deep gratitude and thanks to Secretary Clinton for her decades of leadership and courage. Her work undoubtedly changed our nation for the better. Our candidate may have fallen short in collecting 270 electoral votes, but we cannot relent in our fight to advance workers’ rights, civil rights, and women’s rights as well as investing in our future and achieving an economy that works for all.
Today, we move forward with hope and togetherness, with a sharp focus on creating good American jobs and fixing our broken economy.
In Solidarity,
Phil Neuenfeldt, President
Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer
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