International labor leaders call for unity

International union presidents have issued the following joint statement regarding their meeting this week on labor unity:

"The goal of this meeting is to create a unified labor movement that can speak and act nationally on the critical issues facing working Americans. While we represent the largest labor unions, we recognize that unity requires broad participation. We also recognize our members are active and work through our institutions where they live and work. We will be reaching out to them."

The following presidents were in attendance:

• Larry Cohen – Communications Workers of America
• Leo Gerard – United Steelworkers
• Ron Gettelfinger – United Autoworkers
• Joe Hansen – United Food and Commercial Workers
• James Hoffa – International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• Gerald McEntee – American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
• Terry O'Sullivan – Laborers International Union of North America
• Bruce Raynor – UNITE HERE
• Andy Stern – Service Employees International Union
• Dennis Van Roekel – National Education Association
• Randi Weingarten – American Federation of Teachers
• Ed Hill – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

John J. Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO, and Anna Burger, Chairperson of Change to Win, were also participants in the meeting facilitated by David Bonior of American Rights at Work.

• Labor Calls for Unity After Years of Division. New York Times.