Working people made our voices heard in the 2018 midterm elections. Together, we knocked on 2.3 million doors and made a half a million phone calls in support of the labor-endorsed candidates who will advocate for working families.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" must be the most versatile line in world literature. You can apply it to almost any situation.
Charles Dickens' immortal opener from A Tale of Two Cities is an apt description for the current state of national and Kentucky politics, if you pack a union card as I do.
But I can think of two other memorable quotations that fit the Bluegrass State:
"These are the times that try men's [and women's] souls." -- Thomas Paine.
EDITOR'S NOTE: We came across veteran union and civil rights leader Ira Grupper's 2012 keynote speech to the Greater Louisville Building & Construction Trades Council's pre-apprenticeship training program graduates. Grupper also helped start the Kentucky Labor Institute. We think his remarks are still timely today.
By IRA GRUPPER
Sisters and Brothers:
I am honored to have been asked to address you today, at your graduation ceremony. Your pre-apprenticeship class has given you a tool to move you on your career path.
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to host their annual Legislative Preview Conference. This event is where members of the chamber can hear what’s coming in the next General Assembly, by speaking with members of the General Assembly.
Here are the names and pictures of the legislators that are on the panels. See if you notice anything about whom the Chamber invited to speak. (Light red for Republicans, light blue for Democrats)
General Motors Co.’s decision to slash production in three states is a slap in the face to every worker and community who supported the company through its financial crisis. The entire labor movement stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at the UAW, and we will fight this decision with everything we’ve got.
GM’s decision to stop production in Michigan, Ohio and Maryland is a gut punch to the American workers who sacrificed and stood by the company to bring it back to profitability. We will fight this corporate greed and outsourcing with our brothers and sisters at the UAW. In the face of overwhelming selfishness and hypocrisy, solidarity among all working people will be our most powerful tool for the fight ahead. -- AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan will be presented with the Anne Braden Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression at the organization's annual Unity Dinner on Dec. 14 in Louisville.
"I would appreciate the support and participation of our union family at this event," Londrigan said. "We have worked alongside The Kentucky Alliance for many years, recognizing that union rights and civil rights go hand in hand."
