WASHINGTON — UNITE HERE has rejoined the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) four years after it and several other unions broke away to form the rival Change to Win coalition.
“Our 265,000 members belong in the ‘House of Labor,’” says John Wilhelm, president of UNITE HERE.
“I can’t think of a more uplifting way to begin this day than by welcoming UNITE HERE back to our union family as an affiliate of the AFL-CIO,” says Richard Trumka, who was recently elected president of AFL-CIO at the union’s convention in Pittsburgh. “A united labor movement will serve the interests of working people during this time of incredible opportunity.”
“In UNITE HERE, we know what a fighter for workers Rich Trumka is, and we pledge to stand with him and fight with him to get workers what they deserve: a piece of the American dream,” says Wilhelm. “Solidarity will always overcome division. Our union will continue to be a strong and growing member in the ‘House of Labor.’”
Trumka plans to lead conversations with other unions about affiliation and reaffiliation, according to AFL-CIO.
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