Maria Elena Durazo Releases a Statement about Labor Day

Creation and Protection of Good Jobs is Key to rebuilding our economy.

Los Angeles – Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Maria Elena Durazo issued the following statement today about Labor Day:

"As the devastating fires rage on in our state, hundreds of firefighters- union firefighters- remain out on the fire line battling to save lives and property. On this Labor Day, our thoughts and prayers will be with these brave firefighters, especially with the families of our two fallen brothers- Tedmund "Ted" Hall and Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones.

"During these difficult economic times, there´s another fire line that all workers, union or not, are fighting. Hotel workers, janitors, actors, electricians, sanitation workers and teachers are suffering from rising unemployment rates, furloughs, lay offs and cuts to services in their communities.

"Fortunately, union members are in a better position than the rest of workers because they have a chance to fight back. They´re first line of defense is their union contract which allows them to bargain with their employers and withstand unexpected tides and turns in the economy.

"In honor of Senator Edward Kennedy, the LA Labor Movement will continue to fight for all workers in this nation. We will fight for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act to give workers a voice in their workplace, fair and just immigration reform, and healthcare reform that will provide coverage to all workers and their families.

"Over the last year, I´ve worked different jobs alongside hard working men and women, sorting linens, picking up trash, and on the 54th floor of a construction site. Their hard work reaffirms my belief in them and the future of our country: the sweat and value their labor will undoubtedly help America recover and return to prosperity.

"They are truly our country´s unsung heroes. This Labor Day we celebrate and honor them."

The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO is the chartered Central Labor Council (CLC) of the AFL-CIO in Los Angeles County and is the second largest in the country, representing over 800,000 workers through over 350 unions. Its mission is to promote a voice for workers so they can remain in the middle class, move themselves out of poverty by joining a union, encourage active participation in the political process by electing pro-union and pro-worker officials and to advance public policies that support workers and their families. As the coordinating center for labor´s political activity, the Federation believes that in educating and mobilizing workers to be politically active they can create and sustain healthy communities, and FIGHT FOR GOOD JOBS that REBUILD THE LOS ANGELES MIDDLE CLASS. Visit the Federation at www.launionaflcio.org.