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Labor Union continues to advance in anti-worker climate
Des Moines, Wash., - This week the Laborers’ International Union of North America
(LIUNA) held a five-day strategic organizing training for over 50 employees at
Laborers’ Local 242. This training will set the stage for future campaigns that will
fight for workers’ rights across Washington State.
LIUNA’s dedication to organizing meant using all workforce resources for the men and women who traveled in from throughout the state. International staff and guest
speakers covered strategic research and planning, relationship building, labor law,
political training and communication. The trainees will apply this knowledge and fully
represent laborer values in their communities.
“This group of diverse workers represents the face of LIUNA. Our goal with this training is to
improve the lives of working people throughout the Northwest Region.”
Bob Abbott, vice president and Northwest regional manager of LiUNA!
Following the government shutdown and the 800,000 federal employees going
without pay, this campaign symbolizes an act of solidarity. By educating members on
union benefits and mobilizing to protect working values, LIUNA continues to stand in
solidarity with public employee brothers and sisters.
“[These are] some of the best and brightest organizers I've had the pleasure to train. This
group represents a force in the labor movement that's going to change lives in the coming
years.”
Steve Schwartz, director of organizing of LiUNA!
The Northwest Region is the largest geographical region in the Laborers’
International Union. We represent over 45,000 working people of many
different ages and in many different occupations. For example, we represent
workers in construction, hazardous waste remediation, health care, education,
maintenance, food service, clerical, aviation, and state and local governments.
This region has 23 local unions, five district councils, and 13 dedicated training facilities that offer training topics ranging from
short duration job site health and safety classes to intense full-fledged, hands-on skills training. Mobile onsite training, which
delivers training to contractors' facilities or construction job sites, is another aspect that our region has developed to meet our
employers' manpower and training needs.