The New York State AFL-CIO is a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector and building trades unions throughout the state.
"The freedom of working people to join together through their union is under attack. This requires strong leadership from elected officials, who recognize that unions improve the lives of not only their members but raise the standard of living of all working people," Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, said in a letter to Assemblywoman Jenne about the endorsement.
"We are confident that you share the belief and will stand with us in the fight to strengthen and build new ladders to the middle class," he added.
Assemblywoman Jenne, who spent Monday at the Solidarity Day parade and picnic in Massena with local AFL-CIO members, said she is proud to carry the endorsement of an organization that represents 2.5 million union members, retirees and their families in New York State.
"I'm always proud to have the support by organized labor. Our unions built the middle class in this country, and their role remains critically important today as our economy favors the rich getting richer while the hard working men and women of the middle class work longer hours and still fall further behind. I will continue to fight for fair wages and benefits for all workers," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
The North Country Trades Council had recommended the state AFL-CIO endorse Assemblywoman Jenne.
Ronald P. McDougall, president of the Central Trades Council representing members of organized labor in Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties, said Assemblywoman Jenne had unanimous support at the AFL-CIO’s annual
Committee on Political Education (COPE) convention.
"Addie has been an outstanding supporter of organized labor and the beliefs and values of working men and women and their families across the 116th Assembly District and the entire North Country," Mr. McDougall said.
The assemblywoman has also been endorsed by the state 1199SEIU Healthcare Workers East, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), Public Employees Federation (PEF), Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and the Police Benevolent Association of New York State Law Enforcement (PBA of NYS).
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne visits with Ronald P. McDougall, president of the North Country Central Trades Council, at the recent Solidarity Day picnic in Massena.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne catches up with Ernie LaBaff, president emeritus of the Aluminum. Brick and Glass Workers International Union, at the recent Solidarity Day picnic in Massena.
