Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I can sum up the results of what LIUNA accomplished very easily – we kicked ass. The activism we demonstrated was extraordinary and reflects the greatness of LIUNA. More than 88,000 LIUNA members sent in comments to the Department of Labor – the lion share of the 325,000 comments submitted.
I am very proud of the hard work of each and every one of you. From job site visits to meetings, events, phone calls, emails and social media, I know you did everything in your power to encourage members to fight to protect our jobs and our livelihoods.
Whether it’s submitting comments to the Department of Labor, raising our voices with Congress or the Administration, when LIUNA gets in the game, we show the anti-worker, anti-union special interests what it means to Feel the Power!
I want to personally thank you for everything you did to protect registered apprenticeship programs in the construction industry. Together, we demonstrated that any effort to undermine our training and apprenticeship programs will be proudly and vigorously defended.
Although the comment period is over, we must remain vigilant. The special interests who are pushing IRAPs in construction will continue to advocate for anti-worker policies wherever and whenever they can. I urge you to continue to engage, educate and activate LIUNA members on the issues that affect our pay, our benefits, and our way of life.
LIUNA will continue to monitor the DOL regulatory process and will keep you updated on the DOL’s final rule.
On behalf of myself, General Secretary-Treasurer Armand E. Sabitoni, and the entire LIUNA General Executive Board, I want to express our pride in your commitment, dedication, and leadership. I never doubted that we could rise to this challenge and I was not disappointed.
May you always Feel the Power, Use the Power, and Be the Power!