WGAE Endorses Trumka Slate for AFL-CIO Leadership

The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), issued this statement today announcing its endorsement of Richard Trumka for AFL-CIO President, Arlene Holt Baker for Executive Vice President, and Liz Shuler for Secretary-Treasurer:

“The Writers Guild of America, East, with the unanimous approval of its Council,  proudly endorses Richard Trumka to become the next president of the AFL-CIO. We believe that Richard Trumka — together with Arlene Holt Baker and Liz Shuler — have the skill and the vision necessary to lead the American labor movement during one of the most challenging times in its history. They understand the transformation that digital technology is bringing to the news and entertainment industries, and they share our total commitment to strengthening unions that represent creative professionals and people who are hired on a project-by-project basis.

The American labor movement desperately needs strong, creative leadership to assure that all workers have the strong voice they need. That’s exactly the kind of leadership Richard Trumka and his slate offers.”

Responding to the WGAE’s endorsement, Richard Trumka issued this statement:

“This is a critical time for writers. The combination of new technology and old-fashioned greed is threatening to turn the industry into an electronic sweatshop. While corporate executives pay  themselves megabucks, too many writers are holding on by their fingernails. If ever there was a need for representation it’s now and I look forward to working with WGAE and others to see to it that union members have the strongest voice ever in film,  television, broadcast journalism and throughout the new media.”

The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO, is a labor union representing writers in motion pictures, television, cable, new media, and broadcast news. The WGAE conducts programs, seminars, and events on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers. In addition, it represents writers’ interests on the legislative level. For more information on the Writers Guild of America, East, visit www.wgaeast.org.