AFL-CIO to Launch Massive New Drive for Secure, High Quality Health Care for All

Media Advisory for Wed., August 29
Contact: Alison Omens/Steve Smith
(Call in available for out-of-town reporters)
(202) 637-5018

At its annual Labor Day briefing, set for Wednesday, August 29^th, the AFL-CIO will announce an historic new drive that puts the full force of 13 million AFL-CIO members and retirees behind winning secure, high quality health care for all by 2009.  On the same day, working people across the country will unveil what the campaign will look like at the local level and why health care reform is so crucial in every community in America.

In addition to launching this major campaign, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney will talk about the state of America for working people this Labor Day, including the need for fair trade, good jobs and the freedom to form unions and bargain for a better life.  Together, these issues will form the economic framework for the AFL-CIO’s “Working Families Vote 2008” election agenda.

“The out-of-control cost of health care is crippling American families and American businesses,” Sweeney said.  “Our campaign is based on the simple premise that no one in America should go without health care, and we’re going to make sure candidates and elected leaders understand that we’ll accept nothing less.” 

Who:               AFL-CIO President John Sweeney

What:             Labor Day briefing and launch of health care drive

When:             Wednesday, August 29 at 1 p.m.

Where:            AFL-CIO, 815 16^th St. NW, Washington, DC

A call-in number is available for out-of-town reporters.  Please call 202-637-5018 in advance of the call in order to get the call-in-number.