thank you. >> please welcome liz schuler, the president of afl-cio, reverend brown from the carolina united for solidarity and empowerment. and katherine charles from the call center workers united. >> yes, absolutely. thank you. hello, everyone. good afternoon, i'm liz schuler, president of the afl-cio, we're a federation of 60 unions, 12.5 million working people across every sector of the economy, whether it's teachers or professional football players, everything in between. so i am so, so honored to be here today. we have a panel entitled justice on the job. so aptly named. we're going to talk about this incredible, incredible moment that we're in in labor but in organizing all across the country. first, i want to thank cap. i saw patrick backstage and want to thank him for his incredible leadership but really the team that put this together because from stem to stern, i don't know if y'all feel this way but these folks are incredible professionals so let's give them a hand p. and we're working worker stories front and center and what this is about. i want to thank the amazing orga

and when they met they were both at a moment of great ben had spent ten years very high up at the afl cio working pretty closely with rich who unfortunately passed away. but here he was the storied president of the afl, cio, which is which many people know is the large umbrella federation of many unions in the united states representing 12 million workers in. so many industries. but while ben was working with the afl, cio he saw what you chronicled. so in your book just factory after factory closing as they moved operations, either south or down to mexico or even further abroad and that broke. that broke ben. and when he came back to portland, maine, his hometown, he spent a year really just grappling what he had witnessed in america and determined to prove that capitalism and labor could unite, could work together and be a force of good and rebuild community that he had seen in the places industry had left you create good jobs and create amazing products and so so he created this company so. whitney and waxman together built this company american roots that creates all american sourced a

according to recent data gathered by the afl-cio, 88% of workers under 30 want to be in a union. am urgently ready to stand with those workers and with my colleagues who are committed to taking on the corporations who would stand in their way. we must pass legislation like the pro act and the home andz xcommunityased services act to i provide the care in our communities. advancing economic opportunities for generation now who will lead and work in the economy of the future, we must do all that we can to ensure the tools necessary to believe in the american dream again. in closing, madam president, while i'm urgent, i am also filled with abiding hope. generation now may be cynical but they are not sitting it out. even as they had to -- have had to question could truly work for them, even as they have seen dysfunctional and bitter politics, their advocacy on behalf of themselves and their future deserves its own recognition. the world watched as students from marjory stoneham douglas high school in florida organized the march for our lives rally, bringing together almost two million

in his most recent book that at one point, you know, he just visited the page of the leader of the afl-ciond her tweet was something like, and i'm paraphrasing, but we stand for maximum reproductive freedoms. and as michael said, lots of workers who are covered by the afl-cio or would want to be covered don't share those views so what that's reflecting is the degree to which organized labor has become very much a part of the democratic party. but one thing -- one major reason for that is over the pasb two generations, the labor movement has often, more often than not gotten the back of the hand from the republican party and so it's been forced to shift to the democrats i think by a political necessity and therefore even the workers who blare coming to the republican party as voters, they don't have an organized vote voice within the republican party in the same way that organized labor is an organized part of the coalition. but if we had a republican partl that was more friendly to the labor organizations, then i think you would see labor becoming more independent because it's not so depen

. >>> now a discussion on workplace labor organizing with the president of the afl-cio and union members. they discussed the importance of community engagement in updating labor laws. this was part of a conference hosted by the center for american progress. >> hello everyone. that was okay. hello everyone. there we go. that's better. i'm mike williams, a senior fellow at the center for american progress. i am thrilled to introduce our next two programs because we are going to be hearing about the state of labor in the u.s. the union movement moment is now. it has captured not only employers attention, but that of a whole country. public support for unions has soared, with approval rates last year hitting 71% for the first time since 1965. over 450,000 workers have gone on strike so far this year. we've seen people from across a range of industries and states draw inspiration from each other as they demand better wages, safer working conditions, and a seat at the proverbial table. and americans now have the most prounion president in our history. president biden issued a comprehensive set

and, you know, as michael says, like lots of workers who are, you know, either are covered by the afl-cio or would want to be covered don't share those views. so what that reflecting is the degree to which you know, organized labor has become very much part of the democratic party. but one thing one major reason for that, you know, over the past two generations, the labor movement has often more often than not gotten the back of the hand from the republican party. and so it's been forced to shift, too, to the democrats, i think, by political necessity. and therefore, even those workers are coming to the republican party as voters. they don't have an organized vote voice the republican party in the same way that organized labor is in an organized part of the democratic coalition. but if we had a republican party that was friendly to labor organizations, then you could i think you would see labor becoming more independent. it's not so dependent on one party knowing that the other one will be, you know, hostile at every stage. it's national labor relations boards will just be kind of made up

but we should note, biden does have some union support with the afl-cio, the american federation of teachersf his re-election bid. but it's interesting where union support is at this hour. elizabeth: mark if meredith, trend spotting. great journalism, as always. joining us now, house majority whip tom emmer. it's good to have you back on, congressman. it's good to see you again. so this bombshell, this report out of house judiciary, your reaction to treasury investigators at treasury's department called fin-sen asked u.s. banks to spy on customer transactions using search terms like maga and trump. this is about the january 6th proked probe. so what do you make of this? it looks like it was a deep dive. it's more ebbs tense i have. we're going to get into it in just a bit. your reaction to it. >> this is part and parcel for what this administration is all about, surveilling american citizens and, more importantly, surveilling their political opponents and then weaponizing government against them. in this case you correctly point out the judiciary committee obtained documents from the treasur

the afl-cio has committed to the president but a union that has not done so yet, the teamsters.en was kind enough to join us. good to have you back. you've been fairly quiet on this you have been fair and balanced on this, you met with all the major president will candidates, most out of the race now but they did include donald trump and there's another meeting coming up with donald trump. tell us about it. >> we met with donald trump two weeks ago, meeting with general exec it of board, rank and file members, the teamsters on january 31st, the invitation to president biden, talking to the white house, trying to schedule both in the same day and we think it is important, with all candidates, one. 3 million members. we owe it to our numbers to do our due diligence and make recommendation in the best interest of members nationwide. lauren: 20 the other sean of the united auto workers said in a meeting with donald trump that it would be pointless, i need so -- see no point meeting with him because he doesn't care about our workers and what they stand for, what the working-class sta

. >> and even, now today, many of us work very closely with the afl-cio, and others. on the frontlines now of the civil rights movement. in a year where turnout will be crucial, what role can unions play activating and energizing the black vote? >> look, the civil rights movement, the labor movement, they're inextricably intertwined. as one movement goes, so does the other. dr. king said it best. we either rise together, or we fall together. so we have to stand together. this is how the billionaire class and the corporate class when. they try to divide us. by race, by gender, you know, by borders, border security -- all these issues, they throw in. but definitely by race is one of the greatest ways they tried to divide us. it's imperative that we'll have the same issues, we all want dignity, this is all about humanity, and organized labor and unions are the pathway for equality for workers. without a union, you have no rights. you're an employee at will, you can be fired any day for any reason, or for no reason at all. and that's the world donald trump lives in. as i s

president in history, that said, the teamsters, only 1.3 million labor unions strong compared to the afl-cio which has endorsed president biden but that speaks to me that maybe their membership, they are open to donald trump and maybe donald trump has a end, potential in with the union vote. donald trump has always spoken to men and women who feel they have been left behind by domestic policies and economic policies so if the teamsters at the end of the day decide to give their vote to donald trump it would be a big shakeup and another example of the demographic the left is losing. we are seeing the softening of support among blacks and hispanics and even women so i think there's concern on the democratic side. stuart: neil: he has revolutionary soldiers going for him. i am kidding. i'm kidding. thank you very much. kevin, great seeing you, happy new year to you both. i did mention sean o'brien, the teamsters president who will be my special guest on fox. we are taking a look, he's met with virtually all the presidential candidates. he has been with the president many times but not on this e

and the afl-cio with respect to the establishment of the so-called fiscal commission. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. larsen: i think it's vitally important that members understand what's being proposed and how it totally relies on no member of this body other than the select few, mr. speaker, will be chosen. the commission is comprised of 16 individuals. four who are outside experts and not part of this body. and the senate will have six members that they choose, three republicans, three democrats. the house, three democrats, three republicans. in a body of 435 people here, three democrats and three republicans will decide the future and fate of social security and medicare. that's interesting. they'll do so behind closed doors. with no obligation to report in public. interestingly enough, too. the bill calls for them to form the committee but they don't have to report back until after the election during a lame duck session. so imagine that, mr. speaker. the committees of cognizance here, the deal with these issues with will no relevance. the only thi

lots of workers are covered by the afl-cio v don't share these views it reflects that it's become part of the democratic party but one major reason -- reason for that is over the past two generations the labor movement has often, more often than not gotten the back of the hand from the republican party. so it's been forced to shift to the democrats by political necessity and even those workers who are coming to the republican party as voters they don't have an organized voice within the republican party in the same way that organized labor is an organized part of the democratic coalition. he had a republican party and labor organizations i think you would see labor becoming more dependent because it's not so dependent on one party knowingat that the other one would be hostility for stage and the national relations board would be made up of union busters and so forth. >> i want to turn it to the audience and we have time for one maybe two questions of you have a question please raise your hand yes, right over here. >> i was just curious to what degree of -- are you? >> sure yes when i b

the afl-cio. paralyzed veterans of america. the national education association. and i could go on.ut instead, i'm going to recognize the gentleman from new jersey, a leader on the subcommittee on social security, mr. william pascrell. mr. pascrell: thank you, john. mr. speaker. mr. speaker, i rise today with my brothers and sisters on behalf of more than 124,000 of my constituents in north jersey in the ninth district who rely on social security each and every month. they rely on it. to some, as in the entire country, that's their only means of income. of survival. that's how is social security was established. in the 1930's. implemented a few years later. social security is one of america's greatest success stories. i remember the first time i ran for congress in 1996. i walked into the room prepared to deal with the housing codes. and public housing. but the only questions folks asked me, where do you stand on social security? do you want to prieftize social security? social security is a success story. 90 years, it stands as a monument to decency and dignity and the birth right

according to recent data gathered by the afl-cio, 88% of workers under 30 want to be in a union. re committed to taking on the corporations who would stand in their way. must the pro act and the home andz xcommunity basedvices act to i provide the care in our communities. advancing economic opportunities for generation now who will lead and work in t economy of do all can to ensure the tools necessary to believe in the dream again. in closing, madam president, while i'm urgent, i am also filled with abing pe now may be but they are not sitting it out. even as they had to -- have had to question whether government coul even as they have seen dysfunctional and bitterehalf of themselvesve own recognition. the world watched as students from stoneham douglas high school in florida organized the march for our lives rally, bringing together almost two million people across the world n gun safety legislation. that rally became one of the largest student-led organizations since t v women's black lives m globe, the most racially anderse generation of our time has shown up time and time agai

provided as i have fell into my new role as resident of cwa, the first black president and member of the afl-cioutive council. [applause] i also want to thank rev. al sharpton and the dedicated staff at the national action network for selecting me as the mlk day leader of the year. i am truly honored to be here among such outstanding leaders who have done so much to inspire and uplift our community in the arts and education and in public service. i have tried to support the national action network in houston where i am from and other places. i would like for you to applaud the work they do standing up for social justice in this community. [applause] throughout my career, it has been my mission to strengthen the ties between the civil rights and labor movements. . the national action network has always been a place where we can work together on issues that unite us. national action network like the other labor movement is both community-based with the national impact. i am sure other honorees here with me this morning would agree while we appreciate this recognition, we do not do this work becaus

i've settled into my new role as president of cwa, and first black president of the afl-cio council. also want to thank reverend al sharpton and his staff for selecting me as mlk leader of the year. i'm proud to be among other outstanding leaders who have done so much to uplift and inspire those in education and public service, you know, i have tried to support the national action network when i could in houston where i'm from and other places and i'd like you to applauded work to you do standing up for social justice throughout my community. throughout my career, it's strengthening the ties between the civil rights and labor movement and the national action network has been a place that we can be together to unite us. national action network like the other labor unit is both community based with the national impact, i'm sure that there are other honorees with me this morning would agree while we appreciate this recognition, we do not do this work because we seek the spotlight. we're not in it for ourselves. trust me, if i want to sit around and feeling good about myself, i can think

neil: it's late in the game. afl-cio already committed to the president and you would not.d with the president? >> look, the president has done great work for us, he fixed 300 pension funds nationwide that were going to be insolvent and the retirement benefits for people, and a lot of good that's been done. but we are not looking to the past, but where we're going to go in the future and look, we're going to be very open and candid in a lot of the discussions and make the best choice for our members. there's no guarantee for anybody and not disrespect to the current president of the united states. neil: anything i can do to broker the diner peace settlement let me know and let the senator know as well. >> i'm going to be back in d.c. for a while, you let me know, sir. neil: and there's an eye out there-- >> i'll even buy, i'll even pay. neil: very good. and very good having you on and that goes out to the senator. and i mean what i say on that. i would be happy to broker a settlement at an ihop? that's a home run. we have a lot more coming up from sean o'brien the teamsters

. >>> now a discussion on workplace labor organizing with the president of the afl-cio and union members. they discussed the importance of community engagement in updating labor laws. this was part of a conference hosted by the center for american progress. >> hello everyone. that was okay.

served as president of the florida state down civil aerospace workers and as president of the broward county afl-ciohis work to improve the lives of working families made transformative impacts throughout the sunshine state. as a devoted public servant for more than 27 years, the mayor helped transform the city of pembrook pines into a world class city to live, work and visit. his leadership expanded the city's arson culture footprint, it's outstanding schools. under his leadership, pembrook pines was recognized as a city. that's a very apt description for the imprint the mayor has and continued to make. mayor frank ortis leads with his heart and on behalf of the people of florida's 25th congressional district, we are grateful for his leadership and wish him well on his retirement from public service. i'll miss working alongside him but our loss is his family's gain. i wish frank a hearty congratulations on his retirement and am grateful for his invaluable work for the residents of pembroke pines, broward county and the state of florida. thank you, mr. speaker, i yield back. the speaker pro temre re

the afl-cio purports that the rule will in no way threaten or disrupt franchise arrangements or staffing firms. big labor set the line and the biden administration took the bait, hook, line, and sinker. moreover this is not the only myth big labor is spreading about the resolution. let me be clear, this resolution does nothing to restrict union activity. it does not alter the rights afforded to workers under the national labor relations act. what it does is ensure the appropriate parties meet at the bargaining table to resolve labor disputes. while the biden nlrb's joint employer rule takes the side of the special interest masters, house republicans have heard the pleas and are taking the side of workers, small businesses, and the american entrepreneurial spirit. congress must stand with franchiseees, small and large business owners, and millions of workers by voting with a bipartisan mandate to rescind the biden nlrb's joint employer rule. with that, madam speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentlewoman reserves. the the gentleman from virginia is rec

and it is because of the afl-cio, transportation trade united steelworkers, interfcial brotherhood ofelectrical workers. united autoworkers. siemens. alliance for american manufacturing, working for these e.v. chargers and to make sure only this for five months will we have the waiver and then we'll have where all the chargers will be required to contain 55% domestic content on the cost of components. the infrastructure in which e.v. chargers are housed are predominantly steel and iron which are excluded from this waiver now. so the explanation is this is to do better. to help america do bert. an to get us ready for july, 2024. and to help more states have investments that create jobs. moves us into a new level of technology. and provides the opportunity for more science-based mobility. transportation that is safe that is clean and that is job can we want? i rise to oppose this legislation because i want more jobs, i want more safe environment, and i want us to do the right thing. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman from washington reserves. the gentleman from missour