The AFL-CIO
I am thrilled to have been one of the candidates endorsed by the AFL-CIO Political Action Committee during the 2010 Primary season. In my candidate’s survey I explained my position by stating: “I’ll ensure that our workers who struggle and sacrifice can enjoy economic justice, decent wages and safe working conditions. We must protect jobs at every level and within every industry. We must hold companies accountable for their actions, and hold our government accountable for proper monitoring of their practices.”
I want to be clear that I am supportive of collective bargaining for public employees, despite having been misquoted in the past. As a first-time candidate my relationship with this organization continues to evolve. What is important to note is that this campaign and the AFL-CIO continue to work together toward strengthening common ground. While some philosophical differences do exist, we continue to actively work to maintain an open dialogue designed to eliminate these areas.
Our mutual goals and objectives are to ensure that our greatest treasure, our West Virginia work force, be valued with human respect and equality. As such, these workers should expect to be compensated by means of a decent wage, in a work environment that ensures their health and safety. My efforts in the Legislature will be aimed at achieving these goals.
