Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, Fred Redmond, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for another installment of First Friday with Fred. Redmond discussed the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement conference, an update on Julie Su’s nomination status for Labor Secretary and the first United Steelworker Health Care Workers Council Conference since 2017.
The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement recently held their 47th annual conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which Redmond attended. The LCLAA is the leading voice for Latin American workers in America. Redmond discussed the service day outreach event during the conference, where they helped clean public areas and painted murals. The Council also formed it’s first commission to hold community forums to improve how the labor movement can better represent workers on the island.
While Julie Su is currently the acting Labor Secretary, right-wing legislators have introduced a bill that would prevent her from taking over as the full-time secretary. Redmond finds the bill and the stance of these legislators to be absurd. He believes that many of those opposing her appointment are scared of her proven abilities and are trying to find any way to prevent her from taking the role full-time. Redmond then discussed the efforts to secure the needed votes to confirm Su as Labor Secretary.
The first United Steelworkers Health Care Council Conference since 2017 took place in Pittsburgh in July. The USW represents over 50,000 healthcare workers, most of which are part of the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system The conference, which was previously held every three years, is used to determine the best way to help the healthcare workers do their job safer and more efficiently. This year’s conference focused on the nationwide issue of safe staffing ratios, as most workers shared stories about the high number of patients they are forced to care for every shift.
Listen to the entire episode to hear more from First Friday with Fred.
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