Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Labor Congress for Latin American Advancement Convention, the AFL-CIO's nationwide bus tour and labor's efforts to combat harmful policies in Washington, D.C.
At the LACLA Convention in Atlanta, over 500 Latin American activists gathered to fight against illegal deportations and advocate for a fair immigration system. Redmond emphasized the bravery of these activists in standing up for labor and human rights during challenging times. He noted the alarming increase in funding for ICE, which would make it the largest law enforcement agency in the U.S., surpassing even the FBI. This expansion comes at the expense of crucial social programs like free lunch for children, Pell grants and healthcare, Redmond added.
The AFL-CIO's nationwide bus tour aims to give workers a platform to share their stories about how recent legislation will affect their lives and communities. With two buses covering different regions of the country, the tour has generated significant energy and local press coverage, he noted. Redmond and AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler have been actively participating and visiting cities across the nation. He said the tour will culminate on Labor Day with at least 30 events across the U.S., including teachings, demonstrations and rallies on picket lines.
Looking ahead to the midterm elections, Redmond outlined labor's strategy to educate and mobilize voters. The AFL-CIO is already conducting discussions with workers, planning targeted polling and maintaining its political operation. Redmond expressed concern over Republican tactics such as shutting down town halls and gerrymandering, particularly in Texas. He emphasized the importance of building momentum through education and outreach to counter these challenges and prepare for a full-scale political program in the coming year.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about labor's fight against harmful policies and its strategy for the upcoming elections.