Alaska AFL-CIO Backs Berkowitz
June 20th, 2008
State’s Largest Labor Organization Declares Support for Ethan’s Campaign
Today, the Alaska AFL-CIO - the largest federation of labor unions and trade councils in the state - announced its endorsement of Ethan Berkowitz in the upcoming August election.
The Alaska AFL-CIO is made up of 20 different unions representing Alaskan workers in professions as diverse as firefighters, machinists, nurses and cement masons.
“I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of the Alaska AFL-CIO, an organization that stands up for tens of thousands of hard-working Alaskans every day,” Berkowitz said. “I have always stood up for Alaska’s working families, and with the support of the AFL-CIO, I will continue to do so in Washington DC.”
“Alaska is a young state with a growing economy and infrastructure. A well-trained workforce is critical to continue our growth and meet our labor needs. I will work hard to make sure our workers are fairly treated and fairly compensated,” Berkowitz said.
“Ethan’s record in the Legislature speaks for itself. During his 10 years in the State House he was an effective, passionate advocate for issues important to working families. Ethan will work to protect and improve worker’s rights on the job in Congress,” said Vince Beltrami, President of the Alaska AFL-CIO.
During Berkowitz’s ten years of service in the State legislature, he consistently supported local hire and project labor agreements, advocated an increase in the minimum wage and defended the workers’ compensation system from budget cuts. Furthermore, Berkowitz fought to protect the defined benefit program in the Public Employee Retirement System and the Teacher Retirement System (PERS/TRS).
Ethan Berkowitz served in the Alaska State House from 1996-2006, and was the Democratic Leader from 1998-2006.
For more information, contact Ona Brause at (907) 947-1626.
