Obama Speech: Construction Workers Ready to Answer Call for Middle Class Support

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to President Obama's major speech today on jobs and the economy, Laborers' International Union of North America General President Terry O'Sullivan issued the following statement:

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"Rightly pointing out that Washington doled out tax breaks for the rich while wages have fallen, President Obama's speech today reminds us that the foundation for a strong American economy is working people who can earn family-supporting wage without risking their health and safety. Our half-million LIUNA members are ready to help the President rebuild the middle class by rebuilding the roads, bridges, energy systems and other critical infrastructure that our country desperately needs to continue leading the world. These investments will help create tens of thousands of new jobs, especially for construction workers who face an unemployment rate 25 percent higher than the national average. So we urge policy makers in both parties, at the federal and state level, to join our President in making middle class the 'highest priority."

Background:

• NBC News: US bridges decay, while politicians focus on ribbon cutting
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction Unemployment Trails National Average
• Center for American Progress: Unions Are Necessary to Rebuilding Our Middle Class

The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers' International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build America. For the latest news, check out our media kit here.

SOURCE Laborers' International Union of North America