Statement of John W. Wilhelm, President of UNITE HERE International Union, at AFL-CIO...

Statement of John W. Wilhelm, President of UNITE HERE International Union, at
AFL-CIO Convention, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement
of John W. Wilhelm, President of UNITE HERE International Union:

UNITE HERE is re-joining the AFL-CIO effective today. Our 265,000 members
belong in the House of Labor.

We are at a turning point in American history with the most pro-worker
President in our lifetimes who, with labor's help, is attempting against great
odds to rebalance an economy unfairly weighted in favor of the rich and
powerful.

Labor was unified in the 2008 campaign, regardless of affiliation. We should
build on those beginnings. Unification talks are continuing. While every
union will make its own decision, we hope the labor movement continues to move
towards total unity.

John Sweeney devoted his life to the labor movement, and was a steadfast
supporter of our Union. Our return to the AFL-CIO coincides with the election
of Richard Trumka. In UNITE HERE, we know what a fighter for workers Rich
Trumka is, and we pledge to stand with him and fight with him to get workers
what they deserve: a piece of the American dream.

Solidarity will always overcome division. Because of that backing, our Union
will continue to be a strong and growing member in the House of Labor.

SOURCE UNITE HERE

Pilar Weiss of UNITE HERE, +1-702-610-0200, pweiss@unitehere.org