AFTRA Members Welcome UNITE HERE Back to the AFL-CIO

PITTSBURGH (September 17, 2009)—The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) released the following statement today after the AFL-CIO announced that its Executive Council had approved the re-affiliation of UNITE HERE:

"Today, the family of labor has grown by more than 250,000 brothers and sisters as the AFL-CIO warmly welcomed back UNITE HERE on the concluding day of the 2009 AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Pittsburgh.

"AFTRA congratulates our brothers and sisters of UNITE HERE, on their decision to re-affiliate with the nation's largest labor federation. This reunion is a fitting and auspicious end to a historic Convention that enhanced and fortified the bonds of solidarity among the more than 56 national and international affiliated unions of the AFL-CIO.

"We look forward to working with UNITE HERE President John Wilhelm in building a stronger and more vibrant labor movement united under the AFL- CIO."

About AFTRA
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, journalists, singers, dancers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys, and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audio books, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives, and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society. Visit AFTRA online at www.aftra.com.

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