Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Bill George Announces His Retirement
HARRISBURG, Pa., March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President William George today officially announced his plans to retire as President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO at the conclusion of his term in May of 2010 after serving for 20 years as the top union leader in Pennsylvania.
"It wasn't an easy decision but it's the right decision and at the right time," George said. "I want to thank all of the Vice Presidents of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council, both past and present, which I have had the honor and privilege to serve. Without their support, their leadership and their friendship we would not have been able to accomplish so much on behalf of the working men and women of Pennsylvania. In my opinion the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO is one of the most effective and respected State Labor Federations in the Nation thanks to the energy, activism, and leadership of labor leaders and union members at every level of the labor movement throughout the keystone state.
I also want to extend my special thanks to Secretary-Treasurer Rick Bloomingdale who has been my partner since 1994 and has played an instrumental role in our political and legislative victories over the past 16 years. Rick is by far one of the top political strategists in the nation and is the reason we have been so successful in electing pro-worker candidates. I also want to thank the staff and employees of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO for helping to make our organization one of the most efficient and productive Labor Organizations in the state. We have a skilled and dedicated staff who believes in what they are doing for the betterment of our unions and for all working families. I also want to thank my family, my wife, my children and grandchildren for their love and their support.
This is not the end of my activism and advocacy on behalf of the labor movement and the working people of Pennsylvania. I plan to continue helping to lead the fight for good jobs, justice and dignity for all workers. I plan to remain very active both in politics, legislation, organizing, community services, and education programs for working families. It's been a very rewarding experience both personally and professionally to serve as the President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. Our accomplishments are many but still there is much work to be done," George concluded.
Last December Bill reached a significant milestone in his life – 50 years of membership and leadership in organized labor. Bill's career started in the mills of J & L Steel as a member of the United Steelworkers Union Local 1211 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, his hometown. From there he rose through the ranks to become the President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO in 1990. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO in 1960. The 50th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO will be celebrated at the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO's 39th Convention to be held in Pittsburgh from April 12th through 15th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
SOURCE Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
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