Release #: 21.51
August 20, 2021

ALPA Applauds Election of First Woman to Lead the AFL-CIO

McLEAN, Va.—Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) president Capt. Joe DePete today issued the following statement on the election of Liz Shuler as the next American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) president:

“As a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, I was proud to cast my vote in support of Liz Shuler to serve as the AFL-CIO president for the duration of Rich Trumka’s term.

“Liz is a staunch advocate for workers and their families. She’s dedicated to ensuring unprecedented union growth in U.S. workplaces and committed to increasing diversity and equity in our country’s workforces—a commitment she embodies as the first woman to lead our labor federation.

“As we continue mourning the loss of our brother Rich, we must also come together to finish the work he started. The labor movement needs an experienced and fearless leader to empower our nation’s workers and secure them a bright future. That leader is Liz Shuler.

“ALPA also congratulates Fred Redmond for being elected to serve as the AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, the first African-American to hold the number two office. Today’s election resulted in the most diverse and inclusive team of leaders to be at the helm of the AFL-CIO and I am excited to partner with them as we continue our collective efforts to further the dignity of work, advance the labor movement, and protect American workers.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 60,000 pilots at 36 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org