IFPTE Says “Thank You” to President Biden During DOL Tribute to Frances Perkins
Labor Secretary, Julie Su, hosted labor union members from across the labor movement this week at the Department of Labor in Washington, DC at a ceremony where the DOL honored two of America’s strongest and most influential advocates for America’s working class - the longest-serving labor secretary in United States history, Frances Perkins, and President Joe Biden.
President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson, who attended the event along with assistant to the executive officers, Brian Kildee, commented on the historic gathering:
President Biggs
“IFPTE applauds Secretary Su for hosting this historic event where the Department of Labor not only honored Frances Perkins, America’s most impactful and consequential labor secretary but also saw President Joe Biden inducted into the Department of Labor Hall of Fame. IFPTE was honored to be able to be at this event, and also to speak to and thank President Biden directly for half of century of service to working people, his unapologetic support of Unions, and his longtime support for IFPTE Locals and members as a Senator, Vice President and now as President. We wish the president and his family all the best as his career in public service comes to a close.”
Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson
“Frances Perkins was the first woman ever to serve in a president’s cabinet and as Labor Secretary for FDR, she was a trailblazer and a leader for the working class. It’s because of Secretary Perkins that workers enjoy the 40-hour work week, overtime pay, Social Security and Medicare, and Unions! She believed that the best way for workers to have a voice, enjoy living wages, and enjoy dignity and respect on the job was with a Union card. She also believed the benefits fought for and won by Unions helped not only those of us with a Union card but also workers who didn’t have a Union. As IFPTE’s secretary-treasurer, I was honored to be able to attend this week’s event with Secretary Su and President Biden. We thank them both for all their contributions to our Union and to workers.”