AFL-CIO, MNA endorse Franken for Senate

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_3599

3 April 2008

ST. PAUL - Two major state labor organizations – the Minnesota AFL-CIO and the Minnesota Nurses Association – announced Thursday they have endorsed DFLer Al Franken for U.S. Senate.
The action by the AFL-CIO's General Board will mobilize more than 300,000 AFL-CIO union members across the state in the effort to unseat incumbent Senator Norm Coleman and put Franken in the seat once held by Paul Wellstone.

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Ray Waldron said the board interviewed both Franken and his DFL opponent Jack Nelson Pallmeyer before voting on the endorsement. Coleman, a Republican, did not respond to an invitation to meet with the board.

"Al Franken is a high-profile guy — and he's also a union member who knows how to focus public attention on the issues that working people are struggling with," Waldron said.

Steve Hunter, Minnesota AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer, said, "Al is listening to working Minnesotans and he shares our goals, including an economy that works for all, a world-class education for our kids and health care for all."

The Minnesota Nurses Association, which represents 20,000 registered nurse members, said Franken "has clearly demonstrated his commitment to implementing real change in the U.S. health care system to ensure high quality, affordable and accessible care. His health care platform incorporates important research that proves better RN staffing saves patient lives."

MNA President Linda Slattengren, RN, said, "Al Franken is a keen and passionate advocate for nurses, nursing issues and our patients. With his unequivocal support of the Federal Staffing Bill, HR 2123, he has also recognized the need to improve the nurse's work environment which includes addressing safe and appropriate staffing.

"Right now, nurses are demanding that health care is reformed to put patient care ahead of market share, put nursing over numbers and people before profits."

A number of other unions, including AFSCME, the Machinists, Teamsters, United Steelworkers and United Transportation Union have already endorsed Franken.

For more information
Visit the Minnesota AFL-CIO website, www.mnaflcio.org and the MNA website, www.mnnurses.org