AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler: “This Is a Generational Moment!”

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered a rousing call to action Wednesday, urging delegates to go “all in on solidarity” at what she called a generational turning point for the labor movement.

“Solidarity is not a word on a sign for this union,” Shuler said. “Solidarity is lived out every single day. When they come for one of us, they come for all of us.” 

She praised the USW for standing with federal workers after recent actions threatened to strip collective bargaining rights from nearly 1 million union members. 

“We’re suing, and we are going to win,” she said. 

Citing recent labor actions like the “Hands Off!” rallies that took place this past weekend across the United States, Shuler said workers are more united than ever. 

“When I talk to steelworkers, nurses, bus drivers and hotel workers, I hear the opposite of division,” she said. “Nobody is asking for more tax breaks for Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos at the expense of Medicare or Social Security.” 

With unions enjoying 71 percent approval — and 91 percent among workers under 30 — Shuler said the labor movement is gaining ground and inspiring younger generations. 

She highlighted recent organizing wins, including manufacturing workers in Georgia, energy workers in Puerto Rico, and health care providers in Pittsburgh. 

Shuler closed with a rallying cry. 

“Every time we have been knocked down in history, we got back up FIGHTING,” she said. “If we do the work right now, we’ll come out of this moment more powerful than we’ve ever been.”