NPC Headliners Newsmaker: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, the first woman to lead the labor federation in its 135-year history, will speak at a National Press Club Headliners event on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m.

Shuler is expected to address the pandemic's impact on the economy, the wave of collective action and strike activity, and legislative efforts that affect labor and the workplace. The AFL-CIO has thrown its support behind the Democrats' $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package at the center of President Biden's domestic agenda. The 10-year spending plan would expand child care, invest in clean energy, and enhance enforcement of labor laws. The federation of 57 unions also pushed for the inclusion of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (the PRO Act) that would penalize employers that interfere with attempts by workers to form unions.

"To build back better, we must be bold. And that means unparalleled investment in America's working families," Shuler said in a statement.

The Headliners event is open to credentialed media and club members, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To submit a question via email, put SHULER in the subject line and email to [email protected]. This event is both in-person and viewable via livestream on the club’s website.

Members, guests and visitors are required to show proof of vaccination at the entrance to the club. This can be a physical copy of your vaccination card, or a photo of it on your mobile device. If you cannot show proof of vaccination, you must show a recent negative COVID-19 test (within 48 hours). If you would prefer to upload your vaccination record in advance of the event, you can do so at www.press.org/vaxpass. To read more about club safety measures, please visit https://www.press.org/safetyfirst.

Shuler had served as the federation's secretary-treasurer since 2009 and was elected president by the federation’s executive council this summer following the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Shuler has said she plans to seek re-election when the AFL-CIO holds its convention in June 2022. Today, women account for nearly half of all union members nationally, up from a third in 1983, according to Labor Department data analyzed by the Employment Policy Institute.