AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to outline state of labor, May 20 luncheon

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will address a National Press Club luncheon on Friday, May 20.

Trumka will speak out on recent efforts to curb collective bargaining rights in several states, including Wisconsin and Ohio. He also will discuss the political outlook for the 2012 elections and the impact of austerity budgets on local, state and federal workers.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Trumka's talk will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 2 p.m.

The cost of tickets is $18 for Club members, $29 for their guests and $36 for the general public. Reserve at (202) 662-7501 or [email protected]

Trumka was elected president of the AFL-CIO in September 2009, after serving 15 years as the secretary-treasurer of the nation’s largest federation of unions, with more than 12 million members. Previously, he served as president of the United Mine Workers of America, a post to which he was elected at age 33 in 1982.

Union membership in the United States has been on a steady decline, falling to 11.9% of workers in 2010, the lowest level in 70 years.

In states where governors have set out to curb public employee bargaining rights, unions have been fighting back, staging massive demonstrations, pursuing legal challenges and starting recall campaigns.

To submit a question in advance, put TRUMKA in the subject line and email to [email protected] before 11 a.m. on the day of the luncheon.

Upcoming Luncheons:

May 26 Political commentator Juan Williams

June 30 Actor Gary Sinise

July 15 Tim Armstrong and Arianna Huffington of AOL