NPC Luncheon with Richard Trumka

Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, will address the National Press Club at a 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.

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.

The National Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and Trumka’s remarks will begin at 1:00, followed by a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made by calling (202) 662-7501 or [email protected]. Cost of luncheon admission is $18 for National Press Club members, $29 for their guests and $36 for general admission.

Credentialed press may cover this event with proper ID.