For Immediate Release
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Statement by AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee on Labor Day
This Labor Day, when we should be celebrating the contributions of working America, millions of families are struggling to cope with skyrocketing gas prices. The Bush administration's answer? An energy bill that gives $15 billion in tax breaks to Big Oil.
For too long, this White House and this Republican Congress have put special interests ahead of the peoples' interests. The GOP prescription drug bill — a boon for HMOs and insurance companies. The GOP Social Security plan — a windfall for Wall Street. The GOP tax plan — a giveaway to the wealthy. Enough is enough.
The fact is that while workers are being forced to cut corners and make tough choices — "should I fill my gas tank so I can get to work or should I buy food so I can feed my family?" — Big Oil is boasting record profits. That is un-American.
I call on President Bush to take immediate steps to reduce the price of gas. Labor Day is no time for workers to be choosing between a tank of gas and a bag of groceries.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is one of the fastest growing unions in America, with 1.4 million members. AFSCME organizes for social and economic justice in the workplace and through political action and legislative advocacy. AFSCME represents a diverse group of service and health care workers in the public and private sectors including nurses, EMTs, bus drivers, child care workers, custodians and librarians.
