Updated: At the request of a commenter, I'm fully disclosing that I blog at America for Richardson and volunteer with the Richardson for President campaign.
This diary started with a conversation I had recently with two prominent labor leaders here in Washington state. Both told me that they felt Bill Richardson was a strong labor candidate because he speaks favorably of unions and working families no matter what audience is listening, something not all of the candidates do (in their opinion). But waxing poetic about union politics and issues, as Democratic candidates are known to do, isn't enough. Actions speak louder than words. And Bill Richardson has a long record of accomplishment with regard to America's working families.
As Governor, Bill Richardson has increased the minimum wage for all New Mexicans. In addition, he reinstated collective bargaining for public employees, supported stronger penalties for employer violations while workers attempt to unionize,secured the first public works labor agreement in New Mexico history and made New Mexico's prevailing wage a union wage. Governor Richardson also cut taxes for working families again this year, returning $52 million to their pockets.
Last month, unemployment in New Mexico hit an all-time low of 3.5%, lower than the national average of 4.5%. In the last year, New Mexico has added 14,700 jobs, with over 80,000 new jobs being created in New Mexico under Governor Richardson's stewardship.
Governor Richardson also has taken the progressive and economically just step of ending taxation on food and medicine in New Mexico.
As President, Bill Richardson has said he will appoint a union member as his Secretary of Labor. He's also indicated his strong support for the Employee Free Choice Act, allowing workers to unionize without fear of retribution or intimidation, and will be a staunch defender of workers' rights to collectively bargain. Just last night at the AFL-CIO debate in Chicago, Governor Richardson said he'd get rid of all the union busting attorneys in the Department of Labor and OSHA.
With regard to trade, Governor Richardson will not support free trade agreements if they do not contain strong and enforceable labor and environmental standards.
It's not enough for our next President to be able to talk union politics in front of an audience, to give speeches at the local union hall, to walk a day in a union member's shoes, or even to walk a picket line. Words without action mean nothing. Bill Richardson has a long, proven record of experience standing in solidarity with America's working families through his actions, and has established himself as the strongest Presidential candidate on these issues.