Published By american income life & national income life LETTER canada Labour Advisory Board MARCH 2011 Vol. 12 No. 2

News from the and again that expansion of the Canada respondents support increasing CPP benefits CLC, Federations Pension Plan is a far better savings option and 51 per cent oppose the current federal than RRSPs and the Pooled Registered Pen- approach to delay CPP reform in favour of a & Councils sion Plans proposed by Finance Minister private pooled pension plan. Flaherty. They ignored us and hundreds of Canadian labour joined in an other people who made the effort to partici- A disproportionate number of international week of action that began Feb. pate in the process.” women are falling through the many cracks 14 in defence of labour and human rights in Canada’s pension and retirement sys- in Mexico. Demonstrations were held that Pension reform remained a hot tem, President coincided with the fifth anniversary of the topic with Canadian labour as political sup- Barbara Byers recently told more than 100 death of 65 workers in an explosion in north- port increased for an expanded Canadian union delegates meeting in Regina. Part of ern Mexico. “We are expressing our concern Pension Plan. Labour praised the comments the problem for women is that they contin- about countless violations of the fundamen- of Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff and the ue to be paid on average significantly small- tal human rights of Mexican workers, and Liberal party who said that they want to er wages which means they have less money we demand that the Mexican government strengthen the base Canada Pension Plan by to contribute to their pension. In addition, comply with its own laws on human and la- increasing benefits gradually over time. Cana- women live longer than men and are in bour rights,” said Canadian Labour Congress dian labour along with seniors’ and citizens’ greater danger of outliving their retirement President Ken Georgetti. “Over the past five groups, has been calling for a gradual dou- savings. She also said one of seven senior years, we have seen a systematic escalation in bling of Canada and Pension Plan citizens in Canada is living below or just the violations of the rights of Mexican work- benefits. In addition, a recent survey conduct- slightly above the poverty level, she said. ers.” He further expressed his concerns about ed by Environics for the Canadian Union of “That’s unacceptable in a country as rich the situation of Mexican workers in a letter to Public Employees showed that 76 per cent of as Canada.’’ Byers called for major reforms the Mexican ambassador. to the pension system to benefit both men and women. Responding to the recommen- dations of the Task Force on Financial Lit- eracy, CLC head Ken Georgetti said Cana- International dians need better government policies rather Labour News than lectures on how to save money. The 13-member task force was appointed in June More than 30,000 Wisconsin 2009 by the Minister of Finance to recom- state workers and teachers conducted massive mend “a national strategy to strengthen the protests in Madison, the state capital, against financial literacy of Canadians.” The panel new legislature introduced by newly-elected held a series of hearings in 2009 and recently Republican Gov. Scott Walker that would released its findings which were criticized by strip them of collective bargaining rights. The labour. “This report heaps blame on ‘unin- anti-union measure sparked a wave of attacks formed’ individuals, and completely ignores against government workers’ union rights in the predatory behaviour of financial institu- several states where Republicans were elected tions,” said Georgetti. “We told them again Picture by AIL PR Rep Gabriela Berloni governor in last fall’s U.S. congressional and james williams, General President - International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Chairman - AIL Labour Advisory Board VICTOR KAMBER, Vice President - American Income Life Insurance Company, Executive Director - AIL Labour Advisory Board ROGER SMITH, Chief Executive Officer & President - American Income Life Insurance Company, President - AIL Labour Advisory Board DENISE BOWYER, Vice President - American Income Life Insurance Company, Secretary - AIL Labour Advisory Board Dave Barrett, Former Premier of Province of , Honorary Member - AIL Labour Advisory Board Debbie Enstedt, Vice President of Public Relations - American Income Life Insurance Company Pg 2 LABOUR LETTER state elections. A similar proposal to strip billion. Energy exports rose by 25.1 per cent (AWA). “The denial of human rights should public employees of collective bargaining to $8.6 billion and account for half the value not be the foundation for Canada’s food rights drew throngs of protesters last month of total exports in the month, the report said. supply system,” says UFCW Canada and at the Ohio Capitol. Hundreds more have “Every once in a while, an economic report AWA president Wayne Hanley. “But as the demonstrated in Tennessee and Indiana, comes along that just makes you (or at least report details, that’s exactly what’s happen- where Republican-led committees have ad- some economists) say ‘wow.’ And today’s Ca- ing to migrant farm workers … the federal vanced bills to restrict bargaining rights for nadian trade report for December fits that government … turns a blind eye to the dan- teachers’ unions. bill,” BMO deputy chief economist Doug gers and abuse migrants are forced to accept Porter wrote in a note. For 2010 as a whole, if they want to keep their jobs.” UFCW Defying warnings by Egypt’s the country had a deficit of $7.2 billion, the Canada has been a leading advocate for farm ruling military junta, workers at Egypt’s largest on record and the first time that Can- workers’ rights for more than two decades, largest factory went on strike last month. ada has posted a deficit two years in a row. and in association with the AWA, operates Approximately 15,000 workers from the Exports to the U.S. hit their highest level by 10 agriculture worker support centres across Misr Spinning and Weaving, which employs value since November 2008, again boosted by Canada. The report is based on interviews, 24,000 people in the Nile Delta city of Al- energy. Canada’s trade surplus with its big- surveys and other frontline information. Mahalla al-Kubra held a sit-in outside the gest trading partner jumped from $3 billion administration building, reported the Cen- in November to $5.1 billion in December, the Members of UNITE HERE Local tre for and Workers’ Services largest since the same month of 2008. 75 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in (CTUWS). “The workers have refused to Toronto ratified a new collective agreement end their protest until their principal de- that contained no concessions and includes mand is met, and that is to remove the head News from improvements in wages, health benefits, re- of the company, Fuad Abdel Alim, who is Canada’s Unions tirement, job security, subcontracting protec- accused of corruption,” it said. tions, workload, and the TTC pass subsidy, National Association of Public the union reported. Eighty-nine per cent of Employees (NAPE) launched a new cam- the members voted in favor of the contract. National & paign called All Together Now! to promote “I’m very pleased with the result. This is a Political Events quality public services and tax fairness. The step forward for us and for all hotel work- campaign is co-ordinated by NAPE’s na- ers in the city,” said Michelle Williams, a The average Canadian family tional union, the National Union of Pub- member of the Union’s Negotiating Com- is $100,000 in debt and owes far more than it lic & Government Employees (NUPGE). mittee. The union said Local 75 hotel work- earns, according to a new report released last According to the union, the campaign has ers conducted a “significant mobilization” month by the Vanier Institute of the Family. three goals: defend public employees, pro- across the city, starting with “a citywide Families’ debt-to-income ratios are at a re- mote public services and fight for tax fair- strike authorization vote last May, a two-day cord 150 per cent, the report said. The find- ness. “The Federal government says there’s strike at the Novotel Toronto Centre dur- ings mean that Canadian families remain in a no money to reinvest in public services, yet ing the G20 Summit, rolling one-day strikes precarious predicament even if standard eco- the Federal government continues to cut at Westmont-owned hotels during the To- nomic indicators suggest the recession is over, corporate taxes. While Newfoundland and ronto International Film Festival, and a two- said Katherine Scott, director of programs for Labrador may be a have province, we still week strike at the Delta Chelsea Hotel.” The the Vanier Institute of the Family. “As gov- rely on Federal transfer payments for the Royal York is the fifth hotel to settle after ernments at all levels craft their budgets for provision of our health care and social pro- the Delta Chelsea Hotel strike. the coming year and look at cutting programs grams. If there are cuts to these transfers, to reduce their deficits, they need to be mind- it would negatively impact public services,” ful that the state of Canadian family finances said NAPE in a statement. “We’re con- continues to be fragile in many households,” cerned about the impact of those decisions she said. In 1990, the average family debt on families and communities who rely on stood at $56,800, with a debt-to-income ra- public services.” tio of 93 per cent, suggesting that the level of LaboUr Letter debt has been on the rise for the past 20 years. Federally operated migrant provided through farm worker programs are rife with human Canada’s exports surged in and labour rights violations and those pro- December as the country posted a surplus grams are expanding with the assistance of of $3 billion compared to a deficit of $115 the Harper government, charged the 2010- million in November, Statistics Canada re- 2011 Status of Migrant Farm Workers in ported. Exports surged 9.7 per cent outstrip- Canada report published by UFCW Can- Protecting Working Families ping a 0.7 per cent gain in imports to $34.8 ada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance www.ailife.com AcanadaGENDA MARCH 2011

Rick Clarke President, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour

Workplace Since then, many workshops have been ticular community. We find stories about Education developed and delivered on clear language, work wherever people gather: in union union-based literacy, training for rank and halls, workplaces, coffee shops, post offices, is Labour’s file members who wish to become Peer kitchen tables, and around camp fires. They Priority Learning Guides (our name for tutors), and come to light through questions as simple workshops on how to navigate the Workers’ as “How was your day?” Stories can locate Since 1996, the Nova Scotia Federa- Compensation System in Nova Scotia. us and educate us, they can entertain us, tion of Labour Workplace Education Pro- Most of our projects are carried out and through the telling of stories, some- gram has been helping workers to develop in partnership with the Canadian Labour times we can make sense of our world and better skills in reading, writing and math, Congress and national and international our position in it. in the context of the broader trade union unions. We were able to develop the Peer The second literacy project is called struggle to empower working people. Our Learning Guide model through a partner- Using Labour Councils as a Workforce program grew out of a movement fighting ship with the Canadian Union of Public Education Nucleus. Under this project we for greater social justice and equality for Employees (CUPE), The Communication, have seconded a part-time coordinator and working people. The fact that it is a part of Energy and Paperworkers’ Union (CEP), 5 Advocates to go out into labour council this broader struggle of the labour move- and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers districts to promote literacy and workplace/ ment shapes every aspect of our program. (CUPW), as well as the NS Department workforce education. The Advocates are Perhaps most importantly, the larger of Education. doing a terrific job, and are using up most struggle of the labour movement continu- Currently, the Federation has 2 literacy of our print materials! ally puts literacy in a proper perspective projects. Partnership in Action has pro- Over the years, there have been pam- — as a tool, as a means to an end and not duced a manual for labour councils on how phlets, tent cards, posters and bookmarks the end itself. Greater social and economic to organize and run workforce education used to promote literacy and workplace/ justice comes not solely from higher indi- programs for workers from multiple work workforce education programs. These are vidual skill levels but from collective action sites and unions, and is also in the pro- now old and need to be redesigned. With for change. Every aspect of our workplace cess of gathering stories for a book about the help of AIL’s generous contribution, education program is designed to facilitate working for a living in Nova Scotia. This the Federation will be able to design a new the growth in the collective ability of work- book is intended for use in adult education series of publications to promote literacy to ing people to shape the world in which programs, but we believe it will be wide- unions. The materials will be put to good we live. ly read by many in the labour movement use by the Advocates and the literacy proj- In 1999, we were able to hire a full- and beyond. ect staff at conferences, conventions and time co-ordinator for the program, and We are developing this book because meetings with unions, employers, and la- Linda Wentzel is still with us today, there is a real need for stories written in bour councils. making a difference in the lives of Nova clear language that present a worker’s per- “The philosophy behind our workplace Scotia workers. spective. These stories emphasize the im- education program comes from labour’s In 2001, delegates at our convention portance of storytelling in our lives and conception of the broader goals of social passed 2 important resolutions: the NSFL how stories contribute to the collective unionism — to help empower working Statement on Literacy, which defines lit- worker history. people to take control of their lives indi- eracy and makes recommendations on how Our work defines us in many ways; vidually and collectively; to be heard; to to implement programs, and a resolution our communities and their histories are question, criticize, evaluate and act as full that allows affiliates to submit resolutions often wrapped around the work that was citizens with a broad social vision in a dem- in a clear language format starting in 2003. done and/or continues to be done in a par- ocratic society.” Pg 2 AGENDA

take away the collective bargaining rights of AIL Backs Health public employees, and mandate Right-to- Work laws are acts of pure union-busting. Coalition This is the cost to unions who opposed their elections. AIL pledged support for the Canadian The right to collective bargaining is the Health Coalition, a public advocacy orga- essence of democracy in the workplace. It nization “dedicated to the preservation and Roger Smith is a process that works in both good and improvement of Medicare,” Canada’s na- President & CEO, bad economic times. Governors and their tional health insurance program. American Income Life supporters have turned their back on com- In a letter to the coalition’s national co- Insurance Company promises offered by the very workers who ordinator Michael McBane, AIL President provide essential state services. & CEO Roger Smith wrote, “Within AIL, Standing with Today, as in the past, workers are dem- we have reviewed the Canadian Health Co- onstrating their willingness to make sacri- alition: Ten Goals for Good Health and we North American fices in their pay and benefits during eco- support those goals.” Labour nomic downturns. Collective bargaining is He added, “we would be interested in a process which offers solutions in a crisis. opening a wider discussion on how AIL In the U.S., Republican Governors and Gutting bargaining is bad business. could participate and/or assist the Coali- other elected officials who received bucket Unions and collective bargaining tion on the important work that you do loads of campaign contributions are pay- should be embraced by responsible em- for Canadians.” ing back their wealthy benefactors. The at- ployers. Government and private employ- Among other issues, the coalition sup- tacks on the middle class, public employees, ment should create good middle class jobs. ports access to quality health care based on private workers and collective bargaining In reality, there will not be a robust middle need, not ability to pay. As a result, the co- rights are pure political payback. class without a strong labour movement. alition opposes expanding private for-profit These attacks should be of great con- Where will business be without a robust services “that benefit only a few.” cern to Canadian working families because middle class? In addition, the coalition is leading this wave of anti-unionism could spread Responsible business leaders should a campaign for a national drug program, north of the border. voice their opposition to the misguided “Pharmacare,” a publicly funded and ad- For decades collective bargaining has ‘payback’ attacks on the middle class. At ministered insurance plan that would cover worked to create a solid middle class in American Income, we stand with union drug costs the same way Medicare covers North America. There is a frontal assault on workers everywhere who are under attack. hospital and doctor costs. the middle class, and the right to collective We are committing financial, field and oth- bargaining is the target. er resources in support of this fight. Governors like Scott Walker and John For AIL it is imperative to be a busi- Kasich (to name two) justify their efforts to ness voice of reason. Collective bargaining break the unions under the shroud of solv- is good for workers, good for business, and ing the state budget crisis. Their attempts to good for all.

Union members and supporters, including AIL, protest at the Wisconsin state capitol in defense of Healthcare Rally strike union and collective bargaining rights. Flickr.com photo used under Creative Flickr.com photo used under Creative Commons from Jacob Anikulapo Commons from dave.cournoyer AGENDA Pg 3

AIL’s Gabriela Berloni marches in Hamilton with Toronto Electrical Workers Local 353, Ontario's largest IBEW local. From left to right: Jeff Irons, Vice President IBEW 353; Rudy Lucchesi, IBEW 353; AIL’s Berloni; Mike LeBlanc, Organizer, IBEW Local 105; Steve Martin, Business Manager IBEW 353.

AIL Reps Join An estimated 10,000 people marched other supporters from across the province through downtown Hamilton, Ontario in participated in the event. Thousands at a demonstration sponsored by the Ontario Since the company bought Stelco Hamilton March Federation of Labour (OFL). The purpose in 2007, 2,200 jobs have been lost while of the rally was to protest deepening at- current workers have suffered through AIL was a key supporter of a signifi- tacks on workers’ pension schemes, not extensive periods of layoff. In the current cant march and rally Jan. 29 in support of only at US Steel-Stelco, but across Can- dispute, management is demanding a two- 900 members of the ada. tier pension plan for the remaining mem- Union who have been locked out for 11 AIL representatives, union workers, bers of USW Local 1005 of the United weeks by US Steel at the Hilton (formerly retirees from many , Steelworkers (USW) union as well as Stelco) Works complex. public sector workers, young people and other concessions.

The Hamilton march drew a huge crowd in support of members of the United Steelworkers AIL was a proud sponsor of the Canadian union at the former Stelco plant. From left to Union of Public Employees Local 966 “Flying right: Luc Lacelle, Director, United Food & Surrounded by a massive display of union Squad” bus which transported march Commercial Workers Locals 175 & 63; Harry flags and banners at the Hamilton march, AIL’s supporters to the Hamilton demonstration. Sutton, Executive Assistant to the President, Al Wall (left) stands with Roland Lapins, Shown are AIL PR Rep John Smyth and CUPE UFCW 175; AIL PR Rep Al Wall. Director of UFCW 1000A. Local 966 President Mary Jo Falle. Photographs were taken by Gabriela Berloni, AIL Public Relations Canada Representative, CEP 247 Pg 4 AGENDA

Barrett The youngest son of a Jewish fruit and industry, protected farmland (Agricultural Continues vegetable peddler, he was born in , Land Reserve), and made prescription drugs B .C. into a working class family, in a working affordable (Pharmacare) in addition to other Service on AIL class neighbourhood. Barrett attended public major reforms. The NDP passed a new bill Board school in Vancouver, and went on to attend an average of every three days, a record that University, in Seattle Washington graduating still stands. Legendary Canadian activist and po- with a master degree of Social Work from St. Although out of politics for many years, litical leader Dave Barrett will continue his Louis University in Missouri. Barrett still gets involved when an important long-time service as a member of the Ameri- In 1974, St. Louis University granted cause moves him. He publicly opposed the can Income Life Labour Advisory Board, Dave an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. B.C. government’s restructuring of B.C. Hydro AIL President & CEO Roger Smith recent- Dave has also been recognized for his public in 2003. Most recently, in 2010, he spoke out ly announced. Barrett has served on the board Service by Simon Fraser University in Canada, against the new harmonized sales tax (HST). since October 2000. which also granted him an honorary Doctor Despite his critics at the time, these inno- “Dave has had a profound impact in of Laws degree. In 1987 Dave was appointed vations remain on the books today. He has also shaping the foundation of a more caring and a Fellow of the Institute of Policy, John F. lectured widely across North America, written compassionate province,” said AIL Presi- Kennedy School of Government at Harvard numerous articles and authored a book. dent & CEO Roger Smith. “Dave brings University where he later conducted a seminar insight, leadership and thoughtfulness to program on Canada’s health care system. the AIL Labour Advisory Board. We are Dave’s political career commenced in honoured to have a person of his stature on 1960 after he was fired from a civil service the board.” job for political activity and was elected to He was recognized in 2005 by the Ca- the B.C. Legislative Assembly representing nadian Government with the “Order of the (NDP). In 1970 Canada”, which recognizes a lifetime of out- he was elected leader of the Party. In 1972, standing achievement and dedication to the he led the NDP to victory as he became the community and service to the nation. The first NDP Premier of the province and the cited read in part: “Deeply committed to the Finance Minister for B.C. Dave Barrett (right) is congratulated by Daryl Barnett on his long-time service as a member of the AIL public good, David Barrett has advanced pro- In three years as premier, his govern- Labour Advisory Board. The Board is comprised gressive policies in the areas of health care, ment granted public employees the right to of well-known international and national union social services and the environment. “ bargain collectively, created a publicly run leaders from throughout North America who advise In December 2010, the Government of Automobile Insurance Corporation of B.C. the company on labour-support activities and the British Columbia honoured Barrett by nam- (ICBC) which changed the car insurance insurance needs of working families. ing a viewpoint of one of B.C.’s most beau- tiful parks after Dave, which is now called “Barrett’s View.” AIL’s Labour Advisory Board is unique in North American business. The board is comprised of international and national union leaders from Canada and the U.S. who advise AIL on the company’s labour support activities and products and services needed by working families. AIL and its agents in both Canada and the U.S., for example, donate tens of thousands of dollars each year to la- bour and labour-related causes. As a member of the board, Barrett repre- AIL employees and representatives in Western Canada sents the viewpoints of the Canadian labour ...recently voted unanimously to join UFCW 1518 as their bargaining agent. “AIL is a 100 per movement and working families, a respon- cent union company that promotes and sells supplemental life insurance. As UFCW 1518’s sibility he has carried for a lifetime. He was newest union members, AIL agents now have a strong support team that will stand behind and continues to be an outspoken advocate of them in the work they do,” the union said in a statement announcing the vote. workers’ rights. Prior to his role with AIL, Barrett had a long career as a political leader. At 80, he is British Columbia’s oldest living former premier. LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD

James Williams Victor Kamber Denise Bowyer Roger Smith Bernard Rapoport General President, Vice President, Vice President, President and CEO, Founder, International Union of American Income Life American Income Life American Income Life American Income Life Painters and Allied Trades and National Income Life and National Income Life and National Income Life Chairman, Executive Director, Secretary, President, Labor Advisory Board Labor Advisory Board Labor Advisory Board Labor Advisory Board

Paul E. Almeida Stuart Appelbaum Ronald Ault Morty Bahr Dave Barrett Theodore Bikel James Boland President, President, President, President Emeritus, Former Premier of Province President, President, Department Retail, Wholesale and Metal Trades Communications Workers of British Columbia Associated Actors and International Union of for Professional Department Store Department, AFL-CIO of America Honorary Member, Artistes of America Bricklayers and Allied Employees, AFL-CIO Union, UFCW Chairman Emeritus, Labor Advisory Board Craftworkers Labor Advisory Board

Hon. David Bonior Clayola Brown Samuel Cabral Rose Ann DeMoro Barbara Easterling Patrick Finley Hon. Richard Gephardt Chair, President, President, Executive Director, President, General President, Former US Congressman American Rights at Work A. Philip Randolph International Union California Nurses Association Alliance for Retired Operative Plasterers’ Honorary Member, Honorary Member, Institute of Police Associations Americans and Cement Masons’ Labor Advisory Board Labor Advisory Board International Association of the US and Canada

Robert E. Gleason James Grogan, Jr. Raymond Hair Mary Kay Henry William Hite James Hoffa Arlene Holt-Baker Secretary-Treasurer, General President, International President, President, President, General President, Executive Vice International International American Federation of Service Employees of International President, Longshoremen's Association of Heat and Musicians International Union, Journeymen and Apprentices of Brotherhood AFL-CIO Association Frost Insulators and CTW, CLC the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting of Teamsters Asbestos Workers Industry of US and Canada

Ken Howard Frank Hurt Mike Jewell Newton B. Jones Greg Junemann D. Michael Langford James Little National President, International President, President, International President, President, National President, International President, Screen Actor's Guild Bakery, Confectionery, Marine Engineers’ International Brotherhood International Federation of Utility Workers Union of Transport Workers Tobacco Workers and Grain Beneficial Association of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Professional and Technical America, AFL-CIO Union of America Millers International Union Builders, Blacksmiths, Engineers Forgers and Helpers Matthew Loeb William Lucy Hon. Ray Marshall Warren Mart Sean McGarvey Terence O’Sullivan Oscar Owens International President, President, Former US Secretary General Secretary-Treasurer, President, International International Alliance Coalition of of Labor Secretary-Treasurer, Building and Construction Laborers International Secretary-Treasurer, of Theatrical Stage Black Trade Unionists Honorary Member, International Association Trades Department Union of North America Amalgamated Employes Labor Advisory Board of Machinists and Transit Union Aerospace Workers

Jules Pagano Anthony “Marc” Perrone W. D. “Dan” Pickett Roberta Reardon Jeff Rechenbach Paul Rinaldi Clyde Rivers Executive Director Emeritus, International President, President, Executive Vice President, President, President Emeritus, Labor Advisory Board Secretary-Tresasurer, Brotherhood of American Federation Communications National Air Traffic California School United Food & Commercial Railroad Signalmen of Television and Radio Workers of America, Controllers Association Employees Association Workers Int’l Union Artists AFL-CIO, CLC

Cecil Roberts Kinsey Robinson Arturo Rodriquez Milton Rosado Michael Sacco Elizabeth E. Shuler Bruce R. Smith President, International President, President, President, President, Secretary-Treasurer, President, United Union of Roofers, United Farm Workers Labor Council For Latin Seafarers International Union AFL-CIO Glass, Molders, Pottery, of America Waterproofers and Allied of America American Advancement President, Plastics and Allied Workers Maritime Trades Dept, AFL-CIO Workers International AFL-CIO, CLC

Andy Stern John J. Sweeney George Tedeschi Richard Trumka Baldemar Velasquez Walter Wise Diann Woodard President Emeritus, President Emeritus, President, President, President, General President, President, Service Employees AFL-CIO Graphic Communications AFL-CIO Farm Labor Organizing International Association American Federation of International Union Conference / International Committee of Bridge, Structural, School Administrators Brotherhood of Teamsters Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers These outstanding union leaders are members of the American Income Life & National Income Life Labour Advisory Board.

With their advice, American Income Life Insurance Company provides substantial financial assistance to labour and labour- related causes, and develops programs to best meet the needs of union members and their families.

Membership on the Advisory Board constitutes neither an endorsement of American Income Life Insurance Company nor its products. The only obligation of membership on the Board is to provide guidance on how AIL might best serve the interests of their respective members and the labour movement. Hon. Jim Wright Former Speaker of the House Labour Advisory Board members recognize that AIL is a fully organized, 100 percent union company that offers supplemental Honorary Member, Labor Advisory Board insurance plans primarily to union members. AIL is honored to be among those “All-Union Wall-to-Wall” companies cited by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department.