It was a good night for working families in the state just to the south of us. Bill Londrigan, president of the Kentucky AFL-CIO, released a statement on behalf of the hardworking women and men who volunteered their time and did everything it took in this election to bring it home for candidates who share union values. This includes the election of AFL-CIO-endorsed candidate Andy Beshear who will lead the state forward, not back in time, as the new governor of Kentucky governor.
Pres. Londrigan wrote last night, "When the sun comes up on Kentucky tomorrow it will shine on working families who will take pride in what we have done, together, to put our state on the path to a stronger future. From teachers who will now be supported instead of scapegoated, to county and municipal workers whose retirement is a bit more secure, we can focus on making things better."
Right to Work (is Wrong) was passed in Kentucky in 2017, two months after anti-union legislators secured the state General Assembly. It was signed into law by anti-union Governor Matt Bevin, who lost his reelection bid to Beshear. The Kentucky AFL-CIO fought the union attack in court, but the law was upheld by the anti-union Kentucky Supreme Court in 2018.
Our sisters and brothers in the Bluegrass State endorsed Beshear because they wanted a governor who respects and listens to workers, while also fighting for policies that make it easier for them to get ahead. "I'll make sure my labor cabinet secretary is a card-carrying union member, and I look forward to working side-by-side with workers and labor unions across the commonwealth," said Beshear.
Read: AFSCME Members Help Secure Pro-Worker Victories Nationwide
Read more about the impact that union members are making across the nation.