The Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO is hosting a 100th anniversary celebration in conjunction with its annual National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., April 14-16. 

More than 3,000 union leaders from across the nation will convene at the Washington Hilton and Towers for a three-day agenda that focuses on political, legislative and industry issues that affect the livelihoods and security of the 2.5 million unionized American building trades workers and their families.

This year’s theme, "Skilled Hands…Strong Spirits—A Century of Leadership," offers a testament to the fundamental values that have served the union construction industry so well for 100 years.

On Wednesday, April 16, Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have been invited to appear before the assembly on the eve of the crucial Pennsylvania primary and each will offer an individual narrative for the future of the United States. The Building & Construction Trades Department has made no official endorsement of any candidate for President in the 2008 election.

“We are excited about having this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate this centennial event, and to reflect upon the achievements of the union construction industry, as well as the lessons we have learned, which will serve us well as we continue our resurgence as the most dominant entity in the North American construction market,” said Mark H. Ayers, President of the Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “And we are thoroughly excited at the prospect of having Senators Clinton and Obama address our assembly, while offering our delegates a chance to embrace and thank two of the closest allies and friends that we have.” 

 Speaker Schedules:

Monday, April 14, 2008                     9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• BCTD President Mark H. Ayers – KEYNOTE ADDRESSS

• U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-CA

• U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-PA

• U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-PA

• Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (via videotape)

• U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-FL

• U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-MD

Tuesday, April 15, 2008                     9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-GA

• Political Analyst James Carville

• Admiral Frank “Skip” Bowman – CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute

• U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-NJ

• AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney

• U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-CA

Wednesday, April 16, 2008               9:00 a.m. – 11:30

• Charlie Cook – The Cook Political Report

• U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (Confirmed)

• U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (Invited)

 (All Press Must Register and Receive Press Credentials)

 

About the BCTD

The Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO (www.bctd.org) is an alliance of 13 craft unions representing approximately three million members. Its unions are widely known as the best choice for highly skilled and highly productive construction labor. The Department and its affiliated member unions demonstrate a concerted commitment to world class skills development and training; coupled with a 21st century labor/management model that is founded upon the principles of performance, pride, cooperation and partnership.