Saunders of AFSCME honors retiring UNITE HERE's D. Taylor's legacy

The Facts -

D. Taylor, president of UNITE HERE, is stepping down from his position. Lee Saunders, President of AFSCME, praises Taylor for his visionary leadership that has turned UNITE HERE into a powerhouse. Saunders further credits Taylor for increasing living standards for hospitality industry workers, making their jobs more respected and secure.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders Responds to D. Taylor's Resignation from UNITE HERE

AFSCME President Lee Saunders has lauded D. Taylor's impactful leadership following his announcement of resignation as president of UNITE HERE.

In his statement, Saunders describes Taylor as an accomplished trade unionist, whose visionary leadership has crafted UNITE HERE into a powerhouse. He praises Taylor's commitment to civil rights, immigrant justice, and human dignity, which have formed the core of UNITE HERE's identity.

Taylor, according to Saunders, led his union through the pandemic's devastation, demonstrating resilience when almost all members lost their jobs. He succeeded in transforming often disrespected hospitality industry jobs into positions offering strong wages, health benefits, and pensions.

Saunders also highlights the unique bonds of solidarity between AFSCME and UNITE HERE that Taylor helped strengthen. He recounts their collaborative actions like the Frontier strike in the 1990s, mourning together after 9/11, and securing collective bargaining for Nevada state workers.

He concludes by stating that Taylor's leadership has left UNITE HERE and the broader labor movement stronger, promising to continue building on his legacy.

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