Edward Sullivan speech

We have also supported efforts to cut back the number of guest worker visas — efforts that have thus far met with success.

We have successfully pushed for the requirement that employers hire American workers before they can look outside for H2-B Visa holders.

The immigration battle is far from over, and we will continue to influence it at every step in the process. But our legislative task force needs your help. We need every union leader and local member to speak up and speak out to their Congressman and to the media, to make it clear that a bill without a wage floor is not acceptable, a bill without protection for American workers is not acceptable, and a bill that fails to hold employers legally accountable for hiring illegal immigrants at slave wages will never ever be acceptable.

And the time to let them know what you think is right now. We have many challenges ahead and many issues to tackle. We need you stronger than ever.

In conclusion, I urge you to keep up the good work, fight hard to defend the very things that every worker should be entitled to: a good job at a good wage, affordable healthcare, safe working conditions, and a secure retirement.

Now is the time to respond with everything we've got to save a century of progress from being destroyed. We are looking to the Boilermakers to be the outstanding leaders in this fight.

I want to thank you all for your attention and your continued hard work.

Good luck and God bless, and thank you for having me.