Flynn Named to AFL-CIO

Flynn, left, with AFL-CIO President John Sweeney.

On August 5, 2003, BAC President John J. Flynn was formally admitted as a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council. BAC Secretary-Treasurer James Boland said, “A seat on the AFL-CIO Executive Council is both a well deserved honor for John, and a great opportunity for our Union. On behalf of the IU Executive Board, we congratulate him, and commend the AFL-CIO for their wisdom in recognizing and utilizing John’s outstanding leadership abilities and keen intelligence at the national level.”

The Executive Council meets at least twice a year to consider important union movement business and policies, and issues regular statements on legislative measures that affect the interests of working families.

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney offered these comments about Flynn’s admission to the Council:

“I've known John a long time, and I'm delighted he's joining the AFL-CIO Executive Council. He's been a journeyman, foreman, and superintendent on all kinds of masonry construction jobs back in St. Louis, so he knows his own industry from the ground up. Ever since he became an apprentice bricklayer, the BAC has been at the center of his life.

The single biggest reason John is such an effective, strong leader of BAC is that he knows that the #1 priority of the union movement is organizing – helping more working people to join our movement and win the better life that we already have. John understands very well that when this happens, we all win. He put his convictions into action when he set up the BAC's organizing program, which is highly respected throughout the AFL-CIO.

The truth is that John has the vision, the courage, and the common sense to make a terrific contribution on the AFL-CIO Executive Council. I can tell you that all of us on the Council are eager to have him join us.”