More than 200,000 visitors saw how “Good Jobs Build Strong Communities,”
courtesy of the annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show at the Oregon Convention
Center April 29-May 2. The show featured the latest in union-made automobiles
and accessories, motorcycles, hardware, clothing, sporting goods, furniture,
baked goods, appliances, housewares and more.
Alongside product displays were exhibits by skilled service providers,
including teachers, air traffic controllers, health care professionals,
fire fighters and letter carriers. Skilled craft workers demonstrated
everything from ornate sheet metal work to bricklaying, decorative plastering,
iron work, electrical work and intricate glass crafts.
The AFL-CIO Union Label and Trades Department, which hosts the show, used
the event to announce expansion of its Web site promoting union-made products.
The site is: www.shopunionmade.org.
Portland Mayor Tom Potter spoke at an opening day breakfast, at which
time the AFL-CIO presented its annual Labor-Management Awards to Georgia
Pacific and GM Powertrain of South Flint, Michigan.
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski joined with a host of secretary-treasurers
from various international unions, and Oregon AFL-CIO President Tim Nesbitt,
in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to open the show.
Over the four-day event, more than $300,000 in union-made products were
given away, including three automobiles, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,
appliances, tires and more.
