Seniors Honor Kourpias, Set to Carry on Fight for Health Care
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Even though his title may have changed, George Kourpias is still as active as ever in the fight for the rights of America’s workers. Kourpias, who retired as president of the Alliance for Retired Americans in February, was honored last night at the organization’s national legislative conference.
Kourpias, the former president of the Machinists (IAM), was the first president of the Alliance. During his tenure, the Alliance grew to 3.5 million members and built a strong grassroots political force that played a key role in the 2006 and 2008 elections. This week, the retirees displayed their political energy by lobbying on Capitol Hill for affordable health care for everyone.
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka praised Kourpias as
a man who every day of his life…has been devoted to combating the forces of greed and privatization that threaten the dignity of those who work for their daily bread.
Believe me, anybody who has ever confronted him on an issue of principle—whether corporate executive, congressman or senator—has come away knowing that George Kourpias is a man of towering convictions.
Retirees Set to Tell Lawmakers: Health Care Reform Now
For three hours before the formal opening of their annual legislative conference today, members of the Alliance for Retired Americans got down to business by taking part in workshops on health care reform and Social Security. They will be joined by speakers such as Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).
Throughout the June 15-18 conference in Washington, D.C., delegates and many high-level officials and union leaders will discuss the best solutions to the nation’s health care crisis and develop strategies to protect and strengthen Social Security.
In her opening address, Alliance President Barbara Easterling said seniors are in a unique position to influence the debate on health care. It is important for seniors to define the health care issue for Congress and the American people, Easterling said.
Kourpias Retires as Alliance for Retired Americans President
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George Kourpias, president of the Alliance for Retired Americans since its inception in 2001, has announced his retirement as head of the organization.
Under Kourpias’ leadership, the Alliance grew into a 3.5 million member organization that was a leader in stopping then-President Bush’s plan to privatize Social Security. In the 2008 presidential elections, Alliance activists mobilized in key battleground states to highlight the stark contrasts between Barack Obama and John McCain on Social Security and Medicare. On Election Day, union retirees voted for Obama by 72-26 percent.
Kourpias said that on the heels of the November election, it is time to turn over the reins of the Alliance.
I have never been more proud of my fellow union retirees than I was on election night. But all that our hard work and great success guarantees us is an opportunity—nothing more. It has been a tremendous honor to help grow and lead a progressive army of grassroots retirees. We have fostered lifelong activism among union and community leaders, and I believe our collective voice has made a difference.
Why Retirees Should Care About Employee Free Choice Act
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George J. Kourpias, president of the Alliance for Retired Americans, urges union retirees to contact their lawmakers and ask them to support the Employee Free Choice Act. For more information, visit our website at www.RetiredAmericans.org or call 1-888-373-6497.
Unions built the middle class. By standing together, we fought for and won better wages, health care and pensions and safety and respect on the job.
But much of what we achieved is crumbling in today’s troubled economy. Many of us worry that our children and grandchildren will not live as well as we have. More than ever, American workers need the good wages and benefits that they can best achieve through collective bargaining.
Retired Americans’ Letter to Editor Program Continues in 2009
Alliance for Retired Americans President George Kourpias encourages union retirees to contact their local newspapers about key issues—and get a union-made Retirees with the Write Stuff free pen.
In 2008, all of you who are members of the Alliance for Retired Americans took action on the issues, asking tough questions of candidates and policymakers, unafraid to tell others in your community what was on your mind.
And because of you we achieved a great victory on Election Day. We will have many new faces in public office, from the White House down to our city and town halls. This is a historic opportunity to advance a pro-retiree agenda at all levels of government, one that improves the quality of life for millions of seniors.
That’s why the Alliance for Retired Americans’ letter to the editor program, Retirees with the Write Stuff, is continuing through 2009. The Letters to the Editor page is often the most widely read section of a local newspaper, and January is a good time to share your retiree perspective on the events of 2008 and what you hope to see in the coming year.
