Solis Meets with Workers, Pledges to Fight Alongside Them
![]() |
After her inspiring speech at the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis joined with workers in a private meeting to discuss their struggles in forming a union, struggles faced by workers across the country.
Shawn Williams, Xiaohong Colluci, Angel Rangel, Debbie Kaliff and Billie Jean Huggins got a chance to speak personally about the intimidation, harassment and mistreatment they’ve faced as they’ve struggled for fairness on the job. In her compassionate conversation with these workers, Solis proved she gets it—she understands what workers are going through. She promised to fight for good jobs, for workplace safety and for the freedom to form a union. She said she appreciated what all of the workers had to offer:
These are the stories we have to tell.
Thank you so much for your courage and leadership—this means a lot to all of us. We’re with you, the president is with you, and believe me, we’re going to change this country.












