FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 6, 2000
CONTACT: Dan Rene, 703-847-3088 or drene@nlpc.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today NLPC President Peter Flaherty criticized Al Gore for yesterday accepting the endorsement of the ‘country’s most corrupt union’ and planning to appear on Saturday with a central figure in the Teamsters money laundering scandal.
NLPC monitors union corruption and publishes Union Corruption Update.
On January 5, Gore accepted the endorsement of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA). He praised the union and said he was honored by the endorsement. The Justice Department has charged that LIUNA is controlled by organized crime. Since 1995, LIUNA has operated subject to an agreement with the Justice Department. Just last month, long-time LIUNA President Arthur Coia resigned under pressure, and the Justice Department took over the Buffalo local.
On January 8, Gore is scheduled to appear at an Iowa ‘post-debate party’ with Richard Trumka, the AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer. Trumka has taken the Fifth Amendment in the Ron Carey-Teamsters money laundering scandal. Last month, a Carey aide was convicted of six counts of corruption. Many media sources reported that Trumka may soon be indicted for his central role in the Teamsters scandal.
“LIUNA is arguably the country’s most corrupt union. Al Gore should
repudiate this endorsement,” said NLPC President Peter Flaherty.
“Gore should also cancel his appearance with Trumka.”
“It is hard to see how Gore makes a break with Clinton scandals
by appearing with the likes of Trumka,” added Flaherty. “According to court
records, Trumka laundered $150,000 to Carey’s Teamsters campaign.
”
Through its Organized Labor Accountability Project, NLPC is investigating and exposing corruption in the Teamsters, LIUNA, HERE, AFL-CIO and other labor organizations. NLPC publishes Union Corruption Update, a fortnightly newsletter. NLPC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation promoting ethics and accountability in government through research, education and legal action.
Organized Labor Accountability Project