Presidents of Bricklayers, OPEIU and ULLICO Join America's Agenda Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, DC – Three outstanding union leaders representing a broad cross section of the labor movement have joined the Board of Directors of America's Agenda: Health Care for All, President Doug Dority has announced.

They include John J. Flynn, president of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and Michael Goodwin, president of the Office and Professional Employees International Union. The third leader, Edward M. Smith, president of ULLICO Inc., is a former long-time regional leader of the Laborers' International Union of North America, who brings insight as an experienced corporate and labor leader.

"I have long admired these men not only for the leadership they have provided their unions but for their commitment to issues that impact all Americans, such as health care," said Dority. "All three are well aware of the enormous burden soaring health care costs have on working families and businesses struggling to provide health benefits to their employees. I am delighted to have them join us in our effort to replace a dysfunctional health care system with one that works."

Dority noted that Flynn, Goodwin and Smith "are joining our team at an auspicious time, when comprehensive health care reform is a top priority of the new Obama administration."

America's Agenda brings together national and international labor unions, businesses, and government leaders who share a common commitment to achieving guaranteed access to affordable, high quality care for every American. Early next year America's Agenda is launching a high-profile series of "Summit Conversations on American Health Care for the 21st Century" to explore the emerging consensus among leaders of business, labor, health care, and government regarding health care reform. The first Summit Conversation will be held January 28 at the University of Miami and hosted by President Donna Shalala, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.