Labor Resource Center Honors Public Servants:
Senator Kerry, Teresa Heinz, & Sept. 11th Professionals

Boston, MA - On the evening of May 10th, UMass Boston's Labor Resource Center will honor Senator John Kerry, Teresa Heinz, and workers representing fields dramatically affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks. This 22nd annual awards dinner will be held at 7p.m. at the Boston Teachers Union, 180 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester (off Day Boulevard, behind the University of Massachusetts Boston).

UMass Boston Chancellor Jo Ann Gora stated, " Senator Kerry and his wife, Teresa Heinz, have brought an unusual level of leadership, hard thought, and practical action to many of the core issues of our day. Senator Kerry's focus on reform of public education, labor law reform, worker education and training, and other aspects of employment policy make it especially appropriate for our Labor Resource Center to recognize his achievements." She added, "Teresa Heinz is distinguished in her own right as one of this country's most creative and thoughtful philanthropists. She has used philanthropy as the vehicle for bringing intellectual leadership to a remarkably wide range of public concerns, with an eye to economic justice and improving the conditions of life for all members of society."

Labor Resource Center Director Patricia Reeve said, "We also honor workers who place service above personal safety, as seen on and after September 11. These include the members of the Association of Flight attendants, the Ironworkers Union Local 7, and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, I.A.F.F."

The Labor Resource Center, part of the college of Public and community Service at UMass Boston, provides research and education to meet a broad range of needs. Through educational programs spanning both classroom and community, the Center seeks to enhance the knowledge and skills of working people, to encourage their participation as leaders, advocates, activists and citizens. The Center sponsors research that informs public policy affecting working families and their communities.

Chancellor's Medal Honorees:
· John F. Kerry During his 18 years in the U.S. Senate, John F. Kerry has been a forceful and unwavering voice for this country's workers. He has supported worker education and training, sought to protect building trades workers by preserving the Davis-Bacon Act, and spearheaded labor law reforms that have fostered a more receptive climate for unionized workers. Recently, he has advocated on behalf of laid-off workers in the wake of the Sept. 11th tragedy.

· Teresa Heinz Chair of the Heinz Family Philanthropies and of the Howard Heinz Endowment, Teresa Heinz has funded, advocated for, and advanced research and programs that promote the long-term economic security of women in the Commonwealth and across the nation. Her areas of expertise and interest include women's pension reform, women's occupational safety and health, and women and the environment. The Heinz Foundation has also funded the Women's Institute for Leadership Development, a training program by and for union women in the Commonwealth.

Labor Resource Center Honorees, including those related to September 11th:
· Patricia Friend, President National Association of Flight Attendants On September 11th, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) lost 25 of their union members, individuals who are rarely mentioned in the public expressions of grief but whose bravery is deserving of respect and admiration. Patricia Friend represents the proud members of the AFA who risk their own personal safety in service of others.

· Robert McCarthy, President, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts September 11th was an unprecedented catastrophe for all Americans, but especially for the firefighters who lost 343 members at Ground Zero. It has been called "undoubtedly the worst day for line-of-duty deaths in the 83-year history of the IAFF."

· James Brown, President Boston Iron Workers Union Local 7 Boston Members of Iron Workers Local 7 have built virtually every structure in Boston's skyline, and also were among the first responders to New York following the September 11th attacks, lending skills and support in the rescue and clean-up efforts.

· Bob Bower, MA AFL-CIO Education and Training Department Bower has been a member of the International brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1505 for over 25 years. Currently Vice President of IBEW Local 1505, he is also the Treasurer of the Central Massachusetts AFL-CIO Labor Council and serves as the Rapid response Project Coordinator for the dislocated worker program at the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.

· Employment Unit, Greater Boston Legal Services The Employment Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services exemplifies extraordinary public service providing legal services including wage enforcement, unemployment assistance, access to job training, and outreach to immigrant communities.

· Legalization Coalition A broadbased organization of diverse groups, the Coalition is guided by the belief that immigrants are integral to the U.S. economy and works towards winning legal permanent residency for all immigrant workers.

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5.07.02
Media are welcome.

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