Senator Kerry and Teresa Heinz Honored at Labor Resource Dinner

By Anne-Marie Kent

On the evening of May 10, ironworkers, firefighters, flight attendants, teachers, and other workers—representatives of over 80 labor unions and labor-related organizations—filled the Boston Teachers Union Hall for the 22nd annual awards dinner of UMass Boston’s Labor Resource Center (LRC).

That night, U.S. Senator John Kerry and Teresa Heinz were presented with the Chancellor’s Medal. “Senator Kerry and his wife, Teresa Heinz, have brought an unusual level of leadership, hard thought, and practical action to many of the core labor issues of our day,” said Chancellor Gora of the couple’s contributions.

Kerry and Heinz charmed the crowd with their easy rapport and humorous exchanges—not to mention their unequivocal support of organized labor. First, Heinz voiced appreciation for the “equal billing” she received alongside her husband. She 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. Reflecting on her commitment to labor issues, Heinz said that recognition from LRC in the form of the Chancellor’s medal was “loaded with meaning.” Noting that her organization has relied on LRC’s work in the past, she said, “I know the value of the center and the importance of its research.”

Her husband then drew cheers from the crowd with what some described as an authentic “union stump speech,” energetically upholding such union tenets as the necessity of fair wages and safe working conditions. He also applauded the work of the center in helping train union members and provide momentum for the labor movement in its “struggle to reach a higher level.”

Others, including labor leaders representing fields dramatically affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks, also received awards: Robert McCarthy, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts; Pat Friend, president of the Association of Flight Attendants; James Brown, president of the Boston Iron Workers Union Local 7; Bob Bower, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Education and Training Department; and members of the Employment Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services and the Legalization Coalition.

Image: Senator Kerry, Teresa Heinz, Chancellor Gora (center) join the honorees and friends at the May 10 Labor Resource Center. (Photo by Harry Brett)

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