Lori Pelletier rolled out some big guns Wednesday in her candidacy to succeed John W. Olsen as the head of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.
She announced endorsements by the heads of the two largest AFL-CIO affiliates, Sal Luciano of the 32,000-member Council 4 and Melodie Peters of the 28,000-member AFT Connecticut.
Pelletier is now secretary-treasurer of the labor federation. WIth Olsen’s intention to retire, her job and his are being merged to save money. The new post will be “executive secretary treasurer.”
“Lori is the right person for the job,” Luciano said in a statement. “She is a strong and principled leader who values inclusiveness, collective action and collaboration. Those qualities are essential if our movement is going to engage the next generation.”
“I’ve known Lori an awfully long time,” Peters said, “and I can’t think of anyone better suited to lead our federation through the challenging times ahead. We need to be innovative and progressive if we’re going to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of working people in Connecticut.”
Olsen’s successor will be elected in September.