Hillary Clinton endorsed by AFL-CIO

The nation’s largest federation of unions on Thursday endorsed Hillary Clinton, giving the former first lady the backing of yet another powerful labor group.

The AFL-CIO endorsement comes as Mrs. Clinton begins focusing entirely on the general election campaign against Republican Donald Trump. In a statement, AFL-CFIO President Richard Trumka said the union’s 12.5 million members now will go to work for Mrs. Clinton to ensure a Democrat remains in the White House in 2017.

“Hillary Clinton is a proven leader who shares our values. Throughout the campaign, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the issues that matter to working people, and our members have taken notice. The activism of working people has already been a major force in this election and is now poised to elect Hillary Clinton and move America forward,” he said.

Mrs. Clinton already has the backing of the SEIU, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and other top unions.

In her own statement, Mrs. Clinton said she was honored to receive the endorsement.

“The AFL-CIO is one of America’s most vital organizations, having been on the front lines of the fight for good-paying jobs and careers with benefits and dignity for more than a century. AFL-CIO member unions contribute to virtually every sector of our economy and are on the job in every corner of our country building our infrastructure, teaching our children, sowing our fields, operating our ports, and entertaining us on stage and screen,” she said. “Members of the AFL-CIO know, as I do, that we are stronger together.”

Mrs. Clinton’s 2016 presidential opponent, Donald Trump, said the endorsement marks a turning point for the AFL-CIO and argued he’s a better friend to working Americans.

“Sadly with this endorsement of Hillary Clinton — who is totally owned by Wall Street — the leadership of the AFL-CIO has made clear that it no longer represents American workers. Instead they have become part of the rigged system in Washington, D.C. that benefits only the insiders,” Mr. Trump said in a statement. “Hillary Clinton is the enemy of working people and is the best friend Wall Street ever had. I will fight harder for American workers than anyone ever has, and I will fight for their right to elect leaders who will do the same. I will be a president for ALL Americans.”