CHICAGO, Aug. 6 /EMWNews/ -- The AFL-CIO executive

council late yesterday unanimously passed a policy statement spearheaded by

the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the International Association

of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) calling for a national education

policy that includes training, funding and support for high-skill careers.



    "This resolution lays out a public policy blueprint for training the

next generation of skilled workers in the United States," said IAM

President Tom Buffenbarger, whose union co-sponsored the statement with the

American Federation of Teachers. "Across the nation, blue- and white-collar

families are searching for alternative pathways to the middle class for

their children. We have taken the first step. Now we must convince

America's political leaders to join us in this endeavor." To view the

statement, go to



    http://www.afl-cio.org/aboutus/thisistheaflcio/ecouncil.



    "Whether on the job or preparing for work, Americans deserve the

education, training and support that equips them with the skills they need

to compete in the global marketplace and for the jobs of today and

tomorrow," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. "What is at stake is

nothing less than the prosperous and safe future of our country."







    Highlights of the AFL-CIO executive council policy statement include:



    -- Encouraging skill development and education in high-need sectors

such as infrastructure, defense, green technologies, aerospace, renewable

energy, education and healthcare through state and federal financial aid

programs;



    -- Supporting new high-tech education and training institutes in each

state to help set the standard of 21st century excellence and innovation in

workforce development;



    -- Launching a national campaign to inform parents, young people and

new job seekers about the availability of vocational, technical and

apprenticeship training and education opportunities;



    -- Renewing our commitment to career and technical education by

training students using the newest techniques, with 21st century materials

and high-tech tools, which will enable high schools to prepare students for

all kinds of work-related, post-secondary and higher education; and



    -- Assisting employers and unions in developing subsidized, on-site

positions for learning representatives who can help employees with career

counseling and access to training needs.



    The AFT represents more than 1.4 million pre-K through 12th-grade

teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher

education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local

government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood

educators.



    The IAM represents more than 700,000 active and retired members in

aerospace, transportation, shipbuilding, manufacturing and defense-related

industries.