About the author
Born in the Bronx to a domestic worker and bus driver, both Irish immigrants, John J. Sweeney rose through the ranks of the American Labor Movement to give a voice to working people of all backgrounds. As President of the AFL-CIO from 1995-2009, Sweeney promoted economic and social justice and expanded union organizing efforts. In 2010, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, by President Barack Obama for his lifelong advocacy for American workers. He has previously co-written two books, America Needs a Raise: Fighting for Economic Security and Social Justice. He is currently retired and lives with his wife, Maureen, to whom he has been married for 54 years.