Labor Heads Say Obama Backs Them On ‘Fiscal Cliff’

Labor leaders say President Barack Obama remains committed to preserving tax cuts for middle class families and ensuring that the wealthiest Americans pay more in taxes.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (C) is surrounded by members of the media as he leaves the White House after a meeting with President Barack Obama (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The leaders of labor unions met with Obama Tuesday to discuss ways of averting the so-called "fiscal cliff" and find consensus on a plan to prevent more financial hardships next year.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka says Obama expressed his commitment to ensuring that the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes. He says labor leaders made clear their opposition to benefit cuts to Medicare as part of any plan to deal with the fiscal cliff.

Labor and progressive leaders say they plan to make a public campaign during the lame duck session to pressure Republicans to support higher taxes for the wealthy.

Source: Labor Heads Say Obama Backs Them On ‘Fiscal Cliff’