Saying that "Hillary Clinton is a proven leader who shares our values," AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka on Thursday announced that the 12.5 million-member labor federation had endorsed Clinton for president of the United States. Clinton "has demonstrated a strong commitment to the issues that matter to working people, and our members have taken notice," Trumka said. He also noted that "Sen. Bernie Sanders has brought an important voice to this election and has elevated critical issues and strengthened the foundation of our movement. His impact on American politics cannot be overstated." Beginning immediately, the AFL-CIO will put in motion its ground campaign to elect Clinton and union-endorsed candidates across the country. The federation has been laying the groundwork for this campaign for months, and Trumka pledged that "we will run a sophisticated, targeted ground campaign. And with the dire consequences Donald Trump poses for America’s working families, it has to be." Read more -- and see a brief video --here.