The basic objectives of the CBTU are reflected in its activities and projects, which include:

• to put forth greater and more creative efforts to improve the image of labor throughout the community;
• working within the framework of the trade union movement to provide a voice and vehicle for greater black and minority participation;
• extensive and increased involvement in voter registration, voter education and get out the vote projects;
• organizing the unorganized;
• providing active support for civil rights and civic groups to improve living and working conditions in the black community;
• fostering increased political coalescing between labor, churches and the general community to effectively impact the political process on issues and projects of common interest.

CBTU also continues to support job training initiatives and programs aimed at reducing the black youth unemployment rate, which consistently hovers around 50%. Recognizing the correlation between youth unemployment and education, CBTU chapters continue their support for the public school systems and oppose reduced funding for educational projects and programs, particularly those involving inner city schools.

CBTU also continues to work for protection of consumers from escalating price increases for the four necessities of life -- food, energy, housing and medical care -- the areas where inflation hits hardest. CBTU opposes cutbacks in social programs, health, welfare, aid to the cities and support services for the disadvantaged until they are replaced with full employment and other necessary safety nets.

CBTU has pledged to work in coalition with organized labor and other allies whose mission is consistent with CBTU's objectives.

William (Bill) Lucy is one of the founders and currently president of the CBTU. A native of Memphis and a civil engineer by trade, Lucy was elected International Secretary-Treasurer of the 1.3 million-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) in May 1972 and has been re-elected every four years, most recently in 1996.

A member of the National Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Lucy had worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the struggle for civil rights. Out of his various experiences came the desire to co-found the CBTU, an organization of union leaders and rank-and-file members dedicated to the unique needs of Black Americans and minority group workers.

Anyone interested in more information on CBTU can contact their Administrative Office at P.O. Box 66268, Washington, DC 20035-6268, phone 202-429-1203.