"We greet the Senator\'s decision with some disappointment but with a great deal of pride in what he has accomplished in this campaign," said United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard.

"Senator Edwards proposed the first and most formidable plan to fix the nation\'s broken health care system, and he has unquestionably been the most forceful advocate among the viable candidates for changes to the so-called \'free trade\' policies that are undermining the economic security of millions of Americans.

"We will miss hearing the voice of a candidate who has been unabashed in stating that the growth of the nation\'s labor movement through passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is essential for revitalizing the nation\'s beleaguered middle class, not to mention his morally uplifting commitment to address the needs of millions of citizens living in poverty."

Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers, asked "Which candidate will stop giving away America’s best jobs to foreign competitors by ending unfair trade deals that destroy American industries and communities while keeping foreign workers in poverty?

And of critical importance for us, which candidate will demand safer and healthier workplaces in America, especially in America’s coal mines? These are the questions we will be seeking answers to as this campaign moves forward…."

Other unions that have endorsed Edwards include the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and the Transport Workers Union. Leaders said they will evaluate the remaining candidates in the race before making a new endorsement.