Stop the Presses: 4:38 CDT

    I know this will come as shock but...John Sweeney, Richard Trumka and Linda Chavez-Thompson have just been re-elected without opposition for the positions, respectively, of president, secretary-treasurer and executive vice-president. The suspense killed me.

Comments

[Karen]

I am married to a Police Officer here in Orange County, California. I have to say this is a sad day for me and working families.
When unions step down in a time of War with this President and this so called Gov. of ours here in Califonia.
I was willing to fight for each and everyone of you. Are you for me?
Karen

[Guillermo Perez]

I am willing to fight for you, sister. I'll fight for any working person who's committed to fighting for social justice. But I disagree with your pessimistic outlook.

I actually think this split will bring much needed energy to the movement. The AFL-CIO functioned like a one-party state and I believe in multi-party systems. There's no guarantee that this will immediately generate real improvements for working people, but I really believe the split will open up possibilities for creative and innovative campaigns. I also think it has the potential to deliver a much needed wake-up call to the Democratic party.

I'm looking forward to seeing which of the two factions has the better ideas when it comes to successful organizing. I'm guessing that the side that does more in the way of strategic coordination will win. I knows it sounds partisan (afterall, I get my check from my bosses at AFSCME) but I'm hopeful that once the CtW-bashing (and the raiding, on both sides) stops our side will step up. I think's it's a great challenge and one all union activists on both sides (and all you independent unionists working the middle) should take on. High union density countries typically have multiple federations (even more so when you discount countries with cartel unionism). In other words, multiple federations have led to greater density in other countries, why can't they have the same effect here?

[Kevin F Droste]

I agree with Guillermo that this may, in the end, turn into something good. I know that change hurts, but it is sometimes necessary. Suffering, however, is optional. All the wailing and gnashing of teeth will not bring the CtW unions back to the AFL-CIO. These are the cards as they have been dealt. Now what will we do with them?

I think the key is not in organizing vs. politics, but in becoming relevant to our current membership, and mobilizing them to put the pressure on our enemies. We need to get 15 million people into the streets, to the State House, to the White House and Capitol Hill, and to the CEO's doorstep (his/her house, not the place of employment.)

If we can get all 15 million people moving forward, more will join the parade. The problem is that while the labor movement has 15 million members, most are members in name only. They pay their dues, and live their lives until personally affected. They have no conception of the statement, "An injury to one, is an injury to all."

I work for a National union that is still in the AFL-CIO, and belong to another union that is also within the AFL-CIO. There was no discussion of the rift until today on my employers website. While there was some discussion on my union's website, there was absolutely NO discussion on my local's website. I even posted to my local's bulletin board a request for discussion, and although 13 people read my post, there was no response. Even here on this website, which I find fantastic, thanks Jonathan, there appears to be a lot of discussion, but it really is only about 20 people who post multiple times. Where is everybody else? What is going on in their lives that is so important that they can't take five minutes to read the blogs and five minutes to respond?

I hate to get into back and forth arguing amongst people who, alone, have no power to implement any changes, but would love to discuss what we, as rank and file, will be doing to bring about the changes that both CtW and AFL-CIO bigwigs want: more membership, more political allies, and more of everything for our members and potential members.

[Bill Pearson]

Congrats President Sweeney, after a long and storied career, you've now established your legacy. You were the grand poubah that let the AFL-CIO be torn apart. Rather than use your years of wisdom, negotiating skills and ability to find resolve, you chose to prove you could WIN.

While many are blaming Stern, the decision was all pretty much upside for him. He has proven he could grow the SEIU and to take this step will only substantiate him as an even more bold and aggressive leader.

History will not be kind to you John. To cling to the presidency at your advanced years was foolishness. To flush 167 people in an effort to save your own ass will be remembered with disdain. As CLC's and state feds are gutted, you will be the guy who will be held responsible.

It will be fascinating to watch the two orgs go their own way. Politics or people? Seems to me a no-brainer. Invest in politicians who deliver nothing or invest in workers and their problems and watch it grow.

For all the folks taking potshots at the CTW, the fact is, the ability to keep labor in one room was in the domain of one man...and he choose to prove he could WIN. Hardly a legacy i would want to carry with me for the rest of my life...and as a footnote to the AFL-CIO's demise in the history books.

[Karen]

I will fight for Union's no matter where I am, and who they are.
Because I can.
I am not held up to the same standards in this war of anyone out there... I am a Working Families member affiliate of the AFL-CIO, and that, was a program made up for people like me who cannot be Union. I wish I could join a Union I miss what you all have.
I just recently became involved in the Union Movement 2 years ago and I mean REALLY INVOLVED HERE IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA.
The compassion I received from people within the Unions was something I had longed for all my live as a single Mother with no insurance.
I respect each and every one of you and that will "NEVER CHANGE"!
Hear me now that will "NEVER CHANGE"
I LOVE YOU ALL EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!
My statements are not ones from within the R. or D. parties. I am just talking from my heart to you all.
I speak from my heart and you taught me that here in the Local CLC.
UNITED WE STAND. DIVIDED WE FALL.
I LEARNED THAT FROM YOU!
KAREN
Policemans wife

[Tasini]

Kevin: to reassure you, there is a huge readership for the blog but, by the nature of the way this works, most everyone lurks but doesn't post. I, of course, prefer a wide group of people to give their thoughts and hope the regulars don't crowd out or deter others. But, that's the reality. You could help by encouraging your friends to participate and comment and shape the discussion that occurs here.

[Kevin F Droste]

I have introduced a number of my friends and coworkers to this site, but they too, have chosen to lurk. I think you have reinforced my point, too many lurkers, and not enough people willing to take action, whether it is to post their thoughts, or to march into the streets. I thought there were many more people reading the blog, but there was a small number who took action. I was not trying to denigrate the site or your terrific work, just trying to make a point about membership (reading the blog) and active membership (actually posting something). KFD

[Krista]

Bill Pearson: Very well put - sentiments are similar to what many of my friends in labor have been saying.

It is like looking in a rear view mirror; maybe there should have been term limits to how long a group can hold that office hostage.

If others join CtW then it may not be too late to force changes at the Federation before it completely implodes.

To everyone else out there reading these posts, jump in and write a line. It helps take the pulse of what we're all thinking about what is happening.

[reasoninrevolt]

Hi Karen. I guess I need to go over to the AFL-CIO site to see about the Working Families concept. I have been trying to expand the SEIU here at my workplace but get little response. Most folks don't see the need for a union at my workplace, unfortunately.

[Karen]

Dear Reason:
I wish that all people would not take working for a 8 Hour day for granted... The SEIU should never forget that it was the Unions like them that made that possible for me and not 16 hour days like my X-Boss many years ago would of liked me to work.. :)
Thank you for that by the way... :)
The Orange County Central Labor Councils have done so much for me not only in my personal life but life itself.
I learned what Soldiarity really meant.
I hope this place it not a wrath of all these Unions leaving, because they are the back bone of Orange in my eyes volunteering. If anyone needs a place to go to to set up a Union call the Labor Councils in Orange or wherever you live.. We need to make all places Free of Bosses who take working families for granted.. I am ready for a fight with this President Bush and Gov. Arnie.
Good luck to you all.