The State of the Deal

    Here's a bit more information on where we stand on the question of the participation of Change To Win unions in the AFL-CIO's local and state central bodies. For those just joining the conversation, there's been a long back-and-forth between the two federations about John Sweeney's proposal to create Solidarity Charters. In mid-September, there was a flurry of letters between Sweeney and CTW's chair Anna Burger. Then, a week ago, there seemed to be a deal made.

    Into my e-mail box came two documents that sheds a bit more light. First, a letter from Burger to Sweeney confirms that the two sides have reached basic agreement on the core issues. Burger also asks for a meeting to discuss two questions that still linger: any back per capita taxes owed by the affiliates and how the CTW unions will, or will not, participate in the Union Privilege programs, which bring in enormous amounts of cash to the AFl-CIO.

    The same day, Andy Stern sent a letter to SEIU's locals outlining the terms of the participation in the Solidarity Charter program. The letter indicates that the AFL-CIO backed off its initial plan that would have required that CTW unions pay extra money, above and beyond what AFL-CIO affiliated unions pay, to participate in the central labor bodies. And CTW union leaders will be eligible to run for office without taking a so-called "loyalty oath"--pledging to work towards reaffiliation with the AFL-CIO ( which seemed to me, from the outset, to be a dumb demand).

    Not everything is resolved, as Stern's letter indicates. There still needs to be agreement on how to handle the use of political lists--the lifeblood of any labor-sponsored political mobilization.

    Haven't decided whether to post on Thanksgiving...but, in any case, enjoy your holiday!

Comments

[John A. joslin]

It's about time the wunderkind walruses of organized labor got down to brass tacks ! Yeah, Let's watch as they puzzle over that always pesky turf ownership issue re: the " Union Privilege " program..... ta-daaaah ! ( flourish of bugles )

Let's see.... they can't even sell discounted vouchers for scrap value to Asian investors for my local area & it's luckless inhabitants ( Michigan ),... and these two beauties are busy wrangling over divvying up the take on one of the all time WORST minor league rackets in organized labor.... yup , the "juice " on the working person's loan has always been a perennial winner for the well situated operator..... GAG !

Okay J.T. .... I give up . This says it all. Now I know why the Sweenster always made it a point to remind whichever doomed picket line he was visitng that week ..: " I will stand with you one day longer..." All the late payments weren't in yet ! - laughiing my union -label ass off in Detroit, J.J. IBEW # 58

[cj]

If we’re going to talk about blood money and cutting a deal, CTW should at least demand their fair share of the royalties and put that money where their mouth is by dedicating it ALL to organizing.

Otherwise, CTW should simply walk away. Hire consultants, issue an RFP, conduct due diligence and negotiate a superior product for their current and future membership.

Win-Win