AFL-CIO wants to be the voice of most workers, not just those in unions

[OrwellwasRight]

Source: Cleveland Plain-Dealer

The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor organization, is seeking to be the voice of all working and middle class people -- even if they don't belong to unions.

"I don't think this is a big leap to think that a union should have a broader definition," said Harriet Applegate, who heads the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, whose letterhead includes: "We're the people who brought you the weekend."

She said a "good job" is the universal desire for nearly all working and middle class people, regardless of whether they belong to organized labor. Most of what has come to define a good job, mainly decent wages, working conditions -- even days off, like a weekend -- are often the result of battles won by unions, Applegate said.

As many of these gains have been lost or compromised, she said, unions have been in the forefront of raising awareness about wage stagnation and income inequality.


Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/06/afl-cio_wants_to_be_the_voice.html

[formercia]

1. Unions are great

..but one union in charge? Like the Teamsters back in the 50's and 60's? I don't think so. Lots of voices are better. Keeps people honest.

Put one Union in charge and they will be making sweetheart Deals with Corporate America before you can shake your Dick dry.

[Kingofalldems]

3. Certainly better than no unions at all

which is a goal of the republicans.

[leftyohiolib]

4. true but the more the better

[OrwellwasRight]

13. Nothing in the article said anything about limiting the number of unions.

Read the link.

[Igel]

8. Sometimes.

But it's representation without a means of connecting the representation to the represented. It's a case of, "Of course they want what we want" without actually bothering to get agreement.

It even asserts authority to speak on behalf of those who, for whatever reason, voted not to have a union, and says, "We pity you and will defend your true interests even if you don't recognize us."

Nope. Don't agree. It's a bear to get the approval of the represented but it's sort of a requirement.

[OrwellwasRight]

14. Again, read the article.

The whole point is the AFL-CIO is seeking input from non-represented workers on what it should be doing to better represent the interests of working people. That IS "connecting the representation to the represented."

But no, let's not celebrate this as one more place working people can have a voice. Let's denigrate and insult the AFL-CIO for trying to do something and make a difference. You're right. That's the best way to get the 99% to have a voice in US law and policy: let's tear down those who are trying to speak up.

[bread_and_roses]

5. The AFL-CIO is a Federation - not one union

The AFL-CIO is a federation of 57 unions - you can see the list here http://www.aflcio.org/About/AFL-CIO-Unions

[LiberalFighter]

10. They can't be in charge when they don't receive dues from non-members.

[OrwellwasRight]

15. No said anything about being "in charge."

Do any of you people even read the article posted here?

Is the AAUW "in charge" of all women with BAs?
Is the AARP "in charge" of all old people?

Get over yourself. Trying to do a better job of representing the interests of the working class is not a crime, nor something to be denigrated. Unless of course you'd rather only have the monied classes have effective lobbying in Washington.

[OrwellwasRight]

12. No one said "one union in charge"

Where did you read that? More accurately, where did you read that into what wasn't there? First of all, the AFL-CIO is a federation of 57 unions, not a union.

The point is that -- if you would read the article -- the AFL-CIO is asking ALL workers, not just its members what it can do better or differently on behalf of workers to better represent their needs and interests. I don't see any other organization in the US trying to advocate on behalf of working people, so instead of tearing down the AFL-CIO's efforts, why don't you start your own organization?

And your comment about sweetheart deals is disgusting. Corporate America is trying to destroy every last union in America. Have you not been paying attention? Name one "sweetheart" deal with AFL-CIO has with "Corporate America." Name one. Without evidence your insults are merely ad hominem prejudices with no basis in fact.

[Coyotl]

2. NEEDED NOW: A national low wage workers union that transcends all kinds of employment

AFL-CIO could do this!

[durbin]

6. A great idea!

The AFL-CIO is more often in the right position than the elected Democratic politicians in the Democratic Party. (Do I need examples here, maybe from the Chicago Mayor's office?).

[OrwellwasRight]

19. Did you submit your input?

http://www.aflcio.org/About/Exec-Council/Conventions/2013/Discussion-Page#question6

[Coyotl]

20. I've talked to leadership about this.

Some time ago and more recently.

[OrwellwasRight]

21. Good!

Don't let the idea go!

[OrwellwasRight]

16. So tell them at the link!

That's the point!

[OrwellwasRight]

18. Direct link to give your input:

http://www.aflcio.org/About/Exec-Council/Conventions/2013/Discussion-Page#question6

[Starry Messenger]

7. They are having an open discussion page for input.

That's really cool. I just left my two cents.

http://www.aflcio.org/About/Exec-Council/Conventions/2013/Discussion-Page#question6

I hope other DUers will weigh in there.

[durbin]

9. Thanks for the link! Weighing in there now! n/t

[LiberalFighter]

11. Seems like they are saying something that has been for many years.

Consider all of the benefits that non-union workers enjoy because of unions? It has always been my opinion that when my labor union lobbies for something at the state or federal level it helps more than just the members of my union. There is some legislation that is focused more on union rights, etc. But for the most part it benefits most working people.

[OrwellwasRight]

17. That's exactly the point!

[cstanleytech]

22. I wouldnt mind if the AFL-CIO became a cabinet level position in the whitehouse.

Not a nominated position by the president, congress or the senate either but rather someone we the people vote for and they serve one term of 8 years with the election taking place only during the mid terms not during the presidential elections.

[OrwellwasRight]

23. Super interesting idea!

It would be, in essence, the 99% position? So at least one person in government would speak for us?

[cstanleytech]

24. Pretty much and it hopefully would give us a more direct path to explain our economic problems

rather than the current route which gets lost from all the static created by the sheer number of lobbyists for other issues in washington.

[OrwellwasRight]

25. You should submit this idea to the AFL-CIO

http://www.aflcio.org/About/Exec-Council/Conventions/2013/Discussion-Page#question7

[CatholicEdHead]

26. I wish them luck

They have lost the AFL side trying to keep the CIO side over the last few decades. The AFL had a strong core to white collar workers back in the day. The CIO was strong to workers with few skills before they merged. Most unions today represent the CIO blue collar side and their outreach towards the AFL professional side has failed outside government unions. We need both sides to have a effect, the status quo is not working.

[OrwellwasRight]

27. Yes, if office workers don't get unionized,

unions are ceding too much of the current workforce!