Posted on 07/29/2005 4:32:24 PM PDT by Pikamax
CHICAGO (Reuters) - The 1.4-million-member United Food and Commercial Workers broke away from the AFL-CIO on Friday, the third major union to leave the labor organization this week because of differences over how to address declining membership.
The 1.8-million-member Service Workers International Union and the 1.4-million-member International Teamsters Union left the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations, or AFL-CIO, at the start of its convention in Chicago on Monday.
The leaders of those unions said they favored more aggressive organizing efforts than the AFL-CIO, arguing the parent organization devoted too many resources to political campaigns and lobbying, and that new strategies were needed against non-union corporate behemoths like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and FedEx Corp. .
"The UFCW, in order to pursue the most effective course of action for its members and all workers in its core industries, is terminating its affiliation with the AFL-CIO effective immediately," said Food and Commercial Workers' President Joe Hansen in a letter to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney.
The move was expected, though Sweeney had said at the close of the convention that he hoped to persuade disaffected unions to return to the fold. In an attempt to mollify the dissidents, the federation resolved to double to $25 million the amount of money spent annually on organizing.
Critics of the dissident unions called the disaffiliations an attempt at a power grab by Service Workers President Andy Stern -- who was once Sweeney's protege -- and Teamsters leader James Hoffa. The two unions had contributed $18 million in annual dues to the AFL-CIO's $125 million budget.
After the defections of three of its largest unions, the AFL-CIO comprises 53 unions and represents about 8.5 million workers.
Union membership has been in rapid decline in the United States, with U.S. Labor Department statistics showing 12.5 percent of wage and salary workers were union members in 2004, down from 20 percent in 1983. Currently, only about 8 percent of private sector workers are union members.
Hansen of the Food and Commercial Workers, or UFCW, was conciliatory, saying "our commitment to work with the AFL-CIO and unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO on issues and programs where we share common goals remains unchanged.
"I believe our movement is united in our basic principles and values, even if we pursue different strategies. The UFCW and its local unions will continue to fund and work with state and local federations in politics and lobbying, and for mutual support of worker struggles," he said.
At least three other affiliated unions may leave the AFL-CIO in coming weeks, union sources said. They are UNITE HERE (garment, textile and hotel workers), the Laborers International of North America, and the United Farm Workers. A seventh member of the coalition, the Carpenters and Joiners union, left the AFL-CIO four years ago.
BTTT
This is my union..
It could also have something to do with the AFL-CIO supporting "GAY RIGHT'S". I know several people who were outraged by that decision.
"Union Rights Are Gay Rights"
The executive council of the AFL-CIO passed the resolution supporting the “full inclusion and equal rights” of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers in March. It also attacks the marriage amendment supported by President Bush, saying the union does not support amending the U.S. Constitution to “discriminate against any group of people by denying them rights.”
strategies were needed against non-union corporate behemoths like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and FedEx Corp.
Two Questions: 1. What are they so scared of? and 2. If they don't intend to spend their due collections on lobbying and campaigning then whats left?
I thought the whole point of trying to unionize walmart employees was for the dues money to throw at demonrats.
Now, if my hubby's CSEA leaves...I will be a happy camper. I doubt they will, though. They are as bad as AFL-CIO.
"...that new strategies were needed against non-union corporate behemoths like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and FedEx Corp.."
Cool. Yet another reason to like Fedex (aside from the great and fast service.)
Mine, too.
Glad they left.
That's what Sweeney thought. And so he could have lunch with the big dogs in DC.
I hope Hansen sees the light and remembers the real mission of his union.
Prior to this breakup, the AFL-CIO had a $125 million annual budget, spending only 10% on organizing (90% on administrative, lobbying, and campaign contributions to Democrats).
Only 10% on organizing, yet Sweeney wonders mindlessly why union membership went from 20% of the workforce in 1980 to less than 13% today.
You say that like unions shooting themselves in the foot is not a wonderful thing for society. Is this just another area where you are sadly misinformed?
The sound of Unions imploding! Sorry to hear it AFL-CIO. Another great day in America!
v/r
Let's have it gentlemen, a plan of action to attend union halls with common cause in our hearts - Social Security reform and Energy production. The number of New Union jobs that we can offer in Alaska and offshore should not be underestimated. Social Security reform means new investment, new office buildings, new industrial plants.
The rank and file union man is conservative socially, he is most interested in the paycheck and job security, not illegal immigrants, abortions, environment, or Kyoto.
You must have misunderstood what was said, as well as why it was said.
The immediate effect of all of this will be an inversion of the 40/60 Republican to rat vote. The queer marriage letter was swine-y's final coffin nail.
By 06 the union vote will be 60/40 R to rat and it won't return anytime soon.
It's my sisters as well. She asked me a question maybe you will know. She asks, "I have vested in the UFCW union and is entitled to retirement benefits when she retires. What if anything did that do when they left the afl-cio?
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