In a Shift, (CA) Union Group Backs Abortion Rights

L A Times ^ | 7 AUG 2006 | Joe Mathews

[radar101]

California's leading union organization, bucking organized labor's long-standing neutrality on the issue of abortion, is for the first time taking a strong stand in favor of abortion rights.

Meeting behind closed doors last month, the California Labor Federation — which represents more than 2.1 million workers belonging to more than 1,100 affiliated unions — voted to oppose Proposition 85, a November ballot initiative that would require doctors to notify parents before performing abortions on minors. In a policy statement, the labor federation also urged the national AFL-CIO "to reconsider its position of neutrality on the issue."

Union leaders say polling shows that a majority of their members support abortion rights, but major labor organizations generally have avoided taking stances that would turn off those members with strong moral objections to abortion.

The most recent written version of the national AFL-CIO policy, adopted in 1990, says that though union members "resent and resist government intrusion into matters that are essentially private," the AFL-CIO yields on the subject of abortion "to the good and sound judgment of union members…. Sincere and dedicated trade unionists can be found on both sides of these issues."

Albin Rhomberg, one of the organizers of the Yes on 85 campaign, denounced the California federation's vote and suggested that the unions were out of step with their members on parental notification.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Just wonderful.............

[tallhappy]

In a shift...

Yeah right.

[CertainInalienableRights]

The most recent written version of the national AFL-CIO policy, adopted in 1990, says that though union members "resent and resist government intrusion into matters that are essentially private,"

Like the private negotiation between employer and employee?

[EagleUSA]

"resent and resist government intrusion into matters that are essentially private"....
----
Yet they vote for socialists...do I smell some HYPOCRISY here??? Or just plain stupidity??

[sr4402]

Yes, we Labor Union leaders want to abort our future labor members to thin out the ranks.

/Sarcasm OFF

[MAD-AS-HELL]

Thinking the same thing!

They should then understand our desire to abort their corrupt union(s).

[FreedomProtector]

In a policy statement, the labor federation also urged the national AFL-CIO "to reconsider its position of neutrality on the issue."

What neutrality?....I feel bad for fellow pro-lifers to have to join a union to work at their jobs forced to give money to support dismembering babies.

[edcoil]

Those voting that the state has more control over a body then their parents are doing exactly what the Nazi's did in Germany - this union believes the state can cut up your children and you have noting to say about it.

This is pure evil. Someone tell Bush we don't have to go to the middle east to find the enemy. They are here.

[winner3000]

What does the abortion issue have anything to do with the unions? How come it's any of their business? Last time I checked they don't have an opinon about every political issue!

[Tzimisce]

Ever notice how it's not "life rights" but "abortion rights"?

So they're opposed to doctors telling parents before giving minors abortions? I wonder what they think of tattoo parlors and body piercing places requiring parental permission...

[Aquinasfan]

Like the NEA, they're killing their future members and clients. I guess evil and stupid go together.

[TitansAFC]

---"Tod Tamberg, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which has worked with labor leaders on ORGANIZING and IMMIGRANT RIGHTS, called the vote "disappointing" but added: "It would be unrealistic to expect every group to believe the same way we do about every issue. It doesn't preclude us from working together on those areas where we do share common concerns."---

Wow. What a firm stance by the spokesman for the Archdiocese.

Thank you for such moral clarity, Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

At least you can help illegal immigrants disrespect, dishonor, and break the laws of the United States.

With Catholic leadership like yours..........

[madprof98]

Thank you for such moral clarity, Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

I have the impression the Catholic Church in California is similar to the Episcopal Church just about anyplace else . . . and the Episcopal Church in California is similar to the Church of Satan. Why these institutions don't just turn their buildings into fern bars (or strip clubs) is beyond me.

[Old Student]

"Yeah right."

NO, LEFT!!! As my TI said to me, "You need to carry a rock in your RIGHT hand! Got that?"

The proper answer, btw, is "Sir, Yes Sir!"

Helps those of who are spatially challenged to tell the difference between left and right... ;)

[calcowgirl]

Ever notice how it's not "life rights" but "abortion rights"?

This proposition is about neither--it is about "parental rights." The right to know.

[Tzimisce]

Right to know? Well since it's a lefty cause, no you don't the right.