Working Life

Maybe the Federation’s top officers are going to need to hire a mass police force or enforcement bureau. Because the word at the convention is that many big Central Labor Council and State Feds are not going to be kicking out SEIU and Teamsters’ locals. I chatted with my buddy Mark McKenzie, a firefighter and […]

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Yesterday, I suggested that the delegates need to be told specifics about the money issue. My friend and UAW union brother, Steve Yokich, made a legitimate case (in the comments section) that the Federation should wait. Here’s why I still believe it’s time to face up to it now. Steve says: “I think that the […]

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Up early here my friends to do a little radio interview with our friends at Air America…but figured I’d get a bit of biz done, and, then, I’ll get back with you later. John Sweeney gave his keynote address yesterday. Obviously, it was not a happy day for him–compounded by the rush of reporters leaving […]

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Well, not that this surprises anyone here but, yes, SEIU and the Teamsters have pulled out of the Federation—effective immediately (sorry for the delay—can you believe it, no wireless at the press conference!!!). And I hear from insiders that the UFCW will pull out by the end of the week. As for UNITE HERE, a […]

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Once today passes, some of the attention to the internal political fight will abate–though not entirely disappear (more on that later)–and delegates will be able to focus on other issues. One that is of particular concern is what the Federation’s position will be on the war in Iraq. As I reported last week, there has […]

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Rising here early to jump on Democracy Now! radio program. They wanted a brief soundbite for a lead-in to the program which got me thinking…what is the message this morning? Obviously, the first thing to anticipate is the press conference at 1 p.m. where SEIU will announce it is leaving the Federation. Jim Hoffa, prez […]

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Darn, gotta eat, my hands are aching…so, this is it for the day unless something dramatic happens. But, read below for the days events if you’re just checking in. I’ve got a lot more to get out to everyone tomorrow. Stuff piled up on a whole lots of other issues–the looming fight over the Iraq […]

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Okay, my friends, here’s a report from the Change To Win coalition rally. Let’s start up front–it confirms what I reported earlier today: the Teamsters, UNITE HERE, UFCW and SEIU will not attend the convention that begins tomorrow. Tomorrow, they will meet as a coalition to begin to some more meat on the bones of […]

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I’ll put up more reporting from the Change To Win Coalition rally in a bit. But, first, tomorrow SEIU is going to announce it’s disaffilating from the AFL-CIO. There is a press conference scheduled for tomorrow. Andy Stern said that the union will make its final determination over the next few hours and make an […]

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John Sweeney and his supporters just wrapped up a very spirited and rocking rally in the Sheraton ballroom. I’m going to bring you details here in the next hour as I unwind the tape (digitally speaking) and give you some pics. You would have to describe the mood of the Sweeney team as confident, upbeat […]

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