Working Life

Wow, have we come a long way or what? The resolutuon against the war in Iraq passed on the floor just moments ago. The convention avoided a bitter debate after the Executive Council and the Resolutions Committee agreed to strengthen the proposed resolution: by replacing the wording around bringing the troops home in the second […]

Read the full story

Rep. Melissa Bean from Illinois might vote for CAFTA–but she could face the wrath of labor if she does. As will other Democratic members of Congress who vote for the Central American Free Trade Agreement, if a small but growing movement among union presidents takes hold. It’s about time. I’ve argued for a long time […]

Read the full story

I hear that this morning at a special meeting of the Executive Council (which started at the ungodly hour of 7:30 a.m…ungodly for those who have been out late at night and up early in the a.m…), a motion was passed to add 4 cents to the per capita rate of the affiliates that would […]

Read the full story

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 […]

Read the full story

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 […]

Read the full story

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 […]

Read the full story

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 […]

Read the full story

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 […]

Read the full story

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 […]

Read the full story

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 […]

Read the full story