Putting working people and their families first

By: Edward J. McElroy
AFT President

This summer marked the 50th anniversary of the merger that led to the creation of the AFL-CIO. But instead of celebrating, the AFL-CIO was engaged in all-out efforts to avert the defections of several member unions. Unfortunately, leaders of these unions were unmoved by the offers extended to them to keep the labor movement united and strong. Instead, they chose the golden anniversary of labor solidarity to bolt the AFL-CIO.

The departure of three unions—the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and the Teamsters—from the AFL-CIO has done what opponents of unions have been unable to do: split the labor movement.

In the past year, several union leaders organized loosely around a few ideas. One idea was that the AFL-CIO should rebate a full 50 percent of member unions’ dues to be used for organizing. Another was forcing the merger of certain unions. And the group, representing far less than a majority, sought to dictate who would succeed John Sweeney as AFL-CIO president.

Numerous unions, including the AFT, engaged in months of negotiations intended to avert a dangerous rift in the labor movement. We made great progress on some fronts—finding common ground on issues such as the emphasis on organizing and union jurisdiction. But other areas were not worthy of serious consideration, such as the notion that a minority group of the federation could unseat and replace the president of the AFL-CIO without regard for the democratic process.

Ultimately, efforts to keep the AFL-CIO intact failed. This happened in part because the majority refused to yield to unreasonable and undemocratic demands that would undermine the movement and the people we represent.

The AFT and other AFL-CIO unions remain committed to strengthening the labor movement so that we can effectively advocate on behalf of working people. The AFL-CIO recently presented a draft proposal preserving solidarity at the state and local level that does not penalize local union members for the actions of their national leaders. Currently, the AFL-CIO constitution prohibits state and local organizations that do not have a relationship to the national AFL-CIO from participating in state federations or central labor councils. Solidarity Charters would allow local affiliates of unions formerly associated with the AFL-CIO to participate in state and local AFL-CIO central bodies under certain conditions, for example, adhering to Article XX no-raid provisions. Unfortunately, two of the breakaway internationals immediately rejected the proposal.

There are issues related to the Solidarity Charters that must be worked out. Clearly, the establishment of such charters is not a substitute for a united labor movement, but it does help to repair some damage potentially created by the ill-advised disaffiliations of these parent unions. Those of us committed to a strong, unified and effective labor movement will continue to do all we can to help these disaffiliated unions at the national level find their way back into the AFL-CIO, where all of us belong.

Why is this so important? The AFL-CIO is the leading—and sometimes only—voice on behalf of working families and the less fortunate. The AFL-CIO coordinates efforts on organizing, political action, health and safety, public policy—and  other efforts where the strength of the whole is so much greater than the strength of any one union.

When an idea that could divide and destroy the labor movement is advanced, those proposing it better have unassailable reasons for doing so. Losing a policy fight or not being able to muster the votes to unseat a person you don’t support are not good enough reasons.

This is not to say that the AFL-CIO is not in need of change. In fact, the AFT and other unions have recommended a number of productive changes. The federation has been responsive to those suggestions and passed a number of far-reaching policy changes at this summer’s convention.

Everyone who is looking to have a better life, a better country and better prospects for their children is set back by anything that weakens the labor movement. The AFT will work with others committed to strengthening the labor movement so the needs of working people and their families truly can come first.