AFL-CIO's president says labor movement still strong [View All]

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/x1385424479

By Peter Reuell/Daily News staff
The MetroWest Daily News
Fri Sep 28, 2007, 12:24 AM EDT

MARLBOROUGH -

Plenty of pundits have tried to claim the labor movement is near death in recent decades, and Robert Haynes has a message for all of them: Don't count unions out yet.

Speaking at the Massachusetts AFL-CIO's 50th annual constitutional convention yesterday, Haynes, the organization's president, said stories about the death of unions are exaggerated. He predicts the labor movement will soon enter a second renaissance.


Photo by Allan Jung/Daily News staff
Cynthia Rodrigues, president of the Greater Southeast Mass. Labor Council at the AFL-CIO 50th Annual Constitutional Convention at the Courtyard by Marriott in Marlborough.


"Our power is not diminishing, it's getting stronger," Haynes said.

Although many studies show union membership has reached its lowest point since World War II, Haynes cited studies which suggest between 50 and 60 million people would join a union if given the chance.

And more people in Massachusetts may get that chance, he said, thanks to legislation Gov. Deval Patrick signed at yesterday's convention.

Called the "majority authorization" bill, the new law makes it easier for workers to form unions by doing away with the secret ballot election requirement, instead allowing unions to form if workers sign union organizing cards.

FULL story at link.