Union returning to AFL-CIO

[Freddie Stubbs]

Source: Associated Press

By SAM HANANEL (AP) – 37 minutes ago

PITTSBURGH — One of the unions that left the AFL-CIO in a bitter dispute that split the labor movement four years ago is coming back to the labor federation.

The union of hotel, restaurant and clothing workers known as UNITE HERE is bringing its 265,000 members back a day after Richard Trumka became the newest AFL-CIO president.

UNITE HERE president John Wilhelm made the announcement on the final day of the federation's convention.

UNITE HERE and several other unions departed in 2005 after claiming there was too much emphasis on politics and not enough on organizing new members. Led by Service Employees International Union president Andy Stern, the breakaway unions formed the rival Change to Win federation.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hHiWC9zrdOqtYZ14uDkfWNwPT_dwD9AP5UH80

[vinylsolution]

1. Terrific news!

Here's to a resurgence of union membership (and people power) in America!

[Brickbat]

2. Excellent.

I'm unhappy with Change to Win.

[Winterblues]

3. So does that mean there is less emphasis on politics now?

I would think now is the time if ever there was one to get Political. America is going batshit insane and the sane among us need a united front..

[Union Yes]

4. S - O - L - I - D - A - R - I - T - Y ! knr

Solidarity IS patriotic!


:patriot:

[unkachuck]

9. yes it is!

....it's the height of patriotism and is truly the American way!

[Union Yes]

14. Damn straight! It built the American way. =)

:hi: :patriot:

[Gman]

5. As long as it wasn't the Teamsters

they should never have allowed the Teamsters back in the first time and they damn sure shouldn't be let back in now. As far as Unite Here goes, let them back in and file charges against the Unite Here executive board. Then kick 'em out.

[Freddie Stubbs]

6. What should the member of the UNITE HERE executive board be charged with?

:shrug:

[Gman]

7. Bringing the AFL-CIO into disrepute when they left

perfectly legitimate charges to be filed.

No doubt the agreement that let's them back in says no charges will be filed. But I don't think Trumka or anyone else has the power to "absolve" these unions.

[Freddie Stubbs]

11. Would doing that further union solidarity?

:shrug:

[Gman]

13. The AFL-CIO did not leave restaurant and hotel workers

and the AFL-CIO did nothing to not further union solidarity. I think you need to ask that question of Unite Here as to why they left in the first place.

[bread_and_roses]

10. er...hardly seems the road to solidarity, effective organizing, or strength in action....

It is hardly to the benefit of working people to have unions at war with one another. Holding a grudge, being punitive when there is the possibility of reconciliation will not forward our cause.

[Freddie Stubbs]

12. Some people favor revenge over getting useful things done

[Omaha Steve]

8. Excellent

K&R!