AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

A fight for control over the AFL-CIO

The York Times published an article today that is a must-read for all union members. Andrew Stern, president of the Service employees International Union is mounting a challenge to John Sweeney's presidency of the AFL-CIO.

Stern points out that organized labor spent $150 million trying to unseat President Bush, with nothing really to show for it. Organized labor as a percentage of the workforce has shrunk from 35% in the 1950s to 13% now, and because of that, has diminishing clout, especially on national issues.

Stern wants to refocus national expenditures on organizing key employers and industries, including a $25 million per year Walmart campaign. According to the article, he hints that if increased efforts are not focused on the service industry, key service industry unions may bolt from the AFL-CIO.


The New York Times > National > Largest Union Issues Call for Major Changes: "annually on organizing."