Are Unions Using Common Sense Now?
The Teamsters and SEIU officially voted today to withdraw from the AFL-CIO. Seven additional unions are predicted to leave the AFL-CIO. This will result in the loss of about a third of AFL-CIO's members.
James Hoffa of the Teamsters made some interesting comments regarding the unions and politics today:
Though the union suggested "a number of changes," including a $5 million rebate to help the Teamsters reorganize in their core industries, "they said no," Hoffa said. "Their idea is to keep throwing money at politicians."
He added, "What was being done at the AFL-CIO is not working; we are going to do something new. That is our message."
Among the new things the Teamsters will try, Hoffa said, will be becoming "more bipartisan. … We're not going to be afraid to back a Republican."
Are some unions using a bit of common sense now? Clearly, there are many members that do not want their dues being thrown at every Democrat who strolls into town, and since most laborers are moderate or right-leaning, it's no surprise that they don't want to be part of the unions' political tactics. The Teamsters and SEIU can see that's what's happening. My guess is that the AFL-CIO realizes this, too, but is not willing to alter its ways.
This entry was posted
on Monday, July 25th, 2005 at 18:55 by Novac and is filed under All, Politics.
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