The AFL-CIO Convention and the Future of the Labor Movement

The AFL-CIO Convention, which was held July 25-28 in Chicago, was truly a historic event, arguably the most momentous gathering in the House of Labor since the merger of the AFL and the CIO in 1955. The convention marked the culmination of a year-long debate over the future of the union movement. Specifically, how can we best grow and become a stronger and more effective voice for workers? The convention and the debate leading up to it received unprecedented media coverage, putting a very valuable spotlight on the needs of America's workers.

Two important results were achieved. First, Pres. John Sweeney, Sec.-Treas. Rich Trumka and Exec. Vice Pres. Linda Chavez-Thompson, were re-elected without opposition. This "Sweeney Solidarity Team" was first elected in 1995 on an agenda of growing the labor movement and building workers' political power.

Second, the convention adopted a comprehensive plan to revitalize the labor movement and make the AFL-CIO a more powerful voice for workers by increasing resources to help affiliates recruit new members and create an even-more-effective political program.

Sadly, three major unions — the service employees' union (SEIU), the Teamsters and the food and commercial workers (UFCW) — left the Federation because it was clear they were not going to get their way. While they made a lot of noise about an agenda for change, their real agenda was a power grab. When 50 unions said "no way," they took their marbles and went home.

We are sorry to see them go. They're weaker without us; we are all stronger together. As we go to press, other unions may yet leave the Federation. But make no mistake, we are going forward with our plan to strengthen AFSCME and the Federation, grow our membership, build worker power and win real victories for working families.

In his regular column on the pages that follow, President McEntee discusses what occurred at the convention and what it means for AFSCME.