UNIONS STRIKE BACK

Warn of ‘Consequences’ to Free Trade Politicians

By James P. Tucker Jr.

The breakup of the largest union in America, the AFL-CIO, can be directly attributable to globalization, the export of manufacturing jobs and Washington’s push to expand free trade. “What was being done at the AFL-CIO was not working,” said Teamsters President James Hoffa. “We are going to do something different.”

The Teamsters and Service Employees International Union left the AFL-CIO during its 50th anniversary convention in Chicago. When the AFL-CIO formed 50 years ago, one of every three private-sector workers belonged to a labor union. Today, less than 8 percent are unionized.

Departing unions argued the AFL-CIO leadership has failed to develop necessary reforms to make labor unions relevant in today’s society.

“Globalization, automation and the transition from an industrial-based economy have forced hundreds of thousands of unionized workers out of jobs, weakening labor’s role in the workplace,” according to a wire report filed in Washington.

Unions are not just angry with the Republicans. Many union members are angry that the AFL-CIO spends big bucks—from their dues—to blindly support Democrats. They noted that job-sucking NAFTA passed on President Bill Clinton’s watch with strong Democratic support. Republicans presidents and lawmakers support these “free trade” deals, too.

But labor unions opened a bipartisan effort to defeat CAFTA during the break-up. They told House Democrats that unions would refuse to support any Democrat who voted for the “free” trade agreement.

Traditionally, unions have warned Republicans, who knew they would have no labor support regardless, and withheld fire from Democrats because of support on other issues.

“Simply put, there must be real and measurable consequences for opposing labor on this issue,” wrote the presidents of the International Association of Firefighters, the AFL-CIO Building and Trades Department, the Service and Employees International Union and the Teamsters.

“The stakes are too high for the workers of America,” the union leaders wrote. We cannot and we will not give any Democrat a pass on CAFTA.”

The unions said they would withhold financial and other support for Democrats who vote for CAFTA.

“Our work to help elect at-risk members (of Congress), at your urging, will not extend to those who vote against us on this issue,” labor leaders wrote to Democratic leaders.

“We hope you will also convey to them that we believe those who receive our support have no obligation to vote with us on CAFTA.

Shortly after midnight on July 28, the House narrowly OK’d CAFTA by a vote of 217 to 215. See vote on page 9.

(Issue #32, August 8, 2005)