Ann Robertson and Bill Leumer Unions were originally built on the principle of solidarity. Workers soon realized that as individuals they were powerless when trying to defend their interests in relation to their profit-maximizing employers. But when they were organized and stood together, their combination gave them the upper hand. Under the banner of “an [...]
Tag Archives: Richard Trumka
The U.S. Labor Movement at the Crossroads, in the Crosshairs
Shamus Cooke
Shamus Cooke The labor movement had better do some deep soul searching, and fast. Although the defeat in Wisconsin is the horrible end to a local drama, the corporate winners hope to turn their victory into the beginning chapter of a national novel.
Why Did So Many Workers Vote for Walker?
Bill Leumer
Introduction By Bill Leumer In the wake of a major setback for organized labor, because of its failure to unseat rabid anti-union Wisconsin Governor Walker, many in the labor movement have offered their various diagnoses to explain the defeat. Most gravitate around the convenient excuse that labor was vastly outspent by the right wing. We [...]
AFL-CIO Declares Victory in Wisconsin in the Face of Defeat
Ann Robertson and Bill Leumer
Ann Robertson and Bill Leumer In the wake of the Wisconsin elections and the failure to unseat Governor Walker, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has issued a victory statement of sorts, resorting to the most tortured and convoluted logic.
Obama, Labor and Marriage Equality
Mark Vorpahl
Mark Vorpahl Since President Obama made his very calculated public statement announcing that he was “personally” in favor of same sex marriage, among the many commentators who have rushed to his support have been a significant number of Labor leaders. Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, stated “Look, I support that position. We support it [...]
How to Save the U.S. Labor Movement
Shamus Cooke
The first step in saving the labor movement is recognizing that it needs saving. Sadly, many union leaders — including Richard Trumka of the AFL-CIO — refuse to accept this reality, choosing instead to dismiss the current threats against labor unions as “exaggerated,” or limited to this or that Republican politician. In fact, the labor movement — especially public sector unions — is facing nationwide attacks by Democrats and Republicans alike.
The AFL- CIO And The Democrats: Friends Or Foes
Shamus Cooke
“”rumka caused more quizzical stares when he confidently stated that the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would be passed within a year. Democrats have made it quite clear that the legislation is too “radical” to pass in its current form, since it would make organizing unions much easier. They intend to water it down, drowning the essence of the bill. It’s also possible that the bill will continue to languish in Congress until it’s completely forgotten about.”
Book Review: America Needs a Raise
Bill Leumer
Book by AFL-CIO head Sweeney reveals same old failed policies .
Articles of Interest
CORE slate re-elected in landslide in Chicago Teachers Union
Richard Trumka: The 'grand bargain' is a dead end
On the Impotence of the Progressive Movement
Revealed: how the FBI coordinated the crackdown on Occupy
Bradley Manning is off limits at SF Gay Pride parade, but corporate sleaze is embraced
Cutting Social Security–More than a Bad Idea
The Forgotten Radical History of the March on Washington
Freedom Rider: Obama and the Class War- Hong Kong Dockworkers Strike Attracts Huge Solidarity
Understanding the Venezuelan Presidential Election Outcome
