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:: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 ::

LaborTalk (July 16, 2003)
AFL-CIO Invites 9 Democratic Candidates To Speak at 90-Minute Forum in Chicago
By Harry Kelber
At the invitation of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, the nine aspiring Democratic presidential candidates will square off at a 90-minute forum on Aug. 5 at Chicago's Navy Pier, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. The prize they are contending for is an official AFL-CIO endorsement, which carries with it a financial bonanza and an army of union volunteers.

The forum is an unprecedented kickoff to labor's 2004 election campaign. The council will devote a good part of its two-day meeting to developing election strategies that is expected to produce the biggest mobilization ever of organized labor.

The trade union audience will be primed with sharp questions about the candidates' views on worker rights, jobs, health insurance, overtime pay, privatization and a host of other issues, only a few which will be discussed because of the time limitations.

Hundreds of local union groups will gather in "watch parties" in union halls and homes in cities across the nation to view the event and gain a comparative look at the candidates.

"This forum will help our members decide who best represents working people's interests as the unions of the AFL-CIO prepare to undertake an unprecedented mobilization effort for the 2004 elections," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney.

President Bush, who has never recognized the existence of the AFL-CIO or Sweeney, has been invited to the Executive Council meeting.

Out On August 2-3-4-5th, 2003
Actions in Our Streets
Time To Take Our Unions BACK!
Monday, August 4, 2003 @ 7:00 pm-10:00pm
Report By Harry Kelber (The Labor Educator)
"Ten Ways To Reform An Undemocratic AFL-CIO"
Tuesday August 5, 2003
9:00 am Picket @ AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting

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