:: rawblogXport ::

:: Sunday, June 27, 2004 ::

SEIU leader calls for changes in labor movement By Mark Gruenberg via Workday Minnesota
'Today, our employers have changed, our industries have changed and the world has certainly changed, but the labor movement's structure and culture sadly stayed the same. John Sweeney has proven that the problem is not who captains the ship but that the ship was not built to navigate the storms of the modern world,' Stern told delegates, who represent 1.388 million members.

Stern called the federation 'a loose trade association of 65 separate and autonomous unions instead of a strong, united organization.' That looseness won't work any more, he said.

'The time is long overdue that we join with our union allies and either transform the AFL-CIO or build something stronger that can really change workers' lives,' Stern declared.

Stern did not spell out details of a new structure. He is working with four other presidents--Terry O'Sullivan of the Laborers, Douglas McCarron of the Carpenters, John Wilhelm of HERE and Bruce Raynor of UNITE--to restructure and boost inter-union cooperation. All but the Carpenters are AFL-CIO members.

posted 8:57 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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