AFL-CIO Leaders and Corporate Unionism Corporate Unionism (4) By Harry Kelber
The fourth in a series of five articles
The AFL-CIO's corporate mentality has resulted in a freeze on new national leadership and a taboo on fresh ideas that do not originate within their own ranks. A "glass ceiling" exists for union leaders, both men and women, who are denied an opportunity to compete for positions on the national Executive Council. And top labor leaders view with suspicion any grassroots movement they believe may pose a threat to their positions.
The evidence is overwhelming that corporate unionism can't build a healthy, powerful, widely-respected labor movement. What then? What will it take for members to win back their unions?
Article 5: "Restoring Democratic Unionism" will be posted on Monday, October 4, 2004.