AFL-CIO to lay off 80 to 100 staffers The Washington Times
Mr. Sweeney took over the AFL-CIO in 1995 and placed renewed emphasis on organizing workers and rebuilding labor's strength.
Ten years later, the movement faces serious challenges as union membership declines. The percentage of workers in unions has fallen from about 16 percent in 1994 to 12.5 percent last year.
That's why Mr. Hoffa and his supporters pushed for more spending on organizing and giving unions more money to organize workers.
But Mr. Sweeney and his allies said repeatedly last week in Las Vegas that labor must also fund a vigorous political campaign. This year the AFL-CIO plans to stage an aggressive attack against President Bush's plan to partially privatize Social Security.