Union group looks to squeeze AFL-CIO in row - By Diane E. Lewis, The Boston Globe
A group of breakaway unions has advised its affiliates around the country to stop paying dues to state labor councils controlled by the AFL-CIO, a move local labor leaders fear could hurt organizing drives and political mobilization.
Carole Florman, a spokeswoman for the Change to Win Coalition, said the organization has told the heads of AFL-CIO state labor councils that it is recommending that payments be suspended until a farm workers' union has been allowed to sign a solidarity charter permitting it to work with state AFL-CIO labor councils on local issues of concern.