The AFL-CIO and Change to Win are citing progress toward an agreement to allow the two labor federations to cooperate at the state and local level.
Change to Win was formed in July when the Teamsters, SEIU and UFCW split from the AFL-CIO to form their own labor federation. Leaders said they differed with the AFL-CIO on its focus at the national level, but wanted to continue working with the AFL-CIO's state federations and local central labor councils.
The AFL-CIO, however, said its constitution prohibited its state and local organizations from working with Change to Win unions. In recent weeks, both federations have been in negotiations to soften that position.
On Monday, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said there was an "agreement in principle" over terms for Change to Win unions to join AFL-CIO state federations and central labor councils via "Solidarity Charters" and enjoy full voting and participation rights.
"I am pleased to report that we have made progress in our discussions with the Change to Win unions concerning the terms of the Solidarity Charter Program," Sweeney said. "With respect to the two major issues remaining in dispute, the AFL-CIO has agreed that members from CTW unions who have Solidarity Charters may run for and hold office in the state and central bodies; and for their part, the CTW unions have agreed with the concept of paying for cost sharing at the national level to support the work of the state federations and central labor councils, with the understanding that it remains to negotiate a mutually acceptable method of payment.
"In view of the agreement that we believe we have in principle, the AFL-CIO has agreed to extend the deadline for reaching final terms through the November elections, to Nov. 15. In the meantime, the AFL-CIO will not object to members of CTW locals that intend to apply for Solidarity Charters running for office in the state and central bodies in question."
A statement issued by Anna Burger, chair of Change to Win, was less specific.
"Since we left Chicago in July, the leaders of the Change to Win unions have consistently expressed their desire to continue working together at the state and local level and we have always said that we will pay our share to support joint projects," she said.
"We?ve had positive discussions with the AFL-CIO during the past week and believe that both organizations are interested in reaching an agreement that allows all locals to work together in partnership in their communities. We are hopeful that an agreement will happen soon, especially now that the AFL-CIO recognizes the right of Change to Win members to run for and hold office in state and local bodies. We look forward to further productive discussions in the weeks ahead to resolve financial issues."
Since 1955, the AFL-CIO had been the dominant labor federation in the United States. The split that occurred in July has resulted in confusion for state and local union leaders trying to continue their efforts to advance a pro-worker agenda in their communities.
For more information
See the Workday Minnesota special section, Labor's future
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The AFL-CIO and Change to Win are citing progress toward an agreement to allow the two labor federations to cooperate at the state and local level.
Change to Win was formed in July when the Teamsters, SEIU and UFCW split from the AFL-CIO to form their own labor federation. Leaders said they differed with the AFL-CIO on its focus at the national level, but wanted to continue working with the AFL-CIO’s state federations and local central labor councils.
The AFL-CIO, however, said its constitution prohibited its state and local organizations from working with Change to Win unions. In recent weeks, both federations have been in negotiations to soften that position.
On Monday, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said there was an “agreement in principle” over terms for Change to Win unions to join AFL-CIO state federations and central labor councils via “Solidarity Charters” and enjoy full voting and participation rights.
“I am pleased to report that we have made progress in our discussions with the Change to Win unions concerning the terms of the Solidarity Charter Program,” Sweeney said. “With respect to the two major issues remaining in dispute, the AFL-CIO has agreed that members from CTW unions who have Solidarity Charters may run for and hold office in the state and central bodies; and for their part, the CTW unions have agreed with the concept of paying for cost sharing at the national level to support the work of the state federations and central labor councils, with the understanding that it remains to negotiate a mutually acceptable method of payment.
“In view of the agreement that we believe we have in principle, the AFL-CIO has agreed to extend the deadline for reaching final terms through the November elections, to Nov. 15. In the meantime, the AFL-CIO will not object to members of CTW locals that intend to apply for Solidarity Charters running for office in the state and central bodies in question.”
A statement issued by Anna Burger, chair of Change to Win, was less specific.
“Since we left Chicago in July, the leaders of the Change to Win unions have consistently expressed their desire to continue working together at the state and local level and we have always said that we will pay our share to support joint projects,” she said.
“We?ve had positive discussions with the AFL-CIO during the past week and believe that both organizations are interested in reaching an agreement that allows all locals to work together in partnership in their communities. We are hopeful that an agreement will happen soon, especially now that the AFL-CIO recognizes the right of Change to Win members to run for and hold office in state and local bodies. We look forward to further productive discussions in the weeks ahead to resolve financial issues.”
Since 1955, the AFL-CIO had been the dominant labor federation in the United States. The split that occurred in July has resulted in confusion for state and local union leaders trying to continue their efforts to advance a pro-worker agenda in their communities.
For more information
See the Workday Minnesota special section, Labor’s future