Four years ago internal discussions between the AFL-CIO and a number of its affiliated unions failed to resolve a set of issues dealing with the structure, governance, financing and programs of the Federation. While tentative understandings were reached on a number of important issues, other matters remained unresolved, leading to the disaffiliation of these unions.
Now, four years later, the labor movement is poised to make significant strides in turning around decades of decline. The election of President Barack Obama, brought about by the efforts of all of organized labor, and the probable passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, as well as other important changes in our political and economic environment, provide us with unprecedented opportunity. And the economic crisis facing American workers provides us with clear authorization to act.
Now is the time to bring the union movement back together.
In recent weeks a number of AFL-CIO union leaders, and a number of Change to Win union leaders, along with the heads of both federations, have been in informal discussions about such a reunification. In addition, the NEA has participated in these meetings.
No agreements have been reached, but issues have been identified and options discussed.
These issues include matters of governance, mission, jurisdiction and organizing responsibility, programs and finances.
The AFL-CIO endorses these discussions, and authorizes the President of the AFL-CIO, along with members of the Executive Committee, to continue to be engaged in these discussions.
The President shall report to the Executive Committee on a regular basis, and all tentative agreements shall be subject to the approval of the Executive Officers, the Executive Committee and then the full Council.
At the same time, a number of unions of the AFL-CIO have been meeting among themselves to discuss the future of the Federation and the challenges that it is facing. The Executive Committee supports these continued discussions as well, and authorizes the officers of the AFL-CIO to continue their participation in them.
The unity of the labor movement is among the most important issues facing unions today. We urge all those involved in these discussions to take this responsibility seriously, and to use their best efforts to find a path to reconciliation that strengthens the AFL-CIO and unites the labor movement.