AFL-CIO Could Soon Tell Dems: Do More for Unions or We’ll Yank Our Funding
- Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:05am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Trumka with Obama.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation‘s largest labor federation is weighing whether to pull political support from congressional Democrats who aren’t doing enough to back labor unions.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka is expected to issue the warning in a speech Friday at the National Press Club.
In prepared remarks, Trumka said the role of unions is not to build the power of any political party, but to improve the lives of working families. He promised that unions would spend the summer holding leaders in Congress and the states accountable
“It doesn’t matter if candidates and parties are controlling the wrecking ball or simply standing aside,” Trumka said. “The outcome is the same either way. If leaders aren‘t blocking the wrecking ball and advancing working families’ interests, working people will not support them.”
The AFL-CIO’s executive council is considering a plan that could spend less on congressional races and more on fighting state battles like those in Wisconsin and Ohio, where lawmakers want to weaken collective bargaining rights and reduce union clout.
Last month, the nation’s largest firefighters union said it was halting political donations to members of Congress deemed to be not fighting hard enough for union rights. The move has won praise in many corners of the labor movement, where union activists have openly grumbled about House and Senate Democrats being too quiet while unions are getting pummeled in dozens of states.
The AFL-CIO spent more than $50 million to support Democrats in last year’s midterm elections, but a growing number of union leaders remain frustrated at what their money has bought. Some activists want to reallocate resources permanently so that more is spent bolstering grass roots support in the states.
The move to shift union donations could hurt some Democrats who have relied on a steady flow of union cash year after year.
Trumka also slams lawmakers in dozens of state legislatures for passing budgets that slash pensions and curb bargaining rights of middle class union members while giving tax cuts to “the powerful and well-connected.”
“The final outrage of these budgets is hidden in the fine print,” Trumka said. “In state after state, and here in Washington, these so called fiscal hawks are actually doing almost nothing to cut the deficit.”
He said these budget deals are sending a message that “sacrifice is for the weak.”
“Powerful political forces are seeking to silence working people – to drive us out of the national conversation,” Trumka said.
Trumka and other union leaders have said they expect the moves in some states to curb union rights will create a backlash that will help organized labor grow stronger. Unions are already spending millions to help recall campaigns in Wisconsin and Ohio. They are hoping the momentum of those recalls can be sustained through the 2012 elections.
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Comments (223)
vtech61
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:36amSo the unions spent 50 million in bribes to get dems elected.
Notice no mention on how much money they spent wasted on all those
astro turf protests they staged in recent months?
I‘d be willing to bet it’s NOT about the dems not helping the unions more.
Report Post »It’s more about the unions coffers being depleted at the moment.
psst
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:36amThat’s all BS . About yanking the fundings for the marxist party.
No one in their right mind believes this sheet. That’s like a man cuting off his nose to spite his face.
Report Post »The dem pols are marxists. The unions are controlled by marxists. The rank and file are just useful idiots as are most public service employees.
Soo, if the dems don’t ruin/destroy the country even more to get union pay-off, the unions will give the loot to conservative pols? Who buys this crap?
The democrat party (aka marxist party)the unions and the MSM are One Entity. They are united in their effort to ensure America’s fall and to bring US Change. Change US into a totalitarian /marxist State .
The NWO/OWG is drawing even closer as we speak.
The citizenry have been deliberately dumbded down. Sheeples w/ nose rings.
starman70
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:35amThe sooner we get rid of the AFL-CIO and the rest ot these Communist unions, the better off America will be. Let them go overseas and try to organize workers in India, China, Viet Nam, N. Korea and other Asian countries. Bet they would never return or be haerd from again.
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:47amStarman
Report Post »They’re already doing that. Nice, huh?
WINNEBAGOMAN
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:33amEmpty threat. What are they going to do? Back Republicans? I would actually have more respect for the AFL-CIO if they’d actually put their money behind a Communist Party USA or Socialist Party member. At least then they’d be honest.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 10:13amLiberals, Progressives, Anarchists, Socialists, Communists, DEMOCRATS ALL
Report Post »WINNEBAGOMAN
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:31amAdd your comments
Report Post »momsense
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:31amJust one bunch of criminasl giving an untimatum to another.
Report Post »hillbillyinny
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:28amIf they “yank their funding” from Dems, where are they going with it? They have one agenda, they have one way to put forward that agenda, they are determined!
Report Post »KINGRUDDY
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:25amMOB RULES!!!!
Report Post »Who would of thunk it?
Oh yea, the head of the labor union- this trumpka moron, speaks to our fearless leader(?) everyday.
brntout
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:24amWhat is it with the holier than thou poses in the posters? Surprised they couldn’t design a logo that puts a halo around that Stalin looking head
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:54amOr a rope!
Report Post »tinydd
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:21amHelp the Unions with Rep in control of the credit card, not gonna happen Trumpka as Obama’s “stash of cash” is gone. The time for Unions is done in this country as they are nothing more than a crimminal organization and America knows it.
Trumpka, you are the weakest link, good bye!
Report Post »jeff.cooper
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:21amTrumka threatening to hold back cash is telling. If labor unions were moral, then they would perform well on their own and would need zero help from government.
It is my guess that Trumka ritualistically burns a copy of “Atlas Shrugged” each night before bed.
Report Post »mikester8888
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:20amThat picture is timeless. It reminds me of he old photo’s of Sammy Davis jr. and the Rat Pack. They all loved him on stage, but behind the curtains ……..well you know the rest…..shine my shoes…..if Barry thinks for one minute that these guys have got his back then ive got some dreamy vacation properties that id like to show him down near the border.
Report Post »brntout
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:20amAdd your comments
Report Post »brntout
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:31amnot my comment.Seems blaze is asleep at the wheel
Report Post »quicker
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:20amBarry need to watch out for bald spots from hitting his head under the desk.
Report Post »raspberrytea
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:19amThey lie. We know they won’t support
Report Post »Repubs., so this is just a bunch of empty
threats.
flsnipe
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:18amTrumka telling Obummer what to do and how to do it or else. How does it feel to be a fat white mans BXTXH. Back on the AFLCIO plantation O bummer = Maximum Dousche Trumpka needs to stay away from the Big macks
Report Post »quicker
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:17amTrumka needs to go meet with Jimmy Hoffa.May be they`ll share ideas
Report Post »Les Panek
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:17amAhhh, a lovers spat. This means nothing, just like the weak threat of liberal Jews holding their annual DNC contributions in light of Barry’s Judas routine.
I luv the photo of Barry behind Dick, though. Is this what Glenn means when he says, “Be careful of who you get in bed with”? Who‘s surprised that Barry isn’t the “bottom” in this relationship?
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 11:20amHey Blaze
Report Post »When I named Dick Cheney you exed his name out. Why is Dick Trumpka OK? HUFFPO EDITOR
brntout
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:17amReally? How about these union people learn what it is like having to work for a living and stand on their own to feet like the rest of us.We the working class don”t like or want to have someone dictating to us our wages,work hours or ethics.Dp the union thugs really want us to believe they have no political ties with the dem’s?Then why are they threatining to pull their funding?
Report Post »CARBON HOG
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:17amHe promised that unions would spend the summer holding leaders in Congress and the states accountable
ha ha! that’s funny……yeah, good luck with that….
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:23amhmmm….. I thought Congress took the whole summer off? I’m sure the lying prez will
Report Post »raspberrytea
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:14amAdd your comments
Report Post »raspberrytea
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:22amThat wasn’t my comment. Where’s my
Report Post »comment?
MidWestMom
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:27amposts are being weird & glitchy this morning…
Report Post »The Toad
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:14amThis country has had it! The money hungary unions will never help out this country they‘ll just suck every drop of blood it can out of her to support it’s lavish salaries and benifits!! Down with the unions!
Report Post »I_Hate_Libs
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:13amThey are not going to yank their funding who would they fund if they do?
The horror of the Democrat mind.
Report Post »IMPEACHBHO
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:09amYes, and they also said “forget the laws”
Report Post »jedi.kep
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 10:56amDidn‘t Trumpka say he wasn’t concerned with workers salaries? Where is that story from before??
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:08amGee, I thought they already made that threat on a regular basis. “Do as we say or else….”
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:16amSomebody has their puppet strings in a twist….
Seriously, is anyone really surprised at this?
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:26amThe unions are going to hold congress “accountable?” When did they join the Tea Party??
Report Post »burned at edges
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:27amTake the money you spend on congress people and put it into your pension funds so the government doesn’t have to.
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:30amYea like that is gonna happen. The unions will never pull their money from the Dumbocrats. Where else will they find such a group of slobbering lapdogs? The Union is only doing a bit of posturing for the other group of lapdogs they own…The Media. Now all the little willing syncophants in the media can post their lying stories about strife and dissension and the union unhappiness and the ignorant trolls that actually watch and belive NBC, CNN, or John Stewart or read that rag the NY Times can say “see it really is fair and the unions are really standing up for us” and continue drinking the Kool-Aid of liberalism and tell themselves what a great job Odumbo is doing and isn’t Nancy Pelosi such a wonderful person. These are the real Brain-dead Zombies the CDC was warnig us about.
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:32amObamaLama is standing behind Trumka so he can whisper in his ear. ” You go girl! “
Report Post »verityquest
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:35amWhoops…..Trouble In River City…..
Report Post »Mannax
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:36amUnions are going to hold Congress accountable? For what? I think if our government were honest brokers, they should look into the unions under the R.I.C.O. statutes.
Report Post »Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:37amAre these thugs the Zombies that are coming out on Saturday? Wow, guess I won’t have to cut my grass afterall….they care coming for brains…..boy do they need them. Oh Oblamabush is busy caving into muslim lobbies to destroy Israel…..between gold and hoops….he simply cannot accomodate everybody…diner at soros…tennis with Learner….water Michelles garden….throw Israel under the bus….what a schedule….
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:37amSo another set of puppeteers are shown for who the unions really are; interesting is it not when they remove the mask and we all get to see just what lurks in the darkness…
Report Post »HillBillySam1
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:38amTrumpka and the other politicians are just alike in this way: The only “jobs” in America that they are truly concerned about are their own……why else would the unions stand idly by and not want our governement to inforce it’s immigration laws? Illegals DRIVE DOWN the price of labor and they take away opportunities from the citizens……but they “elect” Progressive Democrats who in turn support the Union Establishment in this country……so the “job opportunities” that are spoken of in these speeches aren’t about the rank-and-file union memebers, it’s about the union leadership….
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 8:39am@82nd Airborne:
ROFL…accountable indeed. Not like the Tea Party though, this one they deem accountable as in the phrase of ‘you work for the unions, now stay bribed or else.’
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 9:07amOne thing I would laugh so much at is if the left started a bill stating “the end of the unions is now at hand as they are declared criminal syndicates…” in the court case brought to end their existence.
Report Post »Clara88
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 9:11amOne of Barry’s alias is Harrison J Bounel. The lying usurper MUST GO!!
Report Post »http://obamareleaseyourrecords.blogspot.com/
NEOBIO
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 9:23amWell when you play around in the devil den,” the devil will show up”.
Report Post »5410amh
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 9:24amIt would be nice if they yanked the democrats funding, might give us conservitives an edge.
Report Post »Clara88
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 9:29amFor THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ASLEEP!!!!
Time to WAKE UP America….
http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/2011/05/wake-up-time.html
Report Post »joseph Fawcett
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 9:44amI say let them pull their money and be rid of it. That has been a major part of the problem. People don’t think that this is not all planned. If they pull their money they will lose the infulance that they now hold. That is why they spend the money to buy the law makers. If we keep voting in people who are not on thier payroll then we accomplish two things. 1. They spend tens of million of dollars without results thus wasting their money and infulance. 2. we weaken their hold on our goverments, and we take back control of them. They will not pull out their money because who will they give it too? Who will they buy? If we remain strong and insist on candiates that refuse their money and elect them then we will be rid of these thugs. Each and every Union Member from the top to the very bottom has the same right and power to infulance the Goverment as every other citizen. Through the one Vote person. Let us keep that in mind, and insist that they do not get more infulance by buying it with thier millions of dollars. This is not about the working families, it is about the power of the Union Bosses.
Keep Strong, be faithful, and stand up and be counted! God is watching, and He will look with favor upon our courage!
http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 10:11amHow does America survive with only union “Working Family’s” ? Business owners don’t work?, Non unionized people don’t work?
Report Post »Bum thrower
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 10:56amNote to Dems: keep the tax payer funded union money (dues) coming or ELSE!!!
Report Post »democratgirl
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 10:57amEvil spirits have been unleashed upon the world and America in such numbers. Men and women have been seduced into believing that a lie is truth and the truth is a lie. Now is the time for Americans to come out in numbers to protest this administration. If you have never done anything before, do it now. Call your local politician’s office in Washington DC and tell them how you feel, nicely. Evil spirits have taken over our government leaders and there are only 2 ways to take it back: prayer and protest. Evil, evil, evil has taken over and you are next.
Report Post »TheLascone
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 11:02amYou better listen you Dems …. lol The unions own this place !
Report Post »http://www.flickr.com/photos/23630227@N06/5596567760/in/photostream/
Clara88
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 11:07amWe must NOT permit Obama to run for president in 2012 WITH-OUT a proper investigation of his background and the truth disclosed…
Report Post »http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/36706
independentvoteril
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 11:19amSad part is that even with the funding OBAMA is going to LOSE.. see UNION MEMBERS even some in the AFLCIO and SEIU .. WILL NOT be voting for OBAMA.. ALREADY PRIVATE UNION MEMBERS by a MAJORITY will NOT vote for him.. and 50% didn’t last time either.. Which means that OBAMA might get the cash BUT he WON’T be getting the votes.. Obama’s BIGGEST mistake.. trying to shut down the OIL and COAL industries.. those are PRIVATE UNION companies.. they DON’T TRUST him.. even IF he resumes drilling etc.. they figure IF he wins he will CHANGE his mind.. AGAIN.. IF OBAMA passes card check or allows the UNIONS to bully people into organizing MORE unions the people that are FORCED will NOT vote for OBAMA.. What I don’t get is WHY Obama has thrown PRIVATE unions such as in the oil, coal etc under the bus by allowing the EPA to shut them down or TAX them THAN wants their TAX CREDITS taken away.. DOES he NOT KNOW how many PEOPLE they employ?? with constitution all but shut down the loss of jobs his administration is causing in these industries will be HUGE..BTW that would also account for the loss of TAX revenue.. since these industries unlike the GOLD, SILVER and URANIUM INDUSTRIES who pay 0 for taking our natural resources..
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 11:29amSpeaking about union DEALS
Report Post »In Connecticut, DEMOCRAT Gov Malloy, stood strong on union givebacks. Union leaders said a major sticking point was healthcare concessions. Instead of Higher Copays , The new agreement will instead “TRY AND KEEP WORKERS HEALTHIER”. It requires union workers to sign a commitment form each year promising to get Paid for CHECKUPS dental cleanings and medical screenings.
How to hold State Union workers accountable, Malloy, You scubag
Susan Harkins
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 12:36pmThey sound desperate…lol.
This is great news.
Pull their funding for progressive LlBTARD Dems. and spend it on what? Protesting? Arm-breaking? Anti-capitalist/Anti-American ads?
ROFL…they are hurting. They know 2012 is coming, and it will come down on them like Thor’s Hammer.
Report Post »logictrumps
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 1:21pmDemocrats know the Unions are powerless to pull away their support, they have no choice but to go along with the political class. It is a reciprocal relationship – union member dues to democrats for elections then the democrats grant more tax dollars in the form of a raise, bump in pension or other benefits to the Union members.
Unions are delusional if they believe their donations entitle them to change the nation to their liking. Union compensation packages are not long term sustainable. The UAW brought down GM with pension & healthcare requirements. Unions do not understand that in order for GM or any business to continue to offer pensions & generous health care for retirees it must continue to increase it’s sales and profits every year just to stay afloat. When 5,000 retire from GM, they are replaced with new workers and now GM’s obligations have increased. There is only so much market share GM can acquire and this is why the UAW broke the backs of GM. GM was unable to capture more of the market, increase sales & profits to sustain the ever increasing burden from pension & health care benefits.
The only reason the public sector can get away with a similar compensation package is the ability to skim more taxes, levy new fees and collect additional fines.
Report Post »Ron Morris
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 2:17pmDon’t worry American,Dictator Barack Hussein Obama,is still in bed with,TRUMKA,this add is just a smoke
screen,to try to make you think that they are not sleeping together anymore!!!!
Impeach Dictator Barack Hussein Obama,and clean out His Mexican-Muslim Loving Administration!!!
Obama has destroyed 50% of America now,don’t give him a second term,or “WE THE PEOPLE” will
have lost our America!!!!!
How about Mr ALLEN WEST for Office,it would be great to have a real American in the WhiteHouse,
a American who has fought for his country,a American that loves his Country!!!!
Take out the TRASH,Put a real American MAN in the WhiteHouse,MR. ALLEN WEST!!!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 3:11pmgo away Shrek i mean Trumka more threats ?
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 3:35pmGo ahead and pull your support from the Dumb-as- crates. See if I care.
Report Post »BJColter Country Music Iconoclast
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 4:30pmGreat shot of two Bolsheviks together.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXvRDmM5Zx4
Report Post »terryinlasvegas
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 6:24pmThe Unions are positioning themselves in case the Democrats go down to defeat (again) in 2012. If that happens, Trumpka et al will say it was because the Unions withheld their support. They can see the writing on the wall. Its the only way (in their minds) to remain relevant.
Report Post »pitboss711
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 7:07pmHey, Trumka…yank this, you piece of garbage!
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 9:16pmThis is such a bluff! The Unions need the liberals to put forth legislation! Everyone knows that!LOL!
Report Post »MiketheTrucker
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 9:59pmGee, I guess Elliot Ness missed a few of the gangsters……
Report Post »paperpushermj
Posted on May 20, 2011 at 10:23pmAre you kidding me—–The Only thing the Dems haven’t done is wash their car on Saturday.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on May 21, 2011 at 9:02amWe need to stand this turd up against a wall and be done with it …
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on May 21, 2011 at 10:20amwatch the other hand folks, this is just a smoke screen they know they have obummer in their back pocket
Report Post »doodad
Posted on May 22, 2011 at 1:21amThis is all diversion for the politically ignorant. Just about everyone knows that unions are more corrupt than our government, and everyone know that the ‘Rats are in their dwindling back pockets. Everyone knows that unions are no longer needed too, but still hear stories of the glad-handing that happens with the unions and the ‘Rats. Ergo, ol‘ fat boy is trying to remove union kowtowing by the ’Rats from the election cycle. It’s like when bin Laden put the tape out to elect John Kerry. He was banking on the “Oh, you caught me trying to use reverse psychology on you! Carry on, Great Satan” hoping that Kerry WOULD be elected. IMO, fat boy is no different than bin Laden anyway. Nice try, fat boy! We all know the ‘Cans won’t get a cent from you.
Report Post »Igno Ramus
Posted on May 22, 2011 at 2:26pmIf the union members EVER wake up, they’re gonna hang Trumpka. When they do, he’ll be
Report Post »DOPE ON A ROPE! LMBFAO