AFL-CIO wants to unionize MSNBC

AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka reached out to the cream of MSNBC's crop Wednesday, urging them in a letter to use their clout to rally coworkers in favor of unionization.

The Washington Examiner's Sean Higgins reports that the network's on-air "talent" -- including Rachel Maddow, Rev. Al Sharpton and Ed Schultz -- received the letter. The unapologetically liberal line-up is full of union supporters, but NBC parent company GE isn't a fan:

The letter, signed by Trumka and two other top AFL-CIO officials, states: "Millions of viewers across the country look to your shows as a platform for progressive ideas and advancing workers’ rights. The workers at [NBC's Peacock Productions] respect your work, as do we, and have seen the influence you have on many issues important to working people. We urge you to take the time to meet with these producers and associate producers to hear their concerns first-hand. We would be glad to join you. We know you will be moved, as we have been."

Trumka alleges in the letter that NBC has been forcing the workers to attend mandatory anti-union meetings and used other legal maneuvering to stymie collective bargaining rights.

"Peacock has not acted in good faith," he writes, adding later: "These actions are wrong, and we hope you will stand with your colleagues to denounce them."

Click here to read Trumka's full letter.