UNITE HERE REAFFLIATES WITH AFL-CIO
UNITE HERE, one of the unions that led the revolt to form the Change to Win labor federation four years ago, has rejoined the AFL-CIO – and leaders of the Twin Cities local couldn’t be happier.
“I felt it was going to be coming,” said Nancy Goldman, president of UNITE HERE Local 17. “I’m hoping that all of CTW (comes back). I hope we end up as one organization.”
UNITE HERE President John Wilhelm echoed that sentiment in comments to the national AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh, where he and members of the union were greeted by a standing ovation Thursday when the reaffiliation was announced.
“If we can serve in some small way as a bridge (to other Change to Win unions), we would be honored to do that,” Wilhelm told reporters.
LABOR COMMITS TO STRENGTHEN ON THE LOCAL LEVEL
Shar Knutson addressed the AFL-CIO convention on a resolution to strengthen the labor movement at the state and local level. She told delegates that the creation of area labor councils in Minnesota has not been an easy process, but has resulted in a more effective and unified movement. Delegates adopted a resolution supporting full affiliation of all unions and promoting diversity and accountability in state federations and central labor councils.