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Trumka launches bid to lead huge labor federation
2009-07-09
WASHINGTON - The nation's largest labor federation is about to elect its first new leader in 14 years after the labor movement split because of tensions about the longtime leadership. Richard Trumka, currently the secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, on Thursday formally launched his bid to become the organization's next president with a boisterous rally at the University of the District of Columbia. Trumka is unopposed for the post and he has already lined up support from more than enough member unions to put him over the top when the federation chooses its new president at its September convention in Pittsburgh. The AFL-CIO is made up of 56 unions representing about 11 million workers. Trumka would take over from retiring president John Sweeney, who led the federation during a contentious time that saw several large unions leave the AFL-CIO four years ago to form the rival Change to Win federation. The departing labor leaders said they were frustrated with Sweeney and wanted to focus more on organizing new workers. Trumka promised the crowd that he would be more aggressive when it comes to expanding union membership -- particularly younger workers -- and holding politicians accountable for votes on legislation that affects workers. "I'm running because just like you, I know with a strong labor movement, a job of the future doesn't have to be a thing of the past," he said. With union membership in a steady decline since the 1960s, labor leaders are pushing this year for Congress to pass sweeping changes to union organizing laws that would make it easier to form unions. Trumka is running on a slate that includes Liz Shuler, executive assistant to the president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, as his running mate for secretary-treasurer. The third slate member is Arlene Holt Baker, who wants to keep her post as executive vice president. The only competitive race will be for secretary-treasurer. Greg Junemann, president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, has launched a separate bid for the post. Junemann touts himself as a reformer and more experienced financial manager who would challenge conventional wisdom, clean up the AFL-CIO's finances and reduce the federation's debt.
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