AFL-CIO's Trumka looks to ‘independent’ labor movement, seen as a warning to Democrats

[jefferson_dem]

AFL-CIO's Trumka looks to ‘independent’ labor movement
By Kevin Bogardus - 05/20/11 06:33 AM ET

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will say Friday that workers want an “independent” labor movement designed to help the working class, not a specific party or candidate.

In a speech at the National Press Club, the head of the nation’s largest labor federation will say that unions intend to focus their 2012 political efforts not on lawmakers’ party affiliation but rather their stance on issues near and dear to labor.

“We are looking hard at how we work in the nation’s political arena. We have listened hard, and what workers want is an independent labor movement that builds the power of working people — in the workplace and in political life,” Trumka will say, according to excerpts of his remarks. “Our role is not to build the power of a political party or a candidate. It is to improve the lives of working families and strengthen our country.”

That, in effect, is a warning to Democrats, traditional allies of labor. The AFL-CIO president will say candidates will need to advance workers’ interests to earn labor’s backing come campaign season.

“It doesn’t matter if candidates and parties are controlling the wrecking ball or simply standing aside — 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. This is where our focus will be — now, in 2012 and beyond,” Trumka will say.

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http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/162331-trumka-looks-towards-independent-labor-movement