Unions want their money’s worth from politicians

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/aug/07/unions-want-their-moneys-worth/

Leaders vow tougher push on health care, labor law reform

By Michael Mishak (contact)

Friday, Aug. 7, 2009 | 2 a.m.

Organized labor has always been one of the Democratic Party’s most powerful and reliable allies, bankrolling candidates and turning out votes —­ even, at times, at the expense of the union agenda.

But after nearly emptying their treasuries last year in pursuit of the White House and Congress, unions are pushing back, with a growing number of labor leaders threatening strict accountability if health care and labor law reforms fail.

Seeing a lack of progress on those issues, one union has suspended donations to candidates for federal office and urged other unions to follow suit.

“Accountability is a big word in the labor movement today,” said Gerald McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. “When these politicians come up for reelection, we’re going to look at their records and look at them close.”

He added: “I don’t think our people are willing to wait any longer.”

The most pressing issue is health care legislation, which unions see as key to advancing the labor movement. By taking one of the most contentious and expensive items off the bargaining table, labor leaders argue that employers would be more willing to negotiate first contracts with unions.

FULL story at link.

[imdjh]

1. knr

[wroberts189]

2. knr ..interesting quote

"The most pressing issue is health care legislation, which unions see as key to advancing the labor movement. By taking one of the most contentious and expensive items off the bargaining table, labor leaders argue that employers would be more willing to negotiate first contracts with unions."



A good point for single payer I have not seen anywhere yet.