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Debate over Restructuring the AFL-CIO

Burrus Update #2-2005, Jan. 6, 2005

The media has reported recently on debate within the AFL-CIO about the direction of the labor movement and the need for change. As president of the APWU and a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, I have participated in official and unofficial meetings exploring ideas for change.

Many factors have contributed to the declining influence of the American labor movement on the economy, the politics of the United States, and the world. The erosion of strength can be traced to:

• The inability of the Democratic Party to initiate labor-law reform during periods when it controlled the legislative agenda;
  
  
• The control of all three branches of American government by a Republican Party that is driven by a conservative agenda favoring the wealthy at the expense of workers;
  
  
• The emergence of the global economy, with the resulting loss of American jobs; and
  
  
• The decline of manufacturing jobs and their replacement with jobs in technology- and service-related industries.

The 2004 election defeat, following losses in 2000 and 2002, has demonstrated the declining influence of the American labor movement and the Democratic Party. As expected, we now engage in introspective review to determine how we can continue to be relevant as a voice for the American people.

The fundamental questions are whether it is necessary for the labor movement to change its philosophy, direction, and message, or whether we should change the manner in which we deliver our traditional message. Only after these questions have been answered can we reach agreement on what changes are necessary to the AFL-CIO’s structure.

The discussion within the labor movement is necessary and healthy, but in my opinion, it should be conducted in private, without the public scrutiny of the media and the forces opposed to worker solidarity.

On behalf of the APWU membership I have expressed my opposition to public posturing on these important issues. The views of individual international unions – no matter the number of workers they represent – are not as important as developing a consensus through discussions. The public presentation of position papers could harden the position of AFL-CIO members and make it more difficult to reach agreement. Therefore, until we engage in in-depth discussion and the give-and-take of a democratic institution, I will defer drawing conclusions about what changes are necessary to invigorate the labor movement.

As the discussion about changes to the structure of the American labor movement continues, I will seek input from APWU activists, and apprise leaders and members of changes that will have an effect on their activities.

William Burrus
President

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