Sanders Backers Get a Boost with AFL-CIO Decision to Remain Neutral in Presidential Primaries

[marmar]

from the Nation:


Sanders Backers Get a Boost with AFL-CIO Decision to Remain Neutral in Presidential Primaries
The labor federation’s decision is another sign of just how real the Democratic race has become.

By John Nichols


 Hillary Clinton has collected a good number of endorsements from individual labor unions. That has helped to solidify her status as the front runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

But Clinton will not soon collect the endorsement of the AFL-CIO, the labor federation with which the majority of the nation’s unions are affiliated. And that, say backers of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, opens the way for grassroots labor activists to step up their campaigning for the insurgent challenger.

For months, there was speculation about whether the AFL-CIO executive council might make an endorsement at its February 21-24 winter meeting in San Diego.

But AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka ended the speculation Wednesday.

“Our Executive Council will discuss the 2016 election cycle during its Winter Meeting, but no presidential endorsement will be made,” Trumka wrote in an email distributed to executive council members in advance of San Diego meeting. “From the very start of the presidential contest, we have been clear that we have an endorsement process in place, and that we will continue to follow that process in accordance with our Constitution.” ..................(more)

http://www.thenation.com/article/sanders-backers-get-a-boost-with-afl-cio-decision-to-remain-neutral-in-presidential-primaries/

[amborin]

1. rank & file have spoken: if Bernie is not on the tix, then we vote for Trump

[roguevalley]

2. union state and local president, secretary, vice president and labor council

member-state here. Smart move.