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Labor Day and America's Workforce
With John Sweeney
President, AFL-CIO
Thursday, Aug. 30, 2001; 12:30 p.m. EDT
The AFL-CIO is a federation of labor unions that represents more than 13 million working women and men. Its mission is to give American workers a voice on the job, in government, in the global economy and in their communities.
John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO, will be online Thursday, Aug. 30, at 12:30 p.m. EDT, to discuss the upcoming Labor Day, workers' rights and the upcoming IMF meetings in regard to the global economy.
Sweeney was elected president of the AFL-CIO in October 1995. Before that he served a four-year term as president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and has been an AFL-CIO vice president since 1980.
A transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Temple Hills, Md.:
What do you have to do to be hired at the AFL-CIO?
John Sweeney: You can send a resume into the AFL-CIO but there are many opportunities in the Labor movement at the local level as well as the 65 national affiliates. But if you send us a resume we'd be happy to circulate it.
Washington, D.C.:
What are you doing for Labor Day?
John Sweeney: I'll be traveling and visiting with union members in different cities. I'll also be throwing out the first pitch at an Oakland A's game.
Falls Church, Va.:
What is the AFLCIO doing about organizing more workers into unions in the next five years?
John Sweeney: In recent years we have focused more resources on these efforts and will continue to do so. The Laborer's Union, for example, is hiring 90 new organizers.
Ssomewhere in Maryland ...:
Hey Mr. Sweeney,
I was just wondering if you have read (or will read) the Sept. 3 issue of The Nation, it has an interesting article on your term as president as well as problems facing the AFL-CIO (and Labor, in general). Interersted in hearing your thoughts on issues such as continued stagnation of worforce unionization.
Also, will the AFL-CIO or some of its member unions be present in the upcoming demonstrations here in D.C. in September? I participated in the important Seattle WTO demonstrations which saw a consolidated front between various groups interested in fair trade and progressive environemtnal causes.
Thanks ....
John Sweeney: Healthy discussions about important issues are good for the work we do.
On the global economy question, we're escalating efforts to make the global economy work for working families. We're escalating our efforts to defeat Fast Track. And we'll fight to include safeguards for workers' rights and the environment in trade and investment agreements.
The World Bank and the IMF should cancel the debt of developing countries and end policies that require harmful privatization, cuts in social spending and attacks on workers' rights around the globe.
Washington, D.C.:
Dear President Sweeny:
First, you have and continue to do a great job.
Second, can you update me on the important Delta Flight Attendants (AFA)Campaign? We need to be flying friendlier all union skies!
John Sweeney: Thank you. Much of the credit goes to other hard-working people and our unions.
The more than 20,000 dedicated flight attendants at Delta yesterday took the steps towards seeking a voice at work by filing for a union election. They are preparing to vote on one of the largest organizing efforts in recent years.
Their efforts are similar to those going on at Verizon Wireless and other workplaces where the Communication Workers of America aim to hold Verizon to its promises not to block the freedom to join a union for 40,000 employees.
New York, N.Y.:
Where does the AFL-CIO stand on campaign financing reform? Is it just me who thinks so, or do Democrats and labor take bigger hits with McCain-Feingold than Republicans and big business?
John Sweeney: We need campaign finance reform and it isn't about Democrats or Republicans. Elections shouldn't be about who has the most money. It should be about people and their votes and voices.
We're preparing for the next election earlier and in a bigger way. Seventy-five activists are going into congressional districts now to build toward 2002 with worksite education about where their elected officials stand on working family priorities. On election day how people vote is a personal choice but we want to educate our members about the issues in advance.
Washington, D.C.:
How are unions relevant in the "new economy?"
John Sweeney: Unions are relevant because union members are relevant. Our members build and operate the most sophisticated computer systems in the world but they still need a voice at work. That's why employees at companies like Verizon are forming unions. They know they need a voice at work in the "new economy."
Washington, D.C.:
I know the AFL-CIO has recently focused on exploitation of immigrant workers. Will you be active in discussions about new legalization legislation and what do you think the prospects are?
John Sweeney: I don't like to predict the future but the rights of immigrant workers is very important to our unions and our members. Union members will be very involved in the fight for immigrant workers' rights.
We're also organizing more immigrant workers than ever before. For example, in Phoenix immigrant residential roofers are forming unions with the help of civic groups.
Washington, D.C.:
What plans do the AFL-CIO have for the 2004 Presidential election?
John Sweeney: We plan to educate our members about the candidates, the issues and elect a President and Congress who will fight for the issues that working families care about. But there is a lot to do before that election including elections this year and in 2002.
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