Union Enthusiasm for Obama Re-Election Fades, AFL-CIO’s Chief Trumka Says

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-01/union-enthusiasm-for-obama-re-election-fades-afl-cio-s-chief-trumka-says.html

By Holly Rosenkrantz and Stephanie Armour - Jun 1, 2011 1:50 PM CT

President Barack Obama faces waning enthusiasm from union members as he prepares for his 2012 re- election bid, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said.

“It will be more challenging this time than it was last time to motivate our members,” Trumka, 61, said in an interview today at Bloomberg’s offices in Washington.

Trumka, head of the largest U.S. labor organization, said union members are frustrated by “wasted energy” in Washington on issues that he said don’t help workers: “hysteria” about the federal deficit, a White House review of regulations and Obama’s support for free-trade agreements.

Labor leaders said in recent weeks that they would withhold financial support in next year’s election from candidates who haven’t sided with unions consistently, a move that may hurt Democrats who have relied on labor backing. The International Association of Fire Fighters has vowed to withhold campaign money from federal races, throwing its money into state-level campaigns.

Trumka said the AFL-CIO will spend this summer “holding candidates on both sides accountable.” Candidates who have wavered -- those he called “acquaintances” -- won’t receive support, he said, declining to name such politicians.

FULL story at link.

[DCBob]

1. The GOP is thrilled to hear this.

Good luck to union members if Republicans take back control of the WH and congress.

[provis99]

3. Obama and the Democrats have done nothing to help unions.

And many of their current activities are designed to hurt unions. Frankly, it doesn't make a damn bit of difference from the union perspective whether the Republicans or Democrats run the government.

[dynasaw]

2. Unions Need to Look for A Real Progressive

who will deliver in 2012. Enough already with crypto Republican Democrats
who are hand in glove with banks and big business.