Nov. 16—The AFL-CIO will implement its Solidarity Charter program to allow local unions affiliated with the Change to Win (CTW) coalition to join AFL-CIO state federations and central labor councils via “Solidarity Charters” and enjoy full voting and participation rights.
While some details must still be finalized with CTW national unions, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said in a Nov. 16 memo to leaders of state, area and local labor councils and national unions he is confident remaining issues will be resolved.
“We are ready to roll out the program and get about the work of building strong, united state and local labor movements,” he said.
Solidarity Charters allow locals of the disaffiliated national unions to join the AFL-CIO’s state, area and local organizations. These unions pay regular per capita tax on their membership just as other affiliated local unions. Members of CTW unions may run for and hold all offices in the state and central labor councils.
The Solidarity Charters are expected to strengthen the American union movement at the community level, where its organizing, political and issues mobilization programs are implemented.
Sweeney’s letter urged leaders of state, area and local central labor councils to invite CTW local unions to ask for Solidarity Charters and rejoin the organizations. “Labor movement solidarity is crucial to advancing the interests of America’s working families,” Sweeney said.
More
