AFL-CIO Delays Making Endorsement In Democratic Presidential Primary

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 21, 2015, before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on fast track authority. Major labor unions and business groups clashed Tue... AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 21, 2015, before a Senate Finance Committee hearing on fast track authority. Major labor unions and business groups clashed Tuesday over President Barack Obama's bid for "fast track" authority to advance trade deals being negotiated with numerous nations. Trumka told the committee that the fast track legislation would rob Congress of a meaningful role in shaping trade deals. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) MORE LESS
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In a win for Bernie Sanders, the AFL-CIO is delaying making it’s endorsement in the surprisingly close Democratic presidential primary.

The news of the decision came in an email from Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO, to the union’s executive council. It was first reported by The Huffington Post Wednesday. A vote had been expected next week at the union’s annual winter meeting in San Diego.

“Following recent discussion at the AFL-CIO’s Executive Committee meeting and subsequent conversations with many of you, I have concluded that there is broad consensus for the AFL-CIO to remain neutral in the presidential primaries for the time being and refrain from endorsing any candidate at this moment,” Trumka said in the email.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has broad union backing, with endorsements from most unions. The AFL-CIO holding out was considered a win for Sanders.

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Notable Replies

  1. Not a smart move, Trumka.

    The election this fall will be won by Hillary Clinton or a Republican. What’s left of union workers can play a large part in saving the country … or not.

  2. Avatar for darcy darcy says:

    Why the AFL-CIO would vote for HRC is beyond stoopid. Thank you Mr. Trumka.

  3. Smart move, Trumka :wink:

    It´s the board´s decision, acutally, K, so no need to go after Trumka.

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