AFL-CIO faces rebellion within ranks at convention

CHICAGO, July 20 (Reuters) - U.S. labor leaders fighting declining membership and influence are facing a rebellion from within the ranks that could weaken or even splinter the 50-year-old AFL-CIO, the largest U.S. union coalition.

The AFL-CIO, representing nearly 13 million workers, meets in Chicago on Monday in a convention dominated by demands for change from five member unions representing more than a third of the membership.

The dissident group is seeking to emphasize recruiting new members and to make structural changes, and it has decried what it calls a misplaced emphasis on electoral politics.

The talk has fueled speculation over a split in the AFL-CIO. Dissident leaders have stopped short of saying they would leave if the coalition rejects their proposals, but they have vowed to respond with what one leader called "appropriate action."

Glenn MacDonald, a professor of economics and strategy at Washington University in St. Louis, said the coalition "is a relic ... at this point its main activity is really politics, which is why its membership is so disaffected."

•	AFL-CIO faces rebellion within ranks at convention Reuters, Wednesday, July 20, 2005 Byline: Michael Conlon

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