Clinton, Democrats meeting labor leaders on 2016 bids

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By KEN THOMAS

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton and her Democratic presidential rivals are holding private meetings with labor leaders in hopes of landing union endorsements that would bring organizational muscle and money to their 2016 campaigns.

Clinton and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley met Monday with board members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders met the public service workers union Tuesday.

The three Democratic contenders have held similar meetings during the past week with the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers union. The candidates are vying for support as union workers seek higher wages, stronger collective bargaining protections and remedies to address disparities between the wealthy and the poor.

Clinton, the Democratic front-runner, holds the inside track on the union endorsements. AFSCME was the first major union to endorse her husband, former President Bill Clinton, in 1992 and supported her primary bid in 2008 over Barack Obama.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/f12bfec3336141399880d2afe039b16a/clinton-democrats-meeting-labor-leaders-2016-bids

[ibewlu606]

1. Union YES!

I hope labor leaders don't fall for the "hope" and DEMAND change from the corporate Democrat model that has relegated us to only being important when candidates needs money and volunteers for the campaign, and then they forget about us until the next election cycle.

[stuffmatters]

2. Seems like she should be called to define her position on TPP in those meetings

It's the most important issue concerning unions right now. This week, in fact! Hard to imagine unions wouldn't ask for her firm commitment against TPP and fast track right at the top of any discussion. She's either for "NAFTA on Steroids" or she's against it. Enough strategic waffling, Hillary

[peacebird]

3. We know she supports more H1B visas.....