SEIU could sever ties with California Democratic Party

[question everything]

Source: LA Times

California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton says one of the state's most politically powerful unions has threatened to cut off funding for the party over his support for a group that has broken away from the labor organization. The rift could drive a wedge between the party and one of its most generous donors. The state council of the Service Employees International Union has directed $700,000 to the Democratic Party since 2007 and millions more to Democratic candidates and causes.

Burton said SEIU’s California president, Bill Lloyd, made the threat as Burton was set to appear last week at a San Francisco fundraiser for the splinter group, the National Union of Healthcare Workers. Burton said that he was championing union workers "when Andy Stern was in college." He hailed the breakaway union's leader, Sal Rosselli, as a lifelong friend and “one of the strongest labor leaders in this state.”

Mary Gutierrez, a spokeswoman for SEIU’s state council, would neither confirm nor deny any warning from Lloyd to Burton. “Formal discussions haven’t been had with our board," which would have to vote to cut off funding, she said.



Read more: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/11/seiu-could-sever-ties-with-california-democratic-party.html

[derby378]

1. I've always had this funny feeling about SEIU under Andy Stern (n/t)

[PHIMG]

6. Almost all politically aware rank-and-file type i know has the same feeling

Unions have to form "partnerships" with employers. Kinda flies in the face of everything unions stands for.

[Brickbat]

2. I think it's high time unions withheld endorsements and money from candidates until they start

getting results from those candidates who win, but I have to say I'm sorry to see it happen over this type of thing.

[Proletariatprincess]

4. I agree entirely with you statement

What a shame that our Labor Movement in such internal turmoil when it's enemies are so very strong now.
It is way past time to punish the Democratic Party for it's failure to support organized labor, but please...not this way.

[Bette Noir]

3. I've seen too many instances of SEIU trying to crush smaller, locally-run unions

to have any affection for them. Good riddance.

[musiclawyer]

5. SEIU's attorneys enage in the most unethical practices

in attempts to derail any smaller breakaway unions, who would propably better serve niche clientele. They would not do this unless SEIU management approved of such practices. Withholding funding makes them look arrogant and petty. What matters is electing real blue democrats, period.

[PHIMG]

7. Reminds one of Scientology. n/t

[question everything]

9. Now that's scary (nt)

[msongs]

8. SEIU wants to keep its monopoly...and keep the $$ flowing in as well nt

[brentspeak]

10. SEIU actually lobbied against single-payer

Andy Stern is a corporate fox-in-the-henhouse. All SEIU members should either force Stern out, or else leave the SEIU and form a REAL service worker union.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

11. LOL

[jody]

12. IMO there is a world of difference between the demographics of SEIU versus the interests and needs

of CA’s Democratic Party and other unions in California.