Obama to labor: I'm on your side

[ProSense]

Obama to labor: I'm on your side

By JOHN MAGGS

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The president met at the White House with a dozen labor leaders, led by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, to discuss how they can join forces to promote economic growth and job creation. The meeting comes just days after Obama’s extended huddle with Wall Street and corporate executives, seeking common ground along with ideas to encourage business investment and employment.

Trumka said afterward that the president reaffirmed his support for the labor movement but added that both sides avoided topics of conflict — including the new tax deal Obama brokered with Republicans and signed into law in a Friday afternoon ceremony, a move that unions opposed.

“We didn’t talk about any specific issues that occurred before today,” said Trumka outside the White House, while inside Obama delivered a speech before signing the tax bill. “The president and each one of us have stated our positions on each one of those things.”

Trumka said labor supports the president’s plan for long-term transportation infrastructure spending, and the movement wants him to help states avoid painful budget cuts that could mean more pink slips for public workers. Though Trumka said the meeting with the president was constructive, he was tight-lipped about specific topics Obama and the leaders discussed.

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[Kennah]

1. So is he keeping friends close ...

[Go2Peace]

2. Then why didn't he give the "Employee Free Choice" act the same kind of energy?

Sorry, but he talks a good game. I would love to see him give the kind of energy and influence drive that he gave to the tax cuts for EFCA. Then I would believe him. But I am sure we will never see it.

[Sherman A1]

3. Precisely

I suspect he is on the side of labor just long enough to get their support for 2012.

This Union guy, just ain't buyin' it.

[hay rick]

5. No sale here either. nt

[bigwillq]

6. No sale

Have to agree.

[craigmatic]

4. I don't know.

Sounds like he's just telling them what they want to hear. It also doesn't mention what Obama is going to do with that free trade deal.

[rug]

7. Isn't that what he said to the CEOs Wednesday?

[hulka38]

8. Audacity n/t

[martymar64]

14. But with the CEO's he meant it. With Labor, it's just more lip service

Change We Can Believe In.



Riiiight.

[kenny blankenship]

9. Oh he's on their side, he just finds it impolitic to act on their behalf.

"Make me do it," he said. I think we can all agree you labor folk didn't succeed in making him do shit, so whose fault is it really?

[Kitsune]

10. Could have fooled me.

[lonestarnot]

11. He's a fence walking cat.

[Odin2005]

12. The Audacity of LIES.

[mitchtv]

13. oh sure he is

wanna buy a marina in Palm Springs?

[Norrin Radd]

15. Best laugh I've had all week.