AFL-CIO faces deficits, hiring freeze
LAS VEGAS (PAI)--Facing estimated combined deficits of $12 million in the next two years, the AFL-CIO is instituting a variety of cost-cutting measures, including a continued hiring freeze and elimination of departments, its Finance Committee chair says.

In an interview with Press Associates during the AFL-CIO convention in Las Vegas, the chair--UFCW Vice President Sarah Palmer Amos--added, however, that the federation does not plan to increase per capita payments from its member unions.

"The key factor in the finances is our unsureness of the depths of the recession, and especially (its impact) on our manufacturing unions which are facing difficult times. Now is not the time for a per capita tax," she said Dec. 6. 6.

Other uncertainties she cited include whether the recession and layoffs after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks would cut federation membership, and whether the Carpenters would rejoin the federation. That decision is expected later this month.

Amos told the AFL-CIO convention the day before that the recession could cut membership, now 13.22 million, by 400,000. If the Carpenters rejoined, approximately 324,000 members would return.

Amos told delegates the federation "probably would see significant deficits" of $5 million next year and $7 million in 2003. The federation's official financial report showed a $43.9 million surplus in 1999, and a $17.7 million deficit in 2000.

It did not include figures for this year, but Amos told PAI the deficit "would be less than $1 million."

The hiring freeze, instituted last year, left approximately 25 jobs unfilled on the total 500-550 person AFL-CIO staff, Amos said. "I would assume we're going to use attrition to focus our resources," with decisions made on whether to fill new openings job by job, she told PAI. 


636 BA Inmanrunning for commissioner
Building trades workers and their families are urged to vote for Pipe Fitters Local 636 Business Agent Chuck Inman, who is running for Oakland County Commission, 4th District, in a special election.

The primary election will take place on Monday, Jan. 8; but the more important general election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5. Inman is running on the Democratic ticket in a heavily Republican area, which includes Clarkston and portions of Waterford and Independence Twp.

A 32-year member of Local 636, Inman has been an elected union official for the past 14 years.

"I am proud to be a part of the success my local has accomplished in keeping the membership of our union well informed on our issues," Inman said, "while providing a voice for the working men and women of our local."

If you can help by posting a lawn sign or in any other way, Inman can be paged at (248) 523-1841.