Why the AFL-CIO and Solidarity Center
Won’t Ever Mention ‘The World of Labor’
By Harry Kelber

I initiated the weekly “The World of Labor” column on May 4, 2006. because I believed that in this era of globalization, American union members ought to know what was happening to workers and their unions in other countries. And it was a way of promoting international labor solidarity.

In those several years, I have posted (by actual count) 198 weekly articles on “The World of Labor,” with each article describing what was happening in six individual countries, big and small. A great many of those articles dealt with the same problems that were troubling U.S. workers and their unions. In all that time, I had never missed a single deadline.

No one asked me to write the global column. I did it on my own, after I saw that neither the AFL-CIO NOW nor the Solidarity Center would undertake the task.

Their reaction was totally unwarranted. They both decided not to mention “The World of Labor,” because I, a long-time critic of the undemocratic behavior of the AFL-CIO leadership, was the author of the column. It is no secret that AFL-CIO leaders insist on conformity and use their power to intimidate would-be dissidents.

For the past 30 or more years, the AFL-CIO leadership has responded to my criticism and various constructive proposals by simply ignoring me, by never mentioning me, by pretending I don’t exist. Well, I do exist.—and I will continue to be heard!

Let’s Welcome the New Global Radio Reports

There are some10 radio outlets for global labor news, as listed in the AFL-CIO Now website, with each having a varied format and time slot The latest entry is RadioLabour, hosted by labor educator Marc Belanger, which will make its debut Monday morning. (no time given). The podcast will focus on union and workers’ activities and issues around the world.

“For union activists interested in learning more about progressive podcasting, be sure to check out the labor Podcasting group on Union Book,” the AFL-CIO article suggests. It also lists friendly radio broadcasts that are available for "live streaming or via podcasts on their websites.”.

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I am aware that I run the risk of being accused of having an overblown ego. Such critics rarely deal with the substance of my views, but with my audacity in challenging our leaders. I stand ready to debate any of them on issues facing the nation’s working people.

Let me conclude by repeating that I will not be silenced. I shall continue posting my weekly columns on “The World of Labor,” and I hope that union members will find them both interesting and useful.—Harry Kelber