GOPers And Labor
Last night, about 30 GOPers were feted in DC by six unions representing the basic construction trades: the Laborers, Carpenters, Operating Engineers, Ironworkers, Bricklayers, and the Teamsters.
The unions wanted to thank the GOPers who supported them on a range of issues, including successful efforts to persuade the WH to repeal its Davis-Bacon Act suspension.
Also stopping by: Rep. Roy Blunt and Rep. John Boehner. The message, according to a labor official: "We wanted them to know that we support many of their members who support us on issues and causes."
Also appearing: Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO), along with the General Presidents of the unions, who represent several million workers between them.
Why Talent? Labor officials were mum, but it's worth noting that the Carpenters, the Laborers and the Operators endorsed MO's senior Sen. Kit Bond. And Talent was a key proponent of private activity bonds to fund infastructure in the recently-passed highway bill.[MARC AMBINDER]
Here in Missouri, the Republicans have been put a lot of effort into wooing the unions. Keeping "right-to-work" legislation out of Missouri and pushing for more construction has certainly softened their perception.
The Carpenters Union in particular appears to be receptive to Republican entreaties.
A shift in issues may factor in as well. The overall decline in traditional union jobs (like the Ford closings) and an increase in "social" and security issues may be weakening the Democrat's appeal in parts of the state. At least on the national end of the ballot there are plenty instances of union voters voting for Republicans.
Refocusing on economic issues may be the Democrats ticket to allay a slide in membership.
The teamsters in Jefferson city mo. Run by Mark
Bruemmer must be working with the GOP, reason
he does everything the company wants and fights
his own brothers and sisters. He gave himself a
$36,000 dollar a raise for the year. He refuses to
give the members things by law that he has to. Like finacial reports, and when he has meetings
with members of the companys he keeps no records
or dissorts them. He is a typcial republican , who
is out for the companies.