Bravo For The NYState AFL-CIO: Single-Payer Endorsers!

I'm working on Denver time now and, after being out drinking a lot of wine, I'm strapped back into the saddle. Now, this is really good news and a lot of kudos go out to the leadership of the New York State AFL-CIO: at its most recent statewide convention this past week, the State Fed unanimously endorsed single-payer. Here is the text of the resolution.

Apparently, a lot of the push came from four different labor bodies: IATSE Local One; Capital District Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO; United University Professions/AFT; and AFSCME Local 154/DC 37. Here is a letter that went out from IATSE's Robert Score, who was one of the main leaders of the pro-resolution forces:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is with extreme pride and pleasure that I can report to you that at the August 18, 2008 general session of the NYS AFL-CIO Convention, the resolution proposed by your Union for the NYS AFL-CIO to endorse H.R. 676, U.S. Congressman John Conyers’ bill for single payer health care for all, was unanimously approved.

The Local One delegates in attendance included President James J. Claffey, Jr., Vice President William J. Walters, Treasurer Robert McDonough, Business Manager Ed McMahon, Trustees John M. Diaz, Sr. and William Ngai, Local One Organizer Dan Gilloon, Westchester Rep James Edmiston and yours truly.

The NYS AFL-CIO now becomes the 37th State AFL-CIO to endorse H.R. 676 along with more than 400 union organizations in over 48 states and over 100 Central Labor Councils and Area Labor Federations.

We now look forward to the endorsement from the NYC Central Labor Council and the NYC Council.

This historic occasion could not have happened without the relentless, dedicated work of our deceased Brother Ephraim Dunsky, Card 700. Brother Dunsky was a visionary when it came to H.R. 676. He personally introduced me to Rep. Conyers, was responsible for the over fifteen hundred signatures on a petition calling for the NYC Council to endorse H.R. 676 and constantly reminded the membership of Local One about the importance of the passage of H.R. 676. Brother Dunsky was the social conscience of Local One on many issues but H.R. 676 was particularly close to his heart. I am positive that on this very momentous day he is looking down upon us all and smiling.

Fraternally & Sincerely,

Robert C. Score
Recording-Corresponding Secretary

This is really great work and great news. It's been disappointing to me that labor, as a whole, has not been solidly behind HR676 and single-payer health care. By arguing for something short of single-payer, the labor movement is fumbling the ball and losing a great opportunity to make a major, long-term difference in the lives of every American.

Now, hopefully, the NY State folks can push hard throughout the Federation.

You can read the entire story here