Using Our Power - Part Seven


	Conclusion A 6.7 billion dollar movement can do all this … and more. A 6.7 billion dollar movement with 13.3 million members can forge a new spirit of solidarity. It can celebrate its successes over the last 50 years even as it uses its power to win new victories. A 6.7 billion dollar movement that casts over 28 million votes in the 2004 presidential election can get our vote out in the elections of 2005, 2006 and 2008. And by winning those crucial gubernatorial elections, we can use our power to win the White House next time. A 6.7 billion dollar movement with millions of traditional and new allies can fund a labor news and info-entertainment network. By delivering content to the television sets and computers of working families – organized or unorganized -- it can use our power to persuade potential members to join us. A 6.7 billion dollar movement imbued with the renewed spirit of solidarity can continue to win victories at the bargaining table and at the ballot box, victories that can catapult more of our members into the great American middle class. If we use our power decisively, if we use our power with sheer determination, then the America Labor Movement can and will justify the optimism that surrounded the merger of the AFL and CIO in 1955. As IAM President Al Hayes said in his Christmas message to IAM members that year, “Peace and unity between the two great families of labor, the AFL and the CIO, bring to all working people on this holiday new confidence, new strength and new opportunities.” Back \| Home \| Part One \| Part Two \| Part Three \| Part Four \| Part Five \| Part Six \| Part Seven \| Conclusion \| Media \| Next

Conclusion

A 6.7 billion dollar movement can do all this … and more.

A 6.7 billion dollar movement with 13.3 million members can forge a new spirit of solidarity. It can celebrate its successes over the last 50 years even as it uses its power to win new victories.

A 6.7 billion dollar movement that casts over 28 million votes in the 2004 presidential election can get our vote out in the elections of 2005, 2006 and 2008. And by winning those crucial gubernatorial elections, we can use our power to win the White House next time.

A 6.7 billion dollar movement with millions of traditional and new allies can fund a labor news and info-entertainment network. By delivering content to the television sets and computers of working families – organized or unorganized -- it can use our power to persuade potential members to join us.

A 6.7 billion dollar movement imbued with the renewed spirit of solidarity can continue to win victories at the bargaining table and at the ballot box, victories that can catapult more of our members into the great American middle class. If we use our power decisively, if we use our power with sheer determination, then the America Labor Movement can and will justify the optimism that surrounded the merger of the AFL and CIO in 1955.

As IAM President Al Hayes said in his Christmas message to IAM members that year, “Peace and unity between the two great families of labor, the AFL and the CIO, bring to all working people on this holiday new confidence, new strength and new opportunities.”