More indications that the decisive re—election of George Bush indicates a realignment in American society: union leaders are fighting over their AFL—CIO structure and policies. Semi—open warfare is breaking out between the IAM (Machinests) and AFSCME (public employees), with each threatening to leave the AFL—CIO if the other prevails.

Realistically or not, this once important segment iplicitly acknowledges they are not connecting with mainstream America on many issues.  Whether they can adapt to the times remains to be seen but at least they recognize their vulnerability.

Ethel C. Fenig  11 10 04