-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Maki [mailto:amaki000@centurytel.net]
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2009 3:29 PM
To: 'jscannel@aflcio.org'
Cc: 'dom@milwaukeelabor.org'; 'mnaflcio@mnaflcio.org'; 'Michael Eisenscher'; 'debssoc@sbcglobal.net'; 'WCS-A@yahoogroups.com'; 'teresa_detrempe@klobuchar.senate.gov'; 'amy_berglund@levin.senate.gov'; 'elizabeth_reed@levin.senate.gov'; 'eliot.seide@afscmemn.org'; 'DLONG@uaw.net'; 'rgettel@uaw.net'; 'Joshua Frank'; 'carld717@aol.com'; 'Peter Rachleff'; 'mzweig@notes.cc.sunysb.edu'
Subject: Re: Our phone conversation regarding the situation in Gaza
Josh Scannell, Media Relations, AFL-CIO,
This is to confirm our phone conversation at about 3 p.m.Central Time on January 9, 2009 concerning Gaza.
I called the main National AFL-CIO phone number (202-637-500) asking to find out if the AFL-CIO has taken a position on the Israeli carnage of Palestinians in Gaza.
I was transferred to you.
You told me that if the AFL-CIO had taken a position you would have been informed; since you were not informed you concluded, therefore, the AFL-CIO has taken no position regarding the situation in Gaza.
You further said that this situation in Gaza was not something the AFL-CIO would take a position on usually because what is happening does not affect members of the AFL-CIO… please correct me if I am misstating what you told me.
I called to your attention that unions all over the world are taking a position on this issue; including the Canadian Labour Congress and the International Trade Union Confederation.
At present I am not a member of any union affiliated with the AFL-CIO but I have been in the past.
As I explained to you, it is mainly working people and their children and families suffering and dying in Gaza at the hands of these Israeli butchers.
As I pointed out to you, it becomes very hard to convince those who are not members of the AFL-CIO to support initiatives of the AFL-CIO when the AFL-CIO shows no concern or consideration for others in such matters.
Further, members of the AFL-CIO have a direct concern in this issue as their tax-dollars, too, are being used to fund this Israeli carnage of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Also, you must be aware that many members of AFL-CIO affiliated unions have family, relatives and friends living in Gaza and areas of Israel affected by this violence.
I do find it appalling that the AFL-CIO has delayed so long in considering this issue… certainly I am not the first person to make such an inquiry.
You said that you would pass my concerns along to the appropriate person/s and someone would contact me.
Please feel free to check out my blog on this issue:
http://thepodunkblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/canadian-labour-congress-calls-for-end.html
Thank you.
Alan L. Maki
Director of Organizing,
Midwest Casino Workers Organizing Council
58891 County Road 13
Warroad, Minnesota 56763
Phone: 218-386-2432
Cell phone: 651-587-5541
E-mail: amaki000@centurytel.net
Check out my blog:
Thoughts From Podunk
http://thepodunkblog.blogspot.com/
Cc: Maggie Bird, President, Midwest Casino Workers Organizing Council