AFL-CIO Convention delegates voted late Tuesday [July 26] afternoon in favor of a resolution calling for a "rapid" return of all U.S. troops from Iraq. Eighteen AFL-CIO state federations, central labor councils and unions had submitted resolutions calling for an immediate or rapid end to the occupation and return of the troops. The General Executive Council, meeting on the eve of the convention, submitted a resolution that borrowed heavily from elements of those eighteen but did not clearly call for a prompt end to the occupation.

When the resolution reached the floor, Fred Mason, President of the Maryland/District of Columbia AFL-CIO, offered a friendly amendment that clarified and strengthened opposition to continued occupation of Iraq and the modified resolution was adopted by an overwhelming majority of delegates following a parade of delegates who spoke in favor of its adoption (none spoke in opposition).

Metro Council President Jos Williams credited the success of the resolution to the extensive organizing work by US Labor Against the War. USLAW reports that “Adoption of this resolution represents the first time in its 50 year history that the Federation has taken a position squarely in opposition to a major U.S. foreign policy or military action.” Labor journalist David Bacon says the "impact of this call will reverberate for years."

Read his full report at David Bacon Report on Iraq Resolution:
http://www.dclabor.org/index.php?action=GetDocumentAction&id=1206