Lid Tight on AFT Disaffiliation Battle in Colorado

2) Lid Tight on AFT Disaffiliation Battle in Colorado. Last Tuesday, EIA broke a story on Intercepts about a disaffiliation attempt in Colorado that resembled a previous battle in Puerto Rico. As I wrote:

"Accounts vary, as they say in the news biz, but what isn't in dispute is that the executive council of the Colorado Federation of Public Employees (CFPE) - 1,000 members strong at last check - voted on October 20 to disaffiliate from AFT. CFPE President Jo Romero notified AFT the same day.

"An October 24 letter from AFT President Ed McElroy in response claimed the council's vote was without legal effect, since it violated CFPE's constitutional requirement to place affiliations to a rank-and-file vote, requiring a two-thirds majority.

"Additionally, McElroy accused CFPE of being at least four months behind in dues payments. He placed AFT Colorado President Dave Sanger in charge of CFPE's relations with the AFL-CIO, central labor councils, and state government.

"For its part, AFT Colorado stated, 'Most troubling are indications that an agent of an outside union may have been involved improperly in orchestrating this failed hijack attempt. The facts of the matter are being explored and will be shared as they come to light.'

"CFPE is standing fast. 'It is disappointing to learn that the AFT may be contacting CFPE members to make assertions about CFPE, its officers and council members that are simply inaccurate,' the council wrote to members."

Later in the week, CFPE issued a further denial that its decision was prompted by a relationship with any other union. "Be aware that CFPE and its members are not part of any coalition, merger or joint effort with SEIU-CAPE, AFSCME or AFT," it said.

The backdrop is an executive order signed by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter to allow "partnerships" in which state employee organizations would negotiate with the government. It looks, acts, and quacks like collective bargaining, but all parties deny it is collective bargaining.