Trumka Talks Tough, But Will Obama Listen?

Rob Bluey / January 12, 2010

Labor union leaders made a trip to the White House yesterday to hear President Obama’s latest pitch for health care legislation. But judging from remarks earlier in the day from AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, the meeting wasn’t a typical administration powwow with Big Labor.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, Trumka outlined his strong opposition to the Senate bill’s 40 percent tax on “Cadillac” health insurance packages — the kind union officials negotiate for themselves and their members. After his speech, Trumka was among 10 labor leaders invited to meet with Obama, who supports the tax measure as a way to raise money.

The tax issue remains one of six key differences between the House and Senate health care bills. It’s clearly a big issue for Big Labor — drawing scorn from the Communications Workers of America and National Education Association as well — but it remains to be seen if their lobbying can change minds. (more…)