Hi everyone,
I want to take a moment to provide some clarity around recent conversations regarding the Alaska AFL-CIO and how endorsements work within our structure.
First, the Alaska AFL-CIO is the state’s largest labor organization, representing over 50,000 workers across more than 50 unions, including ours. Together, we work through this federation to advance the interests of working people across Alaska through advocacy, education, and political engagement.
As part of this role, there is ongoing work throughout the year. Much of that work is carried out through our Government Affairs Committee, which is structured to engage in these efforts on behalf of the Council. This can include sharing information with members, participating in labor discussions, supporting issue-based advocacy, and coordinating with other unions on matters that impact working people across Alaska.
This structure allows responsibilities to be shared, which means officers may not always be in attendance at every event. That said, there are key moments, like the Alaska AFL-CIO convention, where officer participation is important. These are the settings where formal representation of the council takes place, including voting and involvement in the endorsement process, which are responsibilities of officers. This is done with input and feedback from our GA Committee, as they have been engaged in that work throughout the year.
Political endorsements are just one part of the overall work of the AFL-CIO. Endorsements are determined through an Alaska AFL-CIO process that takes place later in the summer in connection with their convention. That process includes candidate vetting, input from affiliated unions, and a collective decision made by labor organizations, not by any one individual or local council.
I want to be clear that I have not made any endorsement decisions at this time, and that process has not yet taken place.
As your elected representative, my role in that process is to represent our membership thoughtfully and in alignment with the broader labor movement. In past cycles, that has meant aligning with the recommendations of both the Alaska AFL-CIO and Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Government Affairs after candidates have gone through a formal vetting process. It’s also worth noting that endorsed candidates have come from both sides of the aisle, based on their support for labor and working people.
I also recognize that our membership spans a wide range of political perspectives, and that’s something I take seriously. While there are times within our structure where votes may be split to reflect that diversity, endorsement decisions are made collectively through labor organizations with a focus on supporting candidates who are committed to workers’ rights.
If you have questions about the process, I’m always happy to help clarify.
In Solidarity,
LeiLauni
