AFL-CIO

It’s no surprise the Allen/Collins race is getting bloody and starting early. 

DENVER – Rita Moran, a Barack Obama delegate from Winthrop, is heading the AFL-CIO’s efforts for the Maine delegation.

The AFL-CIO is out in full force at the Democratic National Convention. Interest groups have launched an aggressive campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation that seeks to make it easier for unions to organize. The AFL-CIO, which looks out for unions, wants to make sure Democratic lawmakers stay on their side.

Moran said that in Maine the AFL-CIO doesn’t have anything to worry about. Both U.S. Reps. Tom Allen (D-Portland) and Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket) are co-sponsors of the bill. Allen is running for Senate, and Democrat Chellie Pingree is eyeing his seat. She has said that she strongly supports the bill.

Ed Gorham, president of Maine’s chapter of the AFL-CIO, had one word to describe Employee Freedom’s ads: Despicable.

“We appreciate the concern of the group that Wal-Mart and Coca-Cola is financing,” Gorham said. “But they’ve never been friends of working people.”

The argument is over the Employee Free Choice Act, which expands the options for unions to organize. Employee Freedon, the group working against the legislation, argues that the new option -- a majority sign-up -- does not include an election in the workplace, yielding an undemocratic process and opening the doors for intimidation.

In a new ad, a mob boss from the Sopranos makes a guest appearance with cardboard cutouts of Sen. Susan Collins (R-Bangor) and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland), who is challenging Collins.

The ad is part of a campaign opposing candidates who support the Employee Free Choice Act, legislation intended to make it easier for workers to organize by eliminating the requirement of the private ballot.

Collins opposes the bill. Allen is a co-sponsor, along with Rep. Mike Michaud (D-East Millinocket).