Recently, as a result of the effectiveness of the new leadership of the AFL-CIO in putting the interests of America's working families first, defeating Fast Track, passing an increase in the minimum wage, saving occupational disability, assisting us in our national bargaining and on Amtrak, the forces of organized management have begun attacking the AFL-CIO leadership.

Rail labor will not allow these attacks to go unanswered. The rail chiefs and all of the rail unions but the United Transportation Union recently sent the following letter to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson. We will not allow the forces of greed to manipulate the process in a manner that makes our leadership ineffective.

This letter is to express our unqualified support for yourself, Rich Trumka and Linda Chavez-Thompson in the outrageous attacks being directed at all of you in the media and by right-wing forces within the government. It is clear to us that the goal of these attacks is to reverse the direction that you have taken the labor movement in general and working people in particular since you assumed office in October 1995.

You have brought the labor movement back to life not only in the political and legislative arenas, but in every area necessary to defend the interests of workers and to move a working family agenda forward. The right-wing and their wealthy corporate allies, reeling from the new aggressive direction you have set and the results you have achieved, have systematically set out to bring the labor movement to a halt.

We in rail labor have benefitted tremendously from the personal involvement of yourself and Secretary-Treasurer Trumka in our battles with the big railroads and anti-worker politicians. From your involvement in our Presidential Emergency Boards last year, when you and Rich aggressively assisted us in obtaining the best agreements we have seen in 20 years, to your personal role in assisting rail labor during mega rail mergers and Amtrak and Railroad Retirement battles, you have been there in a way we have never seen before. In all these struggles, your leadership and personal commitment have made the difference in obtaining the best results possible under extremely adverse conditions.

We have noted the attacks the right-wing has made in the media and through the legal process at Rich in particular as well as leaders of some of the most progressive affiliates, using little more than innuendo and hyperbole to attempt to reverse the phenomenal results you have all achieved in the short two years of your administration. This is nothing new for the labor movement, as the forces of greed and wealth have always used their resources and influence to advance their interests at the expense of working people.

Be certain that those of us, including our members, who have supported and benefitted from the new direction you have taken the labor movement, have not been, and will not be fooled by those trying to make us ineffective. Every time our members have needed AFL-CIO support, you, Rich and Linda, as well as your staff and affiliates, have been there for us with intelligent, invaluable assistance. Be sure that we will be there for all of you--that we have only the greatest admiration for your courage and vision.

An injury to one is an injury to all. The attack leveled at the AFL-CIO in general and Rich Trumka in particular is an injury to all of us. We will fight back and with your leadership keep the labor movement moving forward to advance an aggressive agenda for working families.