Auto workers rejoin big labor federation

The United Automobile Workers is once again affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The return after 13 years of independence increased the federation's membership to just under the 15 million, while adding a welcome $2.7 million a year to AFL-CIO's treasury, Monitor labor correspondent Ed Townsend reports. It also strengthens the AFL-CIO's political and legislative position at a time of growing conservatism in Washington and throughout the country.

While welcoming the new solidarity, many in the AFL-CIO and UAW are uneasy about how well the two can get along because of differing social views. Inevitable internal realignments of power blocs within the federation could also result in troubles within the next several years, and some AFL-CIO executive council members see the r eturn as "a mixed blessing."