An Independent Labor Movement

This type of stuff always seems to always end up being more talk that substance, but it's good to hear regardless:

In a speech at the National Press Club, the head of the nation’s largest labor federation will say that unions intend to focus their 2012 political efforts not based on lawmakers’ party affiliation but rather their stance on issues near and dear to labor.

“We are looking hard at how we work in the nation’s political arena. We have listened hard, and what workers want is an independent labor movement that builds the power of working people — in the workplace and in political life,” Trumka will say, according to excerpts of his remarks. “Our role is not to build the power of a political party or a candidate. It is to improve the lives of working families and strengthen our country.”

The decisions on this stuff largely rests with the individual unions within the AFL, but a drastic change in course needs to occur within organized labor.

The amount of time, money and political credibility invested in Obama by union leaders in 2008 was immense, and there are very few results (including one massive betrayal) to show for it. My thinking had always been if there isn't a candidate in a race that strongly supports unions, the money that would have gone into GOTV efforts should be reinvested in organizing campaigns that builds worker power within that state for future elections.

It's not a perfect solution, but it's a thought. Any other ideas?