Introduction
The inception of the AFL-CIO in 1955 has altered the face of the labor movement considerably. The term ‘color’ is used in the labor unions to refer to the diversity of people represented by the labor unions. The unions comprise whites, blacks, Asians, Indians, and Latinos. Recent researches have indicated that women comprise an overwhelming 43% of the total population represented by the labor unions. The increased membership in the unions and subsequent increase in the number of women represented is attributed to the passing of the Title VII of the civil rights act of 1964 in the United States of America. This bill prompted labor unions and employers to embrace fair and non-discriminatory promotions amongst their employees. The increase in the membership of labor unions is also attributed to the increase in the foreign workforce in the States. Statistics indicate that over 23.9 million foreign workers were registered in 2007. This was a significant increase as compared to the 17.3 million foreign workers registered in 2000.
Main Body
The history of Resolution #2 dates back to the 1970s when the full inclusion of women in the labor parties was discussed. The famous CBTU (Coalition of Black Trade Unionists) was formed in order to cater to the demands of the African Americans. A series of meetings followed the formation of this labor union. For instance, the AFL-CIO executives met with a number of CBTU groups to deliberate on how to include all colors in the labor movements. The later tabled a long list of diversity proposals which were agreed upon. This was done as a move to persuade John Sweeney, an aspirant for the top leadership position of the labor movement, to promote the tabled proposals if elected.
There were numerous actions that were taken by the AFL-CIO to ensure that Resolution #2 was implemented as proposed. These actions were instigated by the countless meeting held to discuss the most suitable and reliable techniques that could foresee the implementation of Resolution #2. For instance, regional dialogues were facilitated as a tactic to identify impediments of full incorporation and diversity. The AFL-CIO also ensured that regular reports on the full incorporation strategies were presented to the relevant committees for analysis and correction where the need arose. These included regular updates of the progress of both the regional dialogues and their outcomes. Another strategy was enacted to increase the number of women who participated fully in the unions. This came as a result of the altering of the constitution that was done by the AFL-CIO.
Conclusion
There have since been debates on whether the changes made on the constitutions of the labor unions had the intended impacts. It is believed that the increased participation of people of all colors in the operation and management of the labor unions have given minorities the chance to air their views. Even though there are claims that a good number of unions are still under the leadership of white males, the situation is not as worse as it was before the inaction of the changes. It is important to note that the passage of Resolution #2 alone was not enough to transform the leadership of labor unions completely. An increase in the incorporation and participation of people of all colors (especially women) was, therefore, the only way to prove the effect of Resolution 2 in the management of the labor unions.