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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Leaders from unions that splintered from the AFL-CIO this summer said Tuesday they are optimistic about the olive branch the national federation's president extended last week.
The tentative deal, announced by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on Friday, would allow the breakaway unions to work with the AFL-CIO at the state level, yet remain distinct from the federation at the national level. The four unions, representing around 5.4 million members, broke off from the AFL-CIO in July in one of the movement's largest schisms.
The unions that choose to partner with state federations would be required to pay state dues, but in return would be allowed full voting rights at state AFL-CIO meetings, Sweeney said. Union leaders called it a breakthrough from earlier discussions.
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