Labor Presses for Political Independence
Delegates at the National Women's Trade Union League call for a new labor-based political party to challenge privileged interests.
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Whereas, it is believed that the time is now ripe for the working classes of the United States to forward their legitimate interests by political action; and Whereas, the above end can be best fulfilled by the formation of a political party independent of all other political parties and pledged to an undivided loyalty; and Whereas, it is manifest that were the several labor groups now organized in the community united in a political party upon a common platform, such a party would exercise political influence far greater than any group acting separately could exercise; now therefore, be it Resolved, that the delegates of the National Women's Trade Union League in convention assembled do urge the American Federation of Labor to take action toward the formation of a Labor Party, which party shall be pledged to forward the higher interests of the toiling millions as against the selfish interests of a privileged minority.
“Resolved, that the delegates... urge the American Federation of Labor to take action toward the formation of a Labor Party.”
This 1909 resolution reflects the historical debate over whether labor unions should endorse existing political parties or form a third party to represent the working class. It echoes contemporary conversations about the influence of corporate donors versus grassroots political power.
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