Hannah Knowles at The Washington Post reports the leaders of two influential Labor Unions have left the Democratic National Committee (DNC), with one of them citing disagreements with Chair Ken Martin. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) President Lee Saunders have declined offers to stay on as DNC At-Large Members. Both supported a rival to Martin for Party Chair this year and Martin removed both from the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee. “While I am proud to be a Democrat, I appear to be out of step with the leadership you are forging and I do not want to be the one who keeps questioning why we are not enlarging our tent and actively trying to engage more and more of our communities,” Weingarten wrote in her letter to Martin, obtained by The Post. Saunders also wrote to Martin that “Public Service Workers are facing unprecedented attacks,” that this “moment demands unwavering focus” and that “in that spirit, and with deep respect, I must decline your nomination to the DNC.” “This decision reflects our full commitment to fighting the battles ahead,” Saunders added.

To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Two top union leaders leave DNC, dealing blow to Chair Ken Martin