Martin Not Asked to AFL-CIO Convention

The AFL-CIO is not inviting Lynn Martin to its convention in Detroit next month, marking the first time in nearly a decade that a labor secretary has been spurned by the organization.

The 14.2-million-member organization’s decision to shun Martin points up the animosity between unions and the Bush Administration, which have frequently been at odds over issues that affect working Americans.

AFL-CIO leaders also do not think Martin, who took over in February, has done much to inform them about where the Administration stands on various matters.

“We don’t hear a great deal from Lynn Martin as secretary of labor,” AFL-CIO spokesman Dennis Beal said. “We find out most of her stands and opinions by reading newspapers and magazines.”

Martin’s spokeswoman, Johanna Schneider, said the labor secretary “represents all working men and women of America.”