Labor Federation Opposes Parental Notification Measure
The California Labor Federation -- the state's largest union organization -- has announced its opposition to Proposition 85, a measure on the November ballot that would require parental notification before an abortion is performed on an unmarried minor, the Los Angeles Times reports. Labor federation leaders last month voted "overwhelmingly" to formally oppose the measure, marking the first time the organization has taken "a strong stand in favor of abortion rights," according to the Times.
In a policy statement, the labor federation also asked the national AFL-CIO "to reconsider its position of neutrality on the issue."
Albin Rhomberg, an organizer of the Yes on 85 campaign, said, "I don't think the vote represents union members."
The labor federation took no position on Proposition 73, a parental notification measure similar to Proposition 85 that was defeated 53% to 47% during the 2005 special election.
Initially, the federation's executive board voted 13-11 to take no position on Proposition 85. However, leaders called for a voice vote on the matter after union members expressed strong support for opposing the measure. Some unions in the federation said they would remain neutral on the issue (Mathews, Los Angeles Times, 8/7).