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UNITE-HERE's Bruce Raynor says this disaffiliation from the AFL-CIO comes after long contemplation and a conviction that a new direction more heavily focused on organizing is needed.

[Bruce Raynor] : "We do this without any animosity towards any of the leadership or members of the other AFL-CIO unions. It's our intention to work in solidarity with them and with the AFL-CIO on areas where we agree. However, we feel that it's our historical responsibility at this moment in history to help found a federation that will organize the millions of non-union workers."

UNITE-HERE's John Wilhelm says union solidarity on the issues that matter to working people can still be maintained between the AFL-CIO unions and those in the Change To Win coalition.

[John Wilhelm] : "We do not intend to raid any other unions' membership or organizing campaigns. We never have and we're not gonna start now. And we in particular intend to continue our union's leadership on the issue of the rights of immigrant workers in North America."