Page 2-Tuesday, November 20, 1979-The Michiga'n Daily .................k,............ . . . . ................... .:...... a ..***....). . .. .. ....* ..**n**.. a.*. . . . Kirkland follows WASHINGTON (AP)-Lane Kirkland, George Meany's bright and faithful student for three decades, succeeded his mentor as chief spokesman for organized labor yesterday with a call for united union ranks under the AFL-CIO. Kirkland, 57, the labor federation's second-in- command for the past 10 years, was elected unanimously as the second president in AFL- CIO history. The position pays $110,000 a year. HIS ASCENSION to what many consier the most influential post outside of government had been expected because he long was known to be the personal favorite of Meany, 85, who retired after 24 years because of failing health. Succeeding Kirkland as AFL-CIO secretary- treasurer was Thomas Donahue, 51, a former assistant labor secretary and Meany's executive assistant for the past six years. Donahue was also elected without opposition to the $90,000-a- year post. In his acceptance speech, the reserved and scholarly Kirkland dedicated himself to a goal Meany as that eluded Meany-during his long career: a fully united house of labor. "ALL SINNERS belong in the church; all citizens owe fealty to their country; all workers belong in the unions of their trade or industry; and all true unions belong in the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations," Kirkland declared. He promised to "explore anew the affiliation of those organizations now outside our ranks." Then he proclaimed that outside unions have an obligation to join the 13.6 million-member AFL- CIO, now home of 105 labor groups. Kirland mentioned no' names, but left little doubt he was addressing the Teamsters,-United Auto Workers, and National Education Association-the nation's three largest unions with a combined membership of more than 5 million workers. The United Mine Workers is another major union independent of the AFL- CIO. "I SAY NOW TO those who stand outside that I 1 AFL-CIOpresident have too high a regard for the caliber of their because of a feud over personality an leadership to believe that they can really be between Meany and the Auto Workers pr governed by petty personal or pecuniary con- Walter Reuther. Current UAW Pr siderations or ancient tedious grudges," he said Douglas Fraser favors re-affilition, ba in an apparent reference to the UAW's concern within his union are still lukewarm to about losing its political autonomy and some of and Fraser has been unwilling to push h its dues as the cost of re-affiliation. back into the federation. Outside unions "can indulge in the luxury Pf THE 2 MILLION-MEMBER Teamste solitary self-regard and the occasional fawning was expelled in 1957 on charges of cor attention of opportunists.. . only because of the and Meany has opposed the union's ret continued strength and vigor of this central' since. federation," Kirkland said. Kirkland's overture to the Te The former Merchant Marine, who often represents one of the few apparent maj sprinkles his language with nautical metaphors, differences between him and Meany, promised he would steer the ship of labor along been AFL-CIO president since-he and the course long set by his captain, Meany. engineered the merger of the AFL an "AND NOW I declare the speed and course," 1955. he concluded. "Full ahead. Steady as she goes." Kirkland, Meany, and Donahu His address drew cheers from the 1,000 developed policies as a team in recent y delegates, a handshake from Meany, and a kiss the new leadership is not expected to from Kirkland's wife, Irena. upon new trails, at least not immediat The UAW bolted from the AFL-CIO in 1968 Meany's retirement. d policy resident, resident, it many the idea his union ers union. rruption, urn ever, Hamsters or policy who had, Reuther d CIO in e have ears and embark - ely after Meant ... turns over reins n, :.:'... ~. ....: K r : . >': c.. ,rr ,: ::. ..: . ... ::: b '~'., "' :.::::: S' i . . .:,:v :: r.<: :. :..t.:: ": '. .:. ..,. > :p a P v 4 .... ..... /'... k .. .,... >. C .,. h .44 <. ..... ...... ..,..... . .. :, . ,.< '.a. ..... r r :... i .. a.. . Y , .h .. .. ..... 4 ..:u.,. r . ', o< . ....... .,F :... .mb>. .... e.. P.),... ..... .n n>, b: ...<. . a . na.....R.ma ..: )P .an rn ....... ....... .fq .. -..... o+.