The A.F.L.-C.I.O. is creating a new organization, called Working America, for non-union workers who are sympathetic to union issues. Members of Working America can contribute to the union effort by making phone calls, writing letters, and putting pressure on public officials. People who join Working America would not be members of a specific union, and no collective bargaining with employers would take place. Critics of Working America say that an organization like this will only distract attention and resources from true organizing efforts.
See "A.F.L.-C.I.O. Begins Group for Workers Not in Unions", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, August 28, 2003