Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama has gotten another big labor endorsement, from Change to Win, a federation of unions that broke away from the AFL-CIO in 2005. Change to Win has about 6 million members from 7 unions, including the Teamsters. The endorsement shows another part of the continuing tension between Change to Win and the AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO has chosen so far to sit out this primary season and not endorse any of the candidates. Change to Win is not afraid to take a stand on a hotly contested race.

If these union endorsements mean anything, they should be given early in the process rather than later. Waiting until a few months before the election means that the labor union's agenda, for workers and for the country as a whole, will not get a fair hearing before the American people. In addition, the union endorsement will mean even less to the candidates. It wasn't earned by the candidate, just expected. Maybe the unions that make up the AFL-CIO can put some pressure on their leadership this week to get an endorsement out before the remaining primary contests. The unions owe it to their members.