In addition to reelecting Sweeney and his leadership team, the 800 delegates attending the labor conclave approved new rules for organizing, mobilizing political and legislative efforts and an increase in funds to strengthening the federation and state and local union movements that will lose dues money from the three unions that have disaffiliated. The AFL-CIO constitution prohibits representatives from unions that are non-members from participating in central labor councils, state labor federations or affiliated departments.
The delegates agreed to create a strategic organizing fund and establish a committee to encourage union mergers. Officials also agreed to boost labors political influence by launching year-round programs and not limiting grassroots activities to election years. Sweeney also said he would appoint a committee to develop recommendations on how state and local union movements can respond to the impact of disaffiliation by the three unions.