Suffridge refused a raise in 1963. And the convention responded by giving a supplementary pension. The position of President Emeritus was created, in part, out of concern that Suffridge might move on to higher office. He had been asked on more than one occasion to become Secretary of Labor, including a firm offer from President Johnson. Suffridge, however, had no such aspiration. In 1967, Meany told Suffridge he would resign as President of the AFL-CIO and have Suffridge elected at the pending Executive Board meeting if Suffridge would accept. This was not the first mention of the subject. Suffridge, however, had no desire to head the AFL-CIO, having been the President of RCIA since the AFL-CIO position really was one of less power and influence.
