Big labor gets "lump of coal" for Christmas

I hope the labor unions were not expecting any big gifts in the health care bill, scheduled to vote and pass on Christmas Eve.  Despite the fact that Obama has been the most labor friendly of many of the past administrations in  years, Obama has left a bitter-sweet taste in the mouths of the labor leaders.  The provision that will tax the so called "catillac plans" will inevitably hit many of their members. 
Likewise, AFL-CIU and the SEIU felt left out of the economic recovery plan that targeted Wall Street.  They also feel somewhat slighted that the Employee Free Choice Act has been pushed back to 2010.  But they cannot deny that the President has given them access and input given to few other organizations.  So, the AFL-CIU and the SEIU neither formally oppossed or supported the bill.  Sources claim that behind closed doors, they have voiced their frustration.  It seems that the Obama Administration has given them much reason to hope, but not alot of substance as far as actually granting the Unions something they desire.
The labor unions had pushed hard for a public-option, and it looks like they too will come away empty handed if and when this bill becomes law.

SEIU president Andy Stern declared in a conference last week that "We need his suasion.  We need his personal involvment and we are totally convinced that what we want is what he wants."  He was referring to President Obama and his lack of involvemnt in the Union's plight, and lack of influence in this health care bill.
Many on the left have attacked Obama for his seemingly indifferent approach to the contents of this bill.  It seems to me he just wants to get a middle of the road bill passed while not offending too many on the left or right. Is this compromise or lack of leadership?  Or just politics? 
He will never appease the Right, because they are just rooting for his demise.  It is political suicide to lose your base.  Still yet, the Unions are not ready to give Obama the finger just yet.  Staying in his good graces is a plus, and they are betting that eventually, it will pay off.  Right now, labor has seem little concessions.  Merry Christmas Big Labor.  Hope  you enjoyed that mandate!  Oh, I am sorry, that was a gift for the insurance companies.  Ho!Ho! Ho!