Union retirees have a new national organization to support the drive for a federal prescription drug program and other issues important to seniors.

The AFL-CIO and a coalition of affiliated unions kicked off the Alliance for Retired Americans with a rally of some 500 seniors on Capitol Hill on May 23.

AFL-CIO Pres. John J. Sweeney told rally participants that the Alliance is "the largest retiree-only advocacy organization in our country. . . . And we believe its size and national scope make it an instant political force to be reckoned with."

The Alliance also marked its launching with a rally outside the New York City headquarters of the Pfizer drug company. According to the Alliance's new study, "A Profit in Pills: A Primer in Prescription Drug Profits," Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies had median after-tax profits of 18.6 percent in 2000, compared with 4.9 percent for other Fortune 500 companies.

Membership in the Alliance is open to all retirees. Retirees from participating unions will receive letters from their unions announcing the creation of the Alliance and offering free membership. Senior citizens who are not union retirees or members of the former National Council of Senior Citizens can join the Alliance for just $10 a year.