Clinton to face grilling by union leaders on trade, economic issues
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will meet privately this month with leaders of the nation's largest labor federation as she seeks to prevent a revolt by union members infuriated by her cautious stance on a looming trade deal, labor sources told Reuters.

Leaders with the AFL-CIO, an umbrella group for 56 member unions representing more than 12.5 million workers, will press her on issues such as trade, infrastructure and the types of officials she would name to the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors.

During its gathering in Silver Spring, Maryland, on July 29-30, the AFL-CIO's executive council will also have separate meetings with Clinton rivals former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, whose presidential candidacy has been gaining steam among labor union activists.

Aides to O'Malley and Sanders confirmed they would attend the meeting. Clinton's campaign declined to comment on her attendance but other sources said she is expected.

Trade will likely be the No. 1 issue at the two-day gathering of the federation, which represents workers in a wide range of professions, from brick layers to machinists to nurses.

Labor sources said the council will press Clinton to oppose the Pacific Rim trade deal the Obama administration is finalizing. The issue is a difficult one for Clinton, who was secretary of state in President Barack Obama's first term and an influential player in the administration's effort to build stronger ties with Asia. Obama administration officials view the Trans-Pacific Partnership as a crucial part of its "pivot" to Asia.

While Sanders strongly opposes the TPP, Clinton has stopped short of repudiating it. She has called for strong worker protections in any deal but said she would not take a position until she sees the final details.