Every year, the main business of the Washington State Labor Council convention is the deliberation, discussion and action on resolutions submitted by the affiliated union locals and councils. These resolutions to establish policy, programs and action for the WSLC. The following were passed by delegates at the WSLC’s 1999 Convention August 19-21 in Wenatchee (some resolution numbers are skipped because those resolutions were either rejected by delegates or combined with another similar submission):
#2 — MENTAL HEALTH PARITY
#3 — IMMIGRANT RIGHTS
#4 — IN SUPPORT OF CREATION OF A FEDERAL HOLIDAY HONORING CESAR CHAVEZ
#5 — IN SUPPORT OF BILL LANN LEE’S CONFIRMATION AS DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL AT THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
#6 — IN SUPPORT OF THE FAMILY REUNIFICATION ACT OF 1999 AND THE FAIRNESS FOR LEGAL IMMIGRANTS ACT OF 1999
#7 — SUPPORT OF REDUCED ACTUARIAL PENALTY FOR EARLY RETIREMENT IN PERS II
#8 — ON WORKER DISPLACEMENT BY PRISON INMATES
#9 — TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
#10 — ON PUBLIC CONTRACTING AND COMPLIANCE WITH PREVAILING WAGE
#11 — ON PROVIDING ADEQUATE TESTING OF NEW CONTRACTORS
#12 — SEPARATION OF THE BIDDING PROCESS
#13 — BIDDING RULES FOR PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION
#14 — REGARDING MISCLASSIFICATION OF WORKERS
#15 — REGARDING PERMANENT ANCHORS FOR FALL PROTECTION
#16 — CONCERNING ADEQUATE CONTRACTOR BONDING
#17 — CURTAILING BID SHOPPING
#18 — STRIKE SEVEN-YEAR TIME LIMITS ON WORKERS’ COMP CLAIMS
#19 — WORKERS’ RIGHTS TASK FORCE
#20 — REGARDING WASHINGTON/OREGON TAXATION
#21 — RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND THE CONTRACTING OUT OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEE JOBS
#23 — RELATING TO PUBLIC FUNDING OF APPRENTICESHIP
#25 — PRESCRIPTIONS PAID IF PRESCRIBED DURING FIRST MEDICAL VISIT
#26 — GUIDELINES FOR LABOR CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
#27 — OPPOSE INITIATIVE 695
#29 — RESOLUTION ON THE 2000 FEDERAL DECENNIAL CENSUS
#31 — RESOLUTION ON EMPLOYABILITY STANDARD IN INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE
#32 — RESOLUTION ON THE NEED FOR RULES ON THE PREVENTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
#33 — ON THE CENTER FOR WORKING CAPITAL
#34 — COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES
#35 — SUPPORTING IMPROVED FAMILY CARE LEAVE
#36 — VIOLENCE AT HOME AND AT WORK: A UNION ISSUE
#37 — REGARDING SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
#38 — SUPPORTING ENFORCEMENT OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS THROUGH THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
#41 — IN SUPPORT OF WASHINGTON HEALTH CARE FINANCING REFORM ACT
#42 — ON FARM WORKER HOUSING
#43 — IN SUPPORT OF A LIVING WAGE
#44 — CREATING A SYSTEM OF PAID FAMILY LEAVE
#45 — IN GRATITUDE TO THE NO. CENT. WA LABOR COUNCIL
#46 — VIOLENCE IN THE WORK PLACE
#47 — IN SUPPORT OF A LIVING WAGE FOR STAGEHANDS AT THE TACOMA DOME
#48 — ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR UNION FAMILIES
#49 — REGARDING PERS II
MENTAL HEALTH PARITY
Resolution #2
Submitted by Clinical Social Workers, OPEIU Local 49; Office & Professional Employees Locals 8, 11 & 23
WHEREAS, every worker, and their family, has the right to comprehensive medical benefits; and
WHEREAS, mental health benefits are often left out of medical benefits or are inadequate in scope; and
WHEREAS, comprehensive mental health benefits have been shown to lower the cost of over all medical care; and
WHEREAS, unions have a long tradition of supporting workers’ rights to comprehensive medical benefits; and
WHEREAS, 25 states have already enacted legislation establishing mental health parity; and
WHEREAS, legislation in favor of mental health parity is being considered by the Washington State Legislature; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support the goal of Mental Health Parity through current state legislation; meaning mental health problems will receive the equitable financial coverage that other medical benefits receive in health care plans; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, the Washington State Labor Council will support current and future legislation which will put mental health parity into law.
IMMIGRANT RIGHTS
Resolution #3
Submitted by Washington Federation of State Employees Local 304
WHEREAS, free trade agreements have opened the U.S. borders to the unfettered movement of corporations and capital in search of profits, and it is only fair that our borders should also be open to workers who seek to earn an honest living; and
WHEREAS, U.S. big business hypocritically blames immigrants for the joblessness and low wages here at home, while creating poverty, oligarchies, unemployment, ecological catastrophes, and wars which drive immigrants to flee their homelands; and
WHEREAS, the 1996 Immigration Law militarized the border and dramatically increased the repressive power of the INS and its armed agents, resulting in skyrocketing number so deportations for both documented and undocumented workers; and
WHEREAS, across the nation, the INS is attempting to deputize local law enforcement agencies to carry out raids, which has compelled cities like Salem, Oregon to enact resolutions of non-cooperation between the INS and local law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the growing number of raids on immigrant workers, along with the passage of “English only” laws, deny their right to freedom of speech and association, and undermine the right of all workers to organize; and
WHEREAS, despite these attacks, immigrant workers across the country are providing inspiration to the whole labor movement by waging heroic organizing campaigns in the apple, strawberry, construction and apparel industries; and
WHEREAS, the penchant of big business politicians for labeling workers as “illegal” is an affront to the core principals of humanity and solidarity embodied in the organized labor movement of all countries; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council work with immigrant rights organizations to obtain passage of city and state legislation barring cooperation between local and state law enforcement agencies and the INS in raids or deportation proceedings; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council call for an end to all INS raids and take the following actions:
a. work with immigrant rights groups to expose and stop INS round-ups and other attacks on immigrants;
b. urge affiliates to declare their labor halls as sanctuaries for immigrant workers facing persecution from the INS
c. organize protests against the racists, union-busting INS tactic of getting long-time undocumented residents fired from their jobs, thus forcing them to leave the country because they are unable to support their families, including U.S.-born children; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council call for the repeal of the 1996 Immigration Law, for the defeat of proposed new “guest worker (bracero program) legislation, and for amnesty for all undocumented workers currently in the U.S.; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council call for de-militarization of the borders and for a drastic reduction in the number of armed INS agents.
IN SUPPORT OF CREATION OF A FEDERAL HOLIDAY HONORING CESAR CHAVEZ
Resolution #4
Submitted by the King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO
WHEREAS, farm workers perform the difficult physical labor of growing and gathering food for everyone’s tables while being accorded very little respect and compensation; and
WHEREAS, Cesar Chavez, along with Filipino-Americans Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong, led the movement which first won union contracts and a degree of dignity for farm workers in the 1970s; and
WHEREAS, since the nineteenth century, Asians and Pacific Islanders have a history of migrant farm work and organizing, from the Hawaiian plantations to sugar beets and other agriculture in the western states; and
WHEREAS, the movement led by Cesar Chavez used a broad scope of organizing activities to publicize the farm workers’ cause and organize in the fields and in agricultural processing; and
WHEREAS, unions are again attempting to publicize the farm workers’ cause and organize in the fields and in agricultural processing; and
WHEREAS, Cesar Chavez symbolizes militant struggle for social and economic justice; and
WHEREAS, Representative Bob Filner of California has introduced a joint House resolution to establish a federal holiday commemorating the life and works of Cesar Chavez; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council go on record in support of a Cesar Chavez federal holiday.
IN SUPPORT OF BILL LANN LEE’S CONFIRMATION AS DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL AT THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Resolution #5
Submitted by the King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO
WHEREAS, Bill Lann Lee is well qualified to head the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and, in fact, has led the Division for over a year and a half by Presidential Order; and
WHEREAS, he is the first Asian American to head the Civil Rights Division; and
WHEREAS, his nomination has been blocked in the Senate for three (3) years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council write to Senators Trent Lott and Orin Hatch, as well as our own Senators Patty Murray and Slade Gorton, calling for the confirmation of Bill Lann Lee as Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Justice Department.
IN SUPPORT OF THE FAMILY REUNIFICATION ACT OF 1999 ANDTHE FAIRNESS FOR LEGAL IMMIGRANTS ACT OF 1999
Resolution #6
Submitted by the King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO
WHEREAS, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, so-called “welfare reform”, barred immigrants from partaking of a number of social safety net benefits; and
WHEREAS, the Fairness for Legal Immigrants Act was introduced in 1999 to restore some benefits to documented immigrants; and
WHEREAS, benefits to be restored include Medicaid coverage to children, pregnant women and some nursing home residents; coverage under the new Child Health Insurance Program; Supplemental Security Income for the disabled; food stamp eligibility for pre-1996 documented immigrants; and benefits to survivors of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Representative Barney Frank has introduced HR 1485, the Family Reunification Act of 1999; and
WHEREAS, HR 1485 would provide some relief from summary deportation, including judicial review and possible parole, for immigrants with criminal convictions and others subject to harsh new INS detention policies, if those individuals have been permanent residents for five (5) years and have seven (7) years of continuous residence; and
WHEREAS, this legislation has the qualified support of immigrant advocacy groups, which view these laws as significant steps toward redressing laws that are unfair to immigrants; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council go on record in support of the Family Reunification Act of 1999 and the Fairness for Legal Immigrants Act of 1999, and will communicate that support to appropriate union bodies, the Washington State Congressional Delegation and immigrant rights organizations.
IN SUPPORT OF REDUCED ACTUARIAL PENALTY FOREARLY RETIREMENT IN PERS II
Resolution #7
Submitted by Amalgamated Transit Union Legislative Council of Washington State, AFL-CIO
WHEREAS, the Washington State Retirement System Plan (PERS II), a defined benefit pension system, has been in existence since October 1977; and
WHEREAS, PERS II requires employees to retire at the age of 65 for normal retirement and for early retirement the employee would suffer an eleven percent (11%) reduction benefit in the first year and an eight percent (8%) reduction for every additional year of early retirement; and
WHEREAS, State employees who do not qualify for the normal retirement age of 65 but have worked for many years (some employees have worked for more than 30-35 years) and will suffer huge financial losses if they retire before the normal age of 65; and
WHEREAS, over the past several years, investment of PERS II money has returned extraordinary dollars over and above previously anticipated investment income; and
WHEREAS, the extraordinary gains in dollars from the investments of PERS II monies would pay for an actuarial reduction for early retirement without any loss of benefits to the plan; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support a change in PERS II legislation to improve the retirement benefits for those employees in the State of Washington who would like to retire earlier than the age of 65.
ON WORKER DISPLACEMENT BY PRISON INMATES
Resolution #8
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, the Department of Corrections has been mandated to secure employment for inmates of our state penal system; and
WHEREAS, the intent to secure employment is to alleviate incarceration costs to the state and to make monetary restitution to victims and to force the inmates to save a portion of their earnings to be available upon their release, at the same time provide an opportunity for inmates to gain work experience and work opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the law requiring that inmates be employed is causing law abiding citizens to lose employment in the State of Washington to prison industry; and
WHEREAS, law abiding citizens should not lose employment to prison inmates; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council introduce legislation that will prohibit the Department of Corrections from being involved in any industry that would displace Washington workers; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that basic education skills be taught to each and every inmate so that if they return to society, they will be able to seek gainful employment.
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Resolution #9
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, working men and women of this state depend on a safe, adequate highway system; and
WHEREAS, a safe, adequate highway system is essential to the economic success of our state and our ability to compete in a global economy; and
WHEREAS, the state gas tax is a fixed cents-per-gallon tax that does not keep pace with inflation; and
WHEREAS, newer automobiles and trucks with increased fuel economy has resulted in greater travel and reduced transportation revenues; and
WHEREAS, Washington State now has a transportation funding crisis that, unless solved, will create more congestion, unsafe roads and leave Washington motorists at unnecessary risk during the next major earthquake; and
WHEREAS, working people use our highways and roads every day in their jobs as they deliver goods and services to Washington’s businesses and households; and
WHEREAS, Washington’s roads, streets and highways have traditionally been built by working men and women who work and live in our state; and
WHEREAS, road, bridge and highway construction jobs are a vital part of our state economy; and
WHEREAS, the construction industry provides family wage jobs for the building and construction trades; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature must act quickly to solve the current transportation funding crisis; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urge the year 2000 Washington State Legislature to adopt a transportation funding package that includes a fuel tax with indexing and will meet the future roads, streets and highway needs of Washington’s growing population and that will keep our state competitive in terms of creating new jobs, providing a livable family wage and expanded economic opportunities.
ON PUBLIC CONTRACTING AND COMPLIANCE WITH PREVAILING WAGE
Resolution #10
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, the attitude and actions of a public contracting agency are foremost in assuring compliance with prevailing wage laws; and
WHEREAS, public agencies often don’t care about , or are even hostile to, obtaining compliance with prevailing wage laws; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Auditor and the Department of Labor and Industries’ Prevailing Wage Section have each made helpful efforts to educate public agencies on the law and their responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, much education still remains to be done; and
WHEREAS, contractors’ failure to comply with prevailing wage laws often goes hand-in-hand with other problems that adversely impact safety and value received by the public agency; and
WHEREAS, unfair competition should be punished, not rewarded; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council commend and support the educational efforts that have been made so far; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the WSLC lobby for increases in those educational efforts; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support enactment of public policies and legislation to strengthen responsibility and accountability of public contract awarding agencies for compliance with the payment of prevailing wage, including benefits, on their construction projects.
ON PROVIDING ADEQUATE TESTING OF NEW CONTRACTORS
Resolution #11
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, to protect the consumer from unlicensed or scurrilous licensed contractors has proven ineffective; and
WHEREAS, the State of Washington should set a high priority on the protection of the citizens whose health and safety are affected by scurrilous unlicensed or licensed contractors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council work to achieve amendments to RCW 18.27, Registration of Contractors, that will provide adequate testing of new contractors applying for a license, penalties for infractions, and a board that could provide for a dispute resolution process.
SEPARATION OF THE BIDDING PROCESS
Resolution #12
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, the bidding of mechanical work and the bidding of electrical work separately would provide fair competition and would benefit the public; and
WHEREAS, the mechanical and the electrical work should each be considered a separate bid package; and
WHEREAS, there is historic basis for this separation of bidding; and
WHEREAS, bid shopping could be substantially reduced by bidding the mechanical and electrical components independently; and
WHEREAS, this separation would provide enhanced contractor accountability; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council adopt and support this separation of the bidding process; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council work to ensure passage of legislation promoting this separation of the bidding process.
BIDDING RULES FOR PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION
Resolution #13
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, public confidence in the bidding of government construction contracts is dependent not only upon the quality of the final product, but also upon the way the company treats its workers and the community; and
WHEREAS, a responsible contractor knows and adheres to all laws and rules designed to protect the safety of the workers and the general public, provides for timely payment of prevailing wages to workers and compensation to subcontractors and vendors, and protects the environment; and
WHEREAS, New York City and other cities and states have developed laws which recognize and give preference in the bidding process to responsible contractors; and
WHEREAS, these laws have been beneficial to the general public and workers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support “responsible contractor” laws, ordinances, and/or regulations that apply to bidding rules for public construction at all levels of government.
REGARDING MISCLASSIFICATION OF WORKERS
Resolution #14
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, a most critical issue facing the organized sector of the construction industry is the proliferation of unscrupulous contractors who are deliberately misclassifying construction workers as independent contractors. Because this illegal practice is devastating the union construction industry and inflicting harm on our members and their families, the National Building Trades Department has given its highest priority to finding a solution; and
WHEREAS, at the Department’s urging, the Internal Revenue Service has set up a special, nationwide task force to investigate and deal with the misclassification of workers in the construction industry; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, working with the NBTD and other unions, is actively seeking the eradication of misclassification in the construction industry by urging the enactment of federal and state legislation, pursuing private lawsuits, and working to increase the enforcement efforts of the Internal Revenue Service and affected state agencies in identifying and punishing contractors who illegally misclassify their workers, and the Department believes that criminal prosecution by state authorities of misclassifying contracts will have a significant deterrent effect; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council refuses to waver in its steadfast opposition to deliberate misclassification of workers and to any public or private efforts, legislative or otherwise, that may encourage or condone such illegal misclassification; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will use every lawful means to fight worker misclassification, including, but not limited to, urging state and federal legislatures and agencies to adopt laws and regulations against misclassification, vigorously pursuing private lawsuits against contractors who deliberately misclassify their workers as independent contractors, and working with federal and state agencies to bring effective civil and criminal enforcement action against contractors who misclassify their workers.
REGARDING PERMANENT ANCHORS FOR FALL PROTECTION
Resolution #15
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, labor unions have always sought to protect the safety and health of workers on the job through training, collective bargaining and the passage of legislation to ensure safety and health laws and regulations; and
WHEREAS, working in the construction industry is one of the most hazardous occupations in the job market; and
WHEREAS, OSHA and WISHA regulations and fall protection standards have been set; and
WHEREAS, there are far too many work site injuries still resulting; and
WHEREAS, residential and commercial contractors and developers do not take into consideration means to install permanent anchors for fall protection to be utilized by subcontractors, workers on future projects such as remodeling, re-roofing, etc.; and
WHEREAS, the installation of permanent anchors for fall protection could also be utilized by the home/building owner thus helping to prevent the high percentage rate of accidents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council lobby to pass legislation requiring a permanent anchor for fall protection on all new and remodeled residential and commercial construction.
CONCERNING ADEQUATE CONTRACTOR BONDING
Resolution #16
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, contractor bonds are necessary for the protection of consumers and workers; and
WHEREAS, current bonding requirements are $4,000 for a specialty contractor and $6,000 for a general contractor; and
WHEREAS, the current bond amounts provide inadequate protection for injured parties; and
WHEREAS, the bond amounts have not been increased to account for inflation for many years; and
WHEREAS, the ability to effectively enforce wage and hour laws that protect workers could be enhanced with increased bonding amounts; and
WHEREAS, consumer and worker claims are often unresolved due to insufficient bonding; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support increasing the contractor bonding requirements; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that acquiring new or renewed contractor bonding should be contingent upon first resolving any prior unpaid final judgments; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support and work to enact legislative and other remedies to ensure adequate contractor bonding.
CURTAILING BID SHOPPING
Resolution #17
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, the practice of bid shopping is an unfair and unethical practice in the bidding process; and
WHEREAS, protections against favoritism, carelessness, fraud and corruption are compromised by the practice of bid shopping; and
WHEREAS, competitive bidding statutes are intended to provide free and fair competition; and
WHEREAS, the competitive process is intended to benefit the taxpayers and not benefit and enrich the bidders; and
WHEREAS, in 1993 and 1994 the state legislature took action requiring the listing of major subcontractors; and
WHEREAS, subcontractors are not always required to be actually listed; and
WHEREAS, after the bid is awarded, subcontractors sometimes substitute another contractor who will end up actually doing the work; and
WHEREAS, the Attorney General, in AGO 1994 No. 14, does not find an express prohibition in the statute against changing the subcontractor(s) used; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council adopt a position opposed to bid shopping; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that legislation is needed to provide stronger protections and sanctions against the practice of bid shopping; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support and promote legislative and other remedies to curtail the practice of bid shopping.
STRIKE SEVEN-YEAR TIME LIMITS ON WORKERS’ COMP CLAIMS
Resolution #18
Submitted by the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council
WHEREAS, those injured on the job may have long-term effects from their injury or disease; and
WHEREAS, these effects may last longer than the seven-year period from closing; and
WHEREAS, injured workers should not be held to a specific time frame to reopen; and
WHEREAS, effects of an injury or disease after the seven-year period should be covered under the Industrial Insurance Act; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council lobby the Washington State Legislature to strike any and all time limits for reopening of claims for aggravation of industrial injury or occupational disease.
WORKERS’ RIGHTS TASK FORCE
Resolution #19
Submitted by the Washington Federation of Teachers
WHEREAS, in Washington State the law on collective bargaining extends to state-supported community colleges only, and the Washington State law on collective bargaining is silent for faculty at four-year state-supported higher education institutions; and
WHEREAS, in response to a request in 1993 from Eastern Washington University, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office advised that the Board of Trustees have power to negotiate with faculty IF THEY SO CHOOSE, but could not be compelled to do so, and further legal precedent has been established at EWU where the Board of Trustees has entered into a collective bargaining agreement with Eastern’s faculty union; and
WHEREAS, historically, both K-12 teachers and community college faculty negotiated with their employers before the creation of their respective bargaining laws; and
WHEREAS, the faculty at Central Washington University has voted by a 74% margin for United Faculty of Central to represent them for the purposes of collective bargaining, yet their wishes have been ignored by the CWU Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, in Washington State many workers are not afforded the opportunity to participate in the collective bargaining process; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will create a Task Force to identify all Washington State employees, and other workers in Washington, who are denied basic worker rights, and to direct the Task Force to report on whatever suggested political and legislative solutions may exist to correct this situation.
REGARDING WASHINGTON/OREGON TAXATION
Resolution #20
Submitted by Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 598
WHEREAS, many residents of the state of Washington work at jobs in the state of Oregon; and
WHEREAS, these workers contribute significantly to the vitality of the Oregon economy; and
WHEREAS, the states of Washington and Oregon has chosen greatly differing tax systems in that Oregon taxes income and Washington taxes consumption; and
WHEREAS, Washington residents annually pay in excess of one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) in income tax to the state of Oregon; and
WHEREAS, Benton and Franklin County Washington residents pay more in personal income tax to the state of Oregon than do the residents of the 29 Oregon counties; and
WHEREAS, Washington residents working in Oregon must pay taxes to two (2) states (income taxes to Oregon and sales taxes to Washington); and
WHEREAS, the amount of income taxes paid by Washington residents greatly exceeds the cost of public services they receive from Oregon; and
WHEREAS, the monetary contributions Washington residents make to the Oregon economy, the amount of taxes paid by Washington residents to Oregon, the overall tax burden for Washington residents who work in Oregon as compared to the tax burden on other Washington residents and Oregon residents, the inordinate ratio of taxes paid compared to the services provided to Washington residents by the State of Oregon, and constitutional questions regarding the taxation of Washington residents by the state of Oregon create an extremely unfair situation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council seek active legislation to achieve a tax-exempt status from the State of Oregon for Washington residents working in Oregon; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that if such legislation cannot be accomplished, the Washington State Labor Council will seek legislation to repeal the tax exempt status of Oregon residents in the State of Washington.
RESOLUTION TO SUSPEND THE CONTRACTING OUT OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEE JOBS
Resolution #21
Submitted by the American Federation of Government Employees
WHEREAS, through massive increases in contracting out, the Administration is dumping important government services usually performed by reliable and experienced unionized federal employees into a vast and dangerous swamp of waste, fraud and abuse; and
WHEREAS, if Congress doesn’t act soon, the rest of the government will slowly sink into that swamp and become just as ineffective, inefficient, and unaccountable as the part that has already been contracted out; and
WHEREAS, numerous academic and government studies have documented the cost-overruns and poor performance of private contractors allowed to run amok, thanks to poor or non-existent contract administration; and
WHEREAS, the Congressional auditors at the General Accounting Office (GAO) have admitted that they cannot prove that the government’s contracting out has been beneficial to taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, the Administration continues to race ahead nonetheless, proposing to “compete” the jobs of at least 230,000 unionized federal employees over the next five years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council demand that Congress impose a suspension of all contracting out at all federal agencies at least until the actual costs and true consequences of contracting out are known; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the suspension should last until all of the following conditions have been met:
1. The Administration must prove that contracting out actually makes the federal government more, not less, efficient.
2. Work performed by contractors must be subjected to the same public/private competition as work performed by unionized federal employees.
3. No work that is essential to any agencies’ missions may ever be subjected to public/private competition, let alone contracted out.
4. Work may never be converted to private sector performance without public/private competition.
5. Work may never be converted to private sector performance because of arbitrary in-house personnel ceilings.
6. Agencies must be required to keep track of the number of contractor employees in exactly the same ways they keep track of federal employees.
7. Any savings from contracting out must not come from undercutting unionized federal employees on their pay and benefits.
RELATING TO PUBLIC FUNDING OF APPRENTICESHIP
Resolution #23
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, its standing committee on Education, Training and Apprenticeship, and the State Apprenticeship Coordinators’ Association have worked in vain to resolve apprenticeship funding issues with the state’s community and technical college system; and
WHEREAS, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has been unable or unwilling to resolve this issue and has chosen to hide behind the claim that each individual campus has the right and responsibility to act unilaterally; and
WHEREAS, Washington State Law governing apprenticeship (RCW 49.04.030) clearly states that “Related and supplemental instruction for apprentices . . . . shall be the responsibility of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.” ; and
WHEREAS, the State Board has never appropriately fulfilled this statutory requirement; and
WHEREAS, approximately 50% of current apprenticeship FTEs generated and tuition collected reaches the apprentice to support his/her Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) while little to no accountability exists within the system for the remaining 50% and
WHEREAS, while the State Board has the obligation to ensure the above is accomplished, it has chosen to ignore this requirement and allow individual schools to establish their own responses which fall far short of the needs of the local JATCs’ needs; and
WHEREAS, current practices leave local JATCs and their apprentices facing hardships caused by inadequate funding; and
WHEREAS, no amount of prior or current meetings and discussions initiated by apprenticeship coordinators and officers and staff of the Washington State Labor Council have made any significant change in these policies of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Joint Apprenticeship Training Trusts (JATCs) receive the full FTE value, less reasonable administrative costs, for each apprentice they train; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that upon adoption of this resolution, the Executive Board of the Washington State Labor Council shall distribute copies to all of its affiliates and all JATCs, urging them to contact the State Board for Community and Technical colleges to demand that the Board take immediate action to provide full funding; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution shall be sent to all state representatives and senators, asking for legislation to provide full funding of apprenticeship FTEs in the upcoming session if the State Board does not act immediately to resolve this issue.
PRESCRIPTIONS PAID IF PRESCRIBED DURING FIRST MEDICAL VISIT
Resolution #25
Submitted by Washington Federation of State Employees, Local 443
WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Industries pays the initial medical visit regardless if the workers’ compensation claim is ultimately approved or not; and
WHEREAS, other workers’ compensation jurisdictions pay prescriptions prescribed during the first medical visit; and
WHEREAS, for some injuries, it is important that prescription drugs be taken from the onset of injury; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council create legislation that would require the Department of Labor and Industries to pay for prescriptions prescribed during the first medical visit.
GUIDELINES FOR LABOR CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
Resolution #26
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, many candidates seek Labor’s endorsement for their candidacy; and
WHEREAS, Labor has no written guidelines for candidate endorsements; and
WHEREAS, some central labor councils may not have reviewed a candidate’s questionnaire or interviewed the candidate; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council’s statewide COPE has previously endorsed candidates who have not filled out the Washington State Labor Council questionnaire or the candidate was not interviewed and may have a poor voting record; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the following criteria be used before considering candidates for COPE endorsements:
1. The candidate(s) must complete a candidate questionnaire.
2. The candidate(s) must participate in COPE candidate interviews.
3. A review must be made of the candidate’s voting record, if applicable.
4. The viability and attitude of the candidate should be considered.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, adopt these recommendations for endorsement of candidates, and urge all central labor councils to use these guidelines when endorsing political candidates.
OPPOSE INITIATIVE 695
Resolution #27
Submitted by the Pierce County Central Labor Council
WHEREAS, Initiative 695 (I-695) to lower the motor vehicle tax to $30.00 has gathered enough signatures to be placed on the ballot to be voted upon by the voters of Washington State; and
WHEREAS, I-695 repeals the motor vehicle excise tax and replaces it with a single $30.00 license tab fee and, additionally, requires that every tax and fee increase by state and local governments be subject to voter approval; and
WHEREAS, I-695, if approved, will stop many transportation projects within the state, resulting in more congestion on our roads, highways and interstate freeways; and
WHEREAS, I-695, if approved, will have a huge financial impact on cities, counties and other political divisions of government; and
WHEREAS, the financial impact to city, county and transit authorities may lead to a reduction in buses and drivers to transport workers to their jobs; reductions in the number of sheriffs and police officers, crucial to the protection of our neighborhoods and places of employment; reduction in fire fighters, crucial in saving lives during fires and medical emergencies; reduction in corrections staff in jails and prisons, forcing early release of prisoners to walk our streets; reduction of public employees who provide worthwhile services to the citizenry; plus many other reductions in services that we are not yet aware of; and
WHEREAS, I-695, as proposed, will have an impact upon all local unions representing workers at all levels of government, including, but not limited to, AFSCME, Fire Fighters, Police, Professional & Technical Engineers, Service Employees, Operating Engineers, Carpenters, Electricians, Transit Employees, and many more; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the delegates to the August 19 – 21, 1999, Washington State Labor Council convention in Wenatchee, Washington, reaffirm the position of opposition to the passage of I-695; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that opposition to I-695 be the number one priority for the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, prior to the November 2, 1999 general election, helping local unions to educate their memberships, enabling them to work on the campaign in opposition to Initiative 695.
RESOLUTION ON THE 2000 FEDERAL DECENNIAL CENSUS
Resolution #29
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, a complete and accurate count of all persons in the U.S.A. is vital to the interests of working people in the state of Washington; and
WHEREAS, past censuses have been significantly inaccurate despite the good faith efforts of the Census Bureau and its personnel; and
WHEREAS, the United States Government asked the national Academy of Sciences to devise a method for conducting the 2000 census that would be more accurate, and the National Academy has done so; and
WHEREAS, the last federal decennial census conducted in 1990 was the first census that was less accurate than its predecessor; and
WHEREAS, recent federal decennial censuses, including the 1990 census, significantly undercounted millions of Americans and over counted millions of others; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau has reported that the 1990 census undercounted 8.4 million persons and over counted 4.4 million others; and
WHEREAS, out of the net 4 million undercount in the 1990 census, more than half were children; and
WHEREAS, the undercount has had a disproportionate impact on the African American, Hispanic, Asian American, and Native American populations; and
WHEREAS, the 1990 census was recognized as not living up to American goals of fairness and equality due to the racial differential; and
WHEREAS, the Census Bureau has initiated plans to conduct the 2000 federal decennial census using modern, scientific methods that will produce a more accurate count of the Nation’s population; and
WHEREAS, the Supreme Court has rendered a decision that the Census Act enacted by Congress prohibits the use of the modern scientific procedures to adjust the census for the purpose of allocating Congressional Representatives among the States, but the Court’s decision recognized that the Census Act requires the use of such modern procedures for all other non-reapportionment purposes; and
WHEREAS, intrastate redistricting is one such non-reapportionment purpose because it involves the drawing of political boundaries within the State and does not involve the reapportionment of Representatives among the various States; and
WHEREAS, the traditional methods of conducting the census will be less accurate than the scientific modern methods developed by the national Academy of Sciences, and will be less accurate than the scientific methods regardless of the amount of funds allocated by Congress to conduct a census using the traditional methods; and
WHEREAS, Washington State lost over $8.4 million in federal funding, money that we contribute through taxes but did not get back in needed services; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council do what they can to raise the importance of the 2000 Census with its affiliates; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urge their affiliates to inform their rank and file members of the importance of taking the time to read, fill out and return the census forms that will be mailed to them; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor movement make every effort to assure an accurate count of all working people in the State of Washington in the year 2000.
RESOLUTION ON EMPLOYABILITY STANDARD IN INDUSTRIAL INSURANCE
Resolution #31
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, under the present L&I rules, injured workers who are unable to return to their former work are found to be employable if they can qualify for any job that pays above the minimum wage; and
WHEREAS, these injured workers, who are determined to be employable, are not eligible for vocational retraining benefits; and
WHEREAS, according to the Department’s current statistics, 3,900 workers, or 64% of workers receiving assessments in 1999, will be found able to work at a minimum wage job and are, therefore, ineligible for retraining; and
WHEREAS, the employability standard causes enormous hardship on injured workers who have achieved a livable wage standard and then suffer a debilitating work-related injury or disease; and
WHEREAS, the employer community has received a combined amount of over $900 million in workers’ compensation premium reductions, dividends from the investments of the workers’ compensation reserve fund and retrospective ratings refunds since 1996; and
WHEREAS, raising the employability standard to a reasonable percentage of wage of injury is critical to the well-being of injured workers in the state of Washington; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, with the support of its affiliates, work with the Administration and the Legislature to raise the employability standard to no less than 90% of wage of injury; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council communicate the need for this change in the employability standard to the Governor, the Director of Labor and Industries and the appropriate leadership in the legislature; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that if there is no progress on this issue by the 2000 legislative session, legislation will be introduced to raise the employability standard to no less than 90% of wage of injury.
RESOLUTION ON THE NEED FOR RULES ON THE PREVENTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Resolution #32
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Committee
WHEREAS, musculoskeletal disorders are injuries and illnesses involving soft tissues or bones; and
WHEREAS, musculoskeletal disorders account for 34% of all lost U.S. work days at an estimated cost of $20 billion per year and annually affect 647,000 workers; and
WHEREAS, musculoskeletal disorders account for 52% of L&I Workers Compensation compensable claims; and
WHEREAS, these musculoskeletal disorders represent a huge toll in pain, suffering and lost work days for Washington workers; and
WHEREAS, almost all of the western industrial nations have comprehensive ergonomic standards to protect workers from musculoskeletal disorders; and
WHEREAS, the one-by-one, day-by-day toll of these injuries represent unnecessary human hardship and tragedy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council make every effort to encourage and support the development of effective ergonomic standards by the Department of Labor and Industries; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will make every effort to educate and mobilize its affiliates to fight for rules that are designed to drastically reduce the number of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases that are a direct result of unsafe working environments; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall communicate this resolution of organized labor in Washington to Governor Gary Locke, Director Gary Moore, the chairs of the Labor Committees in the Washington State House and Senate, place this resolution on the WSLC website, and provide updates on the website, as needed, on the progress that is being made in developing an ergonomic standard for musculoskeletal disorders.
ON THE CENTER FOR WORKING CAPITAL
Resolution #33
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, the economy of Washington State in which our members toil is neither worker nor organized labor friendly; and
WHEREAS, when increasingly the winners of the economic struggle are the owners of capital and not the not the providers of labor; and
WHEREAS, the rewards of our economy are inequitably delivered to the rich and powerful and not to our members; and
WHEREAS, the economic resources of organized labor and its pension investments are substantial but are often invested in a way that does not often reflect our values; and
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO’s Center for Working Capital has the skill and expertise to allow labor’s investments and pensions to reflect our values; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, through it’s Economic Development and Job Retention Committee, and in cooperation with the AFL-CIO’s Center for Working Capital, identify and educate union trustees and others in the area of active ownership, shareholder rights and economically targeted investments.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES
Resolution #34
Submitted by the Washington Federation of State Employees, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
WHEREAS, the Washington Federation of State Employees and other Washington State Labor Council public sector affiliates have been trying for ten (10) years to gain the right to collectively bargain for wages and benefits the same as all of our brothers and sisters in both the public and private sectors; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature has failed to pass this legislation despite Democrats having control of both the House and Senate and the Governor’s Office at one point during the past ten (10) years; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council made collective bargaining for state workers their number one priority during the 1999 Legislative Session; and
WHEREAS, the support and leadership provided by the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliates during the 1999 Legislative Session was immeasurable; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliates again put collective bargaining for state employees on their agenda for the year 2000 legislative session.
SUPPORTING IMPROVED FAMILY CARE LEAVE
Resolution #35
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been an outstanding success in providing workers with job protection while allowing them to give necessary care to family members for illness and injury; and
WHEREAS, today many children are taken care of by day care providers and are not allowed to attend day care when suffering from non-serious illnesses or injury; and
WHEREAS, these non-serious illnesses and injuries do not meet the standard of FMLA and, therefore, the parent(s) must choose either the risk of losing their employment in order to care for the child(ren) or of going to work and leaving the child(ren) ill and unattended; and
WHEREAS, with today’s aging work force, many workers face the same unacceptable choices when caring for their elderly parents; and
WHEREAS, today’s extended families challenge us to maintain the integrity of the intent of the FMLA to take care of a family member without fear of reprisal or job loss from an employer; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support the inclusion of “. . . care for a child or parent who requires home care, and to attend school conferences, incidental medical, orthodontia and dental appointments . . .” to any existing or proposed legislation governing family and medical leave; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support recognition in the law of the more extended nature of today’s families, including domestic partners.
VIOLENCE AT HOME AND AT WORK: A UNION ISSUE
Resolution #36
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, domestic violence at home and attacks on employees in the work place are serious and complex issues deeply rooted in cultural, social, economic and organizational factors, which become worse where there is growing economic and social instability; and
WHEREAS, because of personal, professional and economic implications of violence in the home, on the job and in society, unions have a continuing responsibility to act on behalf of their members to prevent and solve this problem; and
WHEREAS, the experts agree that silence is the main contributor to the perpetuation of domestic violence which is an evil that must be brought to light, openly discussed and dealt with in order to find solutions which will break the cycle of abuse in the family and in the work place; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will urge all of its affiliates to support the campaign to end domestic violence at home and in the work place as a demonstration to their members that this sort of abuse will not be tolerated by working women and men; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support the campaign to end domestic violence by:
1. Designing materials to educate and raise our affiliates’ awareness of this problem;
2. Developing training programs to do the same;
3. Building coalitions with unions and social organizations;
4. Organizing public awareness campaigns;
5. Campaigning for appropriate legislation and its enforcement.
REGARDING SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
Resolution #37
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, the average age of a school in the United States is 42 years old; and
WHEREAS, one-third of public schools need extensive repairs; and
WHEREAS, the General Accounting Office estimates the added cost of bringing U.S. schools up to code to be more than $112 billion; and
WHEREAS, the number of students in American public schools will increase by one million over the next ten years; and
WHEREAS, the increased demands of rising student enrollments continues to be met by the unacceptable use of “portable” classrooms; and
WHEREAS, studies have shown that smaller class sizes improve educational achievement; and
WHEREAS, President Clinton has proposed a new federal school modernization program to help localities build or modernize schools; and
WHEREAS, the cost school construction in Washington State has been shifted from the state to the local property owner over the last decade so that state funds now cover less than one-third (1/3) the cost of school construction when in the past the state paid for nearly two-thirds (2/3) of the cost; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urge its U.S. Senators and Representatives to support the President’s proposal by co-sponsoring S. 1454 introduced by Senator Charles Robb in the Senate, and H.R. 1669 introduced by Representative Charles Rangel in the House of Representatives; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State congressional delegation be urged to work for the enactment of this legislation in the 106th Congress; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support efforts to restore balance in the responsibility for school construction costs so that the state will again fund at least fifty percent (50%) of the cost of local school construction and help relieve the burden on local property taxpayers.
SUPPORTING ENFORCEMENT OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS THROUGH THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
Resolution #38
Submitted by the King County Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, workers in every nation are entitled to basic human rights such as a minimum age for child labor, freedom from forced or compulsory labor, a workplace free from discrimination, freedom of association and the right to join together and bargain collectively to balance the overwhelming power of global capital; and
WHEREAS, a global economy that fails to protect these basic rights, that fails to honor the values and lift the living standards of working men and women around the world, is a global economy that does not work for working people, and will not work at all; and
WHEREAS, trade laws should be used to empower workers, protect the environment and foster sustainable, equitable and broad-based development; and
WHEREAS, the current international trading system rewards corporations and governments that abuse workers’ rights rather than reinforcing respect for human rights; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support an overhaul of the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules to guarantee workers’ basic rights and reverse the inequities in the current global economic system, ensuring that the benefits of global growth are shared by all; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that if the WTO Ministerial in Seattle does not constructively respond to International Labor Organization input, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will appeal to the National AFL-CIO to lobby Congress to withdraw from the WTO unless and until they begin to make decisions responsible to environmental, health and worker rights; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, join the 700 labor, consumer, environmental and social justice organizations from 73 countries in the joint declaration to “oppose any efforts to expand the powers of the WTO”; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall engage in immediate and direct organizing efforts to mobilize the rank and file to impact the WTO by:
1. Educating about the effects of free trade and WTO policies on labor rights, the environment and social justice;
2. Supporting and encouraging the autonomous development of local plans and actions pertaining to the WTO;
3. Going on record in support of the planned action called for by the national AFL-CIO on November 30, 1999, and to work with all affiliates to ensure maximum turn-out of labor for this most important event, including encouraging union offices to close to allow staff to attend.
IN SUPPORT OF WASHINGTON HEALTH CARE FINANCING REFORM ACT
Resolution #41
Submitted by Seattle Community College Federation of Teachers 1789
WHEREAS, there are an estimated 600,000 or more individuals in Washington state with no health insurance coverage; and
WHEREAS, the individual insurance market is disappearing so that in seventeen (17) Washington state counties the Basic Health Plan is the only private insurance available; and
WHEREAS, premiums for the unsubsidized Basic Health Plan have increased by an average of 50%, driving thousands of Washington residents out of the unsubsidized Basic Health Plan; and
WHEREAS, Health Care 2000 (formerly know as Washington Single Payer Action Network) has committed to filing a citizen’s initiative known as the Washington Health Care Financing Reform Act (or the Health Care 2000 Initiative) for the Washington State November 2000 ballot; and
WHEREAS, the Health Care 2000 Initiative would create a single, publicly accountable, publicly financed health care payment system called the Washington Health Care Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Health Care Trust would provide universal coverage to all Washington residents, with full benefits, including preventive programs, home care, hospital and ambulatory care, prescription drugs, vision and hearing care, mental health services at parity with other health services, complementary medicine, and a phase-in of long term care and dental care; and
WHEREAS, the Health Care Trust would allow individuals to choose their own health care providers who remain in the private sector and are not employees of the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Health Care Trust would place medical decisions in the hands of health care providers and their patients; and
WHEREAS, many rank and file members of unions throughout Washington state, working under contracts with health care provisions, are not eligible for such care if they work in certain sorts of “part-time” or “contingent” work situations, but would be eligible for such care under this new plan; and
WHEREAS, total savings resulting from Health Care 2000’s financing reform are estimated at $3.4 billion, which could then be directed towards other public needs, including social services and education; and
WHEREAS, a central part of labor’s heritage is to stand in solidarity with those in our own ranks and those in our community most in need of support on the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council reconfirms their commitment to achieving universal health care through a single payer system, and will support all politically viable efforts to achieve this goal.
ON FARM WORKER HOUSING
Resolution #42
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, the overwhelming majority of farm workers have never been provided housing of any sort by growers while working their crops, instead finding shelter wherever they can (in gravel pits, along river banks, on unimproved public land or in the orchards of “permissive” growers); and
WHEREAS, when housing is provided by growers it is almost always substandard; cold, drafty, leaky, pesticide contaminated and vermin infested; lacking adequate ventilation, electricity, indoor plumbing, safe and sanitary places for children and other attributes expected for habitable dwelling; and
WHEREAS, growers who provide housing frequently attempt to forbid and prevent the harvest worker(s) from receiving and visitor(s) of their choice, especially union organizers, and summarily and unlawfully evict these workers at the first indication of a labor dispute; and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington has not adequately enforced what few standards exist to regulate temporary farm worker housing, instead allowing by their inaction the institutionalization of substandard conditions for farm workers; and
WHEREAS, the apple industry taxes itself over $40 million each year to promote the sale of apples; and
WHEREAS, farm workers, whose average annual earnings are less than $7,000, are the state’s lowest paid and least protected group of workers, rendering them fiscally unable to provide for themselves an adequate standard of living and decent housing; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that organized labor vigorously resist all attempts by agribusiness and its politicians to weaken or evade federal OSHA standards for farm worker housing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council demand that the agricultural industry and the state of Washington provide adequate funding to establish community based housing for farm workers which meets the same standards for habitability enjoyed by every other resident of this state; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council explore and pursue partnership opportunities to finance and build high quality, permanent community based housing for farm workers and other poverty wage workers.
IN SUPPORT OF A LIVING WAGE
Resolution #43
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, it is beneficial to the health and welfare of all Washington State citizens that all workers are paid a wage which enables them to live above the poverty level; and
WHEREAS, the state awards many contracts to employers to provide services to the public and the state government; and
WHEREAS, the state provides direct financial assistance to employers for the purpose of economic development and job growth; and
WHEREAS, many state employees and child- and home-care workers employed under state contracts earn wages that keep their families at or below the poverty line; and
WHEREAS, the payment of such inadequate compensation tends to negatively affect the quality of services to the state and the public by fostering higher turnover and instability in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, the use of state funds to promote the creation of a livable will increase the ability of these employees to attain sustenance, decrease the amount of poverty and reduce the amount of taxpayer funded social services in Washington state; and
WHEREAS, a state policy providing for a livable wage is consistent with other programs operated by the state to meet the employment and economic development needs of low wage workers; and
WHEREAS, it is the purpose of this policy to provide for a livable wage for workers employed by employers who are awarded service contracts or direct financial assistance by the state, and thus enhance the welfare of the workers in Washington State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council make it a priority in the year 2000 to pass livable wage legislation in Washington State.
CREATING A SYSTEM OF PAID FAMILY LEAVE
Resolution #44
Submitted by the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board
WHEREAS, Washington State has been a leader in developing public policies that help working families balance the demands of work and family; and
WHEREAS, unions and their members have long advocated for universal coverage for basic benefits such as family leave that allow working families to become healthier and more secure; and
WHEREAS, new parents often must juggle difficult work and family situations with the birth, adoption of a child or placement of a foster child, including lost income, forcing a new parent to return to work prior to the best interests of the child or family; and
WHEREAS, paid family leave for new parents would allow working families to better manage the financial, emotional and social needs of their families; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council go on record in support of establishing a new benefit for new parents that would allow paid family leave for workers who become new parents; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council work with a coalition of women’s medical, community and church organizations to create a system of universal paid family leave for working families in Washington State.
IN GRATITUDE TO THE NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON LABOR COUNCIL
Resolution #45
Submitted by the Officers and Staff of the Washington State Labor Council
WHEREAS, the 1999 Washington State Labor Council Convention has been informative, spirited and fun; and
WHEREAS, the North Central Washington Labor Council has, through their perseverance, patience, and hard work, made possible the success of the 1999 WSLC Convention; and
WHEREAS, members of the North Central Washington Labor Council have devoted many hours of their personal time to make the 1999 WSLC Convention possible; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the 1999 Convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, go on record as thanking the North Central Washington Labor Council for their hard work making this convention a success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council Convention honor the North Central Washington Labor Council as the Number One Labor Hosts of 1999.
VIOLENCE IN THE WORK PLACE
Resolution #46
Submitted by the American Postal Worker Union &the National Association of Letter Carriers
WHEREAS, many employees interact with the public on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, there are frequently more assaults and fatalities against public and private sector employees who deal with the public; and
WHEREAS, employees such as postal workers, health care, fire, police, transit, retail, and other private and public service personnel are frequently the targets of these assaults; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council go on record as strongly opposing violence in the public and private customer service sector and that they lobby the state and national legislative bodies to improve workplace protection to include, but not limited to, OSHA and WISHA improvements to prevent workplace violence against customer service employees.
IN SUPPORT OF A LIVING WAGE FOR STAGEHANDS AT THE TACOMA DOME
Resolution #47
Submitted by the International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees andMotion Picture Projectionists Local 15
WHEREAS, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 15, AFL-CIO, has been representing workers in the entertainment industry since 1894; and
WHEREAS, Local 15 has strived through its involvement in the communities of Puget sound and its representation of stage workers to maintain standards for wages, working conditions, training and safety in the entertainment industry; and
WHEREAS, the use of labor contractors at the Tacoma Dome and other venues has resulted in the loss of family wages, jobs in the community, and the deterioration of working conditions for stage workers; and
WHEREAS, certain labor contractors at the Tacoma Dome and other venues have demonstrated indifference to stage workers’ needs by paying low wages with no benefits, committing unfair labor practices, discriminating against women stage workers, and failing to pay Labor and Industries insurance premiums in a timely manner; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of standards for wages, hours, working conditions, safety, training and worker retention would result in the amelioration of the aforementioned; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, go on record to support and assist IATSE Local 15 in petitioning the Mayor and Tacoma City Council to enact an ordinance requiring lessors of the Tacoma Dome and their subcontractors to adhere to standards for wages, hours, working conditions, safety, training, and worker retention; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, communicate its position to all unions, urging their support and that they, along with other interested parties, urge the City of Tacoma, Mayor and City Council to adopt the aforementioned ordinance.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR UNION FAMILIES
Resolution #48
Submitted by the Yakima Valley College Federation of Teachers, WFT, AFT 1485
WHEREAS, the Labor Movement was instrumental in establishing free public education in our country; and
WHEREAS, union members value education and the education of our children; and
WHEREAS, the duty to eradicate ignorance falls to the organized masses; and
WHEREAS, the promoters of this resolution have polled many local affiliates and found support; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council establish a scholarship fund for union families; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that affiliate members promote contributions to this scholarship fund to build it up as an ongoing legacy of this 1999 convention; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council bring a proposal back to the convention in 2000 that outlines the operation of this scholarship fund for union families.
REGARDING PERS II
Resolution #49
Submitted by Electrical Workers Local 77
WHEREAS, every worker has the right to a comprehensive retirement plan; and
WHEREAS, there currently exists a two-tiered Public Employees Retirement System resulting in relegating dedicated, career public employees to first and second-class status with respect to retirement benefits; ; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that in order to establish equitable retirement benefits for ALL PERS-eligible public employees, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will urge all of its affiliates to support returning the PERS II contribution levels for employers and employees to the pre-July 1999 rates and allowing PERS II employees the option to retire under the same early retirement guidelines as PERS I employees without any actuarial reductions or penalties and improve PERS II to include disability language.
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