Every year, delegates to the Washington State Labor Council convention discuss, deliberate and act on resolutions submitted by the affiliated union locals and councils. These resolutions establish policy, programs and action for the WSLC. The following were passed by delegates at the WSLC’s 2010 Convention held Aug. 9-12 in Tacoma.
(Some resolution numbers are skipped because those proposed resolutions were withdrawn, tabled or rejected by delegates, or combined with another similar submission.)
1. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AEROSPACE OEM IN WASHINGTON STATE
2. RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT
3. SCRAP THE CAP (ON SOCIAL SECURITY’S TAXABLE WAGES)
4. RESOLUTION ON SENATE FILIBUSTER RULE
5. SAY NO TO REDUCTIONS IN LIFELINE ENTITLEMENT BENEFITS
7. SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON FILMWORKS
8. IN SUPPORT OF THE JONES ACT
9. IN SUPPORT OF A LABOR ARCHIVE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
11. SHORT TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT WASHINGTON WORKING FAMILIES
12. SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
13. EMPLOYEE MISCLASSIFICATION
14. ON COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
15. RESOLUTION ON CLARIFYING STATUS OF ARA EXECUTIVE BOARD NOMINEES
16. PROTECTING WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH: HAZARD ABATEMENT DURING APPEALS
17. RESOLUTION ON CHANGING THE NAME OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
18. APPRENTICESHIP UTILIZATION FOR AEROSPACE TAX INCENTIVES
20. SUPPORTING FOREST PRODUCTS JOBS AS ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE
21. RESOLUTION ON TRADE POLICY: A FAIR WAY FORWARD
22. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HEALTHY SCHOOLS AND JOBS FOR WASHINGTON: REFERENDUM 52
23. SUPPORTING THE PRESERVATION OF SIX-DAY DELIVERY IN THE POSTAL SERVICE
RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE OF WASHINGTON STATE LABOR COUNCIL OFFICERS RICK BENDER AND AL LINK ON BEHALF OF WORKING FAMILIES
WHEREAS, Washington State Labor Council President Rick S. Bender and Secretary-Treasurer Alan O. Link, who have served in their offices for 17 and 16 years, respectively, are not seeking re-election to those offices with their terms expiring at the end of 2010; and
WHEREAS, under the strong leadership of both of these officers, the WSLC has cemented its reputation as one of the finest, most accomplished and effective AFL-CIO state federations in the nation; and
WHEREAS, prior to being elected WSLC President, Rick Bender served as WSLC Vice President (1988-1993); Executive Secretary of the King County Labor Council (1991-1993); and Executive Secretary of the Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council (1987-1991); and is a member of Laborers Local 242 and Elevator Constructors Local 19, having begun his long accomplished career with organized labor as an apprentice with Cement Masons Local 528 in 1966; and has served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center plus many other boards and commissions; and
WHEREAS, Al Link, who has been a member of the United Steelworkers of America since 1961, served in numerous leadership positions in the labor movement before his election as WSLC Secretary-Treasurer, including presiding over the Spokane County Central Labor Council as President (1989-94) and serving as President of Steelworkers Local 329 (1991-94), representing workers at the Kaiser Aluminum plant in Spokane; plus he has served as WSLC Vice President (1989-94), Chair of the Steelworkers Legislative and Education Committee for 15 years, and on the State Apprenticeship Council, among many other boards and commissions; and
WHEREAS, among the many proud accomplishments of Rick Bender and Al link during their tenures as Executive Officers of the Washington State Labor Council, too numerous to list comprehensively, are:
Establishing an influential program of legislative advocacy to promote pro-working family laws and policies in the Washington state government, including passage of long-sought collective bargaining rights for state employees, protecting and strengthening Washington’s model unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation systems, and promoting apprenticeship programs, affordable health care and family leave policies, among many others; and
Creation of a groundbreaking grassroots political program that has included the highly successful “Labor Neighbor” program, a national model for engaging union activists and volunteers in the election process and informing rank-and-file members of labor’s endorsements;
Leading the creation of an ambitious, unique communications program to inform Washington’s union members, leaders and supporters of organized labor’s activities, which includes the Council’s award-winning website and its uniquely successful direct mail program for legislative and political advocacy; and
Passage of successful pro-worker ballot measures, including the nation’s first indexed minimum wage law via an initiative filed by Rick Bender and approved in 1998 after a successful campaign he co-chaired that used only volunteer signature gatherers; and
Supporting the growth of the labor movement in Washington state to help make it the fourth most unionized state in the nation, with the state’s 574,000 union members accounting for 20.2% of the overall workforce.
THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED that this body and all of the affiliated unions that comprise the Washington State Labor Council recognize and honor the important contributions made by President Rick S. Bender and Secretary-Treasurer Alan O. Link in promoting policies that benefit working families and advancing the cause of organized labor in Washington state.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AEROSPACE OEM IN WASHINGTON STATE
Resolution #1
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Commerce is charged with the responsibility to recruit businesses to locate new facilities in Washington; and,
WHEREAS, Washington State has provided targeted tax incentives for certain industries including Aerospace; and,
WHEREAS, the Boeing Company, the largest aerospace manufacturer in Washington, has begun to shift manufacturing operations offshore and out of state; and,
WHEREAS, Washington State possesses the largest aerospace manufacturing industry cluster in the world; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Washington provides more than $20 million dollars in annual aerospace workforce training funds; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, encourage the Washington State Department of Commerce to recruit any and all aerospace original equipment manufacturers, such as Bombadier, Embrier and EADS (Airbus) to locate in Washington State; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall adopt this resolution, and utilize any assistance available to further this resolution, including from affiliates, international unions, and the AFL-CIO.
RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT
Resolution #2
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO, WSLC and MLKCLC have long advocated for equal protections for LGBT workers; and
WHEREAS, LGBT workers still suffer discrimination in hiring and advancement, harassment in the workplace, exclusion of their partners from health and other benefits and, on average, earn lower wages than their straight counterparts; and
WHEREAS, this discrimination is especially pronounced for lesbians, LGBT people of color, and transgender workers; and
WHEREAS, federal employees have no statutory protections against sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, only twelve (12) states currently have statutory protections against both sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, federal anti-discrimination laws would benefit even states that now prohibit such discrimination by allowing the federal Justice Department to assist in investigation and prosecution of cases of discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would add protections for LGBT workers to federal civil rights laws; and
WHEREAS, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, former President John Sweeney, and the AFL-CIO National Executive Council have endorsed ENDA; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, endorses the speedy passage of ENDA legislation, including both sexual orientation and gender identity; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will communicate this endorsement to our state’s Congressional delegation; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will communicate this endorsement to all of its affiliates and urge them to take similar action.
SCRAP THE CAP
Resolution #3
WHEREAS, there is no short-term Social Security funding crisis, with $2.5 trillion in the Social Security Trust Funds to supplement ongoing tax income, and full benefits payable through 2037; and
WHEREAS, redistribution of income to the wealthy has left more of their earnings exempt from Social Security taxation because of the $ 106,800 cap; and
WHEREAS, scrapping the cap will nearly eliminate long-term projected shortfalls over the next 75 years; and
WHEREAS, there is no cap on earnings subject to Medicare taxation, and high income beneficiaries contribute more by paying higher premiums; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urges Congress and the White House to “scrap the cap;” and be it further
RESOLVED, that Washington State Labor Council will make its position on “Scrapping the Cap” known to the Washington Congressional delegation; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will refer this resolution with a recommendation for adoption by the AFL-CIO Executive Council, to the AFL-CIO and that, after adopted, the AFL-CIO shall lead an effort among its affiliates and allies to advocate for Congress to “scrap the cap.”
RESOLUTION ON SENATE FILIBUSTER RULE
Resolution #4
WHEREAS, there is no mention in the Constitution of the United States regarding the right to filibuster; and
WHEREAS, the filibuster has created minority rule giving to one Senator or a minority of Senators the ability to bring the legislative process to a halt; and
WHEREAS, the filibuster gives each Senator the power to silence the will of the majority that voters have chosen through the electoral process eroding the integrity of the democratic process; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, a significant majority of American voters cast their ballots for progressive change; and
WHEREAS, Senate Rule 22 requiring a 60 vote majority to end debate on legislation has created a overwhelming barrier to the passage of truly progressive legislation, whether it be health care reform, financial regulation, the Employee Free Choice Act or other legislation essential to providing assistance to the vast majority of people in our country; and
WHEREAS, the 60 vote rule is fundamentally undemocratic by empowering Senators from less populated states to obstruct the will of the majority; and
WHEREAS, the 60 vote rule gives more power to corporate interests by providing them a vehicle to purchase a few Senators who then have a powerful tool to stand in the way of legislation that would benefit the majority of the American people; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council goes on record calling for elimination of the 60 vote rule and calls upon Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to work with their Senate colleagues to eliminate the 60 vote rule as expeditiously as possible; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council calls on the AFL-CIO to adopt this resolution, encourage their state affiliates to do the same, and that the AFL-CIO communicate their support to the appropriate policy makers in the U. S. Senate.
SAY NO TO REDUCTIONS IN LIFELINE ENTITLEMENT BENEFITS
Resolution #5
WHEREAS, President Obama has formed a bi-partisan task force on the budget deficit that will submit recommendations to Congress for deficit reduction; and
WHEREAS, the task force can be expected to recommend either a cut in benefits, a watered-down cost of living formula, or a further extension of the retirement age; and
WHEREAS, rather than lifting the $106,800 cap on taxable earnings, the task force may recommend a percentage increase in the regressive payroll tax which already falls most heavily on those least able to pay; and
WHEREAS, the campaign to push for such a task force that would cut future entitlements is supported by the Peter G. Peterson’s Foundation, funded by billionaire Peterson’s Wall Street fortune, as well as by traditional corporate opponents of social insurance such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers; and
WHEREAS, there is no short-term funding issue with Social Security, as there is a surplus of $2.5 trillion in the Social Security Trust Funds, and full benefits are projected to be payable until 2037 if nothing is changed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall make clear to our Congressional delegation that we strongly oppose any efforts to diminish lifeline programs including, but not limited to, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, as these programs are more important than ever because of our damaged economy; and be it finally,
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council immediately refer this resolution to the AFL-CIO and ask them to encourage their affiliates, state federations, and central labor councils to adopt this resolution and then take action to let the federal policy makers know where we stand on the possible recommendations from the Commission when they are made public in December, 2010.
SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON FILMWORKS
Resolution #7
WHEREAS, Washington State continues to face serious financial challenges – for both public agencies and private employers; and
WHEREAS, leaders of both the executive and legislative branches have indicated an intention to intensively review all government programs to determine their economic sustainability; and
WHEREAS, past experience has shown a glaring lack of public understanding of the Washington Filmworks Program which supports the production of television, commercial and motion picture projects; and
WHEREAS, Filmworks has attracted numerous projects to the state, which in turn have provided thousands of hours of well-paid, private sector employment for the state’s actors, technical support workers, and production support businesses; and
WHEREAS, more than thirty states currently provide similar and even greater financial support for film and video production; and
WHEREAS, there is a rich body of evidence that proves the effectiveness of production incentives in the creation of non-polluting, well paid, sustainable work; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urges state officials to recognize the value of Washington Filmworks public investment as a legitimate job and tax-generating program; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that state budget writers increase state funding for Washington Filmworks as a proven and effective job and business stimulus opportunity for a wide variety of workers and businesses.
IN SUPPORT OF THE JONES ACT
Resolution #8
WHEREAS, America’s cabotage laws (the “Jones Act” provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and the Passenger Services Act of 1886) require that cargo and passengers transported by water between United States ports be carried on U.S. crewed, U.S. built and U.S. owned vessels; and
WHEREAS, the United States domestic fleet operating under the Jones Act pumps nearly $15 billion annually into the American economy, including more than $4 billion in direct wages to U.S. citizens; and
WHEREAS, this fleet includes more than 44,000 vessels (not including fishing vessels which are also included in the Jones Act) and provides direct employment for over 500,000 American citizens, including 80,000 merchant mariners and 44,000 shipyard and other shore side workers whose livelihoods are directly tied to the construction, repair and operation of the fleet; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. domestic merchant fleet is the cornerstone upon which U.S. maritime power and the national maritime infrastructure rests, representing 78% of U.S. flag merchant tonnage, 38% of U.S. tonnage in vessels over 1,000 gross tons, 87% of all shipboard employment opportunities, and 97% of all U.S. waterborne commerce; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. domestic merchant fleet provides significant and cost-effective national security benefits in peace and war at no cost to the U.S. taxpayer; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. domestic merchant fleet operating under the Jones Act affords the U.S. a high standard of safety and environmental performance that minimizes dangers and damage to persons, property and the natural environment from vessel operations; and
WHEREAS, cabotage laws like the Jones Act exist throughout the world and, with some variations, in many other U.S. industries including aviation, rail, trucking, utilities, and communications; and
WHEREAS, America’s cabotage laws, specifically the Jones Act, do not “protect” American operators from competition but simply require that everyone compete under the same set of rules; and
WHEREAS, Senator John McCain, along with a coalition of lobbyists and foreign and domestic entities, is again attempting to repeal America’s cabotage laws and has been flooding the media, state legislators and Congress with misinformation aimed at destroying the U.S. domestic merchant marine, either through ignorance of the economic consequences or from greed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, reaffirms its long-standing support for the Jones Act and denounces the ongoing effort to repeal U.S. cabotage laws as inimical to the interests of the American worker and U.S. security; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the WSLC shall transmit this resolution to all members of the Washington State Legislature and all members of the Washington State Congressional delegation.
IN SUPPORT OF A LABOR ARCHIVE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
Resolution #9
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council resolved at their 2008 and 2009 conventions to help create and fund a Labor Archive that will preserve the invaluable records of the unions and labor activists of Washington State and that will also teach and promote the importance of our labor heritage and the recognition that working people and their unions built this state and nation; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council aggressively supports the Harry Bridges Chair for Labor Studies at the University of Washington, created in 1992 by International Longshore and Warehouse Union activists to honor the memory of their great founder and long time president, Harry Bridges, to help carry on his work fighting for the dignity of labor and its place in history; and
WHEREAS, the past year more than $100,000 has been raised by the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies towards the goal of $300,000 to fund the Labor Archive for its first three years; and
WHEREAS, the Washington Labor Archive will become part of the Special Collections Library at the University of Washington and will combine the dozens of labor collections already housed in the library with new collections that will be added in the years ahead; and
WHEREAS, the WLA will be managed by a professional labor archivist who will be employed by the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies; and the labor archivist will also work with unions, advising them on records management and arranging for the donation and processing of materials to the Labor Archive and, in addition, the labor archivist will develop educational projects and materials that will be widely accessible to union members, schools, and the general public; and
WHEREAS, the Harry Bridges Center has conducted a national search for a labor archivist and is currently negotiating with the top candidate and expects that the Archive will be opening this autumn; and
WHEREAS, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union has pledged $50,000 in matching funding for each of the next three years; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council and the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies have each pledged $10,000 per year for three years; and
WHEREAS, the Labor Archive budget of $100,000 per year will only be realized if the labor community digs deep and succeeds in matching the ILWU pledge; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington labor community commit to raising the required funding; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the WSLC will convene a committee of key labor leaders to develop a funding campaign that will realize the great opportunity presented; that a permanent labor archives program at the University of Washington not only gives the state a centrally located repository for archival collections but may, one day, facilitate similar efforts throughout the state where appropriate.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT WASHINGTON WORKING FAMILIES
Resolution #11
WHEREAS, accident or illness will force one in five employees to miss work for at least one year before age 65; and
WHEREAS, only 10% of disabling illnesses and accidents are covered by Workers Compensation insurance; and
WHEREAS, 350,000 personal bankruptcies every year are blamed on injuries or unexpected illnesses; and
WHEREAS, For decades, five states (CA, HI, NJ, NY, RI) and Puerto Rico have successfully administered programs to provide partial wage replacement for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to non-work related illness or injuries, including pregnancy, and
WHEREAS, by limiting the spread of disease, reducing the potential for workplace accidents, and boosting employee productivity, morale and commitment, healthier and more productive workplaces will be created; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, proposes a program for Washington that would:
- Provide partial wage replacement for working people who are temporarily unable to perform their regular jobs because of an off-the-job injury or illness, for up to 52 weeks, with medical certification;
- Provide partial wage replacement for working mothers who are temporarily unable to work due to pregnancy or childbirth;
- Travel with workers when they change jobs and cover workers, regardless of pre-existing conditions;
- Be available to every eligible employee in the workforce who has paid a sufficient amount into the system or worked at least a certain number of hours or quarters before taking leave, consistent with Washington’s standards for unemployment insurance.
- The program be administered by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Security, or other appropriate agency.
SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
Resolution #12
WHEREAS, nuclear energy is America’s largest source of clean-air, carbon-free electricity, producing no greenhouse gases or air pollutants; and
WHEREAS, the industry’s commitment to the environment extends to protecting wildlife and their habitats; and
WHEREAS, nuclear plants are the lowest cost producer of base load electricity, the average production cost of which is 2.03 cents per kilowatt hour, including the cost of operating and maintaining the plant and paying for the management of used fuel; and
WHEREAS, America’s 104 reactors in 31 states have made tremendous production gains over the past dozen years, producing 798.7 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in 2009; and
WHEREAS, nuclear plants can help meet rising electricity demand as our economy and population expand; and
WHEREAS, the nation’s nuclear power plants are among the safest and most secure industrial facilities in the United States; and
WHEREAS, stringent federal regulation, automated, redundant safety systems, and the industry’s commitment to comprehensive safety procedures keep nuclear power plants and their communities safe; and
WHEREAS, construction, maintenance, and operations provide family wage jobs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, endorses and promotes the construction and use of nuclear power plants in Washington State.
EMPLOYEE MISCLASSIFICATION
Resolution #13
WHEREAS, employee misclassification has become one of the fundamental pillars of the “race to the bottom” business model prevalent in the American construction industry today; and
WHEREAS, tens of thousands of employers across the nation currently misclassify their workers as independent contractors, making employees ineligible for benefits like wage and hour rights, overtime, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, and employees who are misclassified are also not protected by health and safety laws, or anti-discrimination laws; and
WHEREAS, because of loopholes, a fast-growing trend is afoot among employers to re-classify employees as “independent contractors” for the expressed purpose of getting out from under many of their specific obligations as an employer under state and federal laws, including the Fair Labors Standard Act; and
WHEREAS, the practice of employee misclassification is outright tax cheating that puts honest contractors at a competitive disadvantage; and
WHEREAS, for workers in America, the word “employee” can make all the difference in their well-being; without such a designation, a worker is excluded from most of the basic benefits and protections provided in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, if a worker is classified as an independent contractor instead of an employee, he or she may be subject to huge back taxes because their employer did not withhold income taxes or notify their misclassified worker of the obligation under independent contractor status; they may be denied Social Security and Medicare upon retirement because taxes were not paid on their behalf; and if injured on the job, may not have access to workers compensation; and
WHEREAS, when unscrupulous employers are allowed to repeatedly commit this type of fraud, it hurts more than their workers; when responsible employers can no longer compete, an entire local community suffers as wage and living standards are eroded and local tax bases shrink; and
WHEREAS, the effect of employee misclassification, driven by corporate greed, has a significant impact on the tax base; as a tax avoidance scheme, misclassification robs both the State and the Federal government of precious need revenues. Prior estimates from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) indicate billions of dollars of taxes go unpaid every year because of employee misclassification; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that a serious crackdown on employers in Washington State must be called for to expose numerous employers who are misclassifying and paying workers off the books, to uncover millions of dollars in violations and lost revenues due state, county and local governments, and be it further
RESOLVED, that affiliates of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO will seek support from progressive organizations to call upon Governor Chris Gregoire, the Washington State Legislators and our Congressional Delegation to work together to arrest this national epidemic through legislative remedy that would prevent workers from being incorrectly classified as independent contractors and would give them the lawful protection and employee benefits that they have legally earned. The Employee Misclassification Prevention Act would reportedly help ensure that employees have access to health and safety protections in the workplace, fair labor standards, and unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits; and be it further
RESOLVED, that Washington’s Labor Unions will support the Federal Taxpayer Responsibility, Accountability, and Consistency Act (H.R. 3408), introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA), and the Senate companion bill introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator John Kerry (D-MA); and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will seek to place misclassification of employees as a top legislative issue to stop the abuse of workers in Washington State, and to defend workers rights and quality contractors who don’t cheat our communities.
ON COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
Resolution #14
WHEREAS, the United States of America was built with the brawn, skills, and intellect of immigrant workers and our national identity has been enriched by a diversity of cultural traditions and rituals; and
WHEREAS, immigrant workers are the historic foundation of the labor movement and today when all workers are under corporate and right wing political attack it is more important than ever that we stand together as brothers and sisters and fight for workplace rights and a just economy; and
WHEREAS, immigrant workers today contribute to the economic, cultural, and political strength of our country, and are indispensable to the industries – agricultural, service, academic, professional, technical – in which they contribute their labor and are organizing into unions; and
WHEREAS, we have a broken immigration system that has not been updated for decades, which penalizes hard working immigrants who pay taxes and are needed for our economy to function and which tears apart families who simply want to be together, because we do not have the political and moral courage as a nation to fix the underlying immigration system so that immigrants can legally come to our country; and
WHEREAS, failed globalization and trade policies, such as NAFTA, have destroyed the subsistence agricultural economy in Mexico and other southern hemisphere countries forcing millions of farm workers to migrate to the cities and the north in search of jobs and survival; and
WHEREAS, the failure of the U.S. Government to enforce workplace rights has created an incentive for U.S. employers to recruit, hire and exploit undocumented immigrant workers; and
WHEREAS, our broken immigration system has enriched many employers who profit from the creation of an underclass of workers, afraid to speak out about injustices and abuse at the workplace, and who live in fear each day that they will be deported and not see their families at the end of the workday; and
WHEREAS, the exploitation of undocumented immigrant workers fueled by employers’ desire for cheap and docile labor has created an explosion in the underground economy, placing downward pressure on the wages, benefits, and working conditions of all workers, creating an unlevel playing field for honest employers, and robbing tens of billions of dollars in tax revenue from our local, state, and federal government that could have been used to rebuild our social and physical infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, flawed guest worker programs have a profoundly negative impact on labor standards often binding agricultural, service, academic, and professional and technical workers to particular employers ( in reality or in perception) thereby seriously undermining their bargaining strength; and
WHEREAS, the current worker authorization mechanism has failed to regulate the employment of undocumented workers and has allowed employers to further intimidate immigrant workers and deny them a voice at the workplace, highlighting the need for a secure and effective worker authorization mechanism that is taken out of the hands of employers; and
WHEREAS, every year thousands of foreign born, U.S. raised students graduate from our high schools but are denied financial assistance and in-state tuition rates at our state colleges for the simple fact that they lack legal immigration status because as children they were brought to this country by their parents, thus denying these bright children the opportunity of a college education and denying the U.S. of all the contributions of these potential engineers, doctors, teachers, and organizers; and
WHEREAS, an immigration system that doesn’t deal with how we regulate the future flow of migration, matching the real needs of our economy and country with the number of foreign workers allowed to legally enter the country each year, leads to shortsighted non-comprehensive policies that enable individual employers or industries to turn permanent jobs into temporary jobs and lobby for the expansion of flawed guest worker programs staffed by workers who are dependent on their employers not only for their wages but their immigration status and who have often have limited civil and employment rights; and
WHEREAS, the failure of the U.S. Congress and the Obama administration to address comprehensive immigration reform fuels the passage of unconscionable laws like SB 1070 in Arizona, which is an affront to the our most deep-seated values of fairness and respect for the U.S. Constitution, by having state law enforcement usurp federal responsibilities and to do so in such a way that racial profiling under the guise of “reasonable suspicion” will be the result; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, go on record supporting comprehensive immigration reform which includes legalization and an earned pathway to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S., provides equal protection and increased enforcement of labor rights for all workers, including the right to organize, clears the family backlogs so that millions of family members who have filed legal applications can be processed and reunited, ensures due process and fairness in the immigration system, creates an independent Commission on Employment-based Immigration (future flow commission) to match up the needs of our economy with number of foreign workers admitted every year to meet these needs and to recommend policies that promote economic growth and competitiveness while minimizing job displacement, wage depression and unauthorized employment, provides for the provisions of S. 887, the H1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2009 introduced by Senators Durbin and Grassley, includes the “DREAM Act” which would allow thousands of immigrant children the ability to attend college and create a more prepared workforce, and includes AgJobs which is a modified guest worker program agreed to by the United Farm Worker union and agricultural employers, and that the Washington State Labor Council send a copy of this resolution to President of the United States, the Speaker of the House, the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Washington State Congressional delegation; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, go on record opposing Arizona’s SB 1070 or any similar state’s legislation by sending a letter to that effect, along with this resolution, to Arizona Governor Brewer or the governor of any state that passes such legislation, with a copy to Governor Gregoire, and that the Washington State Labor Council work with our immigrant rights coalition partners to make sure that the Washington State legislature does not pass any anti-immigrant legislation.
RESOLUTION ON CLARIFYING STATUS OF ARA EXECUTIVE BOARD NOMINEES
Resolution #15
WHEREAS, delegates to the 2006 WSLC convention passed Resolution #6, allowing a representative from the Alliance of Retired Americans (ARA) to be admitted to the WSLC Executive Board; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 2 of the WSLC Constitution states that, “Retired members of affiliates may not be nominated for, nor may they be elected to, office in the Washington State Labor Council”; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 4(a) states that, “Candidates are required to be members of an affiliated union, as well as the constituency group….”; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 16 states that “All candidates for office must be members in good standing of an affiliated local union.”; and
WHEREAS, the ARA is comprised of members who may be retired from active membership in an affiliated union; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the following language shall be added to Article V, Section 2 beginning on Line 39: “With the exception of members of the ARA, retired members of affiliates may not be nominated for, nor may they be elected to, office in the Washington State Labor Council.”; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the following language shall be added to Article V, Section 1 (b) “The Washington Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) shall have a seat on the board with voice and vote. This representative shall be from a local union affiliated with the Washington State Labor Council.”
PROTECTING WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH: HAZARD ABATEMENT DURING APPEALS
Resolution #16
WHEREAS, major disasters, at the Upper Big Branch Mine, the Tesoro Refinery, and the Deep Water Horizon have claimed the lives of dozens of workers this year; and
WHEREAS , over 5,200 workers were killed on the job in the U.S. in 2008 from industrial accidents and injuries, averaging 14 worker deaths each day, and over 50,000 workers are killed each year as a result of occupational illnesses; and
WHEREAS, millions of workers are injured on the job every year in the United States; and
WHEREAS, approximately 175,000 workers in Washington State are injured or become ill because of their jobs each year and between 80 and 100 workers die on the job; and
WHEREAS, our safety and health laws at both the federal and the state level are inadequate to protect the health and safety of America’s workers; and
WHEREAS, too many employers place production and profits above worker safety; and
WHEREAS, health and safety penalties are woefully inadequate and assessed penalties in Washington State are some of the lowest in the country, now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support federal legislation, HR 5663, the Mine Safety and health Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act, which provides for stepped up enforcement and tougher penalties for employers who flagrantly violate the law and protecting workers who speak up about job hazards, report injuries, and exercise their rights, and forward this support in a letter to our congressional delegation; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, draft a bill to be introduced in the 2011 Washington State legislative session that will also provide for stepped up enforcement and tougher penalties for employers who flagrantly violate the law and protecting workers who speak up about job hazards, report injuries, and exercise their rights, and that will, as well, require employers to correct serious workplace hazards even while challenging DOSH citations and providing for a stay of this abatement only if the employer can prove that workers’ safety and health will not be adversely affected.
RESOLUTION ON CHANGING THE NAME OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Resolution #17
WHEREAS, the Economic Development and Transportation Committee is a standing committee identified in the Constitution and By-Laws of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO; and
WHEREAS, prior to the merger of the Economic Development & Job Retention Committee with the Transportation Committee, the activities of the Committee were more easily recognized, because of the strong Job Retention component of the Committee’s work; and
WHEREAS, committee members and others don’t readily recognize the Committee’s scope of interest and work due to the lapsing of Job Retention from the Committee’s name; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the committee name be clarified in the Constitution and By-Laws as the Economic Development, Job Retention and Transportation Committee.
APPRENTICESHIP UTILIZATION FOR AEROSPACE TAX INCENTIVES
Resolution #18
WHEREAS, the aerospace manufacturing industry is a cornerstone of the Washington State’s economy annually generating more than $33.8 billion in products; and,
WHEREAS, the aerospace industry directly employs more than 140,000 skilled workers and creates more than 300,000 indirect jobs; and,
WHEREAS, a skilled workforce is a key competitive advantage for Washington State in the global aerospace marketplace; and,
WHEREAS, Washington State invests tens of millions in state revenue for aerospace training and education; and,
WHEREAS, in 2008 the state additionally committed $3 million a year to a new aerospace apprenticeship program; and,
WHEREAS, the state has committed to $3.2 billion in aerospace tax incentives; and,
WHEREAS, it is prudent to maximize the return on investments by Washington State in both education and tax policy related to aerospace; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council promotes legislation to require Washington State approved aerospace apprenticeship utilization for companies employing 25 or more production workers that accept aerospace tax incentives.
SUPPORTING FOREST PRODUCTS JOBS AS ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE
Resolution #20
WHEREAS, supporting Forest Products Jobs through the Sustainable Harvest, Transportation, and Manufacturing of wood fiber from Washington State Forest Lands as environmentally safe family wage jobs; and
WHEREAS, forest industry jobs include loggers, log haulers, pulp and paper workers, mill workers and all jobs that lead back to sustainable forests; and
WHEREAS, we recognize wood fiber as environmentally safe, carbon neutral renewable resource; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the WSLC endorses forest product jobs as environmentally safe through the harvest of carbon neutral wood fiber.
RESOLUTION ON TRADE POLICY: A FAIR WAY FORWARD
Resolution #21
WHEREAS, trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have given multi-national corporations sweeping powers to challenge signatory nations’ labor, environmental, occupational, and food safety standards and to strike down democratically enacted laws;
WHEREAS, at least 3,000,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs have been lost since 1994 as a direct result of the NAFTA trade model, while poorer nations compete in a “race to the bottom” – attracting U.S. foreign investment by offering the lowest wages and weakest worker and environmental protections;
WHEREAS, a majority of the Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2007 voted against another NAFTA-model trade deal, the Peru Free Trade Agreement;
WHEREAS, such trade deals encourage below-production-cost dumping of agricultural products on world markets, to the detriment of farmers and rural communities in the United States and around the world;
WHEREAS, the Bush administration’s status-quo trade agenda, which included further bilateral trade deals with Colombia, South Korea and Panama, was repudiated by voters in the 2008 election;
WHEREAS, these Bush holdover trade deals would bring forth further negative effects of the types seen in other “free” trade deals – threatening U.S. jobs and the environment worldwide, hurting family farmers, continuing to depress food- and product-safety standards, limiting a country’s right to access affordable medicines, and giving foreign corporations greater rights than those enjoyed by U.S. businesses;
WHEREAS, a majority of Democrats in the House in 2009 co-sponsored HR 3012/S.2821, the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment (“TRADE”) Act, in order to give a more balanced way to expand trade; and
WHEREAS the Supreme Court decision in the 2010 “Citizens United” case will allow unprecedented corporate and foreign campaign money into our elections, leading to even more unfair trade agreements; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that we, the Washington State Labor Council, oppose approval of the Colombia, South Korea and Panama Free Trade Agreements; and be it further
RESOLVED that we, the Washington State Labor Council, support the TRADE Act, HR 3012/S.2821, currently co-sponsored by more than 150 members of the House of Representatives, including a majority of House Democrats; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to our state Congressional delegation.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HEALTHY SCHOOLS AND JOBS FOR WASHINGTON: REFERENDUM 52
Resolution #22
WHEREAS, our kids deserve safe, healthy learning environments free of mold, lead, asbestos, and other toxins;
WHEREAS, healthy schools save money because energy efficient repairs pay for themselves and save the state money in heating, lighting, and water costs by using less energy each year;
WHEREAS, new improvements mean 30,000 new construction jobs across the state of Washington, a needed source of employment for many of the most hard hit sectors of our economy;
WHEREAS, Referendum 52 would extend the state’s bonding capacity in order to provide $500 million in new funding towards retrofitting and improving school buildings across the state by guaranteeing that existing tax revenues will stretch beyond 2013;
WHEREAS, Healthy Schools for Washington is a broad coalition of parents, teachers, environmentalists, labor unions, and the business community who believe that creating a safe environment for our kids and jobs that put Washington back to work is a win for all of us; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council fully support the passage of Referendum 52 by:
- Including information on R-52 in its internal member direct mail program;
- Carrying information on R-52 in its Labor Neighbor walks;
- Contribute to the Yes on Schools and Jobs campaign;
- Encouraging its affiliates to endorse, contribute to and support the R-52 campaign.
SUPPORTING THE PRESERVATION OF SIX-DAY DELIVERY IN THE POSTAL SERVICE
Resolution #23
WHEREAS, the American people have depended on safe, efficient delivery of their parcels and letters six days a week since 1863; and
WHEREAS, the United States Postal Service has several different methods they can employ to close the present budget gap without cutting a day of service; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Letter Carriers has a detailed plan to help restore the Postal Service’s financial solvency; and
WHEREAS, removing a day of service will adversely affect our customers, our mailers, and out society in a variety of ways, from endangering the lives of individuals with serious medical conditions who rely on prompt delivery of medications to harming the ability of businesses large and small to reach their customers on the weekend; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Letter Carriers has determined that preserving 6-day delivery will protect thousands of Postal Service jobs as well as maintaining a critical component of the Postal Service’s core business infrastructure; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, endorses HR 5746, which corrects serious accounting errors which led the Office of Personnel Management to overcharge the Postal Service over $50 billion since 1971, thus ensuring the long-term financial survival of the USPS; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the officers and members of WSLC affiliated unions will be urged to contact their legislators to push for the enactment of HR 5746 and the preservation of six-day delivery; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution will be delivered to the district offices of the Washington State Congressional Delegation, along with a letter encouraging them to co-sponsor this legislation.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF EVENTS TO FIGHT CORPORATE POWER IN WASHINGTON STATE DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2010
Resolution #24
WHEREAS, big health insurance companies Wellpoint, United Health Group, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Coventry, and Health Net spent $641,000 a day to stop health care reform and hired 6 lobbyists for every lawmaker to lobby elected officials in Washington DC and continue to lobby to weaken the Patient Protection and Health Care Affordability Act so they can continue making record profits at the expense of consumers; and
WHEREAS, big oil company British Petroleum spilt 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, destroying the environment, wildlife, jobs, and tourism in the Gulf of Mexico due to corporate negligence on the Deep Water Horizon drilling rig that blew up on April 20, 2010 killing 11 workers and causing the country’s greatest environmental disaster; and
WHEREAS, big banks such as Bank Of America, JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Stanley Morgan have hired an army of lobbyists including 70 former members of Congress and nearly 1,000 former federal employees to block key financial reforms that will put consumers’ interests first; and
WHEREAS, big banks, big oil, and big insurance are destroying our economy, our environment, and our health and their actions have caused thousands of Washingtonians to lose living wage jobs, have their health care denied, lose their homes, and reduce their pensions; and
WHEREAS, organized labor for over 100 years has been fighting to hold big banks, big insurance, and big oil accountable by working to improve the rights of all workers, their families, and communities and through direct action to create living wage jobs, health care for all, a clean environment, and a safe workplace; and
WHEREAS, organized labor and allies are working together to fight unchecked corporate power against the harm they do to our families, friends, and community and are working to protect programs that serve the people in the month of August 2010 through a series of actions including:
August 10th – Good Jobs and Responsible Development Rally — Tacoma Downtown Marriott (Tollefson Plaza, south of 17th between Pacific & Commerce — 12:00 Noon
Community members will call on Marriott to fulfill their promise to Tacoma to provide living wage jobs they promised to create in exchange for the city to allow them to build a hotel on prime downtown oceanfront property and for significant tax breaks from the city
August 14th – NAIC Conference Confrontation — Washington State Convention Center, 7th & Pike Streets, Seattle — 9:45 a.m.
We will confront 1400 lobbyists and CEOs from the insurance industry and ask the insurance commissioners to support health insurance regulations that provide stringent oversight over the industry that benefit consumers NOT corporate profits
August 16th – Social Security Birthday — Greenwood Senior Center, 525 North 85th Street, Seattle — 1:30 p.m.
We will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Social Security, where Senator Patty Murray will attend and address the audience about the importance of Social Security and the importance of preserving it for future generations
August 18th – Move Your Money Bank Action — Seattle Central Library, 5th & Madison Streets, Seattle — 11:15 a.m.
Activists will ask banks to pay their fair share of taxes and, if they refuse, will have a press event announcing they will move $15 million out of the six big banks; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council encourages all members to attend and support these events to fight corporate power and the negative impacts to our families, friends, and communities in the month of August and encourages members in the weeks, months and years to come to continue this fighting tradition to improve the lives or working people in Washington State.
Comments are closed.