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 2011 Convention held Aug. 4-6 at the SeaTac DoubleTree.
(Some resolution numbers are skipped because those proposed resolutions were withdrawn, tabled or rejected by delegates, or combined with another similar submission.) In addition, there are resolutions approved by the WSLC Executive Board subsequent to the 2011 Convention.
1. SUPPORTING TRANSPORTATION FOR WASHINGTON CAMPAIGN
3. RESOLUTION ON STATE INVESTMENT TRUST
4. RESOLUTION ON RETIREMENT SECURITY
5. RESOLUTION ON TAX EXCEPTIONS AND OTHER TAX EXPENDITURES
6. SUPPORT THE LABOR CAMPAIGN FOR SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE
8. SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG UNION MEMBERS
9. RESTORE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS
10. TAX EXPENDITURES AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CLAWBACK)
11. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF UNION PRINTING & GRAPHIC ARTS CRAFTS
12. REGARDING COSTCO AND INITIATIVE 1183
13. IN SUPPORT OF UNITED LABOR BANK
16. IN SUPPORT OF GATEWAY PACIFIC TERMINAL
17. SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 2011
18. BOYCOTT ALL ELWHA RIVER RESTORATION CELEBRATIONS
19. REVENUE AND TAX INCENTIVES
20. OPPOSITION TO TIM EYMAN’S ATTACK ON TOLLS AND SOUND TRANSIT, INITIATIVE 1125
22. ON EDUCATION OF MEMBERS ON THE NEW WORKERS COMPENSATION RULES AND PROCEDURES
24. RESOLUTION ON HIRING UNION MUSICIANS
25. PROTECTING WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH
26. SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS
27. ENDORSING LEGISLATION CREATING BUFFER ZONES TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM PESTICIDES
28. CELEBRATING WORKERS’ CULTURE
30. IN SUPPORT OF THE LONGVIEW ILWU
32. IN SUPPORT OF PAID SICK DAYS FOR A HEALTHY WORKFORCE
33. REGARDING EXPANDED RAIL SAFETY LEGISLATION
34. SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON FILMWORKS
35. RESOLUTION TO PREVENT WISCONSIN-LIKE ATTACKS ON COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS IN WASHINGTON
Final. IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE TO THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL
Aug. 10 — ACCESS TO SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SERVICES IN SEATTLE AND THROUGHOUT WASHINGTON STATE
SUPPORTING TRANSPORTATION FOR WASHINGTON CAMPAIGN
Resolution #1
WHEREAS, the transportation system in Washington State is at a critical juncture; and,
WHEREAS, transportation congestion in the state costs Washington State $2 billion annually in economic activity; and,
WHEREAS, transportation is responsible for 44% of Washington State’s global warming pollution, and when the built environment is factored in, the number is well over 50%, making our transportation and development pattern the biggest source of global warming pollution; and,
WHEREAS, 143 state bridges are “structurally deficient” in Washington and pose a significant economic risk as well as a safety risk to the public; and,
WHEREAS, due to projected decreases in per capita vehicle-miles traveled and increased fuel efficiency of vehicles, the state estimates a decline in gas tax revenue that will leave the state with a $4-$5 billion transportation budget shortfall over the next fifteen years just to maintain the existing and committed roads and highway projects; and
WHEREAS, 70% of transit revenue for operations comes from the sales tax, and the sales tax is highly volatile and has declined by 13% statewide; and
WHEREAS, King County Metro and transit systems throughout the state are looking at cuts of 17% to 35%; and
WHEREAS, transit demand and gas prices are reaching all-time highs, but funding is reaching historic lows per rider; and
WHEREAS, the state constitution and statues limits local funding to a capped sales tax and fare box revenue; and
WHEREAS, the “Transportation for Washington” campaign is a joint, statewide, multi-year campaign between Futurewise and the Transportation for Choices Coalition; and
WHEREAS, the “Transportation for Washington” campaign has set three principles to lay a foundation for building a 21st century transportation system that includes:
- Fixing our broken roads first, preserving our ferry system and making our system safe for all freight & people;
- Increasing transit choices; and
- Building healthy, sustainable communities; and
WHEREAS, fixing what’s broken will help repair our crumbling bridges, roads, and sidewalks, and to prioritize any investments in new infrastructure based on their ability to reduce global warming pollution and keep the public safe and move goods efficiently; and
WHEREAS, increasing transit choices will require new dedicated sources of state funding for transit while also giving more local transit funding options for local voters to choose from, thereby diversifying from the current dependence on the volatile local sales tax; and
WHEREAS, the “Transportation for Washington” campaign is committed to the “Buy America” provisions in federal transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, the “Transportation for Washington” campaign supports state and local contracting agencies and subcontractors to procure transportation construction and operating equipment manufactured within Washington State; and
WHEREAS, expansion of new infrastructure can lead to new local manufacturing jobs; for example, in Portland, Oregon, the construction of the downtown streetcar line resulted in Oregon Ironworks becoming the nation’s only streetcar manufacturer, and Oregon Ironworks has lent its expertise to completing the manufacture of the nation’s only suburb-to-suburb heavy commuter rail from Beaverton to Wilsonville, Oregon; and
WHEREAS, with an emphasis on expanding bus rapid transit, passenger rail, and freight rail in Washington State, the “Transportation for Washington” campaign hopes Washington State will build and invest in local workers, state approved apprenticeship programs and businesses with the technical know-how for manufacturing and constructing transit, thus creating a new transportation economy that will spur economic and job growth throughout the rest of the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, “Transportation for Washington’s” three principles will lay a foundation for the most efficient use of public resources to spur economic development and job creation while also delivering environmental and safety benefits; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support sustainable transportation investments that are tied to an industrial strategy for transit/community economic development, including supports for Washington Manufacturing in transportation components and storm water mitigation projects; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, commit to campaigning to win permanent stable funding for transportation, including for the restoration and expansion of public transit; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council hereby supports the “Transportation for Washington’s” three principles to:
- Fix what’s broken and save lives;
- Expand transit choices; and
- Build healthy, sustainable communities; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will work to support inclusion of the “Transportation for Washington” campaign principals during the development of a comprehensive statewide transportation package that addresses all our transportation needs; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will work in support of the “Transportation for Washington” campaign over the course of the next two years.
NO JUSTICE, NO WORK
Resolution #2
WHEREAS, there is a worldwide attack on the working class; and
WHEREAS, corporatists and greedy capitalists, aided by lawmakers and courts, continue their assault on those who labor or who want to labor; and
WHEREAS, the disparity in wealth and income continues to grown, and is greater today than at any time since the 1920s; and
WHEREAS, reams have been written about the onslaught on workers; and
WHEREAS, timid dreams of “legislative relief” have, for four decades, proven ineffective and unrealistic; and
WHEREAS, employers, corporatists, and the legislative and judicial systems that serve them are part of a well-organized, carefully coordinated, effective fighting machine and can be met only on equal terms; and
WHEREAS, Frederick Douglass observed, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will”, and “The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress”; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that as advocates for the working class, organized labor must be prepared and willing to announce that our endurance has reached its limits and that we are now prepared to utilize the most extensive economic strength at our disposal in order to win social and economic justice; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that lawmakers in Olympia, in local governments, in statehouses across our land, and in our nation’s capitol must be put on notice that commerce will be subject to ethical and moral consideration on their part, and if necessary, organized labor will initiate the withholding of its labor to defend these considerations – no justice, no work!
RESOLUTION ON STATE INVESTMENT TRUST
Resolution #3
WHEREAS, the state-owned Bank of North Dakota, created in 1919, has, for more than 90 years, served to stabilize the economy and meet the banking needs of the people and businesses of North Dakota; and
WHEREAS, during the current severe economic recession, the state of Washington and other states have experienced revenue shortages of billions of dollars, compelling them to make drastic cuts in human services and other essential programs, causing widespread suffering among the people; and
WHEREAS, during this recession, North Dakota alone of the fifty states has been an island of economic stability; and
WHEREAS, since the year 2000, North Dakota’s gross domestic product has grown 43%; its wages have risen 34%; it currently has a $1 billion budget surplus; and it has the nation’s lowest unemployment rate at 3.4%; and
WHEREAS, over the last decade, the Bank of North Dakota, in a state of 600,000 population, has provided a third of a billion dollars to the state’s general fund; and
WHEREAS, legislation introduced in the 2011 session of the Washington State Legislature called for the establishment of a State Investment Trust, an institution with a mission and a method of operation patterned after that of the State Bank of North Dakota; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, at its 2011 convention, endorse and pledge to actively support legislation to create a State Investment Trust.
RESOLUTION ON RETIREMENT SECURITY
Resolution #4
WHEREAS, the number of persons 65 and older will reach 70 million by 2040; and
WHEREAS, these millions have a wealth of wisdom and decades of experience to offer our country for the full length of their lives; and
WHEREAS, these millions are entitled to retirement years marked by economic security and quality, affordable health care; and
WHEREAS, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are the programs most critical in providing a foundation for a secure retirement; and
WHEREAS, the integrity of these programs is under unceasing assault, both from open ideological enemies and from false “friends” in Congress, the media and elsewhere; and
WHEREAS, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid should be strengthened, not undermined, by establishing a more substantial basic benefit; by changing the cost-of-living formula to more accurately reflect retiree expenditures; and by changing the benefit formula to compensate primarily women workers for their years out of the work force caring for children or elders; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, calls upon Congress and the Obama Administration to reject all proposals that undermine the existing Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and instead to enact legislation eliminating the cap on earnings subject to Social Security tax, strengthening these programs to enhance the security and quality of life of our millions of retirees and future retirees.
RESOLUTION ON TAX EXCEPTIONS AND OTHER TAX EXPENDITURES
Resolution #5
WHEREAS, the Washington State tax code is currently riddled with 567 tax exceptions and other tax expenditures, many of which favor narrow special interests; and
WHEREAS, unlike budget items, which are regularly scrutinized during the budget-writing process, these exemptions commonly continue unexamined session after session; and
WHEREAS, the problem is getting worse; and in the last decade alone, 116 new tax breaks were enacted, costing the taxpayers $1.6 billion over the next two years; and in the 2011 session, confronting a $5 billion revenue shortfall, legislators from both parties proposed still another 35 tax breaks that if enacted would drain an additional $97 million from available revenues in Fiscal Year 2013; and
WHEREAS, the multi-billion dollar revenue shortfall caused by the current deep recession was addressed by the Legislature with an all-cuts budget, severely damaging essential programs and the overall quality of life in our state; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support legislation mandating that each such tax expenditures carry an expiration date, so that each may be reviewed and renewed or not renewed on a regular basis; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that fiscal management be improved by allowing any tax expenditure to be modified or eliminated by a simple majority vote; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that in the interests of accountability, minimum reporting requirements be established for any business receiving a tax subsidy, to the end that those among the 567 tax exceptions and other tax expenditures that are unwarranted will no longer rob the state of essential revenue.
SUPPORT THE LABOR CAMPAIGN FOR SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE
Resolution #6
WHEREAS, a health care system based on profit and provided through private insurance companies does not and cannot serve the needs of our nation; and
WHEREAS, the United States spends approximately twice as much of our gross domestic product as other developed nations on health care for the nation; and
WHEREAS, although the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) includes significant improvements in health care for the nation, it does not provide universal, comprehensive coverage, and will leave a projected 23 million Americans without health care by 2020, including 485,000 uninsured in Washington State alone; and
WHEREAS, PPACA will not prevent health care from continuing to be the single greatest cause of strikes, lockouts, and concession bargaining in both the private and public sectors; and
WHEREAS, single-payer health care has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, 39 state labor federations (including the Washington State Labor council) 137 central labor councils (including the Pierce County Central Labor Council and the NW Washington Central Labor Council), 21 international and national unions (including IATSE), and numerous local governmental bodies (including the Seattle City Council); and
WHEREAS, Medicare has proven that a single-payer health care system administered through the federal government provides high-quality, low-cost university health care; and
WHEREAS, a single-payer health care system, supported by such members of Congress as Jim McDermott and Norm Dicks, would save billions of dollars annually by eliminating high overhead and profits of the private health insurance industry and HMOs; and
WHEREAS, the Labor Campaign for Single Payer Healthcare (www.laborforsinglepayer.org) works to mobilize and educate labor support for guaranteed health care for all and to promote a publicly funded, single-payer system to achieve this goal and relies primarily on the AFL-CIO, national, state, and local unions for its funding; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, endorses the Labor Campaign for Single Payer; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution will be sent to each WSLC affiliate with a request that these bodies also endorse the Labor Campaign for Single Payer Healthcare.
CALLING ON CONGRESS TO ADOPT NEW PRIORITIES TO CREATE JOBS, MEET DOMESTIC NEEDS AND PUT THE NATION ON COURSE TO A MORE JUST, EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Resolution #7
WHEREAS, the economic crisis we are experiencing is the worst in eighty years and has had a disproportionate impact on working and poor people and communities of color; and
WHEREAS, more than fifty million Americans lack health care; home values have plummeted forcing millions into foreclosure and bankruptcy; 43.6 million Americans now live in poverty – the most poor Americans in the 51 years that records have been kept; thousands of teachers, fire fighters, police and other dedicated public workers have lost their jobs; real unemployment and underemployment together are in excess of 15% and in some communities of color, over 50%; class size increases as educational resources are slashed; social services and public programs are being cut or eliminated; parks and libraries are being closed; public infrastructure continues to deteriorate yet goes unrepaired; and
WHEREAS, the burden of these conditions is borne overwhelmingly by working and middle class Americans whose standard of living has declined as a small wealthy elite has enriched itself at the expense of the majority, producing a nation that is growing far more unequal, with the top 0.1% (those earning $2 million per year or more) enjoying a 94% increase in income between 2002 and 2007 and the wealthiest 1% claiming one-quarter of all income and 40% of all wealth, with twice the income and six times the financial assets of the bottom 80% of all households, and the 400 richest Americans holding combined net worth of $1.37 trillion, or an average of $3.425 billion each; and
WHEREAS, the crisis in the U.S. can be directly traced to (1) $3.8 trillion in tax cuts given over ten years by the Bush administration and Congress to investors, large corporations and the wealthiest households; tax loopholes that allow the rich and many corporations to avoid paying taxes, with some like GE and Bank of America paying none at all; (2) deregulation of the financial system that allowed greedy, reckless banks, hedge funds, stockbrokers, and investors to take irresponsible risks that produced an economic catastrophe; (3) bailouts to Wall Street and giant corporations paid for by taxpayers to the tune of trillions of dollars; (4) runaway military spending that supports a bloated Pentagon bureaucracy and profiteering military contractors, developing and stockpiling what Nobel prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz described as “weapons that don’t work against enemies that don’t exist”; and (5) the cost of illegal wars that Professor Stiglitz calculates have cost us $3 to $5 trillion when costs of replacing equipment, paying interest on war debts, medical care for returning veterans and other residual costs are included; and
WHEREAS, the people of the United States this year alone will pay approximately $172 billion dollars to wage war in Iraq and Afghanistan and hundreds of millions more for military actions in Libya – all three without a declaration of war from the Congress; and will devote over one trillion dollars to its national security budget (a 60% increase to the Pentagon since 2001), including a $180 billion ten-year commitment to “modernize” our nuclear arsenal which are useless against terrorists; and
WHEREAS, more than 6,000 members of the US armed forces have died in these wars, hundreds of thousands more have been wounded, suffer from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, mental health problems or addiction; and hundreds of thousands of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan have been killed, maimed, and wounded, while millions more have been turned into refugees; and
WHEREAS, both countries are rife with corruption, and in Afghanistan in particular, the Karzai regime is packed with war lords, drug lords, and other criminal elements who profit handsomely from continuation of hostilities; and
WHEREAS, Osama bin Laden is dead and according to the CIA there are fewer than one hundred al Qaeda remaining in Afghanistan, and it is now quite clear that we don’t need to commit 100,000 troops to chase down, apprehend or eliminate terrorists, and that established criminal investigative methods, diplomacy, multi-lateral intelligence collaboration, economic development to address poverty, and other non-military means can more effectively and efficiently achieve these ends; and
WHEREAS, the severity of the economic crisis has created budget shortfalls at all levels of government that call for a re-examination of the allocation of resources and national spending priorities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, supports efforts to bring these wars to a speedy end, starting with the withdrawal of all U.S. military and private security personnel and closing of U.S. bases in Iraq by year’s end, as called for in the Status of Forces Agreement with the Iraqi government, and a significant drawdown of military personnel from Afghanistan this year, setting a firm end date for total withdrawal as soon as that can be accomplished, but in no event later than the 2014 timeline previously announced by President Obama; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, calls on the U.S. Congress to bring these war dollars home and to make a substantial reduction in overall military spending, instead using those resources to meet vital human needs, promote job creation, rebuild our infrastructure, aid municipal and state governments, and develop a new economy based upon renewable, sustainable energy and technologies; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, calls on the U.S. Congress to radically reform the tax code so that the burden of taxation is fully progressive, removing loopholes and preventing schemes by which the rich and multinational corporations avoid and evade taxes, so that the tax rate on millionaires and billionaires is raised at least to the level in effect when Ronald Reagan took office or double the present top rate of 35%, and so that corporations no longer are able to avoid paying taxes by shifting revenues to foreign subsidiaries or to tax havens like the Cayman Islands or Switzerland where they are able to evade U.S. taxes; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall communicate this resolution to its members and actively seek to inform and educate them about these issues to more effectively mobilize them to hold elected officials accountable to fulfill the intent of this resolution – to create a more just, equitable and sustainable economy in a world in which moral leadership is more important than military might and security is defined by the welfare of our people, not just the size of our military budget; and shall communicate this resolution to its parent organization and intermediate bodies and request that they take similar action.
SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG UNION MEMBERS
Resolution #8
WHEREAS, the future strength of the union movement in Washington depends heavily on the ability of younger union members to develop into strong and effective labor leaders; and
WHEREAS, a powerful and growing labor movement must reflect the full diversity of the labor force, including workers of all ages; and
WHEREAS, the issues that motivate young workers include their disproportionately high unemployment rate; an injury rate four times that of other workers; the sharp decline in their wages, healthcare benefits and retirement security; their concern about climate change and other environmental issues; and their desire to build their own involvement and leadership in the labor movement to address these issues; and
WHEREAS, Washington unions have recognized the need and developed programs that mobilize young union members; and
WHEREAS, the national AFL-CIO at its 2009 convention adopted Resolution 55 In Support of AFL-CIO Programs for Young Workers; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the need for a broader labor movement based on coalitions with a variety of social justice organizations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, establish a Washington Young Emerging Labor Leaders (WA YELL) caucus for affiliate union members of approximately age 35 and younger, develop programs focusing on attracting young workers into the labor movement and provide leadership development opportunities for younger union members; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, encourage young union members to attend Washington State Labor Council meetings as guests and work with these members to ensure that policies and programs reflect their concerns and interests; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that WA YELL will work with the Washington State Labor Education and Research Center on the 2012 Emerging Leaders Conference in order to plan for the future of the program.
RESTORE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS
Resolution #9
WHEREAS, recent legislation has taken action to strip our brothers and sisters of their collective bargaining rights by exempting them from the rights of collective bargaining; and
WHEREAS, these actions are in conflict with the mission, vision, and core values of the labor movement; and
WHEREAS, we support our brothers and sisters in information technology fields in their pursuit of labor rights; and
WHEREAS, an injury to one is an injury to all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council move to restore the rights of those harmed by the passage of ESSB 5931 by any means possible, returning the rights and protections of collective bargaining to our brothers and sisters who have been attacked in this shameful way.
TAX EXPENDITURES AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CLAWBACK)
Resolution #10
WHEREAS, we recognize many businesses receive millions of dollars in tax credits each year from the State of Washington without transparency or accountability and;
WHEREAS, we recognize the need for businesses to show a net benefit to the state in order to receive a tax credits and;
WHEREAS, we believe all businesses in the state of Washington need to be good business neighbors to the citizens of Washington State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council endorse Tax Expenditures and Accountability (Clawback), requiring Washington State businesses that do not return a positive net value to the state be required to pay back to the state (Clawback) said businesses’ tax credits.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF UNION PRINTING & GRAPHIC ARTS CRAFTS
Resolution #11
WHEREAS, technological developments have made home office printing more popular than ever, the cost to the user remains high on a per sheet cost basis; and
WHEREAS, the printing trade unions and their members have fostered and embraced the technological evolution ensuring that those working members producing those printed products are well trained, capable and skilled craft workers who are compensated with reasonable benefits and a fair wage; and
WHEREAS, printing produced on high speed digital printing devices by professional craftspeople can yield the cheapest high quality printed product for small and specialized quantities; and
WHEREAS, unionized craftspeople provide the highest quality printing, ensure that union labor produces the most diverse printed products available to the public at large and earn a living wage in the community; and
WHEREAS, the Allied Printing Trades Council label and the GCC/IBT label are the trademarked label recognized by the AFL CIO, CLC, and Change to Win, as the label that assures the printing is produced by union printing craft people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urge its affiliates, delegates and partners in the community to support union printing and graphic arts craftspeople by having an Allied Printing Trades Council Label, or a GCC/IBT Label, or an IUPAT label, on all printed materials that are distributed to the community or at Central Labor Council, Trade Section or State Labor Council meetings; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urge passage of this and similar resolutions at the State and National federations.
REGARDING COSTCO AND INITIATIVE 1183
Resolution #12
WHEREAS, state run and licensed liquor stores have an exemplary record of keeping alcoholic beverages out of the hands of underage drinkers; and
WHEREAS, state run and licensed liquor stores provide a legal commodity to legal consumers without promoting or furthering its use; and
WHEREAS, state run liquor stores employ union brothers and sisters, helping ensure safe working conditions, a skilled and trained workforce, and fair wages; and
WHEREAS, Costco Corporation financed and promoted Initiative 1100, which was soundly defeated by voters; and
WHEREAS, Costco is financing and promoting another initiative, I-1183, designed to wrench control of liquor store sales away from state run and licensed liquor stores and their union employees; and
WHEREAS, these efforts by Costco are harmful to unionized employees, state government, small businesses, and our communities, with their only purpose being to enrich Costco’s coffers; and
WHEREAS, the policy of the Washington State Labor Council is to use union goods and services whenever possible; and
WHEREAS, Costco’s operations in Washington State are non-union; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council encourage their associates and affiliates to cease doing business with Costco.
IN SUPPORT OF UNITED LABOR BANK
Resolution #13
WHEREAS, United Labor Bank is a strong supporter of Labor Unions; and
WHEREAS, United Labor Bank is dedicated to Organized Labor’s values; and
WHEREAS, United Labor Bank is one of the few Unionized banks in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, United Labor Bank is seeking to assist all Labor Unions with their banking needs; and
WHEREAS, organized labor strives to support other organized shops and businesses; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the delegates to the Washington State Labor Council recognize the United Labor Bank’s support and dedication to Labor, move to recommend that the Washington State Labor Council promote the services of United Labor Bank within the organized labor community.
ENDORSING LEGISLATION AND COMMUNITY ACTION TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS AGAINST WAGE THEFT AND MISCLASSIFICATION
Resolution #14
WHEREAS, wage-and-hour violations are standard practice across the industries in Washington State and nationally from restaurants to construction, agriculture to janitorial; and
WHEREAS, misclassification of workers as independent contractors and the contracting of work through an endless chain of subcontractors are growing phenomena that affect virtually all workplaces in America; and
WHEREAS, millions of dollars of local and state revenue are lost each year through lax and ineffective enforcement of wage-and hour-laws and fraudulent misclassification of employees; and
WHEREAS, legitimate employers are harmed by the bad practices and wage-and-hour violations of underbidding employers and contractors; and
WHEREAS, thousands of Washington State workers suffer financially and emotionally when they are underpaid/not paid at all and are compelled to spend time and money reclaiming wages they have already earned; and
WHEREAS, the forced exclusion from labor law protections through employee misclassification means the difference between middle class life and poverty for Washington State workers; and
WHEREAS, inadequate protections for workers who have claims of wage theft result in high rates of employer retaliation and low likelihood that workers will seek redress for the violation of their rights; and
WHEREAS, close collaboration between organized labor, grassroots organizations and communities of faith is critical in confrontation of workers’ rights abuses; now, therefore, may it be
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, promotes legislation and regulation that enlarges and enforces a penalty structure that deters violations of workers’ rights and promotes policies ensuring aggressive and effective enforcement of wage-and-hour and misclassification protections; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, promotes legislation, public education and community action that develops a culture of accountability to workers – from subcontractors to the beneficiaries of those contracts; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, promotes safeguards to ensure that workers are kept safe from employer retaliation as they seek redress for violation of their rights.
ENDORSING THE CARE CAMPAIGN FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND ACCESS TO CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Resolution #15
WHEREAS, every eight seconds, an American turns 65, and the number of people needing long-term care support is projected to grow from 13 million in 2000 to 27 million in 2050; and
WHEREAS, there are currently 3 million long-term care workers, which is already insufficient to meet the need; and
WHEREAS, many families, the elderly, and people with disabilities struggle with finding adequate care; and
WHEREAS, direct care workers and domestic workers filling the needs for care are often compelled to work under strenuous, highly vulnerable and often exploitive conditions; and
WHEREAS, many workers do not have access to training, support, and domestic workers do not have the protected rights to organize;
WHEREAS, many workers are undocumented, and have no access to legal status which could allow them access to quality jobs; and
WHEREAS, caring for our elderly and people with disabilities is among our most important responsibilities as a nation; now, therefore, may it be
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, endorses the CARE Campaign to create quality jobs in homecare, establish stronger labor standards for these jobs including the right to collective bargaining, provide training for workers and a career ladder, provide a pathway to citizenship for homecare workers, and support individuals and family members in accessing care.
IN SUPPORT OF GATEWAY PACIFIC TERMINAL
Resolution #16
WHEREAS, the industrial job base of the state and nation must be protected and nurtured so as to foster the well-being of working Americans; and
WHEREAS, industry and construction-based employment produces family-wage jobs that reflect the true value and capabilities of American workers: and
WHEREAS, our industrial job base has been cannibalized by outsourcing jobs to countries with lower labor, social and environmental standards; and
WHEREAS, construction activity has declined to such an extent that trade union members are suffering at 30-40% unemployment rates; and
WHEREAS, federal, state and local governments should actively promote economic and job recovery by encouraging the private sector to reinvest in America’s industrial future and especially those businesses that have respected the right of collective bargaining for their employees; and
WHEREAS, the Obama and Gregoire administrations are seeking to increase the nation’s export capacity as an essential element of economic recovery; and
WHEREAS, SSA Marine, a unionized company based in Washington State, is developing the Gateway Pacific Terminal, a state-of-the-art dry bulk shipping facility at Cherry Point that would support these export initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Gateway Pacific Terminal will create thousands of construction jobs as well as hundreds of long-term, family wage jobs not only in Washington but across the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Gateway Pacific Terminal will capture jobs for American workers that will otherwise go to Canada or Mexico; and
WHEREAS, SSA Marine has a good record as a union employer and has stated its commitment to signing a building trades project labor agreement for this project; and
WHEREAS, this $600 million private investment in vital transportation infrastructure would serve the export needs of our nation’s agricultural and mining industries for decades to come; and
WHEREAS, the Cherry Point area has been designated as the region’s primary site for water-dependent heavy industry and Gateway Pacific Terminal is consistent with all applicable zoning and shoreline policies; and
WHEREAS, the terminal will be undergo a comprehensive state and federal environmental review, will be designed to the most modern standards, and will be subjected to appropriate environmental and safety requirements; and
WHEREAS, if this project fails to move forward it will not stop the shipment of coal through Whatcom County or overseas; and
WHEREAS, the project has been endorsed by the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council affirms its strong support for the project and pledges to work in all possible ways for the successful permitting and construction of the Gateway project; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council calls on the Local and National AFL-CIO Building Trades Departments, and the AFL-CIO Executive Committee to support the Gateway project in every way they can; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council calls on all affiliated locals and members to participate in all public review processes to advocate for both high environmental standards and the good jobs and local and state revenues this project will bring; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council sends this resolution to our Federal Delegation, State House and Senate leadership and Governor Christine Gregoire asking for their support and endorsement of the Gateway Pacific Terminal Project; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council calls on all affiliated locals and members to join the Northwest Washington Jobs Alliance and support their activities.
SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 2011
Resolution #17
WHEREAS, the construction industry continues to be the most hazardous industry in the United States; and
WHEREAS, three to four construction workers are killed on the job each day, and thousands more are injured or placed at risk for long term health damage; and
WHEREAS no construction worker can expect to have a lifetime career without experiencing work-related injury or illness, and
WHEREAS, decades after asbestos was banned, tens of thousands of construction workers continue to be diagnosed with asbestos illnesses each year; and
WHEREAS, new technologies and materials with unknown risks, including various nano-materials, continue to be introduced into the industry with no regard for the safety of the workers who become exposed to them; and
WHEREAS the agencies established by Congress and the States have failed to establish effective means of protecting construction workers; and
WHEREAS, as evidenced by these findings, the nation has failed to live up to its promises in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to assure, so far as possible, every working man and woman in the construction industry be afforded safe and healthful working conditions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall join the Building Trades efforts to encourage Washington State’s Congressional Delegation to support enactment of the Construction Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall request U.S. Senator Patty Murray, in her capacity as chairperson of the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, to introduce this legislation and schedule hearings on its merits without delay; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall petition Governor Gregoire to direct the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to begin implementing the intent of the Construction Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2011 without delay.
BOYCOTT ALL ELWHA RIVER RESTORATION CELEBRATIONS
Resolution #18
WHEREAS, the Olympic Peninsula Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, seeks to protect all workers in their crafts, trades and jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service intends to “CELEBRATE” the Elwha River Restoration projects on the Olympic Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service refused to honor President Barack Obama’s Presidential Executive Order that could have resulted in 100% local hire through a Community Workforce Agreement; and
WHEREAS, worker misclassification and wage theft have been documented by Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, known as case # 1552166, on our nation’s largest federally funded dams removal projects in our history; and
WHEREAS, our elected leadership of all levels has been asked to appear during the Elwha River Celebration, sponsored by the National Park Service; and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service has robbed the depressed local economy of any possibility of improvement by denying the local workforce adequate opportunities of employment through its award processes; and
WHEREAS, the entire Olympic Peninsula is in a federally defined hub zone area, which clearly defines the poor economic condition of Clallam and Jefferson counties; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will request that every affiliate and local union affiliated with the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, place their support with Olympic Peninsula Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO; and be it further
RESOLVED, with one voice, we ask our friends in leadership positions, to boycott all Elwha River Restoration Celebrations conducted for the benefit of the National Park Service; and be it further
RESOLVED, with one voice we ask in support of the affected workforce, that all friends of organized labor boycott the Elwha River Celebrations; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, send this resolution to our Federal Delegation asking them to send a letter to President Obama on the lack of a Project Labor Agreement on the Elwha River Restoration project at the decision of the Nation Parks Service and the Worker Misclassification that occurred on these projects.
REVENUE AND TAX INCENTIVES
Resolution #19
WHEREAS, Washington State is experiencing a historic economic depression; and
WHEREAS, Layoffs and unemployment for union members in both the public and private sectors have reached record highs; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that we stimulate the sectors of our economy that support Union jobs, both public and private, such as Construction, Public Education, State Services, Manufacturing, Health Care, Entertainment, Fire Department, Retail, and Utilities; and
WHEREAS, Our Union movement is large and diverse with public and private sector Unions enjoying strength in unity and relying on each other create a strong society with a sustainable economy and public services; and
WHEREAS, I-1053 crippled our State Legislature’s ability to generate the revenue necessary to maintain neither union jobs in public services nor support union jobs improving infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, every dollar of our State Budget is vitally precious and must not be wasted on corporate welfare handouts that don’t create Union jobs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will only support tax incentives that will create and maintain Union jobs and Union organizing opportunities; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support review of proposed tax incentives and renewals on an annual basis, or more often as needed, to determine their use towards furthering our aims in extending Union employment; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will campaign to overturn any tax incentive that does not create or maintain Union jobs.
OPPOSITION TO TIM EYMAN’S ATTACK ON TOLLS AND SOUND TRANSIT, INITIATIVE 1125
Resolution #20
WHEREAS, our State and Federal transportation systems are critical to the economy and security of the west coast of the United States and for the rest of the Nation; and
WHEREAS, the valuable east- west corridors of I-90 and 520 support regional and local transportation needs for commerce, military and individuals. Connecting the world to the Pacific NW, and the Pacific NW to the Inland Empires of our nation and serves as a critical asset for our domestic economic vitality and national security; and
WHEREAS, the multimodal transportation methods of individuals within the region’s largest urban environment must take into consideration the shared interests of local neighbors in this east/west corridor; and
WHEREAS, the personal, selfish views of one local developer attempting to purchase an Initiative election to gain the outcomes that suit his personal preference contradictory to voter support for Sound Transit access to Bellevue across I-90; and
WHEREAS, the 520 bridge is very old, supported on crumbling pilings, and considered the most vulnerable part of Washington’s east – west corridor system. Damage, or loss of use of either bridge due to earthquake, or other natural disaster, or human caused disruption will have severe negative consequences for the region and for the nation; and
WHEREAS, millions of local, state, and federal dollars have been spent to study, plan, and make safety and capacity improvements for a coordinated rebuild of the east- west corridors crossing Lake Washington; and
WHEREAS, supporting tolls for both bridges are a fair and necessary means to assess bridge users to help afford the safety and capacity needs of both the I-90 and 520 corridors east and west, to employ local transportation construction professionals from all phases of the construction sector; and
WHEREAS, passage of I-1125 threatens our state, county and local government investments in both short and long term planning that have invested precious resources to reach agreement on design and implementation of the transportation plans and project needs to provide safe, efficient urban connections, over the lake and on to the Inland Empire; and
WHEREAS, this petition is a necessary tool to inform the voting public that I-1125 is not in the best interest of Washington State citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will call upon all political parties, labor organizations and allied organizations to call upon all agencies and elected officials to unite behind the education about and defeat of I-1125, and be united in recognition of the urgency that these transportation projects must go forward in this transportation funding cycle, and that tolling by corridor is an essential planning and funding tool that must be supported; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that disruptions to funding construction of a new 520 bridge and light rail capacity on I-90 are irresponsible, and all responsible elected officials, labor and allied organizations should move rapidly to complete the combined 520 and I-90 east-west corridor across Lake Washington.
ON EDUCATION OF MEMBERS ON THE NEW WORKERS COMPENSATION RULES AND PROCEDURES
Resolution #22
WHEREAS, the 2011 Washington State Legislature passed HB 2123, a bill which severely compromised the Workers Compensation program for all Washington workers; and
WHEREAS, newly injured workers may not know or understand the full extent of their injury or the complications that could arise in the future; and
WHEREAS, by 2016, after 180 days from the date of claims employers will be able to coerce injured employees age 50+ into accepting Structured Settlement packages that could cost them up to two-thirds of their expected benefits; and
WHEREAS, changes under temporary time-loss, return to work, and permanent disabilities could affect the injured worker in unforeseen ways; and
WHEREAS, the new procedures and mechanisms for handling workplace injuries are not fully known or developed yet by Labor and Industries, Self-Insured Insurance Companies employers or employees; and
WHEREAS, no significant protections exist within the Workers Compensation framework to inform or protect injured and vulnerable employees from agreeing to poor financial deals offered by their employers; and
WHEREAS, it is the duty of all Labor organizations to educate and protect working members in their facilities and to support their brothers and sisters across the state and beyond; and
WHEREAS, if we do not educate employees and members about the new Workers’ Compensation programs and protect them through their negotiations, no one else will; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council work with its affiliates to develop educational materials for distribution to Union members on their rights under the new Workers Compensation program; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the various affiliates of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, educate its members on these rights should they be injured on the job; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the affiliates may be involved by providing representation during structured settlement claim resolution.
CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS TO PROTECT TIMBER INDUSTRY JOBS BY RESTORING LONG-STANDING EPA POLICY ON FOREST LAND
Resolution #23
WHEREAS, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a legal ruling overturning 35 years of existing policy regarding the permitting of forest roads; and
WHEREAS, the court’s decision threatens the forest products industry in Washington State without improving on existing environmental protections; and
WHEREAS, Washington State is the second largest timber-producing state in the nation; and
WHEREAS, our forest industry accounts for fifteen percent of our state’s total manufacturing economy, adds more than $5.8 billion to our state economy, and supports 131,000 jobs and more than $4.8 billion in payroll; and
WHEREAS, the Ninth Circuit decision is causing bipartisan concern from elected officials across the state and the country who are concerned that it will lead to a wave of paralyzing lawsuits that harm our state economy; and
WHEREAS, companion bills (HR 2541 and S 1358) have been introduced in the United States House of Representatives and the Unites States Senate to restore the existing EPA policies that have served our state well; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council affirms its support for, and calls on our elected officials, both state and federal, to support this important corrective legislation, and seek other legal, legislative, and regulatory remedies as necessary; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall transmit this resolution to all members of the Washington State Legislature and all members of the Washington State Congressional delegation to ensure their awareness of the WSLC’s position on this important issue.
RESOLUTION ON HIRING UNION MUSICIANS
Resolution #24
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO, exists to fight for the rights and the jobs of organized workers in Washington State; and,
WHEREAS, standing in solidarity with each other prevents an injury to one which would otherwise result in an injury to all; and,
WHEREAS, the very survival of these workers and their affiliated unions is dependent on their ability to find work in their chosen fields; and,
WHEREAS, Local 76-493 of the American Federation of Musicians, AFL-CIO, is an affiliate of this body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall only engage union musicians when live musical entertainment is programmed for the convention or any other events hosted by WSLC; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, communicates this policy to all of its affiliates and to each candidate for public office, initiatives or referenda campaigns that receives an endorsement from this body and encourage them to adopt the same policy.
PROTECTING WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH
Resolution #25
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 in the past two years; 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, we made progress during the 2011 legislative session by passing a law requiring employers to remedy serious hazards even if they appeal a citation; 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 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 2012 Washington State legislative session that will also provide for stepped up enforcement and tougher penalties for employers who violate the law and protecting workers who speak up about job hazards, report injuries, and exercise their rights.
SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS
Resolution #26
WHEREAS, the United States is a nation of immigrants, and the history of the growth of the labor movement has been tied to the integration of past waves of immigrants; and
WHEREAS, the labor movement has and continues to play an important role in advancing the rights of workers, civil rights and non-discrimination laws, and social justice in the United States and across the world; and
WHEREAS, many unions, including those in Washington State, have helped to advance immigrant integration through organizing immigrant workers, many of whom are excluded from collective bargaining laws, collective bargaining, advocating for English language and citizenship classes in the workplace, and by advocating for public policies that support immigrant integration; and
WHEREAS the many immigrant workers work in meat processing, home health care, laundry and other workplaces; and
WHEREAS, the rapid growth of immigrant populations in Washington state requires more coordinated and systematic efforts to support immigrants and strengthen the economy; and
WHEREAS, the labor movement remains committed to enacting comprehensive immigration reform that advances immigrant and worker rights; and
WHEREAS, the 4th National Immigrant Integration Conference, “Building a Stronger Democracy: A New Decade for Immigrant Integration” will be held on October 24-26 in Seattle, Washington and it will feature the joint work of labor and immigrant leaders to support immigrant integration and the shaping of a more just and democratic society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council sign on as a sponsor for the National Immigrant Integration Conference, taking place in Seattle, Washington on the dates October 24-26; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the affiliate members of the Washington State Labor Council be urged to participate in the National Immigrant Integration Conference either as co-sponsors or as participants; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the affiliate members of the Washington State Labor Council be urged to develop a plan within their respective unions to support the integration of immigrants.
ENDORSING LEGISLATION CREATING BUFFER ZONES TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM PESTICIDES
Resolution #27
WHEREAS, pesticide exposure can have serious adverse effects on the short- and long-term health of people; and
WHEREAS, Washington law prohibits cigarette smoke within 25 feet of places of employment, yet has no law restricting the application of pesticides when people are nearby; and
WHEREAS, existing laws protect plants and animals from pesticides more than human beings, as demonstrated by prohibitions against aerial application of pesticides within one mile of vineyards, within half a mile of commercial greenhouses, and within 100 yards of salmon habitat; and
WHEREAS, since 2008, at least 90 farm workers were harmed by pesticide drift or spray incidents involving crop dusters and air blast sprayers; and
WHEREAS, the majority of pesticide incidents go unreported so there is no way to know the true number of workers injured by pesticides, though anecdotal evidence from outreach to farm workers suggests injury from pesticides to be a common experience among farm workers; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has not effectively protected workers under current standards; in 2008, approximately sixty farm workers were exposed to drift by a crop duster who applied chemicals within 15-20 feet of the workers sending them to clinics with classic symptoms of pesticide exposure, yet WSDA took no action against the pilot; during a two-year period (2009-2010), WSDA only investigated three pesticide incidents involving approximately 40 farm workers in all of Washington, even though approximately 187,000 farm workers work in the fields each year – .0002% of the population; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, promotes legislation establishing clear and effective standards for aerial and air-blast pesticide applications to protect people from exposure to pesticides, and work to fully enforce existing standards.
CELEBRATING WORKERS’ CULTURE
Resolution #28
WHEREAS, in 2012 we will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Lawrence, Massachusetts textile strike – the strike that has been memorialized as the “Bread and Roses” strike; and
WHEREAS, the “Bread and Roses” strike exemplifies the best of who we are as workers, recognizing the dignity of all labor, the collaboration of immigrant labor with native born labor, the partnership with community to expose the greed of the American Wool Company and the corporate class, and the understanding that workers are whole people and that our culture also defines who we are; and
WHEREAS, working class culture has been important to the labor movement throughout history in song, verse, theater, and art; and
WHEREAS, workers and artists share a common struggle for fair wages, benefits, working conditions, and a living, vibrant culture; and
WHEREAS, it is important to the labor movement to promote the interests of cultural workers and to bring working-class culture back onto the main stage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will work with cultural workers and our Central Labor Councils and interested affiliates in planning a celebration of workers’ culture during the month of May, 2012, to be called “Mayworks”, in recognition of the contribution that the “Bread and Roses” strike has made to our history of struggle, and in recognition that we are more than the work that we do.
A JOBS AND REVENUE SUMMIT
Resolution #29
WHEREAS, banks and corporations have come out the “Great Recession” flush with reserves and capital but are not lending and investing in sufficient amounts to get our economy moving; and
WHEREAS, the recession for workers is hardly over with unemployment levels remaining staggeringly high and long-term unemployment exceeding record levels, poverty and foreclosures on the rise, and the grossest mal-distribution of income and wealth since the 1920’s; and
WHEREAS, our federal and state governments seem sidetracked by budget deficits and debt ceilings and they don’t seem to understand that what people are most concerned about is jobs; and
WHEREAS, the real deficit that we face today is a deficit of jobs and a deficit of revenue, from the wealthy, the corporations and the banks who are not paying their fair share of the revenue for the common good; and
WHEREAS, our political leaders are not focusing in on strategies that will help our economy recover from the “Great Recession” – jobs and revenue; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will work with its affiliates and strategic community allies to raise awareness in the community around the need for jobs and revenue over the Fall of 2011 and convene and facilitate a “Jobs and Revenue Summit” in November 2011 to pull together a “people’s agenda” for the economy that will suggest policy alternatives at the national and state level.
IN SUPPORT OF THE LONGVIEW ILWU
Resolution #30
WHEREAS, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union has had a rich history of representing workers on the west coast waterfronts over the last 78 years, and
WHEREAS, the plight of the ILWU, as with many other unions, has been met with difficult negotiations, protest and in some cases, the murder of union members for jurisdiction, and
WHEREAS, jurisdiction is the bedrock that all unions covet and shall not fall to the auspices of greed nor to the failure to respect of other unions hard fought efforts, and
WHEREAS, the Port of Longview and the Export Grain Terminal (EGT) have a signed agreement that all cargo work within the leased boundaries of the Port of Longview will be done with the ILWU labor, and
WHEREAS, the EGT has chosen not to recognize this signed document but to sue over its content, stop good faith negotiations, and contract with a rogue local of another union, and
WHEREAS, the ILWU stands ready and committed to continue negotiations and move cargo as directed by all current and future employers, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support the ILWU with its continuing efforts of jurisdiction with EGT at the Port of Longview; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, reaffirm its commitment and recognition for all union affiliates to organize within the jurisdictions that they hold. As such, let it be written once again that the 2011 Washington State Labor Council will not be one where unions are adversarial to each other, but act in unity to bring living wage jobs, a higher standard of living and safe working conditions for all workers in the state of Washington.
SAVE SIX-DAY MAIL SERVICE
Resolution #31
WHEREAS, the United States Postal Service is attempting to eliminate the congressional mandate for six-day mail delivery and,
WHEREAS, American businesses rely on six-day mail delivery for packages, signature mail and other important documents and,
WHEREAS, working families across the state of Washington depend on the services of the USPS 6 days a week to deliver their ballots, paychecks and prescription drugs and,
WHEREAS, eliminating 80,000 good paying jobs during a recession would be a huge mistake and,
WHEREAS, USPS is the only company or agency required to pre-fund 75 years of future retiree health benefits in just ten years. The annual cost of this pre-funding is currently at 5.5 billion and,
WHEREAS, the Postal Service is currently using this unfair financial obligation as a reason to support reducing mail delivery days and,
WHEREAS, two external, private sector audit groups found that USPS has been overcharged by as much as 75 billion in pension costs and,
WHEREAS, if the Postal Service were allowed to use the pension surplus to cover the cost of the future retiree health benefits, USPS would not be in a financial crisis and would not need to attempt to reduce service to the American public, Therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, oppose legislation to eliminate the current mandate for six-day mail delivery, and be it Further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support legislation that would transfer the Civil Service pension overpayment to the future retiree health benefit fund.
IN SUPPORT OF PAID SICK DAYS FOR A HEALTHY WORKFORCE
Resolution #32
WHEREAS, in Seattle 190,000 workers, 42%, have no paid sick leave; including 78% of restaurant workers, 55% of retail workers, and 29% of health care workers; and
WHEREAS, physicians, public health officials, and the Center for Disease Control recommend people stay home when they are ill to prevent the spread of disease, speed recovery, and lower treatment costs yet without paid sick leave many workers cannot afford to stay home and/or are sanctioned when they do; and
WHEREAS, paid sick leave boosts morale, commitment, retention and productivity; when San Francisco passed a sick leave ordinance the city had stronger job growth than surrounding counties the following year; and
Whereas, at the M. L. King County Labor Council, we recognize the importance of paid sick leave and our own Agreement includes paid sick leave for all faculty resulting in a more productive and healthy workforce; and
WHEREAS, as Unionists, we are committed to the principle of paid sick leave for all workers; and
WHEREAS, the “Seattle Coalition for a Healthy Workplace is working toward a sick leave ordinance in the city of Seattle that will
- Ensure all workers can earn a minimum of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked
- Provide flexibility to employers in providing paid time off policies
- Set a minimum standard of 40 hours accumulated paid sick time in companies with 10 employees or fewer and 72 accumulated hours in larger firms; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, supports the principle and practice of paid sick leave and will work with the “Seattle Coalition for A Healthy Workforce” to promote paid sick leave in Seattle and other municipalities; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will forward this resolution to the affiliates of the Council to ask for their support, as well.
REGARDING EXPANDED RAIL SAFETY LEGISLATION
Resolution #33
WHEREAS, railroad transportation is a vital infrastructure and industry in Washington State and critical to commerce and the economy; and
WHEREAS, the economic vitality of Washington State requires a strong rail system capable of providing its businesses, ports, and farms with competitive access to North American and international markets; and
WHEREAS, railroads employ over 5,000 workers within the state, providing stable, middle class wages; and
WHEREAS, significant and serious safety concerns exist within railroad operations and infrastructure within Washington which impact members of rail labor, including insufficiently and under-maintained foot paths and walkways which rail employees must traverse constantly; and
WHEREAS, three rail employees died and another was critically injured in a tragic, needless accident near Longview, Washington, in March of 2011 while occupying a crew hauling transport van operated by a non-union contract company which was struck by a moving train at a private crossing on railroad property; and
WHEREAS, such contract van services utilized by the railroads operate with minimal regulation or government oversight, and the drivers for these service companies have no requisite training or requirements greater than any other private, non-commercial licensed drivers; and
WHEREAS, significant rail workplace safety issues exist regarding such crew hauling operations which have contributed to many other injurious accidents affecting railroad workers; and
WHEREAS, legislation is pending in the Washington State Legislature (HB 1978 and SB 5847) to set up a task force within the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission consisting of rail labor, rail management, and regulatory authorities to examine and make recommendations to enhance greater enforcement and more stringent safety requirements of existing railroad walkway and rail workplace safety issues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, at its 2011 convention memorializes and recognizes the tragic loss of life of two of our fraternal brothers and extends our profound sorrow of their premature passing to their families: 58-year-old Engineer Tom Kenny, a 22-year BNSF veteran based in Seattle; 28-year-old Christopher Loehr, a conductor trainee of only three months; as well as the contract van driver, 60-year-old Steven Sebastian of Castle Rock; all who died needlessly at a location known by the railroad to be a hazardous crossing while on duty performing service for the rail carrier; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, recognizes the critical injuries sustained by Railroad Conductor Dwight Leonard Hauck, of Auburn, Washington, and we further extend our wishes for a speedy recovery to him; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, urges the addition of language to the pending proposed Washington Rail Safety Legislation that would expand this law to include examination and imposition of State regulations of crew hauling contract operations utilized by railroads; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, strongly supports, endorses and urges the quick enactment of this expanded Rail Safety Legislation and hereby designates the passage of these bills as a priority within our 2012 Washington State Labor Council Legislative Agenda.
SUPPORT FOR WASHINGTON FILMWORKS
Resolution #34
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 70 projects to the state that have had over $130M of economic impact statewide; and
WHEREAS, Filmworks’ projects have created thousands of union and family wage jobs that provide health and retirement benefits for the state’s actors, technical support workers, and production support businesses; and
WHEREAS, Filmworks has already committed the $3.5M in available funds in 2011 and no longer has funds available to commit to deserving productions that provide employment of thousands of workers; and
WHEREAS, more than forty 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 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.
RESOLUTION TO PREVENT WISCONSIN-LIKE ATTACKS ON COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS IN WASHINGTON
Resolution #35
WHEREAS, SB 5742, which passed into law in the 2011 legislative session, stripped the right of captains at the Washington State Ferries to remain in the bargaining unit of their choice and rewrites how public union members can be represented; and
WHEREAS, SB 5742 abolished the Marine Employees Commission, an agency that has kept peace on the Puget Sound waterfront since 1983; and
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall oppose any effort by the state legislature to decide who can represent workers, public or private; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, call upon any governor of Washington, present or future, to veto attempts by the state legislature to attack worker rights in Washington.
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE TO THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL
Final Resolution of 2011
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council’s 2011 Convention was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in the beautiful city of SeaTac, Washington; and
WHEREAS, the 2011 WSLC Convention has gone off without a hitch, glitch or major catastrophe; and
WHEREAS, the Martin Luther King, Jr. County Central Labor Council proudly and selflessly hosted all of us for the past three days; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the WSLC officers, staff and delegates go on record thanking the Martin Luther King, Jr. County Central Labor Council, their officers and staff for all of their hospitality and hard work in making Jeff’s and Lynne’s first convention such a resounding success!
The following resolutions were approved subsequent to the WSLC 2011 Convention by a vote of the WSLC Executive Board:
ACCESS TO SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SERVICES IN SEATTLE AND THROUGHOUT WASHINGTON STATE
Submitted by AFGE Local 3937;
approved by the WSLC Executive Board on Aug. 10, 2011
WHEREAS, Commissioner Michael J. Astrue reportedly plans to close as many as one-half of the SSA’s 1300 field offices nationwide in anticipation of tight administrative budgets in future years; and
WHEREAS, the Social Security Trust Funds that support the Agency’s administrative costs have a $2.6 trillion dollar surplus and are projected to continue to run annual surpluses through 2024; and
WHEREAS, the SSA is extremely efficient, spending just 0.9% of Trust Fund income to run the Agency; and
WHEREAS, workers who have paid into Social Security throughout their lives, and their families, should have the choice of being served face-to-face by a trained SSA employee in the community rather than be aggressively steered into other options such as telephone, Internet self-service, and assistance from third parties; and
WHEREAS, the Agency has decided to close the accessible Seattle field offices at Lenora Street and at South Lane Street in favor of a “Seattle Metro” office on the 9th Floor of the Jackson Federal Building, that is inaccessible to visitors without valid federal or state identification because it is a high-risk Level IV facility; and
WHEREAS, many of those who are homeless, transient, poor, or have language limitations in Seattle need personalized face-to-face service by trained employees to help them navigate through SSA’s complex programs and procedures; and
WHEREAS, Congressman McDermott, whose constituents would be directly impacted, has advised the SSA Commissioner and Regional Commissioner that denial of face-to-face service is unacceptable; and
WHEREAS, other communities in our state are likewise at risk of losing the face-to-face service option through office closures and relocation of offices to less accessible locations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will send a letter as soon as possible to the SSA Commissioner and Regional Commissioner strongly opposing the closure of the SSA field offices at Lenora and Lane in favor of a Seattle Metro Office in the Jackson Federal Building, and urge its affiliates to do the same; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council goes on record supporting a continuing robust field office structure to provide face-to-face service to those who want or need it throughout the State and Nation, approval of the President’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012 to maintain adequate funding and staffing to ensure proper program administration, resistance to any cuts in SSA administrative funding to achieve deficit reduction, and legislation to take administrative funding “off budget” because the Trust Funds are “off budget.”
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