2001 WSLC Resolutions

Every year, the main business of the Washington State Labor Council convention is the deliberation, discussion and action on resolutions submitted by the affiliated union locals and councils. These resolutions to establish policy, programs and action for the WSLC. The following were passed by delegates at the WSLC’s 2001 Convention August 23-25 in Wenatchee (some resolution numbers are skipped because those resolutions were tabled or rejected by delegates, or combined with another similar submission):

SUPPORTING FAST FLUX TEST FACILITY

Resolution #1

WHEREAS, the Secretary of Energy, Spencer Abraham, decided to suspend for ninety (90) days the previous administration’s decision to shut down the FFTF; and

WHEREAS, Michael Holland of the Department of Energy, with 25 years of experience in conducting operations of nuclear reactors and ten years oversight of research reactors will assemble a qualified review panel; and

WHEREAS, the United States is importing more than ninety percent (90%) of the reactor-produced medical isotopes currently used to save a significant number of our citizens’ lives; and

WHEREAS, market projections for utilization of medical isotopes show our country will need a new production source to establish a domestic supply to meet the demand for diagnostic and therapeutic medical isotopes; and

WHEREAS, medical isotopes are the latest cutting-edge technology for research, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease, arthritis and other diseases; and

WHEREAS, daily 1500 Americans lose their lives to some form of cancer; and

WHEREAS, clinical treatment of some forms of cancer with isotopes has a cure rate of more than 90%; and

WHEREAS, the Hanford Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is uniquely capable of providing large quantities and a wide variety of high quality medical isotopes; and

WHEREAS, the FFTF was designed, constructed, and successfully operated as the safest high-powered reactor in the world, and is the newest, most sophisticated reactor in the U.S. Department of Energy complex and, as such, is an irreplaceable national asset; and

WHEREAS, the FFTF is presently being maintained in a stand-by mode; and

WHEREAS, there is a well-defined forum for the submission of public and private sector interest in the continued operation of the FFTF for original and potential missions; and

WHEREAS, there will be additional opportunities for stakeholder input through public meetings; and

WHEREAS, medical isotope production at the FFTF would reduce the level of existing nuclear waste at Hanford; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) supports the restart of FFTF; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will use all lobbying powers available to encourage the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary, Spencer Abraham, to fund the restarting of the FFTF; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, supports the position that the sole purpose of restarting the FFTF will be for producing medical isotopes; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the WSLC shall contact the Oregon State Labor Council and enlist support of organized labor in Oregon to press their governor and state congressional delegation to support this position.

IN SUPPORT OF THE RURAL TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

Resolution #2

WHEREAS, the Rural Technology Initiative (RTI) was established in January 2000 by a federal grant; and

WHEREAS, the RTI is a pilot project to accelerate the implementation of new technologies in rural forest resource-based communities for new Forest and Fish Agreements in Washington State and recognition that the new research findings were all ahead of implementation; and

WHEREAS, an RTI Advisory Board was established, including representatives from organized labor, that set project priorities and conducted a needs assessment study; and

WHEREAS, the RTI has provided for training and technical support, riparian management case studies, wildlife habitat and riparian function modeling, road management, forest and log value enhancement, new harvest technologies and outreach education and publications; and

WHEREAS, the RTI pilot project helps rural communities with jobs, continuation of manufacturing, delivery of new technology to rural areas with accessibility for people and brings raw products to our urban mills that sustain jobs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, endorse and support the continued funding and activities of the RTI; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will ask for endorsement and support for the RTI by the Washington State Congressional Delegation.

IN SUPPORT OF UNION WORKERS AT J.R. SIMPLOT, MOSES LAKE PLANT

Resolution #3

WHEREAS, the J.R. Simplot Company has recently purchased and is now operating the former Nestle Foods potato processing plant in Moses Lake, Washington; and

WHEREAS, Teamsters Local Union 760 has been, and remains, the collective bargaining representative of the employees at the aforementioned plant; and

WHEREAS, the J.R. Simplot Company and Teamsters Local Union 760 have, since May 14, 2001, entered into negotiations for renewal of the collective bargaining agreement; and

WHEREAS, the J.R. Simplot Company demands that the employees accept a concessionary medical plan that increases the deductibles an employee must pay by as much as $400 per year and increases the out-of-pocket maximum by as much as $5,000 per year; and

WHEREAS, the J.R. Simplot Company demands that the employees assume a co-payment of as much as $100 every two (2) weeks for said reduced coverage; and

WHEREAS, the J.R. Simplot Company demands rollbacks of $1.76 per hour and offers wage increases of only $1.16 per hour over the next three (3) years; and

WHEREAS, the J.R. Simplot Company demands elimination of the Teamsters Pension Plan that has existed since 1975 and would provide a windfall of over $2.4 million to the company; and

WHEREAS, elimination of said pension would deny a decent retirement to many senior employees at J.R. Simplot; and

WHEREAS, the bargaining unit has rejected J.R. Simplot’s offer by a 98% margin; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that that the principle of “an injury to one is an injury to all” be the guiding principle to the Washington State Labor Council’s goal to provide “family wages to working families”; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that in this day of corporate mergers and takeovers, and the globalization of large employers, concessionary contracts cannot be tolerated and must be opposed at all costs; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, fully supports and will endeavor to mobilize all member local unions to provide all possible assistance to the employees of the J.R. Simplot, Moses Lake Plant.

TO REDUCE ACTUARIAL PENALTIES FOR EARLY RETIREMENT FROM PERS II

Resolution #4

WHEREAS, participants of PERS II can potentially be penalized up to 80% of their pension for taking early retirement; and

WHEREAS, the current actuarial penalties for early retirement from PERS II are among the highest in the country; and

WHEREAS, PERS II is fiscally sound and will remain so for the foreseeable future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support and work towards legislation to reduce the actuarial penalties for early retirement from PERS II to 3% per year for retirees 55 – 64 years of age.

ELIMINATE OBJECTIONABLE LANGUAGE FROM AFL-CIO CONSTITUTION

Resolution #5

WHEREAS, in the summer of 2000, the delegate bodies of the King County Labor Council (KCLC) and the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) each adopted amendments to their respective constitutions and bylaws; and

WHEREAS, during this process, both delegate bodies voted overwhelmingly to exclude the following language that had been requested for inclusion in their bylaws by the national AFL-CIO: “No individual shall be eligible to serve as an officer, member of the executive board or committee or other governing body of, or any other committee of, or as a delegate from, or as a representative, agent or employee of any state central body who consistently pursues policies and activities directed toward the achievement of the program or purposes of authoritarianism, totalitarianism, terrorism and other forces that suppress individual liberties and freedom of association”; and

WHEREAS, during the discussion preceding rejection of the above language by the KCLC and the WSLC delegate bodies in July and August 2000, delegates criticized the clause for being vague, for being a relic of the anti-communist McCarty-ite witch hunts, and for having the potential to chill robust debate and to be used in a discriminatory manner against delegates or employees of the Council(s); and

WHEREAS, the history of the U.S. labor movement is replete with examples of the U.S. government using charges of “communism”, “terrorism”, or other vague, jingoistic accusations as a means to divide and harass unions and to blacklist, silence and even frame and imprison union activists and leaders; and

WHEREAS, after the KCLC and WSLC submitted their revised constitutions and bylaws to the national AFL-CIO for approval, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney wrote a letter to the Councils which stated, in part, that the rejected language was mandatory and that it had to be inserted into the Councils’ constitutions to “. . . bring your constitution into conformity with the provisions of the Rules Governing AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils and the Constitution of the AFL-CIO”; and

WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO mandate undermines democracy that is so vital to the continued growth of the labor movement by ignoring the serious objections to the clause and the democratic will of the KCLC and WSLC delegate bodies; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the WSLC call upon the national AFL-CIO to eliminate the abovementioned language from the AFL-CIO Constitution, Article III, Sec. 7; Article V, Sec. 6; and Article X, Sec. 8; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council encourage affiliated unions to pass similar resolutions and forward them on to their international unions for adoption; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to the next national AFL-CIO convention for its adoption.

OPPOSING TIP CREDIT

Resolution #6

WHEREAS, the voters of Washington overwhelmingly passed a statewide referendum establishing a statewide minimum wage for all Washington workers; and

WHEREAS, while the Washington statewide minimum wage is one of the highest in the country, it is still less than a “family wage” that allows a worker to support their family based on a forty hour work week; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliates and the labor movement as a whole represent both union and non-union workers who rely on both the statewide minimum wage and tips to create family-sustaining incomes; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Restaurant Association is proposing legislation that will undermine the statewide minimum wage by creating a sub-minimum wage tier for workers who receive tips; and

WHEREAS, tips are a vital part of income that help workers bridge the gap between the Washington minimum wage and a “family wage”; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council oppose any legislation that contradicts the will of the voters of Washington by creating a sub-minimum wage for workers who receive tips.

IN SUPPORT OF STUDY AND ACTION ON THE STATE TAX SYSTEM

Resolution #7

WHEREAS, Washington State Labor Council affiliates, such as the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME, WFSE and WFCCE), American Federation of Teachers (AFT/WFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU 925), Government Employees (AFGE), and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and others depend upon legislative funding directly for salary and benefits; and

WHEREAS, other affiliates, such as the United Farm Workers (UFW), Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Letter Carriers, Engineers and others in the public sector, are also directly impacted by legislative funding insofar as their livelihood depends upon adequate program funding from the state; and

WHEREAS, other groups and community organizations who are not affiliated officially with labor but with whom we share many of the same goals for social and economic justice, such as the Welfare rights Organizing Coalition, the Washington Association of Churches, and the Washington Education Association, are also interested in state fiscal priorities and their relationship to human rights and worker well-being; and

WHEREAS, in typical budget years in the state legislature each of these deserving groups descends on Olympia lawmakers, ultimately to find themselves effectively competing with each other for scarce state dollars; and

WHEREAS, during previous legislative session these constituents frequently heard that recent initiatives have left the state budget sparse and lawmakers with few alternatives; and

WHEREAS, although this may be the case, according to the Washington State Department of Revenue report, “Tax Exemptions 2000” (http://dor.wa.gov/index.asp) in the 1999-2001 biennium, $6.3 billion dollars in realizable revenue was exempted from taxes, resulting in a loss of that money to the state budget; and

WHEREAS, the same report projects that $6.76 billion in realizable revenue will be exempted from taxes (and the state budget) in the 2001-2003 biennium; and

WHEREAS, most of these tax exemptions are not subjected to the same ongoing, public accountability and scrutiny to which state supported programs and institutional expenditures are subjected; and

WHEREAS, a 1995 report by the national group, Citizens for Tax Justice (www.ctj.org) found that Washington state had the most regressive tax structure in the nation with residents with incomes in the top one percent (over $310,000 annually) paying just 3.6% of their income in state taxes, while those in the bottom twenty percent (under $28,000 annually) pay 17% of their income in state taxes; and

WHEREAS, it is too easy, under these circumstances, for many in Olympia to divide state employees from one another, and from vital human and social service needs by cutting state funding rather than looking at increasing revenue, while our state’s regressive tax structure, including tax exemptions for corporations, goes unchecked, unmonitored, and unopposed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council continue working with affiliates, constituency groups and other organization who have a stake in the state budget to conduct an analysis of the state budget and state tax system; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council use the results of the analysis to make recommendations for the state budget for the 2003-2005 biennium; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council develop an educational, legislative and political action strategy with affiliates, constituency groups, and other coalition partners for the implementation of a fairer tax system in our state.

IN SUPPORT OF CAMPUS EQUITY WEEK

Resolution #8

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers, the American Association of University Professors, the Canadian Association of University Teachers, the Coalition of Contingent Academic Labor, the National Alliance for Fair Employment, and the National Education Association have called for October 28 through November 3, 2001 to be “Campus Equity Week” to improve the plight of contingent academic workers; and

WHEREAS, currently, out of the 10,000 community college instructors in Washington State, 7,000 of them are paid from a part-time pay schedule, which means they average about $23,000 per year when they work full-time; and

WHEREAS, this salary puts them barely above the federal poverty level of just under $18,000 per year for a family of four, and this $23,000 salary is 56% less than full-time faculty earn; and

WHEREAS, currently, part-time and adjunct faculty in the community/technical colleges frequently have no medical or leave benefits, no job security, and restrictions on the academic freedom their full-time colleagues enjoy; and

WHEREAS, the low pay of part-time and adjunct teachers puts a downward pressure on the pay of their full-time counterparts, whose salaries average under $45,000 annually; and

WHEREAS, many of these part-time faculty members are members of WSLC affiliates, but there are also many who are not yet union members; and

WHEREAS, the goals of Campus Equity Week are to both inform the public about part-time and adjunct academic employee working conditions, and to increase union membership among faculty, both goals in keeping with the WSLC mission; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Federation of Teachers, a WSLC affiliate, has led the nation in addressing issues of part-time faculty employment through an ongoing Pay Equity Campaign; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Federation of Teachers and its affiliates are planning events and actions designed to increase public awareness and membership as participants in this international effort; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council recognize and endorse October 28 through November 3, 2001 as Campus Equity Week.

OPPOSE FAST TRACK TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY

Resolution #9

WHEREAS, in a democracy, one branch of the federal government should not be able to have super-authority over another branch, and “trade promotion authority” would give the Executive Branch unfair power over the Legislative Branch, thus disrupting the democratic system of checks and balances; and

WHEREAS, “trade promotion authority” would not allow Congress to put reservations on any sections of a treaty; and

WHEREAS, “trade promotion authority” would put limitations on the amount of time Congress can debate a trade agreement; and

WHEREAS, such limitations would also limit the amount of time constituents would have to submit comments to their congressional delegation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council oppose HR 2149 and any other similar legislation granting “Fast Track” authority, and will urge its affiliated unions and members to join in this opposition; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council contact local, state and federal elected officials and ask them to join in opposing “Fast Track”.

IN SUPPORT OF THE SEATTLE SUSTAINABLE COFFEE CAMPAIGN

Resolution #10

WHEREAS, Fair Trade certification ensures farmers are paid a decent, living wage for their harvest; creates direct trade links to farmers and their cooperatives; provides access to affordable credit, which helps farmers stay out of debt; and promotes sustainable practices, such as organic farming, which helps protect the environment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council endorses the principles of the Seattle Sustainable Coffee Campaign, will give permission to have its name included on a public list of supporters, and will help spread the word about Fair Trade coffee; and, be it further

RESOLVED, the Washington State Labor Council resolves to purchase certified Fair Trade coffee from now on and serve only Fair Trade Certified coffee at our events whenever possible; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will recommend to its affiliates and the national AFL-CIO that they, too, make the commitment to endorse the Fair Trade Certified coffee campaign and serve Fair Trade Certified coffee at their events.

CALL FOR AFL-CIO TO COME CLEAN ABOUT FOREIGN RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

Resolution #11

WHEREAS, the impact of economic globalization on American working families and workers everywhere is causing more job dislocation, impoverishment of working families, division among workers and a huge economic gap between rich and poor in the U.S. and among nations, with power shifting more and more into corporate hands; and

WHEREAS, an effective strategy to serve our members’ interests and counter the corporate economic globalization agenda is to build solidarity and unity among unions and workers’ organizations worldwide based upon mutual respect and our common needs, with mutually determined labor standards based on social justice and human rights as they are perceived by workers in each nation; and

WHEREAS, while we recognize and applaud the many changes in international policy and practice of the AFL-CIO in recent years and as we are taking steps to increase credibility among workers and members in the U.S. we must also overcome fear and suspicion of workers abroad based upon errors and excesses of the Cold War years so that the AFL-CIO may become a more trusted and vital actor on the stage of working class international affairs; and

WHEREAS, recent articles in the Labor Studies Journal for Summer 2000 show that the AFL-CIO played a role leading to the bloody Pinochet overthrow of the democratically elected government in Chile, that its work was linked to corporate and CIA intervention ordered by Richard Nixon and led by Henry Kissinger (clearly against the best interests of the labor movement in Latin America and the United States), that the AFL-CIO engaged in similar activities in many countries on almost every continent and that such activities served corporate interests and were largely funded by the U.S. government; and

WHEREAS, the bitter fruit of the experience in Chile and other countries was a strengthened hand for Corporate America, destruction of militant unions and support of spurious unions, persecution of working families and the torture, disappearance and death of many trade union activists and leaders, situation which defy rebuilding trust without our taking responsibility for such events where it may be due, and accounting for and repudiating such policies; and

WHEREAS, the Asian-American Free Labor Institute of the AFL-CIO accepted government money to intervene in Asian union affairs until 1996, for example, funding the pro-Marcos Trade Union Congress of the Philippines in the 1980’s, and its successor organization the American Center for International Labor Solidarity (ACILS) is also funded by the U.S. government; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED that to advance the progressive new policies of the AFL-CIO in global affairs, we call upon our Federation to fully account for what was done in Chile and other countries where similar roles may have been played in our name, to renounce such policies and practices and to openly invite concerned union members and researchers to review and discuss all AFL-CIO archives on international labor affairs; and be it further

RESOLVED that the AFL-CIO describe, country by country, exactly what activities it may still be engaged in abroad with funds paid by government agencies and renounce any such ties that could compromise our authentic credibility and the trust of workers here and abroad and that would make us paid agents of government or of the forces of corporate economic globalization; and be it further

RESOLVED that the above actions be taken to clear the air in affirmation of an AFL-CIO policy of genuine global labor solidarity in pursuit of economic and social justice with attention to domestic and international labor standards that include the right to organize and strike, an adequate social safety net, living wages, the right to health care and education, elimination of mandatory overtime, protection of the rights of immigrant workers, prohibitions on strikebreaking and the pursuit of peace among nations and peoples; and be it finally

RESOLVED that we send this resolution to the AFL-CIO Executive Council asking them to take similar action.

ON ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND JOBS

Resolution #12

WHEREAS, a reasonably priced, reliable and safe supply of electrical energy is critical to growing and maintaining family wage jobs; and

WHEREAS, the recent and ongoing electrical energy crisis in the Northwest has resulted in the loss of thousands of family wage jobs while also raising energy costs for consumers in their homes and businesses; and

WHEREAS, the construction, maintenance and operation of adequate electrical generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure is of paramount importance to the region during this crisis; and

WHEREAS, construction, maintenance and operation of this infrastructure can and should be performed by local residents who are qualified to perform this work and who are employed by responsible companies who provide adequate family wages, health and other benefits, apprenticeship opportunities and other good to the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council supports infrastructure investments by responsible employers who will bring benefits to communities; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will support Bonneville Power Administration’s request for up to $2.2 billion in funding over five years to improve the region’s electrical transmission infrastructure, with the understanding that such funding will pay for itself in increased revenues and U.S. Treasury payments by Bonneville; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will petition the national AFL-CIO for support on these critical issues.

IN OPPOSITION TO “FAST TRACK”

Resolution #13

WHEREAS, last year the AFL-CIO launched a Campaign for Global Fairness to build international solidarity, incorporate workers’ rights into international trade agreements, and hold corporations accountable for their global actions; and

WHEREAS, certain members of Congress are attempting to grant the President “fast track” treaty negotiating powers so the Bush administration can finalize the Free Trade Area of the Americas, an extension of NAFTA; and

WHEREAS, Representative Philip Crane has introduced H.R. 2149, the “Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001”, a bill giving the President “fast track” authority without addressing workers’ rights and environmental standards; and

WHEREAS, “fast track” circumvents the usual Congressional democratic procedures by limiting debate, eliminating the possibility for amendments, and denying Congressional scrutiny of trade legislation; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 2149 is similar to the fast track legislation which the AFL-CIO opposed in 1997 and 1998, poses a threat to democratic decision making, and provides no safeguards to ensure trade rules are not used to challenge public interest laws and regulations; and

WHEREAS, the impact of unfettered globalization has been disastrous for working people, for people of color, for family farmers, for women, and for the environment; and

WHEREAS, NAFTA has led to wage stagnation for U.S. workers due to companies moving, or threatening to move, to Mexico, and to increased exploitation of workers in all NAFTA countries; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. should adopt only trade and investment policies that benefit working and poor people and which fairly share the burdens and benefits of the global economy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, oppose H.R. 2149 and any other similar legislation granting “Fast Track” authority, and urge its affiliated unions and members to join in this opposition; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, contact local, state and federal elected officials and ask them to join in opposing “Fast Track”; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, mobilize resources to fight “Fast Track”, specifically by facilitating phone-banking by members of its affiliates.

SUPPORTING FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE

Resolution #14

WHEREAS, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) has been an outstanding success in providing workers with job protection while allowing them to give necessary care to family members for illness and injury; and

WHEREAS, many workers are unable to take FMLA leave as it is often unpaid leave and, therefore, parent(s) must choose between going to work in order to maintain a home for their child(ren) and leaving them ill and inadequately attended or, worse yet, completely unattended or remaining at home with diminished or no income; and

WHEREAS, with today’s aging workforce, many workers face the same unacceptable choices when caring for elderly parents; and

WHEREAS, parent(s) are faced with no licensed care facilities for children under the age of six weeks; and

WHEREAS, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for workers to keep a roof over head and food on the table when faced with their own chronic, serious illness or injury; and

WHEREAS, many employers rely upon a worker’s financial liability to take unpaid leave, forcing many to work while ill and/or injured, compromising the safety and well-being of co-workers; and

WHEREAS, today’s family incomes are challenged to meet the growing costs of daily living (housing, food, energy, water, transportation, etc.) in order to maintain the integrity and true intent of FMLA to care of a family member without fear of reprisal or job loss from an employer; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support workers and their families by actively pursuing the creation and implementation of a Family and Medical Leave Insurance program for all working people in Washington state; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support the initiative process in the creation of a Family and Medical Leave Insurance program; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, aggressively pursue any attack on the scope and inclusion of qualifying illnesses and injuries as defined in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support recognition in law of a more extended nature of FMLA and today’s families.

IN SUPPORT OF THE CHARLESTON DOCKWORKERS

Resolution #16

WHEREAS, the Longshore workers of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422 and Local 1771, like all workers, have a right to picket in defense of their jobs; and

WHEREAS, the State of South Carolina purposefully provoked a confrontation on January 20, 2000, by sending in 600 riot-equipped police officers against both Locals’ pickets who were protesting a Danish ship using scabs to do work previously done by the Longshore unions and then charged five union members with felony “incite to riot” charges punishable by up to five years in prison; and

WHEREAS, no union, local or union members should be held financially responsible for employer losses when engaging in legal industrial actions in defense of their jobs; and

WHEREAS, Winyah Stevedoring Inc., the company that hired the scab labor in the Port of Charleston, is suing the Charleston ILA locals, the locals’ presidents and 27 individual members for $1.5 million in alleged financial losses incurred because of the picketing; and

WHEREAS, if successful, these criminal charges and the civil lawsuit will have a chilling effect internationally on the struggle of trade unions attempting to defend themselves against WTO-style union busting; and

WHEREAS, the State of South Carolina is a right-to-work state with the lowest rate (3.8 percent) of unionization in the country and the only state to fight to keep flying the Confederate flag at its state capitol, another target of protest by the membership of ILA Local 1422, which is more than 99 percent African American; and

WHEREAS, the American labor movement defends workers’ rights and civil rights for all people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council shall join in the national movement in support of the Charleston Longshore workers, will formally endorse the campaign and demand the state drop the criminal charges against the Charleston 5 and that WSI drop the civil lawsuit against both locals and their members; and, be it further

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council shall send a letter to the South Carolina Attorney General, Charles Condon, demanding the criminal charges be dropped; (Charles Condon, State Attorney General, P.O. Box 11549, Columbia, SC 29211, fax #803-734-4323 or info@scattorneygeneral.org) and one to WSI demanding it drop its civil lawsuit, (Perry Collins, Winyah Stevedoring, 2735 Front Street, Georgetown, SC 29440); and, be it further

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council shall contribute financially to the defense of the Charleston 5; (checks made out to “Dockers Defense Fund” and sent to: Campaign for Workers’ Rights in South Carolina, P.O. Box 21777, Charleston, SC 29413); and, be it finally

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council shall encourage all its affiliates and their members to join or form the Local Charleston Defense Committee in its area in this campaign for workers’ rights, contributing to the defense fund and joining in the planned international day of action against the state and the rogue employer.

RESPONSIBILITY OF AWARDING AGENCY ON PREVAILING WAGE PROJECTS

Resolution #17

WHEREAS, the attitude and actions of a public contracting agency are foremost in assuring compliance with prevailing wage laws; and

WHEREAS, public agencies often do not care or are even hostile to obtaining compliance with prevailing wage laws; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Auditor and the Department of Labor and Industries Prevailing Wage Section have each made helpful efforts to educate the public agencies on the law and the responsibilities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the awarding agency is responsible for having in its file before awarding a public contract a report from the Department of Labor and Industries, of liens, summons and complaints of the General Contractor and the Sub-Contractors before the public contract is awarded; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support enactment of public policies and legislation to strengthen responsibility and accountability of public contract awarding agencies.

IN SUPPORT OF THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS FOUNDATION (IAF) AND THEIR AFFILIATED BROAD BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Resolution #18

WHEREAS, the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) and their affiliated broad based organizations share our values of social justice, community-based political action, and respect of the individual; and

WHEREAS, IAF organizations encompass AFL-CIO labor unions, teachers’ unions, parent-teacher organizations, civic organizations, and faith-based institutions; and

WHEREAS, many Washington State Labor Council affiliates are already members of IAF organizations such as Central Washington IAF, Communities Organized for Yakima County, Puget Sound Vision, and the Spokane Alliance; and

WHEREAS, local unions and central labor councils that already participate in the IAF organizations have found this association to be an effective way to enlighten our communities of the mission of organized labor, expand our power base, and cultivate new leaders in our unions; and

WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO and the Washington State Labor Council have placed a high priority on member mobilization, coalition building, and organizing; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council support and encourage participation in Industrial Area Foundation (IAF) organizations.

OPPOSING INITIATIVE 747

Resolution #19

WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council Executive Board has formally opposed I-747; and

WHEREAS, Tim Eyman, the initiative’s sponsor, has consistently supported anti-labor, anti-environmental measures that have harmed workers and our state’s quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Eyman has indicated that paycheck deception and repealing prevailing wage are his next targets; and

WHEREAS, I-747 will eliminate services and jobs in both the public and private sectors, including firefighters, nurses, librarians, road crew workers, and building and construction trades; and

WHEREAS, the average home buyer will only save $23 while wealthy mansion owners stand to gain thousands of dollars; and

WHEREAS, all unionists, both public and private sector, must join together in defeating Tim Eyman and I-747; and

WHEREAS, public opinion polling has indicated that this harmful measure can definitely be defeated; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that all attendees to this convention will make every effort to inform their local union brothers and sisters of the devastating effects of I-747; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that all attendees to this convention seek financial support for the “No on I-747” campaign through their local, state and national unions.

REGARDING THE MINIMUM WAGE

Resolution #20

WHEREAS, the WSLC and its affiliated unions led a coalition of progressive groups to put I-688, raising and indexing Washington State’s minimum wage, before the voters of Washington in 1988; and

WHEREAS, the voters of Washington State passed I-688 with a 68% approval; and

WHEREAS, the passage of I-688 raised, directly or indirectly, the wages of over 300,000 workers in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, Washington State now has the first and only minimum wage indexed to the CPI in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the indexing of our minimum wage ensures that each year the hourly pay of our lowest paid workers rises and that a full-time minimum wage worker earns an annual income above the poverty level; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Growers League and other grower associations have been pushing to eliminate indexing of the minimum wage for farm workers; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Restaurant Association has been seeking to lower the minimum wage for tipped employees through implementing a tip credit, which would allow employers to subsidize the minimum wage with a portion of a worker’s tipped income; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will fight any legislative attempts of employer organizations to weaken our state’s minimum wage law; and, be it further,

RESOLVED, that should employers have success in legislatively weakening our minimum wage through a tip credit or freezing or eliminating the indexing of our minimum wage, the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliated local unions will respond by running an initiative to the people to restore the provisions of I-688.

IN SUPPORT OF IMMIGRATION REFORM AND LEGALIZATION

Resolution #21

WHEREAS, there are approximately six million undocumented workers working in the service industry, agriculture, and the building trades in the United States; and

WHEREAS, these hard working men and women have contributed to the wealth and growth of the U.S. economy while they themselves are forced to live at the margins of subsistence; and

WHEREAS, the globalization of corporate investment and profit making has fueled third world poverty, unemployment, ecological catastrophes, non-democratic forms of government, and wars, the very conditions which force immigrants to flee their homelands; and

WHEREAS, our current immigration policy, which turns hard working undocumented men and women into criminals for trying to support their families, has been an unmitigated failure; and

WHEREAS, employer sanctions for hiring undocumented workers has become a tool of employers to silence the voices of immigrant workers who speak up against bad working conditions, sexual harassment, low pay, or who participate in organizing a union; and

WHEREAS, the real causes for declining wages and unemployment in the U.S. include global competition, plant closures and mass layoffs, corporate flight, the growth of low wage jobs, virulent anti-union corporate practices and the failure of businesses to invest in the workforce; and

WHEREAS, despite a surplus of farm workers in this country, agribusiness is petitioning congress for more bracero programs (guest worker legislation) with lower wage and benefit standards than currently exist; and

WHEREAS, the INS (the Immigration and Naturalization Service) has increased its raids on workers through employer audits resulting in massive firings and deportation; and

WHEREAS, despite these attacks, immigrant workers throughout the country are providing inspiration to the whole labor movement by waging heroic organizing campaigns in the apple, cherry, strawberry, construction, service and apparel industries; and

WHEREAS, tens of thousands of immigrant workers have courageously participated in organizing drives, marched for immigration reform and testified for immigration reform in public forums over the past year; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO continue to lobby our congressional delegation against guest worker legislation and for equalizing labor law protection for farm workers as well as a general legalization for undocumented workers which creates a fairness and justice for these workers and replaces employer sanctions with real enforcement of labor law standards; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO and its affiliated Central Labor Councils and local unions work to educate our local unions, rank and file members and the general public in order to gain their support for immigration reform and legalization as well as a commitment to help organize the immigrant workforce.

ON CORPORATE DISCLOSURE

Resolution #22

WHEREAS, businesses in Washington state have received hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks and other economic development subsidies over the last five years; and

WHEREAS, there has been little to no accounting for this money and no social standards attached to how it is used; and

WHEREAS, the business community and business associations in Washington state have whined so loudly about the business climate in Washington State that the Governor has just announced yet another committee on competitiveness; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council draft corporate disclosure legislation that requires businesses that receive economic development subsidies and tax breaks to disclose what types of jobs they are creating with this money and what the wage and benefit levels are so that we can all understand what bang we are getting for our tax dollars; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliated Central Labor Councils and local unions work with other interested groups to lobby this legislation to passage into law.

REGARDING NAFTA LABOR SIDE AGREEMENT COMPLAINT

Resolution #23

WHEREAS, on August 8, 2001 the first public forum on a complaint brought about by the Teamsters Union and the United Farm Workers Union in 1998 under the labor side agreement to NAFTA, the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC), was held in Yakima, Washington; and

WHEREAS, over three hundred farm workers, packing house workers, international and state trade union leaders and farm worker advocates testified on violations of labor, employment and health and safety standards, inadequate coverage under and enforcement of these standards, employment discrimination, arbitrary firings and the inability of workers to freely associate and to freely collectively bargain; and

WHEREAS, the State of Washington has only one full time equivalent staff person over the course of a year to enforce all our employment standards and that only one citation has been issued against a grower since 1995 and that citation was issued only two weeks before the NAALC hearing; and

WHEREAS, farm workers are not covered under the National Labor Relations Act nor under state law for purposes of collective bargaining, but the NAALC principles agreed to by labor, business and the governments of the United States, Mexico and Canada under the NAALC require that each country and state therein provide high labor standards and actively seek to improve those standards and protect the rights of all workers to freely associate and to freely collectively bargain; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council request the national AFL-CIO to work with President Fox’s administration in Mexico to bring pressure to bear on the U.S. and Washington State governments to abide by the NAALC and to resolve the issues brought up in the labor complaint to bring fairness and justice to farm workers and packing house workers; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council continue to pressure Governor Locke’s administration to resolve these most serious issues.

ENDORSEMENT OF THE FLOC BOYCOTT OF THE MT. OLIVE PICKLE COMPANY

Resolution #26

WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, affirms the rights of all workers to be treated with justice, dignity and respect; and

WHEREAS, farm workers are among the lowest paid workers in the U.S., with a median family income of $8,000, endure the highest rate of toxic chemical injuries of any group of U.S. workers, and have a life expectancy 25 years below the national average; and

WHEREAS, the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) is organizing the farm workers who harvest the crop for the Mt. Olive Pickle Company of Mt. Olive, North Carolina, and over 3,000 of these workers have signed union authorization cards; and

WHEREAS, the Mt. Olive Pickle Company, as a leader in this industry in the Southwest, has the ability to recognize FLOC and bargain a contract to improve the lives of the workers who harvest the crops for growers contracting with the Mt. Olive Pickle Company, but has steadfastly refused to do so; and

WHEREAS, farm workers in North Carolina are subject to firing without recourse, are excluded from laws protecting their right to organize, and frequently labor under a climate of fear and intimidation; and

WHEREAS, FLOC has determined that the only option left for these workers is to appeal to the American people’s sense of justice and urge them to boycott Mt. Olive Pickle Company products until a contract is signed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, endorses the boycott of all Mt. Olive Pickle Company products until such time as a contract is signed between FLOC and the company, and will communicate this endorsement to Mt. Olive Pickle Company CEO William Bryan; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that this organization will work among its constituency and community allies to mobilize support for the Mt. Olive Pickle Company Boycott if and when Mt. Olive sells its product in the State of Washington.

IN SUPPORT OF THE ALLIANCE OF RETIRED AMERICANS

Resolution #27

WHEREAS, millions of retired working women and those nearing retirement are confronted with shaky health care coverage, an employer assault on the integrity of pension plans, and a Wall Street campaign to privatize Social Security and Medicare; and

WHEREAS, despite these serious threats, important sectors of the retiree population voted in the 2000 elections against their basic interests and for George W. Bush and, in our own state, for Slade Gorton; and

WHEREAS, the labor movement has long recognized the potential power of its retired members and the need for a progressive, activist, pro-union retirees organization to work for justice, equal rights and dignity for retired workers and all Americans; and

WHEREAS, the Alliance for Retired Americans is a retiree organization of a totally new type conceived by leading committees of the national AFL-CIO and the National Council of Senior Citizens; and

WHEREAS, the Alliance was formally launched in late May in Seattle and other cities across the nation with rallies and demonstrations calling upon Congress to enact universal, affordable prescription drug coverage under Medicare; and

WHEREAS, the Alliance is unique in that it is designed to integrate into a single progressive, pro-labor organization both union retirees and retirees based in the churches, senior centers and other community organizations; and

WHEREAS, the national AFL-CIO has asked its affiliated national unions both to contribute to the funding of the Alliance and to enroll their entire retiree memberships into its ranks; and the councils, chapters and individual members of the National Council of Senior Citizens have also been invited to affiliate, resulting in a total membership of 3.2 million; and

WHEREAS, in Washington State, parallel organizing campaigns are under way among union retirees and among retirees based in community organizations, with the Puget Sound Council of Senior Citizens acting as a temporary coordinating center for these twin campaigns; and

WHEREAS, these parallel campaigns will lead to the creation of a single organizing committee, broadly representative both of union retiree groups and retiree organizations based in the communities, which will be changed with organizing a founding State Convention in the spring of 2002; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the 2001 Convention of the Washington State Labor Council warmly welcome the founding of the Alliance for Retired Americans, both nationally and in our own state, and recognize its potential as an invaluable ally in future organizing drives, in strike support, in voter registration and education, and in winning election victories; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urge their affiliated unions to respond to requests from the Alliance organizing team for funds and other assistance in building the Alliance in communities across our state.

REGARDING EMPLOYABILITY STANDARD

Resolution #28

WHEREAS, under present Labor and Industry rules, injured workers, who are unable to return to their former employment, are found to be employable if they can qualify for any job that pays above the federal minimum wage; and

WHEREAS, the injured workers who are found to be employable are not eligible for vocational retraining benefits; and

WHEREAS, more than 60% of injured workers receiving assessments are found eligible to work at federal minimum wage and are, therefore, ineligible for retraining; and

WHEREAS, the employability standard causes enormous additional hardship on injured workers who suffer a debilitating work-related injury or disease; and

WHEREAS, the 1998 Workers Compensation System Performance Audit stated in Recommendation 19, “The standard for employability as it relates to vocational rehabilitation benefits should be some portion of wages at the time of injury rather than the federal minimum wage”; and

WHEREAS, raising the employability standard to a reasonable percentage of wage of injury is critical to the well-being of injured workers in the state of Washington; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, with the assistance of its affiliates and other allies, seek the introduction and passage of legislation in the 2002 legislative session that raises the employability standard to no less than 80 percent of wages and benefits at the time of injury; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council seek the support of the Governor and the Department of Labor and Industries for this legislation.

LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE TIME LOSS DURING EMPLOYER APPEALS

Resolution #29

WHEREAS, an employer protest or appeal from a Labor and Industries decision that is favorable to the claimant often leads to a termination of time loss benefits to an injured or ill worker while the employer appeal or protest is being considered; and

WHEREAS, failure to pay time loss to a claimant entitled to such benefits can bring great economic hardship on injured workers and their family; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Industries can pay provisional time loss benefits and also has a procedure for recouping benefits to which injured workers may not be entitled; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, with the assistance of its affiliates, shall continue to actively pursue legislation to provide time loss benefits during an employer protest or appeal.

RESOLUTION ON UNION NOTIFICATION OF MEMBER INJURY

Resolution #30

WHEREAS, union members who are injured often feel isolated and unsupported; and

WHEREAS, unions often do not know about injuries to their members and are therefore unable to reach out to these members; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall seek to give workers a place to list their union on the report of injury form, which is filled out by the worker; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Department or Self-Insured Employer shall have a duty to inform the union of the injury to their member; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Self-insured Employer shall have the duty to inform the union of any change in the compensation of their member.

RECOGNITION OF SOCIAL SECURITY’S IMPACT ON WOMEN WORKERS

Resolution #31

WHEREAS, “reform” of Social Security is on the national agenda of the present administration; and

WHEREAS, none of the current discussion about Social Security as it exists or as it may be “reformed” identifies its importance to women and/or women with young children as an issue with critical policy implications; and

WHEREAS, the disadvantages women workers face under the current Social Security program include:

Lower benefits due to lower wages, generally
Higher proportional contributions in Social Security tax due to its regressive nature
Breaks in their paid employment history due to childbirth, child raising, care of ill or elderly family members; and

WHEREAS, a fundamental benefit from the present imperfect Social Security program is the allowance of benefits for the death of a spouse, or disability, which are not part of the privatization dialogue; and

WHEREAS, privatization is bad for everyone; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, take the position that the labor movement recognize any disparate effect on women workers in their evaluation of proposed changes to the Social Security system; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, continues to fight against privatization of the Social Security system; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will forward this resolution to the national AFL-CIO for its action.

IN SUPPORT OF THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE FOR WOMEN’S INITIATIVE AND OUTREACH

Resolution #32

WHEREAS, the White House Women’s Office for Initiative and Outreach was established in 1995; and

WHEREAS, the Women’s Office for Initiative and Outreach has served as the central liaison for questions and concerns from organizations and the public regarding policies affecting women; and

WHEREAS, the Women’s Office for Initiative and Outreach has served to foster better legal, economic and administrative equality by freely providing information to the public; and

WHEREAS, in January of 2001, the current Administration ordered the closure of the Women’s Office for Initiation and Outreach and the White House Women’s Conference Circle; and

WHEREAS, the current Administration has yet to establish any women’s office similar to those that were closed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council objects to the closure of the Women’s Office for Initiative and Outreach and supports the immediate restoration of this office; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council contact the White House Chief of Staff requesting restoration of the White House Office for Women’s Initiative and Outreach; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will forward this resolution to affiliates and the national AFL-CIO for their consideration.

REGARDING TITAN TIRES AND A “TITAN FREE” ZONE

Resolution #33

WHEREAS, the United Steelworkers of America Local 164 has been on an unfair labor practice strike at Titan Tire in Des Moines, Iowa and Natchez, Mississippi since May 1, 1996; and

WHEREAS, on February 11, 1999, an Administrative Judge found that Titan Tire violated numerous labor laws and ruled in favor of Steelworkers Local 164; and

WHEREAS, Titan Tire refuses to meet and bargain in good faith with Local 164; and

WHEREAS, Local 164 has filed additional unfair labor practice charges since the February 11, 1999 decision; and

WHEREAS, Titan Tire has also been convicted of contempt of court and fined the maximum penalty allowed by law for willfully violating a court order to allow OSHA inspectors in the plant facility; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the labor community to support the members of United Steelworkers Local 164 in their efforts to meet and bargain concerning the unfair labor practices of Titan Tire; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and its affiliates request all users of Titan Tire products refrain from purchasing any products manufactured by Titan Tires until the unfair labor practice and strike of United Steelworkers of America Local 164 against Titan Tires has ended.

REGARDING ADA REQUIREMENTS

Resolution #34

WHEREAS, all union sponsored meetings and events encourage the participation of all members; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, WFSE Local 443 and all unions embraces the diversity of all of their members and potential members; and

WHEREAS, some members and potential members may require accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act; and

WHEREAS, we sometimes loose track of these requirements; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that all WSLC officers, committee chairpersons and affiliated unions be reminded that under Federal Law meetings must be held only in facilities that are accessible under the ADA; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that we remind everyone holding meetings and events that every effort should be made to hold these meetings and events close to, and accessible to, public transportation; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that with all calls to conventions, conferences and training sessions that the Washington State Labor Council be required to have on the delegate input sheets a line item asking if delegates or alternates require accommodations under the ADA and if yes, what these requirements are; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that if a delegate or alternate indicates an ADA accommodation that the sponsoring organization is required to accommodate that delegate or alternate’s need; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that when unions submit the delegation registration they should once again include information on any delegate or alternate’s ADA requirements, and that the union submitting the information will always remind the sponsoring organization of the ADA requirements for seating within the meeting room; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that no delegate or alternate be required to sit at the back of the room because of a disability.

IN SUPPORT OF A PERMANENT, YEAR-ROUND OIL SPILL PREVENTION AND RESCUE TUG FOR THE STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA

Resolution #35

WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council passed a resolution in support of a permanent, year-round oil spill prevention and rescue tug for the Strait of Juan De Fuca during its 2000 convention; and

WHEREAS, the battle continues for the funding of this proven method of prevention against the catastrophic ecological consequences of an oil spill along the coast and inland waters of our great state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that this body reaffirms its position in support of a permanent, year-round oil spill prevention and rescue tug for the congested waters along our coast and in and around the Strait of Juan De Fuca; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will continue to provide support and leadership to lobbying efforts, on both the state and federal levels, for continued funding of the permanent, year-round oil spill prevention and rescue tug for the state of Washington.

REGARDING KAISER’S REMARKETING AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO WORKERS/REGION

Resolution #36

WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, is the largest labor organization in the State of Washington, representing more than 450,000 rank-and-file union members; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, a state federation of the AFL-CIO, is a voluntary non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the rights and conditions of working people and their families; and

WHEREAS, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has reached load reduction agreements with four of the five aluminum companies operating in the Northwest in order to meet demand and rate reduction targets; and

WHEREAS, Alcoa, McCook Metals, Columbia Falls Aluminum Company and Golden Northwest Aluminum have provided full salary and benefits compensation for the majority of workers affected by those curtailments; and

WHEREAS, Kaiser Aluminum resold its federally produced BPA electricity for $485 million dollars, left one-third of its employee workforce without any compensation, and has been reluctant to allocate any of its remarketing profits for worker compensation above the USWA union contract that already provided for 70% of wages to senior employees only; and

WHEREAS, out of Kaiser’s windfall profits, the company offered to share only $10 million with BPA’s other ratepayers, or about 2% of the company’s net proceeds, compared with Golden Northwest and Columbia Falls’ allotment of 25%-30% to ratepayers; and

WHEREAS, Kaiser Aluminum has not made any commitment toward the future viability of its Northwest facilities, either to increase efficiency, or to invest in future power purchases; and

WHEREAS, under Kaiser Aluminum’s new 2001-2006 energy contract with the Bonneville Power Administration that begins October 1, 2001, Kaiser is obligated to use the remarketing revenue it derived prior to this new contract in ways that mitigate the impact of reduced smelter operations on laid-off employees;

WHEREAS, Kaiser Aluminum has failed to disclose to BPA and ratepayers how they have spent their remarketing proceeds as required by Kaiser’s contractual agreement with BPA. Because Kaiser has not complied with this requirement, federal power sales to Kaiser may be restricted or terminated by the BPA beginning this fall; and

WHEREAS, Kaiser Aluminum has publicly announced that they have used remarketing funds to rebuild its Gramercy, Louisiana plant, buy down debt, compensate employees and pay environmental claims and taxes. The company also recently announced millions in bonuses for its CEO Ray Milcovich and his top executives; and

WHEREAS, Kaiser’s lack of cooperation is part of the ongoing dispute in BPA’s negotiations with Kaiser to secure a power contract for the rate period of Oct. 1, 2001-September 30th, 2006; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will call on Kaiser Aluminum to reveal how it has used its remarketing proceeds, and take appropriate measures to mitigate the negative impacts on employees and the region resulting from Kaiser’s energy resale and energy curtailments; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall call on the Bonneville Power Administration to withhold power from Kaiser for the new rate period beginning October 1, 2001 unless Kaiser provides retroactive and full compensation to employees; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will call on Kaiser to share, at a minimum, 25% of its remarketing proceeds with BPA/ratepayers; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall call on the BPA to require that Kaiser Aluminum compensate all its Mead and Tacoma employees at full compensation and benefits in addition to the retroactive compensation for any extended curtailment period beginning October 1, 2001; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall call on Kaiser to design its employee compensation program to minimize the use of state unemployment compensation benefits; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall call on Kaiser to invest $50 million in new, alternative and environmentally sound energy generation in order to help reduce rates for the region and provide a long-term future for the Mead and Tacoma smelters; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall call on Northwest legislators to do all they can to help facilitate this process and bring a satisfactory resolution to the aforementioned matters in a timely manner.

FAIR GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICAL SERVICE

Resolution # 37

WHEREAS, the State of Washington and it’s counties and municipalities within the state, have enjoyed some of the lowest rates in the country; and

WHEREAS, the voters of the State of Washington have not had the opportunity to have the power over the changes that have impacted their lives and their finances; and

WHEREAS, the “guarantee” of readily available, low-cost, environmentally friendly, sustainable, electrical power as a component of basic living for all citizens is being diminished by political means; and

WHEREAS, there must be continuing public power and public participation in the utility business; and

WHEREAS, deregulation of the electric industry is a severe threat to public power and has already resulted in the loss of thousands of union jobs; and

WHEREAS, outside private, profit-driven interests threaten our reliable and affordable sources of electricity for businesses and residential customers alike; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council go on record in support of public ownership and control over the electricity supply system and oppose all forms of deregulation and privatization; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that all generation built in the State of Washington shall be built by Washington State Building and Construction Trades members; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that any new generation facilities that are built shall be owned, maintained and operated under the utility jurisdictions with either Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) or Public Utility District Commission oversight, to ensure that fair, equitable distribution of the essential commodity of electricity is maintained.

IN SUPPORT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS FOR NUCLEAR WORKERS

Resolution #38

WHEREAS, the workers at Energy Northwest, (formerly known as Washington Public Power Supply) who operate and maintain our nuclear power plants have no third party adjudication process for collective bargaining; and

WHEREAS, the union workers are at the whim of the employer implementing collective bargaining agreements and have no legal right to strike; and

WHEREAS, every other public agency has existing types of third-party arbitration process; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall support interest-based arbitration legislation for the workers at Energy Northwest in the next legislative session(s) in Olympia.

IN SUPPORT OF THE STEEL REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2001, HR 808

Resolution #39

WHEREAS, the steel industry is in jeopardy of being eliminated from the United States of America through imported and illegal dumping of steel in our country; and

WHEREAS, foreign countries which sell government subsidized steel at a cheaper rate than steel produced in the United States to help their own economies improve by dumping below market priced steel while putting American steelworkers out of work; and

WHEREAS, existing laws regarding steel dumping are not enforced nor strict enough in this country and have thus forced eighteen U.S. steel makers to file for bankruptcy protection, resulting in the loss of thousands of steelworker jobs; and

WHEREAS, the American Steel Industry plays a role in the national defense of our country; and

WHEREAS, the total collapse of the American Steel Industry could have a devastating effect on manufacturers, businesses and communities that depend on steel; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall fully support H.R. 808, the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001, our brothers and sisters in the United Steelworkers of America and emergency measures that need to be taken to save the American Steel Industry; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to all members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation.

IN SUPPORT OF WASHINGTON STATE APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINING

Resolution #40

WHEREAS, the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council is authorized as the only apprenticeship registering agency in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, the apprenticeship and training community has fought long and hard legislatively to protect and defend the current apprenticeship and training system; and

WHEREAS, only the Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training is authorized to register federal apprenticeship standards at federal installations in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council has a cooperative working agreement with the DOL Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training to register all other apprenticeship standards; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that organized labor in Washington State will oppose any and all attempts to weaken our apprenticeship and training system; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that generally, all of organized labor and, specifically, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, will oppose any federal recognition of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Apprenticeship and Training Standards; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall forward a copy of this resolution to the DOL Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Standards, and the Washington State Congressional Delegation.

IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL AFL-CIO DECLARATION ON ELECTED OFFICIALS AND ORGANIZING

Resolution #41

WHEREAS, organizing is the lifeblood of the labor movement and the right of union membership is a basic human right; and

WHEREAS, labor-friendly elected officials must join in this effort to broaden union membership in this state; and

WHEREAS, many Washington State Labor Council affiliates are both enlisting and seeking the support of elected officials in organizing drives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council go on record supporting the National AFL-CIO Declaration on Elected Officials and Organizing; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the WSLC shall request that its affiliates and local labor councils, including Statewide COPE, include an elected official or political candidate’s support for organizing in its evaluation of the official’s/candidate’s COPE record.

REGARDING THE FAIR TRADE APPLE CAMPAIGN

Resolution #42

WHEREAS, 24,000 acres of apple orchards have been pulled up over the past year; and

WHEREAS, this crisis in the apple industry has been brought about by years of over planting and intense foreign competition, made worse this year by drought, bad weather and a shortage of production loans; and

WHEREAS, this has led to the loss of many family farms and has reduced both employment and income for farm workers making worse the staggering poverty our brothers and sisters in the fields face every day; and

WHEREAS, the United Farm Workers Union (UFW) recognizes that many growers are in the same fix as farm workers and that what is needed is for greater income from apple sales to return to the farm gate for both grower and farm worker to share; and

WHEREAS, the lion’s share of apple income goes to the shipper packers and, in particular, the retailers, who take 68 cents out of every apple dollar; and

WHEREAS, the UFW has kicked off the Fair Trade Apple Campaign which will ally the UFW and willing growers to sell apples under a fair trade union label that stands for sustaining agricultural land, fair prices for growers, and fair wages and a contract for farm workers; and

WHEREAS, there are over 60,000 farm workers in the apple industry to be organized; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliated Central Labor Councils and local unions will work with the UFW to educate our members, the general public and retailers about the value of purchasing and selling Fair Trade Apples; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall forward this resolution to the national AFL-CIO and urge its adoption by the national AFL-CIO Executive Council.

Comments are closed.

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