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 2002 Constitutional Convention on August 19-22 in Spokane (some resolution numbers are skipped because those resolutions were tabled or rejected by delegates, or combined with another similar submission):
1. URGING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TANF PROGRAM
2. IN SUPPORT OF APPROPRIATE STAFFING LEVELS FOR WASHINGTON’S ELECTRIC UTILITIES
3. FACULTY EQUITY
4. RESOLUTION OPPOSING INS RAIDS
5. SUPPORT OF TREATY RIGHTS FOR WOMEN
6. RESOLUTION AGAINST THE WAR, ATTACKS ON CIVIL LIBERTIES AND CUTS IN PUBLIC SERVICES
8. FOR CONTINUED STATE FUNDING OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
9. REDUCE ACTUARIAL PENALTIES FOR EARLY RETIREMENT FROM PERS II
10. IN SUPPORT OF DIVERSITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
11. KEEPING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AFFORDABLE
12. IN SUPPORT OF MINIMUM PAID LEAVE
14. ELIMINATE OBJECTIONABLE LANGUAGE FROM AFL-CIO CONSTITUTION
15. REGARDING ELECTRICAL APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES
16. INTERIM FUNDING DURING STATE FISCAL CRISIS
17. ENDORSING UNIONS-AMERICA.COM
18. IN SUPPORT OF LEGALIZATION FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS
19. PROVIDING ADEQUATE, FAIR REVENUE TO PROTECT SERVICES IN WASHINGTON
20. IN OPPOSITION TO A NORTHWEST REGIONAL TRANSMISSION ORGANIZATION (RTO)
21. SUPPORT OF APPRENTICESHIP UTILIZATION
22. MEDICAL AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
23. PERTAINING TO MISCLASSIFICATION OF WORKERS
24. PERTAINING TO WORKER DISPLACEMENT BY PRISON INMATES
25. TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER FROM UNQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS
26. WINNING A FIRST CONTRACT FOR 26,000 HOMECARE WORKERS
27. REGARDING THE COCKLE DECISION
28. EVALUATION OF PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT
29. IN SUPPORT OF UNION WORKERS AT THE SPOKANE REGIONAL HEALTH DISTRICT
30. IN SUPPORT OF THE GOLDEN NORTHWEST ALUMINUM AND ALL INDUSTRIAL POWER USERS PLAN
31. ESTABLISHMENT OF AFFILIATE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
33. MINIMUM WAGE
34. REGARDING THE FAIR TRADE APPLE CAMPAIGN
35. REGARDING CASCADE REGIONAL BLOOD SERVICES IN PIERCE COUNTY AND PUGET SOUND BLOOD CENTER
36. IN OPPOSITION OF KAISER ALUMINUM’S PLAN FOR KEY EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND RETENTION
37. SUBORDINATE SECTIONS AND TRUSTEES Article IX, Section 2
38. INCREASE OF VICE PRESIDENTS IN THE 2nd DISTRICT Article V, Section 4
39. CONSTITUENCY EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Article V, Section 1(a)
40. AFL-CIO CONSTITUENCY GROUPS
41. LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE TIME LOSS DURING EMPLOYER APPEALS
42. REGARDING EMPLOYABILITY STANDARD
43. REGARDING SAFETY AND HEALTH GRANTS
44. REGARDING WASHINGTON’S ERGONOMIC RULE
45. HEALTH CARE EQUITY
46. HIGH ROAD TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS
47. TERMS OF OFFICE FOR WSLC EXECUTIVE BOARD
48. IN SUPPORT OF UNION STAGE LABOR AT THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS STADIUM
49. IN SUPPORT OF UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE
50. IN SUPPORT OF THE ILWU’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
51. REGARDING L&I TIMELOSS DURATION
52. REGARDING ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES
URGING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TANF PROGRAM
Resolution #1
WHEREAS, in 1996, the U.S. Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), abolishing the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Program and creating the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program; and
WHEREAS, work has become a requirement in exchange for time-limited financial assistance under TANF; and
WHEREAS, recent studies confirm that work itself does not guarantee that a family in our community, or any community throughout the nation, can earn an income to afford basic necessities, e.g. food, housing, healthcare and childcare, even during periods of economic prosperity; and
WHEREAS, a recent report issued by the Washington State Employment Security Department indicates that the majority of former TANF recipients who left the program in 1997 still lived below the poverty level of $14,150 for a family of three in 2000; and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington has lowered its wage progression goal, which originally was that 50 percent of parents leaving the welfare rolls would see their earnings increase by 10 percent one year later; and
WHEREAS, high work participation rates imposed on the states, such as those recommended by President Bush’s welfare plan, would force Washington state to implement large-scale workfare programs, which require welfare recipients to “work off” their grants by doing unpaid work; and
WHEREAS, workfare programs have been shown to be ineffective in increasing employment or wages of families on welfare; and
WHEREAS, workfare programs have been used to displace union workers with unpaid workers; and
WHEREAS, completion of a two-year training program can help poor individuals take a significant step toward self-sufficiency; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress is scheduled to review and reauthorize TANF during 2002; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall support local, state and federal efforts to make the focus of the TANF Program reducing poverty among low-income families, not just reducing welfare caseloads. Such improvements may include, but need not be limited to: prohibiting all workfare programs; setting reasonable work participation rates with an employment reduction credit; increasing the TANF block grant at least by inflation and including a provision to give bonuses to states that implement effective job retention and wage progression strategies; allowing at least 24 months of vocational training or other post-secondary education as a work activity; making time limits more flexible in order to ensure that families that are working or complying with welfare-to-work activities are not removed from welfare rolls; and restoring legal immigrants’ eligibility for TANF, Medicaid and food stamps, and other pre-1996 benefits; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will make this a legislative priority and will forward it to the national AFL-CIO for support.
IN SUPPORT OF APPROPRIATE STAFFING LEVELS FOR WASHINGTON’S ELECTRIC UTILITIES
Resolution #2
WHEREAS, Washington’s electric utilities have provided safe, reliable and reasonably priced power to customers for over 100 years; and
WHEREAS, these utilities have traditionally been responsible employers and have provided quality family wage jobs; and
WHEREAS, these utilities and their customers have benefited from a highly skilled, trained, and dedicated workforce committed to the provision and restoration of service in all weather and work conditions; and
WHEREAS, these utilities and their customers and employees have been impacted by corporate mergers and/or reorganizations and subsequent layoffs, cutbacks and outsourcing; and
WHEREAS, said layoffs, cutbacks and outsourcing have impacted customer service and public safety at these utilities to the extent that these utilities can no longer respond to outages, emergencies, line extensions or other service-related issues in a timely manner; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, supports the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 77, 125 and 483 in their resolution for appropriate staffing levels at Washington’s electric utilities; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will, along with the IBEW, petition the Governor and the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) to investigate these staffing levels and establish and enforce staffing and response standards for electric utilities in each and every region and municipality in Washington state.
FACULTY EQUITY
Resolution #3
WHEREAS, gains made since the 1999 legislative session to decrease the disparity between the wages and benefits of full-time and part-time instructors in the Community and Technical college system were largely the result of collective action and a systematic, well-supported Equity Campaign; and
WHEREAS, despite those efforts, the average part-time faculty member in Washington State’s community and technical colleges continues to earn only a little over one-half the wages of a full-time faculty member on a per class basis; and
WHEREAS, such pay is not commensurate with the actual work these instructors perform; and
WHEREAS, the over reliance on part-time faculty continues at a crisis level with over fifty percent (50%) of classes being taught by these instructors when twenty-five to thirty percent (25% – 30%) would be more appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the continued lower cost of employing part-time faculty is driving their overuse; and
WHEREAS, increment funding is applicable to both part- and full-time salaries allowing faculty step movements to recognize longevity or professional development; and
WHEREAS, part-time salary averages are pegged to a comparison with average full-time salaries, without such increments, full-time salaries lose ground with other education employees and keep the overall salaries for both full- and part-time faculty well below the average; and
WHEREAS, this low compensation damages and threatens not only individual instructors but also the future of the teaching profession; and
WHEREAS, access to secure, family wage, full-time work is essential to all workers, to the strength of our society, and to the health of our institutions; and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington, through legislative action, may reduce the disparity in wages and benefits for faculty if concerted political action is brought to bear; and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington, through legislative action, has recently shifted an increasing portion of the costs of operating the state’s higher education institutions to student tuition increases and away from state-funded support, thus tending to promote the privatization of public higher education in the state; and
WHEREAS, the Washington Federation of Teachers represents several thousand part-time instructors and is the strongest voice for higher education employees in Washington; and
WHEREAS, the WFT has worked with the Washington Education Association and the Washington State Labor Council on this issue in the past; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council work in coalition with the WFT, the WEA and other affected groups to revise and implement the existing plan to achieve pro-rata pay increments for both full- and part-time faculty and improved benefits for all part-time faculty in this state, and that this plan include lobbying the legislature in 2003; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council make this issue a top lobbying item and mobilize its affiliates towards this effort.
RESOLUTION OPPOSING INS RAIDS
Resolution #4
WHEREAS, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act’s “Operation Tarmac” seeks to make air travel safer by targeting hardworking immigrant workers at the airport and at food preparation sites not on the airport or on Port of Seattle premises; and
WHEREAS, 33 union members employed by Hertz, Host, and LSG SkyChef have been arrested and deported since January, 2002, in two “Operation Tarmac” Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) raids; and
WHEREAS, LSG SkyChef provided INS Agents with LSG SkyChef management uniforms and called a phony meeting — inviting only those workers identified by the INS with the sole intent of arresting undocumented workers; and
WHEREAS, national LSG SkyChef is currently engaged in master contract negotiations; and
WHEREAS, the SeaTac airport workforce will be doubling under the expansion project and 20,000 workers will be eligible to organize unions; and
WHEREAS, INS raids disrupt union organizing and collective bargaining efforts; and
WHEREAS, INS raids of offsite food preparation facilities don’t make air travel any safer; and
WHEREAS, INS raids tear families apart, displace workers, and sow panic in immigrant communities; and
WHEREAS, AFL-CIO President John L. Sweeney, in an April 11 2002 press release, called on union members to “stand in unequivocal solidarity with immigrant workers and their families [and] demand that they be treated with dignity and fairness, on and off the job”; and
WHEREAS, President Sweeney, in this same press release, renewed the AFL-CIO’s call for “Legalization of the undocumented among us who are working hard, paying taxes, and contributing to their communities and the nation”; and
WHEREAS, President Sweeney, in the April 11 press release, called for “full protection of workplace rights, including the freedom to organize a union, for all workers – regardless of immigrations status”; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council respects the right of all workers to organize a union by opposing INS raids at sites where workers are organizing or engaged in collective bargaining; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council condemn the INS and employers’ tactics of lying to workers and tricking workers about immigration enforcement procedures and the admission of INS agents onto employer premises without legal warrants; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council support efforts by immigrants rights, faith, and community organizations to demand amnesty for undocumented workers.
SUPPORT OF TREATY RIGHTS FOR WOMEN
Resolution #5
WHEREAS, women’s rights are family rights and in the past the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, has advocated for women’s and family rights; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Treaty for the Rights of Women, officially known as the Convention on Ending All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), is to improve the lives of women and girls around the world by establishing a minimum set of standards for combating discrimination against women; and
WHEREAS, CEDAW acts as an international “Bill of Rights” for women by addressing women’s political, economic, cultural and social rights; and
WHEREAS, the United Nations adopted the Convention in 1979 and a total of 169 countries have ratified the Treaty since then; however, almost 25 years after helping to draft the Treaty at the First World Conference on Women in Mexico City, the United States has still failed to ratify the most comprehensive human rights treaty addressing international women’s rights, even after making a public commitment in Beijing in 1995 to ratify CEDA by the year 2000; and
WHEREAS, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing on the Treaty for the Rights of Women on June 13, 2002, and Senate vote is expected this summer; and
WHEREAS, the current U.S. Administration has shown limited support for this Treaty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, go on record in support of the Treaty for the Rights of Women, and write to President George Bush and members of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to urge its immediate adoption.
RESOLUTION AGAINST THE WAR, ATTACKS ON CIVIL LIBERTIES AND CUTS IN PUBLIC SERVICES
Resolution #6
WHEREAS, President Bush’s ever-expanding war on terrorism has been cynically used to justify a $48 billion hike in next year’s military budget, bringing it to $383 billion, in addition to the $15 billion bailout of the airline industry and $25 billion in tax refunds for corporate America; and
WHEREAS, Congress is forcing union members and other working and poor people to pay for this war drive and subsidize corporate profits by raiding the Social Security Trust Fund and cutting funding for economically distressed states and vital government programs such as subsidies for low income housing and services to the homeless; and
WHEREAS, the billions spent on armaments, domestic repression and bailouts could be better used to provide retraining programs and jobs to the 800,000 workers across the nation who lost their jobs after September 11th, and to plug the $50 billion deficit in state and local budgets that has resulted in a major loss of union jobs and cuts in essential social services, such as fully staffed libraries, education, quality public transportation with reliable access services to the disabled, providing clean water and air, healthcare and treatment for the mentally ill; and
WHEREAS, in the aftermath of September 11th, over 1,000 immigrants were imprisoned in detention centers, thousands of airport workers (many of them immigrants of color) were fired simply because they were not citizens, and Muslims, people of Middle Eastern descent and other immigrants suffered increased violence sparked by racial profiling by the INS and the FBI; and
WHEREAS, the federal USA PATRIOT anti-terrorism act and similar state measures undermine labor’s right to organize and fight anti-immigrant attacks and other union-busting tactics by expanding the government’s ability to detain non-citizens based on mere suspicion, to conduct telephone and internet surveillance and secret searches, and to define people engaged in political protest as “domestic terrorists”; and
WHEREAS, the national AFL-CIO’s uncritical support for this profit-driven war has derailed labor opposition to increased military expenditures, corporate subsidies and government spying, and provided political cover for Democrats to jump on the anti-terrorism bandwagon; and
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO’s support for the war has led to the callous withholding of solidarity from labor’s working class and poor allies in other countries who are suffering and dying as a result of this conflict; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council expand its efforts to defend civil liberties by taking the following actions and urging the AFL-CIO to do the same:
- Campaign for the repeal of the USA PATRIOT Act and defeat of similar “anti-terrorism” measures in state legislatures;
- Pressure local and state law enforcement agencies to refuse to cooperate with FBI spying on political, union, and anti-globalism activists or comply with INS harassment of Arabs and other immigrants and people of color in the U.S.;
- Demand the immediate release of the hundreds of Middle Eastern, Arab and other immigrants who are still being detained without due process and/or legal justification; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urge the AFL-CIO and its affiliates to oppose the U.S. government’s open-ended war on terrorism, and participate in rallies, marches and other activities to pressure President Bush and Congress to stop the war and redirect money from corporate handouts and the military budget to assist laid-off workers, restore and expand public services, and promote global justice by providing humanitarian and economic aid, administered by unions, to our brothers and sisters in other countries.
FOR CONTINUED STATE FUNDING OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Resolution #8
WHEREAS, since the inception of legislation creating the public transit benefit area, Washington State has been a partner in public transportation; and
WHEREAS, legislators codified the intent of Initiative 695 and repealed the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, of which a portion was used to match local funds for public transportation; and
WHEREAS, transit properties in the State of Washington lost $213 million per year in operating funds and have not been successful in replacing the state’s portion; and
WHEREAS, transit properties have been successful in raising local taxes, small transit properties do not have the tax base to replace the state’s portion and larger properties do not have the economic means to keep pace with increased demands; and
WHEREAS, the Amalgamated Transit Union Legislative Council has endorsed Referendum 51, which will provide $45 million per year statewide for public transportation; and
WHEREAS, Referendum 51 is responsive to the urgent needs of the State of Washington, $45 million per year statewide falls far short of the $213 million per year statewide that public transportation lost under I-695; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will work toward finding a steady, sufficient funding source for public transportation, and will support legislation that provides such a source.
REDUCE ACTUARIAL PENALTIES FOR EARLY RETIREMENT FROM PERS II
Resolution #9
WHEREAS, participants of PERS II can, potentially, be penalized up to 80% of their pension for 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 be for the foreseeable future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will support and work towards legislation to reduce the actuarial penalties for early retirement from PERS II to 3% per year for retirees aged 55 to 64 years.
IN SUPPORT OF DIVERSITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
Resolution #10
WHEREAS, several states, but not Washington state, have enacted laws prohibiting employment discrimination, in both the private and public sectors, based upon sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council strongly supports diversity and non-discrimination and strongly supports all working families; and
WHEREAS, a number of affiliated unions have worked diligently and have successfully attained domestic partner benefits and employment non-discrimination protection for their members, including for workers employed by the State of Washington (albeit domestic partnership benefits for same-sex couples only); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will work toward passage of the Cal Anderson Civil Rights bill and related legislation to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression, and to expand employment benefits for domestic partners in both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
KEEPING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AFFORDABLE
Resolution #11
WHEREAS, during the 2002 legislature, the Washington State Labor Council, working with the Prescription for Action Coalition, moved legislation to enact prescription drug reforms that address the increasing crisis facing our members and their families purchasing prescription drugs; and
WHEREAS, due to strong opposition from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, who increased their lobbying presence in Olympia in order to prevent these reforms, the legislature did not enact prescription drug legislation; and
WHEREAS, the cost of prescription drugs continues to rise while pharmaceutical industry profits outstrip all other industries – in 2001 their profits represented an 18.5% return on revenue, nearly six times as large as the median return (3.3 percent) for Fortune 500 companies (Families USA Report 7/17/02); and
WHEREAS, the pharmaceutical industry uses these profits to advertise drugs that are not necessarily the cheapest nor the most appropriate choice for consumers, thereby driving up the cost of health care coverage, and further eroding the ability of working people and seniors to access the health care coverage they need; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the 2002 Washington State Labor Council Convention go on record supporting the legislation being advanced by the Prescription for Action Coalition and that all the affiliates join with the WSLC in efforts to pass legislation in the 2003 session that will help control the costs of prescription drugs while assuring our members that they will have access to the drugs they need; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that in order to keep the price of prescription drugs affordable for consumers, the WSLC and its affiliates declare our support for efforts to impose price regulation on prescription drugs as is done in every other western industrialized nation in the world.
IN SUPPORT OF MINIMUM PAID LEAVE
Resolution #12
WHEREAS, paid leave from work contributes significantly to workers’ ability to maintain their own health and care for their families; and
WHEREAS, paid leave allows workers to maintain financial stability, as well as to remain productive workers of the workforce; and
WHEREAS, workers without access to paid leave have little choice but to quit their jobs during times of serious illness or other family crisis; and
WHEREAS, lower wage workers are least likely to have leave or other benefits, and typically, have few, if any, resources to fall back on in times of family illness or other crisis; and
WHEREAS, the shifts in welfare policy are pushing more low income parents into the workforce, and a recent study of Washington State’s WorkFirst program found that only 37% of former welfare recipients who were working had vacation and about 30% had paid sick leave; and
WHEREAS, local and national studies confirm that former welfare recipients who initially move to high quality jobs that include employer provided benefits are almost twice as likely to stay employed than those who get jobs with poor pay and no benefits; and
WHEREAS, public policy has made slow progress on the issue of leave from work, and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees up to twelve (12 weeks) of unpaid leave for new parents or for the serious medical condition of the worker or close family member to only a little over half the workforce; and
WHEREAS, in 2002, Washington State enacted legislation requiring all employers to allow workers with paid leave to use that leave to care for family members with serious medical or emergency conditions; and
WHEREAS, access to paid leave for all workers would enable all working people the ability to better balance work with the health and well being of themselves and their families, while remaining productive employees; and
WHEREAS, without public policies requiring paid leave for all workers, a significant percentage of workers will remain without this important benefit, and will be extremely vulnerable to falling from self-sufficiency into poverty and dependence on publicly funded programs in times of family illness or stress; 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 Minimum Paid Leave for all working people in Washington State; and, be it further
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support the creation of a Minimum Paid Leave through the legislative, initiative and/or referendum process.
ELIMINATE OBJECTIONABLE LANGUAGE FROM AFL-CIO CONSTITUTION
Resolution #14
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 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 McCarthyite 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; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the delegates of local unions to this convention be encouraged to pass similar resolutions in their local unions and forward them to their international unions for adoption and submission to the national AFL-CIO convention for its adoption; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council reaffirms its opposition to the objectionable language quoted in the second “Whereas” of this resolution.
REGARDING ELECTRICAL APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES
Resolution #15
WHEREAS, safety in the training of electrical apprentices and trainees must be the most important issue addressed in RCW 19.28.161; and
WHEREAS, the 75% rule, as it is commonly referred to, is inherently dangerous to the untrained apprentices and trainees to which it applies; and
WHEREAS, many electrical inspectors and compliance officers have given citations for apprentices and trainees working alone, and have long complained about the egregious abuse by employers and their jobsite supervisors in regards to the 75% rule; and
WHEREAS, many apprentices and trainees are forced into lying to inspectors and compliance officers about the location of their journeyman, and just how long they have been working without supervision; and
WHEREAS, the apprentice or trainee often faces retaliation from these unscrupulous employers or their supervision if they do not lie; and
WHEREAS, lying often results in a fine and loss of training hours to that apprentice or trainee; and
WHEREAS, this abuse of the 75% rule not only endangers the lives, safety and health of the apprentices and trainees affected, but results in an unfair advantage by these unscrupulous contractors in bidding for and obtaining construction projects; and
WHEREAS, contractors who are honest, safety-minded, and concerned about the education and training of their apprentices and trainees are penalized for following the law; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council push for legislation that would call for the elimination of the 75% rule in RCW 19.28.161; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council push for legislation that would call for the elimination of fines and penalties against apprentices and trainees who unwillingly work without supervision under threats of retaliation from their employers and their immediate company supervisors; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council push for legislation that calls for mandatory fines against contractors and administrators who violate any lawful statute covered under RCW 19.28.161, and that when multiple and or repeated violations occur that the administrator’s license be revoked for a period of no less than one year, and that the violating contractor and owners be banned from bidding on any public works projects covered by RCW 19.28.161 for a period of no less than one year; and be it further
RESOLVED, that any contractor, owner, or administrator who refuses to pay the fines levied or attempts to or manages to circumvent bans imposed by the authority enforcing these laws be subject to further fines and a permanent ban from bidding any public works projects covered by RCW 19.28.161; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council agrees to work for the elimination of the “Trainee Program” in Washington State in favor of a program similar to the all “Apprenticeship Program” in the State of Oregon.
INTERIM FUNDING DURING STATE FISCAL CRISIS
Resolution #16
WHEREAS, the Governor and the Legislature’s response to the state’s fiscal crisis during the 2002 Legislative Session included the elimination of a scheduled cost of living adjustment for state employees, an increase in out-of-pocket health care costs paid by state employees, and the elimination of hundreds of state jobs; and
WHEREAS, reducing funding not only harms state employees, but it also harms the services to the most vulnerable: including, developmentally disabled, those with mental health issues, abused and neglected children and the quality education at our colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, state employees have already been asked by the Governor and the Legislature to bear a disproportionate burden of the state’s fiscal problems; and
WHEREAS, current estimates are that the state’s revenues for the 2003-2005 biennium are already as much as $2 billion behind projected expenditures; and
WHEREAS, the people of the state of Washington depend on state employees to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare; and
WHEREAS, balancing the budget on the backs of state employees actually erodes the state’s long-term ability to provide essential services; and
WHEREAS, balancing the budget on the backs of state employees also results in further damaging the state’s economy, making the cure worse than the illness; and
WHEREAS, as a result of their decreasing standard of living and widespread layoffs, state employees have already experienced long-term harm because of the Governor and the Legislature’s short-sighted approach; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will strongly urge the Governor and the Legislature to find the political courage necessary to find an interim funding source adequate to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare without asking state employees to, once again, bear the brunt of our state’s economic problems.
ENDORSING UNIONS-AMERICA.COM
Resolution #17
WHEREAS, a long held policy of organized labor is that unions and their members should buy union goods and services when and where available; and
WHEREAS, UNIONS-AMERICA.COM is the only union provider of internet services in the United States; and
WHEREAS, UNIONS-AMERICA.COM also builds and hosts web sites and web pages under a union contract; and
WHEREAS, UNIONS-AMERICA.COM, as a union employer, pays scale and provides a comprehensive benefits package to all its employees which helps maintain a standard of living all unions seek for their members and their families; and
WHEREAS, non-union internet service providers are paying wages significantly below those paid by UNIONS-AMERICA.COM, and frequently provide few or no benefits; and
WHEREAS, purchase of internet services from non-union employers who pay less and provide fewer benefits compromises the ability of union employers to maintain standards established by the union and remain competitive; and
WHEREAS, all union members need customers who earn enough to pay for the goods and services those members create and provide in order to maintain the value they get in wages and benefits for producing those goods and providing those services; and
WHEREAS, UNIONS-AMERICA.COM is creating these kinds of customers by adhering to its union contract; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the 45th Annual Convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, go on record as encouraging unions and their members to use UNIONS-AMERICA.COM, or any other unionized employer operating under a collective bargaining agreement that guarantees wages, benefits and working conditions (as defined in this resolution) to all employees, when they need an internet service provider to access the internet, when they need a web site or web page built, or when they need an internet service provider to host their web site or web page.
IN SUPPORT OF LEGALIZATION FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS
Resolution #18
WHEREAS, the United States of America is a nation of immigrants; and
WHEREAS, immigrant families come to our country today work hard, pay taxes, and want to participate in our democracy, and 50,000 immigrants are currently serving in our armed forces; and
WHEREAS, many immigrants have been held in bureaucratic limbo for years, unable to get the government to resolve their legal status due to outdated immigration laws; and
WHEREAS, unethical employers exploit workers who are not citizens, driving down wage and benefit standards for all working people in this country; and
WHEREAS, churches, community organizations, labor unions, and other concerned people are joining together to support legalization for immigrant workers who want to become American citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, go on record as supporting the “One Million Voices” campaign, a nationwide effort to collect one million post cards in support of legalization for immigrant workers, which will be sent to President Bush and the U.S. Congress.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE, FAIR REVENUE TO PROTECT SERVICES IN WASHINGTON
Resolution #19
WHEREAS, taxes fund the services that educate our children, keep us safe in our communities, promote the general welfare of our citizens and support the infrastructure of our economy; and
WHEREAS, according to national studies, Washington State has one of the most regressive tax systems of all the states in the United States, such that a Washington family in the lowest 20% income bracket pays 17% of their income towards state and local taxes, while Washington families in the top 1% income bracket pay only 3.6% of their incomes towards state and local taxes (Citizens for Tax Justice Report); and
WHEREAS, in the past, periodic tax and fee increases have allowed state spending to keep pace with rising incomes and public demand for services, but since 1995 tax breaks have eroded Washington State’s tax base; and
WHEREAS, tax breaks have continued to erode Washington’s tax base; and
WHEREAS, the “no new taxes” mantra of some politicians and anti-government advocates has abrogated responsibility for stable and necessary funding for the services citizens need and deserve, such as holding down wages for homecare workers who currently earn only $7.68 per hour with no benefits, and provide care for our state’s elderly and disabled; and
WHEREAS, Washington is facing a revenue deficit of as much as $2 billion this coming 2003 – 2005 biennium; and
WHEREAS, steep budget cuts would jeopardize the basic quality of life that Washingtonians expect from state government and increase the already high jobless rate; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council go on record supporting a short-term solution to the revenue shortfall that could include the following options:
- Opposing any repeal of the state inheritance tax;
- Elimination of unnecessary tax exemptions/subsidies;
- Support for a one percent (1%) income tax on incomes over $100,000;
- Closure of the tax loophole that eliminates the sales tax on business and professional services;
- Support for a tax on certain selected services that are currently untaxed; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO support long-term solutions to the tax structure in the state that would provide adequate and stable funding for the state’s education system, healthcare, public safety, and other public services that include the passage of a graduated state income tax.
IN OPPOSITION TO A NORTHWEST REGIONAL TRANSMISSION ORGANIZATION (RTO)
Resolution #20
WHEREAS, for over 60 years the Northwest states have enjoyed the benefits of an electrical transmission system owned and operated primarily by Bonneville Power Administration; and
WHEREAS, this Bonneville system has been operated for public benefit on a not-for-profit basis; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has mandated establishment of Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) which are entities designed to operate transmission systems; and
WHEREAS, RTOs have been established in other parts of the country with varied results; and
WHEREAS, establishment of an RTO in the Northwest would be a detriment to our region and would result in yet another energy crisis culminating in price spikes and layoffs, along with potentially catastrophic tax consequences due to the transition of Bonneville’s assets from public to private operation; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, supports the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 77, 125 and 483 in their resolution to oppose formation of an RTO in our region; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will, along with the IBEW, petition FERC, the Governor, legislators, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC), and public and private utilities and their membership groups and others to advocate against formation of a Northwest regional RTO.
SUPPORT OF APPRENTICESHIP UTILIZATION
Resolution #21
WHEREAS, the future economic health of Washington state relies on a workforce possessing a wide variety of skills; and
WHEREAS, this workforce must not only be trained, but trained well, with comprehensive knowledge of craft and confidence driven by a strong work ethic; and
WHEREAS, apprenticeship programs, approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship Council, have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness at creating such a workforce; and
WHEREAS, registered apprentices enjoy living wages, decent benefits, and a future with more of the same; and
WHEREAS, market forces remain an inadequate means of alleviating this looming crisis; and
WHEREAS, the success of Governor Locke’s Executive Order 00_01 has confirmed that apprenticeship utilization standards on applicable public projects place no unreasonable demands on the contracting community; and
WHEREAS, these standards create many more outstanding career opportunities than would exist without specific utilization requirements; and
WHEREAS, these standards empower more men and women to earn a living wage, free from public assistance; and
WHEREAS, expanding apprenticeship utilization standards to all public projects would only expand these victories further; and
WHEREAS, our state’s legislators, charged with the responsibility to address crises such as the second highest unemployment in the nation, have no excuse to tolerate apprenticeship programs’ chronic underutilization; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council recognize the dire need to address an escalating worker shortage in the building trades; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that during the 2003 legislative session, the Washington State Labor Council will endorse and support legislation to establish apprenticeship utilization requirements on public projects.
MEDICAL AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE
Resolution #22
WHEREAS, the cost of coverage for medical and prescription drug care coverage in the state of Washington has skyrocketed; and
WHEREAS, there are employers who provide no coverage of any kind for their employees, forcing them to rely on state provided services; and
WHEREAS, seniors should not have to travel to Canada for lower priced drugs; and
WHEREAS, drug manufacturers are shamelessly profiteering on the backs of our uninsured and elderly; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will work in coalition with other groups to seek passage of legislation that will make medical and prescription drugs affordable for all citizens who do not have coverage for medical and prescription drugs; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will support legislation that authorizes the State to collect monies from those employers who do not provide medical coverage.
PERTAINING TO MISCLASSIFICATION OF WORKERS
Resolution #23
WHEREAS, a critical issue facing the organized sector of the construction industry is the proliferation of unscrupulous contractors who are deliberately misclassifying construction workers as independent contractors, and this illegal practice is devastating the union construction industry and inflicting harm on our members and their families; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, working with the NBTD and other unions, is actively seeking the eradication of misclassification in the construction industry, we urge the enactment of federal and state legislation, pursuing private lawsuits, and working to increase the enforcement efforts of the Internal Revenue Service and affected state agencies in identifying and punishing contractors who illegally misclassify their workers (the Department believes that criminal prosecution by state authorities of misclassifying contractors will have a significant deterrent effect); and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council refuses to waiver in its steadfast opposition to deliberate misclassification of workers and to any public or private efforts, legislative or otherwise, that may encourage or condone such illegal misclassifications; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will use every lawful means to fight worker misclassification, including, but not limited to, urging state and federal legislatures and agencies to adopt laws and regulations against misclassification, encouraging private lawsuits against contractors who deliberately misclassify their workers as independent contractors, and working with federal and state agencies to bring effective civil and criminal enforcement action against contractors who misclassify their workers.
PERTAINING TO WORKER DISPLACEMENT BY PRISON INMATES
Resolution #24
WHEREAS, the Department of Corrections has been mandated to employ prisoners in our state penal system; and
WHEREAS, the intent is to recover incarceration costs to the state, to make monetary restitution to victims and to force the inmates to save a portion of their earnings to be available upon their release, while at the same time, the intention is to provide and opportunity for inmates to gain work experience; and
WHEREAS, the law requiring inmates to be employed is causing law-abiding citizens to lose employment in the State of Washington; and
WHEREAS, law-abiding citizens should not lose employment to prisoners; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will introduce legislation that will prohibit the Department of Corrections from being involved in any industry that would displace Washington workers; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that basic education skills shall be taught to each and every inmate so that once they return to society, they can seek gainful employment.
TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER FROM UNQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS
Resolution #25
WHEREAS, the State of Washington should set a high priority on the protection of the citizens whose health and safety are affected by persons obtaining contractor licenses without any experience in the construction industry; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will work for passage of legislation that will require anyone applying for a contractor’s license to provide certification or prove through testing that they have a minimum amount of experience in the trade(s) for which they are seeking to obtain a contractor’s license.
WINNING A FIRST CONTRACT FOR 26,000 HOMECARE WORKERS
Resolution #26
WHEREAS, the largest and fastest growing segment of long term care in Washington state is provided by homecare workers to consumers in their own homes; and
WHEREAS, the demand for home care is expected to increase significantly as the “baby boomer” generation ages and consumers demand more home and community-based long-term care services; and
WHEREAS, tens of thousands of low-income seniors and people with disabilities rely on homecare every day to live with dignity and independence in their own homes; and
WHEREAS, homecare workers are an essential but often invisible part of the human services safety net providing quality care to low-income elderly and disabled Washingtonians ; and
WHEREAS, homecare consumers are our families, friends, and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, most homecare workers work for $7.68/hr with no benefits, no healthcare, no vacations, no pensions, no workers compensation; and
WHEREAS, low wages and no benefits, along with low quality standards and inadequate training, contribute to a high worker turnover making it more and more difficult for consumers to find qualified homecare workers; and
WHEREAS, in the largest union election ever in Washington state history, more than 26,000 homecare workers have voted to join a union in order to raise their standard of living, to improve the quality of care for the consumers they serve, and to find solutions to stabilize the workforce; and
WHEREAS, independent provider homecare workers will be in negotiations for a first contract with the Homecare Quality Authority this fall, and then bringing the negotiated contract to the 2003 Legislature for final approval; and
WHEREAS, the homecare worker contract will be the first negotiated agreement to be voted on by the Legislature under recently enacted laws providing collective bargaining rights to homecare workers, state employees, teaching assistants, and faculty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall prioritize and give all possible support to the lobbying efforts on behalf of these homecare workers to win legislative approval of their first contract and to win wage enhancements for all unionized homecare workers.
REGARDING THE COCKLE DECISION
Resolution #27
WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Industries is proposing language to deal with the Cockle decision; and
WHEREAS, the Department’s draft language is the narrowest possible interpretation of the Cockle Case; and
WHEREAS, the Department’s language would otherwise limit what is considered wages and, thereby, unnecessarily denying injured workers benefits they should receive; and
WHEREAS, the Department’s language would not allow injured workers who have a bank of hours for medical leave to receive Cockle considerations until their bank had been exhausted; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, with the assistance of its affiliates and other allies, will take the necessary steps to encourage the Department to change its language in the rule-making process and if the Department fails to issue a rule consistent with a broad interpretation of the Cockle decision, the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliates will seek the introduction and passage of legislation to establish that all parts of wages and like consideration be considered in calculating a worker’s wage at the time of injury.
EVALUATION OF PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT
Resolution #28
WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Industries is proposing changes to the Washington Administrative Code; and
WHEREAS, these changes specifically state that the Department will not consider pain in an impairment rating as set forth in Chapter 18 of the 5th edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment; and
WHEREAS, this decision by the Department will not allow for injured workers to receive fair consideration for excessive pain; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, with the assistance of its affiliates and other allies, shall seek the introduction and passage of legislation to recognize the pain-related impairment consistent with Chapter 18 of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.
IN SUPPORT OF UNION WORKERS AT THE SPOKANE REGIONAL HEALTH DISTRICT
Resolution #29
WHEREAS, one hundred and sixty public health professionals at the Spokane Regional Health District have chosen to be represented by the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 17; and
WHEREAS, the Local 17 represented employees of the Health District provide invaluable services to the citizens of the Spokane region through such programs as food safety, maternal and child health, communicable disease prevention and emergency outbreak response; and
WHEREAS, Local 17 has been in contract negotiations with the District for nine months; and
WHEREAS, the Health District has been reluctant to reach conclusion on all issues in order to achieve a tentative agreement with Local 17; and
WHEREAS, only four issues remain on the table; and
WHEREAS, represented employees are eager to conclude negotiations on mutually agreeable terms by Labor Day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, fully supports IFPTE Local 17 members at the Spokane Regional Health District in reaching a fair contract by Labor Day; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will endeavor to mobilize Spokane area affiliates as needed to assist Local 17 to achieve a contract with the Spokane Regional Health District; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the delegates of the 2002 Washington State Labor Council Convention call upon the decision-makers at the District to show their respect for the tremendous work these public health professionals do in the community by concluding these negotiations in a fair, equitable and timely manner.
IN SUPPORT OF THE GOLDEN NORTHWEST ALUMINUM AND ALL INDUSTRIAL POWER USERS PLAN
Resolution #30
WHEREAS, Golden Northwest Aluminum (GNA) is seeking Bonneville Power Administration support on 1) a short-term Restart Plan; and 2) a longer-term Power Project to develop new, affordable energy for all Industrial Users and to help the region; and
WHEREAS, in order to do this, GNA needs BPA’s assistance to purchase low-priced energy from the market instead of paying BPA’s above-market industrial rate included in their contract; and, in exchange, GNA would pay BPA the difference between these two rates, plus additional interest come fall of 2003; and
WHEREAS, GNA’s Long-Term Power Project would develop new energy capacity, and would provide affordable energy for GNA’s own smelters, while also offering power at cost to BPA, the regional utilities and the Direct Service Industries; and
WHEREAS, Golden Northwest Aluminum is requesting that BPA provide 5-year credit support to GNA for the development of additional power capacity, and this financial arrangement would allow GNA to build new, environmentally sound, renewable energy and/or natural gas plants; and
WHEREAS, this plan would return hundreds of union members back to work and a viable industry would be saved in the Pacific Northwest; in addition, the plan would give other aluminum industries a viable plan for restart and help other non-aluminum industrial power users remain competitive; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliates support, and communicate with their Congressional Representatives and Governor about the positive impact of the GNA plan, and urge BPA Administrator Steve Wright to move forward with the GNA plan as soon as possible, because a GNA smelter restart would have a positive impact by employing hundreds of workers, and also benefit BPA with additional, at cost power and help regional utilities and DSI’s benefit from additional power availability.
ESTABLISHMENT OF AFFILIATE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Resolution #31
WHEREAS, Wal-Mart Corporation has over one million employees and is the largest retailer in the world; and
WHEREAS, Wal-Mart Corporation is one of the most militantly anti-union companies in the country; and
WHEREAS, Wal-Mart has been the model for other retailers to move manufacturing out of the United States to foreign countries in search of child, slave, prison, and other low wage labor; and
WHEREAS, Wal-Mart accounts for over 10% of all imported goods to the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Wal-Mart has taken the lead as the purveyor of poverty wages and inferior benefits; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that all unions affiliated with the Washington State Labor Council begin an educational program with their members to discourage the spending of union dollars at any and all outlets of Wal-Mart; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will forward this resolution to the National AFL-CIO, to all Labor Councils in the state of Washington, and to all member organizations in the state of Washington.
MINIMUM WAGE
Resolution #33
WHEREAS, since the 2001 WSLC Convention, attacks on the minimum wage indexing have increased; and
WHEREAS, the multi-national agricultural company, Seneca, set up a tour of its Eastern Washington warehouse and packing plant for state legislatures in order to lobby for the exclusion of farm workers from the minimum wage indexing, and threatened to move its facilities elsewhere; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, 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 Consumer Price Index 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 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 WSLC will fight any legislative attempts of employer organizations to weaken our state’s minimum wage law; and be it finally
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 WSLC will direct its committee on initiatives to evaluate and make a recommendation to the WSLC Executive Board regarding the merits of running an initiative to the people to restore the provisions of I-688.
REGARDING THE FAIR TRADE APPLE CAMPAIGN
Resolution #34
WHEREAS, at the 2001 WSLC Convention, the delegates passed a resolution regarding the Fair Trade Apples Campaign; and
WHEREAS, the campaign is building momentum, and the United Farm Workers has received statements of commitment from cooperatives and conventional retailers to make Fair Trade Apples available in Washington outlets this fall; and
WHEREAS, a fair trade apple union label means a commitment to 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; and
WHEREAS, the success of the Fair Trade Apple Campaign is dependant upon building community support and consumer demand for the Fair Trade Apples; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will continue to work with the UFW, with its affiliated Central Labor Councils and local unions 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 will encourage its affiliated Central Labor Councils and local unions to solicit political endorsements for the fair Trade Campaign in their communities.
REGARDING CASCADE REGIONAL BLOOD SERVICES IN PIERCE COUNTY AND PUGET SOUND BLOOD CENTER
Resolution #35
WHEREAS, the Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, sponsored the creation of Cascade Regional Blood Services in 1946, and has continued to assist in the development of Cascade Regional Blood Services; and
WHEREAS, Cascade Regional Blood Services is the major blood bank for South King County, Pierce County and neighboring communities; and
WHEREAS, Puget Sound Blood Center provides no services in Pierce County and provides no direct services to the hospitals or citizens of Pierce County or surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, Puget Sound Blood Center has had a history of soliciting blood drives outside the areas that they serve and, most recently, has been soliciting business during the past month at Tacoma Community College, Camp Murray and at the Ethnic Fest at Wright Park, across the street from Cascade Regional Blood Services, all of which are firmly placed within Pierce County; and
WHEREAS, Cascade Regional Blood Services is a union shop and the employees are represented by Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 23; and
WHEREAS, Puget Sound Blood Center employees are not represented, and Puget Sound Blood Center is a non-union shop; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that union members recognize the need to give blood in their community; and be it further
RESOLVED, that union members be encouraged, whenever possible, to support Cascade Regional Blood services when making blood donations; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall communicate support for this resolution and information about the aggressive tactics of Puget Sound Blood Center to all affiliated local unions, and ask for their support and communication with their union members about this resolution.
IN OPPOSITION OF KAISER ALUMINUM’S PLAN FOR KEY EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND RETENTION
Resolution #36
WHEREAS, on or about May 15, 2002, a National Labor Relations Board Administrative Law Judge ruled that Kaiser Aluminum illegally locked out its workforce for nearly two (2) years during a long and bitter labor dispute and owes its employees in excess of $200 million in back pay awards; and
WHEREAS, Kaiser Aluminum received $450 million in remarketing funds from the BPA during last year’s period of high energy prices and reinvested none of said remarketing funds in the Pacific Northwest in violation of the remarketing agreement with the BPA; and
WHEREAS, Kaiser Aluminum filed for bankruptcy on February 12, 2002, and since that time refuses to pay any grievance settlements or back pay awards that occurred prior to the time of filing; and
WHEREAS, Kaiser Aluminum is petitioning the United States Bankruptcy Court to allow Kaiser’s key upper level managers to be compensated up to $60 million in management retention bonuses (the same key managers and CEOs that broke the law and ran Kaiser into bankruptcy); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliates will urge their congressional representatives to contact the United States Bankruptcy Court and tell the court, in no uncertain terms, that Kaiser managers should not be rewarded for the illegal acts perpetrated on its employees and the citizens of the Northwest.
SUBORDINATE SECTIONS AND TRUSTEES Article IX, Section 2
Resolution #37
WHEREAS, some of the O&D Sections have not met or elected officers for several years; and
WHEREAS, there are no officers or trustees to request utilization of the O&D funds for said section; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that if the Sections do not meet during the Constitutional Convention or notify the Secretary-Treasurer, in writing, during the Constitutional Convention year of their elected officers, that Section will be disbanded and the local unions will be allocated to the remaining sections by the Executive Board; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that any reference to said section(s) will be removed from the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO constitution, Article IX, Section 1.
INCREASE OF VICE PRESIDENTS IN THE 2nd DISTRICT Article V, Section 4
Resolution #38
WHEREAS, the 2nd District of the Washington State Labor Council has increased in union density; and
WHEREAS, there is a geographical, if not population, need in Eastern Washington; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO should be representative of the density of union members; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the 2nd District shall have three (3) vice presidents with no more than two (2) coming from one Central Labor Council, and shall begin with this 2002 election cycle; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that in Article V, Section 4 of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO constitution the number of vice presidents be changed from two (2) to three (3) upon passage at the 2002 Constitutional Convention; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that in Article V, Section 1 of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO constitution the number of vice presidents be increased from eighteen (18) to nineteen (19).
CONSTITUENCY EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Article V, Section 1(a)
Resolution #39
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO Executive Board has made the decision to expand the board to Constituency Groups; and
WHEREAS, by doing this, the Board looks to diversify and add additional members reflecting the six (6) constituency groups affiliated with the National AFL-CIO; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that all six (6) Constituency Groups affiliated with the National AFL-CIO and the Washington State Labor Council shall have a seat on the board with vote and voice. The initial additional members shall be appointed by the Executive Board; subsequent terms of office shall be elected pursuant to procedures developed by the Executive Board; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that upon passage at the August 2002 Constitutional convention this language be added to Article V, creating a sub-section 1(a) on Line 10.
AFL-CIO CONSTITUENCY GROUPS
Resolution #40
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO has created “AFL-CIO constituency groups”, including the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and Pride at Work; and
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO may create other constituency groups in the future; and
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO permits appropriate state councils or chapters of these constituency groups to affiliate with the Federation; and
WHEREAS, on March 27, 2000, the AFL-CIO determined that, in order to protect and preserve the tax exempt status of these constituency groups, they shall not have voice or a vote in the endorsement of political candidates by the Federation nor any voice or vote in any decision by the Federation’s COPE; and
WHEREAS, changes to the AFL-CIO’s rules governing state central labor bodies announced on March 27, 2000 permit state central labor bodies to adopt a specific amendment to their constitution pursuant to the foregoing limitations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, amend their constitution to read as follows:
- Article III, Section 1G – State chapters of AFL-CIO constituency groups, as defined in the Rules Governing AFL-CIO State Central Bodies, that are chartered by a national AFL-CIO constituency group: If a constituency group has one or more chapters in the state, but no statewide chapter, a local chapter designated by the national constituency group may be admitted as an affiliate.
- Article III, Section H – A state chapter, or local chapter if no state chapter exists, of an AFL-CIO constituency group shall be entitled to one (1) delegate and one (1) vote. No AFL-CIO constituency group or its delegate may be present for or have a voice or vote in any meeting or proceeding concerning the endorsement of a political candidate or other partisan political activity concerning public elected office by this state federation, nor may any constituency group or its delegate be present for or have a voice or vote in any meeting or decision of this state federation’s Committee on Political Education.
LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE TIME LOSS DURING EMPLOYER APPEALS
Resolution #41
WHEREAS, an employer protest or appeal from a Labor and Industries decision 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 families; 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; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the appealing and/or protesting employer be required to post a supercedous bond equivalent to 10% of the estimated compensation to the claimant; that the intent of which is to prevent frivolous appeals and hazardous actions by the employers to the claimants.
REGARDING EMPLOYABILITY STANDARD
Resolution #42
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 that “The standard for employability as it related 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 that will raise the employability standard to no less than 80 percent of wages and benefits 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.
REGARDING SAFETY AND HEALTH GRANTS
Resolution #43
WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Industries provided $400 million in dividends to employers from the Accident Fund of the Industrial Insurance system as a result of extraordinary gains from investments in the 1990’s and;
WHEREAS, the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Committee agreed to support using some of the investment gains of the Medical Aid Fund to create a Safety and Health Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, many of the employer organizations are now opposing the implementation of the Safety and Health Grant Program, even though their representatives to the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Committee had given their support to the program, and a number of these associations benefited from these grants during the one year the program was allowed to function; and
WHEREAS, the Safety and Health Grant Program has the potential of reducing unnecessary and debilitating injuries and diseases suffered by workers in Washington; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and this Constitutional Convention go on record as supporting the Safety and Health Grant Program, provided that reserves in the Medical Aid Fund make implementation of the program fiscally prudent; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Governor and the Department of Labor and Industries be notified of Labor’s strong support for this program; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that a letter shall be sent to the Governor and the Department requesting that no dividends be distributed from the Accident Fund in the future unless and until there are programs being implemented with excess reserves from the Medical Aid Fund that benefit workers in Washington.
REGARDING WASHINGTON’S ERGONOMIC RULE
Resolution #44
WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Industries is now implementing an Ergonomic Rule designed to prevent workers from suffering musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses; and
WHEREAS, Governor Locke has delayed for two years, until 2004, the ability of the Department to issue warnings or citations for employer failure to implement the Ergonomic Rule; and
WHEREAS, employer and employer association opposition to the rule has continued unabated despite the Governor’s order to delay enforcement for two years; and
WHEREAS, musculoskeletal disorders continue to account for at least 50% of Workers’ Compensation claims and represent a huge toll in pain, suffering, and lost work days for Washington workers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliates place the highest priority on defending our Ergonomic Rule in the legislature, the courts, and with the executive branch of the government; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council notify its affiliates whenever there is a threat to the Ergonomic Rule, and that the affiliates hereby commit to respond by mobilizing members to act to defend the Ergonomics Rule; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council and its affiliates work collaboratively to educate our rank and file members on the benefits of the Ergonomic Rule, the ways they can work to implement the rule on their job sites, and on the need to defend this rule against any and all attacks.
HEALTH CARE EQUITY
Resolution #45
WHEREAS, the Labor Movement has historically been in the forefront on human rights and health care issues and continues to be so today; and
WHEREAS, currently only one-third of all insurance plans in the United States cover birth control pills and other products and services related top reproductive health for women; and
WHEREAS, not all Union member insurance plans cover such products and services; and
WHEREAS, the Labor Movement has always been the leader in obtaining the highest standards and benefits packages for employees; and
WHEREAS, more and more Union members are women, and the vast majority of Union members under union insurance plans are women and/or have plan-covered dependents who are women; and
WHEREAS, it only took 7½ weeks for approximately one-half of available health insurance plans to cover prescriptions for Viagra, but it has been over 40 years since the availability of birth control pills and yet only one-third of the insurance plans available in the United States currently cover prescriptions for birth control pills; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO supports fair and equitable health care coverage for all that will include coverage of life-saving preventive exams and reproductive products and services for women in an effort to promote overall health care equity in the United States.
HIGH ROAD TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS
Resolution #46
WHEREAS, our transportation system is a key component of global industrial competitiveness, economic development and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, investment in our transportation system, both nationally and in Washington state, has too long been deferred and is in dire need of significant public and private resources; and
WHEREAS, transportation investments have proven to be an excellent economic stimulation in cyclical downturns; and
WHEREAS, High Road Transportation Investment Standards using both public and private funding, can create family wage employment, improve our domestic competitiveness, support our economy, enhance our quality of life, and create a better environment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall enter into a coalition with other groups and associations, who support transportation investment that adheres to the following High Road Transportation Standards:
- Create world class transportation system for the movement of both people and freight by investing the most effective mix of all modes of transportation, including road, rail, air, public transit, U.S. flag maritime and their associated infrastructures.
- Investment leading to the design, construction, maintenance, and preservation of our transportation infrastructure, which shall be performed by signatory contractors and union labor, utilizing project labor agreements and apprenticeship opportunity utilization.
- Public and private enterprises utilizing these investments must enter into cooperative relationships with their employees and their employee representatives. They must maintain neutrality in employee’s right to organize, agree to card check authorization, and arbitrate any disputed first contracts.
- Future transportation investments should recognize the human resources necessary to supply the technical workforce capable of designing, constructing, maintaining, preserving and improving the transportation system. National, regional, state and local transportation authorities shall form partnerships with Labor to develop apprenticeships and training programs to insure the availability of a skilled transportation workforce; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will forward this resolution to the AFL-CIO Executive Council for review and action to make investment in our national transportation infrastructure a high priority for Labor using the aforementioned High Road Transportation Investment Standards.
TERMS OF OFFICE FOR WSLC EXECUTIVE BOARD Article V, Section 2
Resolution #47
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is made up of both local officers and rank-and-file members; and
WHEREAS, to maintain a vibrant and representative executive board; and
WHEREAS, the terms of the executive board are for four (4) years; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that upon retiring from gainful employment during their term of office, an executive board member may complete the remainder of that calendar year; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that upon passage at the August 2002 Constitutional convention, Article V, Section 2, Line 19 will be changed to the remainder of the calendar year.
IN SUPPORT OF UNION STAGE LABOR AT THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS STADIUM
Resolution #48
WHEREAS, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Local 15, has been representing theatrical and entertainment industry workers since 1894 and is committed to bettering the wages, hours, working and safety conditions for all workers in our industry; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, like IATSE, believes that facilities built with public funds should ensure that workers in these facilities should receive living wages and should guarantee that workers’ rights will not be violated; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle Seahawks Stadium was built largely with public funds; and
WHEREAS, First and Goal, Inc., the official tenant of the Seahawks Stadium have established policies which have resulted in non-union stage labor contractors performing work at the Seattle Seahawks Stadium; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle Seahawks have used a stage labor contractor for Seahawks half-time shows; and
WHEREAS, stage labor contractors fail to pay living wages to their workers, provide no benefits, occupational or safety training, and have violated workers’ rights; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will encourage First and Goal to establish policies that will ensure that stage technicians will receive a living wage with benefits and that stage technicians shall have access to state-certified apprenticeship training, and that these policies shall apply to shows and entertainment events produced by outside promoters; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will encourage First and Goal, Inc. to use union labor for all FGI sponsored entertainment events.
IN SUPPORT OF UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE
Resolution #49
WHEREAS, America’s cabotage laws (the “Jones Act” provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and the Passenger Services Act of 1886) require that cargo and passengers transported by water between United States ports be carried aboard U.S. crewed, U.S. built, and U.S. owned vessels; and
WHEREAS, U.S. crewed, U.S. flag vessels are the only vessels working in United States domestic waters whose owners are required to live up to the full responsibilities of our nation’s labor, environmental and tax laws; and
WHEREAS, the Maritime Security Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-239) established a Maritime Security Program (MSP) which provides a modern, cost competitive fleet of 47 militarily useful, United States flagged, U.S. crewed vessels engaged in foreign trade; and
WHEREAS, the Maritime Security Program is due to expire on September 30, 2005, and must be replaced by a new program if the United States Merchant Marine is to continue to operate in foreign trade; and
WHEREAS, Cargo Preference laws provide economic incentive for the operation of United States flag vessels by requiring that international ocean borne cargo that is supported by American Taxpayer’s dollars (such as food aid, government financed projects or certain military shipments) be shipped aboard United States flagged, United States crewed vessels when available; and
WHEREAS, the tragic events of September 11, 2001 make it readily apparent that the economic and military security of our nation require a strong United States merchant marine capable of maintaining our domestic maritime commerce, as well as a minimum level of our foreign trade; and
WHEREAS, it was demonstrated in the waters around Manhattan on September 11, 2001 that U.S. mariners aboard tugboats, ferries and commercial vessels of all types are, and will continue to be, true “first responders” during attacks on our nation’s highly vulnerable harbor cities; and
WHEREAS, throughout our nation’s history it has always been U. S. mariners working aboard United States flag merchant vessels that have kept our trade routes open and brought supplies to our military overseas in times of national emergency; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the 2002 convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, reaffirms its long-standing support for America’s cabotage laws and denounces any effort to repeal those law as inimical to the interests of the American worker and to the United States; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the 2002 convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, affirm its support for renewal and expansion of the Maritime Security Program as well as strict enforcement of existing Cargo Preference laws; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the 2002 convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, affirms its support for a comprehensive national maritime policy that facilitates the growth of United States crewed, U.S. flagged merchant marine; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the President of the Washington State Labor Council will transmit this resolution to all members of the Washington State Legislature and all members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation.
IN SUPPORT OF THE ILWU’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
Resolution #50
WHEREAS, the ILWU is engaged in contentious contract negotiations with the shipping and stevedoring employer group, the Pacific Maritime Association; and
WHEREAS, the PMA has consistently refused to negotiate seriously, demanding numerous concessions and proposing offers designed to be rejected; and
WHEREAS, the PMA is using these stalling tactics waiting for the federal government to intervene on its behalf to achieve advantages it could not get in collective bargaining; and
WHEREAS, the Bush administration is attempting to exploit the nation’s legitimate September 11 national security concerns to undermine the collective bargaining process by threatening to pass special legislation to take away the ILWU’s legal rights to negotiate and strike; and
WHEREAS, the Bush administration has threatened to impose a Taft-Hartley injunction against the ILWU and to send National Guard troops to the West Coast docks to assist the PMA in a lockout of ILWU longshore workers; and
WHEREAS, the ILWU has always been a leader in the American labor movement, pioneering and setting the standards for good wages, benefits and pensions; and
WHEREAS, the ILWU has always been a union with a strong sense of worker solidarity and has taken many crucial and effective actions in support of other workers’ struggles around the country and the world; and
WHEREAS, if the employers and the government are able to break the ILWU, no union in the United States is safe; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council affirms its members’ support for the ILWU in its contract negotiations and pledge all resources needed to fight the attack on the ILWU; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the members of the Washington State Labor Council will support the ILWU’s legal right to collectively bargain and to strike without government intervention; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will write letters to President Bush demanding that the federal government stay out of the negotiations and to PMA demanding it bargain seriously with the ILWU; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the members of the Washington State Labor Council will lobby their senators and congressional representatives to sign a pledge not to vote for any measure that would outlaw or restrict the ILWU’s legal rights.
REGARDING L&I TIMELOSS DURATION
Resolution #51
WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Industries has established the reduction of time loss duration by 7.5 percent as a top priority; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Industries has placed unrelenting pressure on Labor and Industries adjudicators to lower time loss duration; and
WHEREAS, this pressure has resulted in the delay of appropriate time loss benefits to thousands of workers and their families and the denial of appropriate benefits to many others; and
WHEREAS, this policy has caused needless hardship to thousands; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will call upon Department of Labor and Industries management to abandon this inappropriate, arbitrary, and capricious goal of reduction of time loss duration by 7.5% as a top priority.
REGARDING ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES
Resolution #52
WHEREAS, the Washington locals of the IATSE represent theatrical and motion picture workers in Washington state; and
WHEREAS, Washington State Labor Council COPE endorsed candidates use theatrical and motion picture workers for television commercials and live events; and
WHEREAS, the Washington union locals, Central Labor Councils and other labor organizations often need the services of theatrical and motion picture workers for television commercials, rallies, live events, conventions and parties; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will encourage all COPE endorsed candidates and all affiliates to use union labor for the abovementioned services
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