Every year, delegates to the Washington State Labor Council convention discuss, deliberate and act on resolutions submitted by the affiliated union locals and councils. These resolutions establish policy, programs and action for the WSLC. The following were passed by delegates at the WSLC’s 2012 Constitutional Convention held Aug. 6-9 at the Coast Wenatchee Hotel and Convention Center.
(Some resolution numbers are skipped because those proposed resolutions were withdrawn, tabled or rejected by delegates, or combined with another similar submission.)
1. SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION THAT ENABLES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSAL SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE
2. OPPOSE INITIATIVE 1240 – CHARTER SCHOOLS
3. NO PRISON BREAD IN WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICTS
4. RESOLUTION ON LICENSED DENTAL PRACTITIONER LEGISLATION
5. OPPOSING CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS TO STRIP OVERTIME PROTECTIONS FROM TECHNICAL WORKERS
6. OPPOSITION TO CREWING LEVEL REDUCTIONS AT THE WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES
8. RESOLUTION REGARDING FAIR WAGES FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES
10. IN SUPPORT OF THE GATEWAY PACIFIC TERMINAL PROJECT
11. RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE THE HONORING OF DETAINER REQUESTS UNDER THE “SECURE COMMUNITIES” PROGRAM
13. RESOLUTION FOR A SITE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE GATEWAY PACIFIC PROJECT
14. RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO ACCESS TO CERTIFIED PAYROLL RECORDS
15. RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO SUPPORT FOR PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS
17. REGARDING STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
18. IN SUPPORT OF KITSAP TENANT SUPPORT SERVICES WORKERS
19. REGARDING SAFE STAFFING LEVELS IN HEALTHCARE
20. REGARDING IMPLICATIONS OF FATIGUE ON PATIENT, NURSE AND HEALTH CARE WORKER SAFETY
21. REGARDING COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE BOARDS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS
23. RESOLUTION ON BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
24. RESOLUTION ON VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR INJURED WORKERS
25. RESOLUTION ON PROTECTING WORKERS IMPACTED BY OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
28. RESOLUTION ON WORKPLACE TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARD
29. CONCERNING DEEP WATER SHIPMENT TERMINALS
31. RESOLUTION ON HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
32. HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOLUTION
33. RESOLUTION REGARDING P.L.A. DISCRIMINATION
34. RESOLUTION ON CONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION OF PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLE – ARTICLE II
35. RESOLUTION ON AFFILIATES – ARTICLE III
36. RESOLUTION ON W.S.L.C. CONVENTION DATE – ARTICLE IV, SECTIONS 1 & 4
37. RESOLUTION ON CONVENTION COMMITTEES – ARTICLE IV, SECTION 21
38. RESOLUTION ON OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS – ARTICLE V
39. RESOLUTION ON EXECUTIVE BOARD – ARTICLE VIII
40. RESOLUTION REGARDING PER CAPITA TAXES AND FEES – ARTICLE XI
41. RESOLUTION ON C.O.P.E. BY-LAWS
42. IN SUPPORT OF THIRD YEAR APPLIED MATH REQUIREMENT
45. REGARDING RAILROAD WORKER AND PUBLIC SAFETY REGULATION AND LEGISLATION
47. IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC EXHIBITION ON THE HISTORY OF LABOR IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
49. TRANSPORTATION FOR WASHINGTON CAMPAIGN
50. IN SUPPORT OF EXPEDITED CONSTRUCTION OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER CROSSING REPLACEMENT BRIDGE
SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION THAT ENABLES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSAL SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE
Resolution #1
WHEREAS, the United States is the only major nation in the industrialized world that does not guarantee health care as a right to its people; and
WHEREAS, although the Affordable Care Act of 2010 is projected to eventually provide access to health insurance to 32 million more Americans, 23 million people living in the U.S. will remain uninsured by the end of this decade while health care costs continue to skyrocket; and
WHEREAS, under the current health care system, which is largely controlled by the for-profit health insurance industry, 45,000 Americans a year die because they delay seeking care they cannot afford, health care eats up one-fifth of the U.S. economy, but we rank 26th among developed nations on life expectancy and 31st on infant mortality; and
WHEREAS, in union contract bargaining across all sectors of the economy, health care benefits have become the number one issue, as employers attempt to reduce these benefits in order to increase profits; and
WHEREAS, it is time for us to end private, for-profit participation in delivering basic health care coverage; and establish a Medicare-for-all single-payer program that covers all health care needs, including prescription drugs, primary & preventative care, hospital, emergency services, outpatient services, physical therapy, rehabilitation (including substance abuse), dental, vision, home health & long term care; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council supports and recommends the following three bills: 1) H.R. 676, “Expanded & Improved Medicare For All”, introduced by Rep. John Conyers of Michigan; 2) H.R. 1200 & S. 915, “The American Health Security Act of 2011”, introduced by Rep. Jim McDermott of Washington & Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, which establishes, as an alternative, a State-Based Universal Single-Payer Program; and 3) H.R. 439, “The State Leadership in Health Care Act,” introduced by Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont, which moves up the date (from Jan. 2017 to Jan. 2014) for allowing ERISA waivers to states desiring to create their own single payer health systems; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will communicate this support to the Washington State Congressional delegation.
OPPOSE INITIATIVE 1240 – CHARTER SCHOOLS
Resolution #2
WHEREAS, Washington State voters have already voted down charter schools THREE times; and
WHEREAS, over the last 20 years and in 41 states, the charter school promise for better outcomes for children than traditional schools has failed in that charter schools do the same (46%) or worse (37%) than traditional schools; and
WHEREAS, Initiative 1240 prohibits employees from being members of unions representing school employees in “host” districts and would allow charter schools to contract out management to FOR-PROFIT corporations; and
WHEREAS, Initiative 1240 would allow charter takeover of existing neighborhood schools; and
WHEREAS, charter schools are more segregated than traditional schools and a 2010 UCLA report called them “a civil rights failure”; and
WHEREAS, charter schools serve fewer Special Education and ELL students; and
WHEREAS, private boards selected by non-profit corporations rather than publicly elected by citizens will govern charter schools, ensuring that voters will lose their right to elect representatives to oversee the spending of their taxes; and
WHEREAS, charter schools will be exempt from state statutes and rules applicable to school districts and boards, creating a separate and unequal school system even though Article IX of the Washington State Constitution requires a general and uniform system of public schools; and
WHEREAS, bills submitted to the 2012 Legislature would have created additional administrative functions and costs for the State Board of Education, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and School Districts at a time when further cuts are proposed for K-12, and the Supreme Court has ruled in McCleary v. State that Washington is failing to provide ample funding for education; and
WHEREAS, there are many successful innovative and alternative schools as part of the public school system in Washington state so Washington residents should encourage them and work toward full funding rather than be distracted by charter schools that the voters have already rejected three times; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Supreme Court has stated that a common school is open “to all children . . . free, and subject to, and under the control of, the qualified voters of the school district.” (School Dist. No. 20 v. Bryan, 51 Wash. 498); and
WHEREAS, Education Week’s Quality Counts report gave Washington an “F” grade in education spending and ranked the state 42nd in per-pupil spending and 44th in expenditures as a percent of state taxable resources; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council go on record as opposing Charter School Initiative 1240 in the 2012 election and notify all affiliates and State officials of this position.
NO PRISON BREAD IN WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Resolution #3
WHEREAS, a Washington State prison facility, Airway Heights Correctional Institute, is producing prison-made food, including breads and buns in an industrial prison bakery; and
WHEREAS, this prison-made food, including breads and buns, is being purchased by school districts throughout the state of Washington; and
WHEREAS, these prison-made breads and baked goods are made by a transient crew of unskilled prison labor in a prison bakery; and
WHEREAS, it is wrong to feed children prison-made foods without the knowledge and consent of the parents; and
WHEREAS, bakers in Washington and Oregon have been proud members of our Bakery and Confectionery Union Local 114 and Local 9 (now Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers) since 1904; and
WHEREAS, our bakers are highly skilled and trained, and produce superior breads in the most sanitary of conditions; and
WHEREAS, bakers and sanitors work for good union employers where we continue to negotiate good family wages and benefits; and
WHEREAS, the purchase of prison-made baked goods takes our work and our jobs from us; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, encourages all union locals and membership to be vigilant regarding the foods served children in Washington school districts, and if prison-made breads (or other foods), marketed under the label “First Choice” and distributed by Food Services of America, is found in your school district, to contact your school board and demand that the practice stop; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support legislation or rules that require Washington State school districts to notify parents if prison-made foods are being offered to the school children, and/or the children are left no alternative but to consume the prison-made foods while attending school.
RESOLUTION ON LICENSED DENTAL PRACTITIONER LEGISLATION
Resolution # 4
WHEREAS, it is the firm belief of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and our affiliates that comprehensive and affordable health care is a fundamental human right for all people; and
WHEREAS, bad dental health impacts overall health and increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease, poor birth outcomes and, in extreme cases, death; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 164 million hours of work and as much as 51 million hours of school are missed each year due to toothaches and other dental issues; and
WHEREAS, more than 47 million people in the U.S. live in places where it is difficult to access dental care — including 34 of 39 counties in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, low-income adults and families are almost twice as likely as higher-income persons to have gone without a dental check up in the previous year; and
WHEREAS, almost 60% of kids ages 5 to 17 have cavities, making tooth decay five times more common than asthma among children of this age; and
WHEREAS, one fourth of adults in the U.S. ages 65 and older have lost all of their teeth; and
WHEREAS, a survey of only two-thirds of Washington hospitals found dental emergencies accounted for 54,000 emergency room visits and over $35 million in expenditures between January 2008 and June 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Hospital Association has stated these dental emergencies often result from not having access to routine dental care; and
WHEREAS, one-fourth of dentists take Medicaid and nearly 9,500 new dental providers are needed to meet the country’s current oral health needs; and
WHEREAS, mid-level dental providers have been increasing access to dental care in more than 50 countries for over 90 years and multiple bodies of research show they provide safe, high-quality care; and
WHEREAS, mid-level dental providers, based on the best practices from around the world, are successfully working in Alaska and Minnesota under the on- and off-site supervision of a dentist to increase access to limited dental care, including oral health education, preventive treatments, such as dental sealants, and routine dental care, such as fillings, cavity preparation, extractions of primary teeth (kids) and already loose permanent teeth (adults); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and their affiliates support legislation that would expand the dental care team by authorizing a new mid-level dental care provider modeled after the successes of Alaska and Minnesota.
OPPOSING CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS TO STRIP OVERTIME PROTECTIONS FROM TECHNICAL WORKERS
Resolution #5
WHEREAS, the Computer Professionals Update Act (S. 1747), was introduced with bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate to strip overtime protections from computer, IT and high tech workers currently protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; and
WHEREAS, S. 1747 is written so broadly that, according to the Congressional Research Service, it “effectively eliminates overtime protection for all IT professionals”; and
WHEREAS, the IBM Corporation paid $65 million to settle allegations that they broke the law by not paying overtime, then cut workers’ pay after agreeing to the settlement, and has now joined with other IT companies in asking Congress to weaken the law they were accused of breaking; and
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO released an Executive Council Statement on March 14, 2012 reinforcing that “now is the time to expand overtime protection, not take it away.” With 24 million workers in need of full-time employment, the AFL-CIO asserts employers should be incentivized to hire new employees rather than overwork existing employees without due compensation; and
WHEREAS, a national coalition of labor unions – including IBEW, CWA, AFT, IFPTE and SPEEA – along with the AFL-CIO and the Department of Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, have worked extensively on Capitol Hill and with state labor federations to stop this measure from moving forward; and
WHEREAS, the efforts of labor have thus far minimized the effect of the bill in the U.S. Senate, there remains strong bipartisan interest to introduce a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, oppose Congressional efforts to exempt additional workers from time-and-a-half overtime protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will express the urgency of S. 1747 and similar measures to its affiliates and encourage them to work with their international unions to identify the consequences to their members and publicly oppose such takeaways; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will work with national labor partners and other state federations as needed to stop S. 1747 and similar measures from moving forward in the U.S. Congress.
OPPOSITION TO CREWING LEVEL REDUCTIONS AT THE WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES
Resolution #6
WHEREAS, safety is the most important element of any job, but of special importance in dangerous environments such as on or near the waters of the maritime industry; and
WHEREAS, the merchant mariners working aboard the Washington State Ferries are required to possess United States Coast Guard regulated documents, Homeland Security regulated documents, as well as be trained in current firefighting, first aid, hazmat, and rescue techniques and practices; and
WHEREAS, the mariners of the Washington State Ferries are responsible for the safety of not only themselves, but also the thousands of passengers they transport each day across the frigid waters of Puget Sound; and
WHEREAS, crewing levels on the Washington State Ferries have exceeded the United States Coast Guard minimum, the employer has, in the past, recognized that passenger numbers, vessel sizes and configurations, weather, and other maritime conditions require more than minimum crewing levels of WSF vessels to maintain safety; and
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries vessels are presently under-crewed when compared to other ferry systems in the passenger industry; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, wholeheartedly supports the mariners working in the fleet of the Washington State Ferries in their fight to maintain safe crewing levels on their vessels; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will heed calls to participate in future labor actions over this issue and make every effort to express their concerns to their elected representatives if called upon to do so.
BUILDING THE CARING ACROSS GENERATIONS CAMPAIGN FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND ACCESS TO CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Resolution #7
WHEREAS, our country is facing a “care gap”, with the population of individuals who need long-term direct care services expected to grow to 27 million in 2050, while the current direct care workforce is 3 million; and
WHEREAS, in the State of Washington, recent federal government reports indicate that 16.2% of residents receive Social Security benefits, 14.6% of residents receive Medicare benefits, and 15.4% of residents receive Medicaid benefits and depend on these vital programs as a foundation for their economic survival; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2010 Census, 12.3% of the Washington population is 65 or older, and 12.4% of the population is between the ages of 55 and 64; and
WHEREAS, in Washington, over 45,000 individuals receive home care support through DSHS, and the number will grow as the baby-boomers age; and
WHEREAS, additionally, 21% of the U.S. adult population age 18 and older provides unpaid care to an adult age 18 or older; and
WHEREAS, caring for the aging and people with disabilities is among our most important responsibilities as a nation, yet across the country individuals and families are struggling to find quality care that meets their full range of needs, and is dependable and affordable; and
WHEREAS, seniors and individuals with disabilities thrive in communities that provide choice as well as access to in-home care and integration and, in turn, communities thrive when they are diverse and inclusive of seniors and people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, home and community based care options are often more affordable and more cost effective than larger residential care settings, yet the direct care workforce in these settings is not protected by many important labor laws, including overtime protection and minimum wage, creating substandard working conditions that threaten the standards for all working people; and
WHEREAS, in Washington State, 69% of direct care workers earn less than 200% of the poverty level, and the care workforce is made up of 27.7% people of color and only 31% of home care workers have employer-sponsored health insurance; and
WHEREAS, the direct care workforce does not have uniform training standards and a meaningful career ladder that provides opportunities for advancement; and
WHEREAS, immigrants are filling the vital role of care workers all over the country, but the lack of a pathway to citizenship pushes workers into an underground economy, and destabilizes our communities through the constant threat of deportation; and
WHEREAS, because all members of our society deserve a dignified quality of life, and dignified, quality jobs, Seattle was one of over 15 cities across the country to host a Care Congress, bringing together family care givers, long-term care workers, domestic workers, care recipients and families to build across generations for change; and
WHEREAS, on June 25th, 2012, the Seattle City Council unanimously voted for a resolution in support of the “Caring Across Generations Campaign”; and
WHEREAS, Senator Harkin’s “Sense of the Senate” Resolution 453 supports the policy visions of Caring Across Generations, and will be a first step toward a messaging bill in 2013; and
WHEREAS, our federal, state and local governments have the responsibility to make policy changes that address these needs; now, therefore, may it be
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support the Caring Across Generations campaign; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO will promote these interests with local, regional, state, and federal governments and support legislation that advances the Caring Across Generations campaign; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will work to get Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell to join as co-sponsors of Senator Harkin’s Sense of the Senate Resolution 453.
RESOLUTION REGARDING FAIR WAGES FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES
Resolution #8
WHEREAS, the labor movement must reflect the full diversity of the labor force, supporting the full and equal participation of workers with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 provides workforce protections to American employees by establishing a federal minimum wage prohibiting employers from exploiting workers through the payment of wages below this specified minimum; and
WHEREAS, Section 14(c) of the FLSA permits the secretary of labor to grant special wage certificates allowing specified employers to pay workers with disabilities at rates that are lower than the federal minimum wage, eliminating those workforce protections granted to other American citizens; and
WHEREAS, Section 14(c ) of the FLSA is a legal assertion of the negative attitudes and erroneous stereotypes that perpetuate the unemployment of workers with disabilities, and exacerbates the under employment of people with disabilities by making the fallacious argument that workers with disabilities cannot be productive so they deserve to be paid less than nondisabled employees; and
WHEREAS, over 400,000 workers with disabilities are currently employed under these Special “Subminimum” Wage Certificates, with some workers being paid as little as 3 cents per hour; and
WHEREAS, when provided effective rehabilitation services, training, and tools, employees with disabilities can be as productive as non-disabled workers and even those considered most severely disabled have obtained jobs paying minimum wage or higher; and
WHEREAS, the ability to legally pay subminimum wages to any worker threatens the wage security of all workers and the only method of ensuring that this regulation is not abused to the detriment of workers with disabilities is to repeal Section 14(c) of the FLSA and to revoke every special wage certificate granted under that provision: now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and its affiliates, call upon the United States Congress to pass HR 3086, the Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act of 2011, which phases out Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act and revokes the certificates issued under that provision so that workers with disabilities are guaranteed the same workforce protections afforded nondisabled employees; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, advance this resolution to the AFL-CIO for consideration at its national convention.
RESOLUTION ON KEY ARENA
Resolution #9
WHEREAS, the Seattle Center has for fifty years been one of the City’s primary cultural and tourist centers; and
WHEREAS, Key Arena remains an anchor for Seattle Center; and
WHEREAS, a 2006 study found that the Seattle Center generated $1.15 billion per year in business activity, supporting over 15,000 jobs with a payroll of $387 million and $41 million per year in State and local taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle Center draws over one million visitors per year, more than half from outside Martin Luther King, Jr. County; and
WHEREAS, in 2011 Key Arena brought in more in revenues than its costs, creating net revenues for the City of Seattle; and
WHEREAS, Key Arena is the City of Seattle’s major public venue for concerts, ice shows and a diverse variety of other events, including Seattle University basketball; and
WHEREAS, Key Arena has become one of the leading venues on the West Coast for women’s athletics, including our Seattle Storm, Rat City Roller Girls and the upcoming NCAA Women’s Regional basketball playoffs; and
WHEREAS, Key Arena and the Seattle Center provide family-wage jobs with good benefits for workers in a wide range of occupations; and
WHEREAS, unlike privately owned arenas, Key Arena revenues go entirely to the City, benefiting the citizens of Seattle; and
WHEREAS, union jobs have been lost at city-owned McCaw Hall, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum has opened without providing the same family wage jobs that union members at the Space Needle and Key Arena enjoy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council urges that adequate public funding be provided to modernize the Key Arena to ensure its continued role as an anchor for Seattle Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council will work with the City of Seattle and the Seattle Center to ensure that any plans for additional arenas in Martin Luther King, Jr. County will include provisions to ensure financial and political support for Key Arena, including development of a plan for a unique role for Key Arena; and be it further
RESOLVED, that new, remodeled or expanded facilities at the Seattle Center must be built and staffed with labor receiving family wages and benefits; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the president of the Washington State Labor Council shall communicate with the Seattle City Council, MLK, Jr. County Council and other appropriate bodies to express labor’s concern about the loss of family wage jobs at the Seattle Center and our support for Key Arena, regardless of what other arenas or stadiums may be built; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall work with affiliates to develop a strategy to ensure that all jobs at Seattle Center are good jobs with adequate wages, benefits, and rights on the job.
IN SUPPORT OF THE GATEWAY PACIFIC TERMINAL PROJECT
Resolution #10
WHEREAS, the proposed County Gateway terminal is to be located in a rural Whatcom County area already served by heavy rail lines and with other needed infrastructure already in place there; and
WHEREAS, the unique geology of the above location, including 80 feet of deep water close by the shoreline that makes dredging unnecessary and featuring a low bank that will allow facilities to be built with little disturbance of the surrounding land; and
WHEREAS, the design of the facility will make it the most modern and environmentally sensitive project of its type in the world – designed to be a zero emission terminal; and
WHEREAS, the terminal will be built and operated by union labor, providing hundreds of direct living-wage, high benefit jobs, and will inject indirect funding into local economies, boost state revenues and improve balance of trade with Asian markets; and
WHEREAS, the terminal is completely privately funded and will not cost Washington State taxpayers money or concessions; and
WHEREAS, once this project is built, additional bulk commodities, including grain from Washington State’s interior, will be able to be shipped from the terminal, which will increase cultivation and agriculture in our state; and
WHEREAS, protecting the sensitive waters of the Puget Sound is best accomplished by American oversight and regulation rather than with the less stringent Canadian standards on our shared marine channels; and
WHEREAS, this project represents the most attractive of several being proposed to ship commodities due to the ideal suitability of the site itself, as well the terminal design and the focus on environmental sensitivity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, commits to publicly support this project; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will communicate this support to the national AFL-CIO, the Governor, the Washington State Legislature and the Washington State Congressional Delegation.
RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE THE HONORING OF DETAINER REQUESTS UNDER THE “SECURE COMMUNITIES” PROGRAM
Resolution #11
WHEREAS, “Secure Communities” creates an automated information-sharing system through which fingerprints collected by local law enforcement at the time of booking are submitted by local jails to the FBI, who in turn shares those fingerprints with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Once ICE identifies someone suspected of being undocumented, it submits a civil immigration detainer request to ask the local County jail to hold the individual so that ICE can take custody of the inmate; and
WHEREAS, neither State nor Federal law requires a County to honor civil detainer requests; ICE itself has confirmed that detainer requests are not mandatory; and
WHEREAS, while the stated purpose of the “Secure Communities” program is to apprehend undocumented persons who have been convicted of serious crimes, the program operates pre-conviction, and according to the report entitled Law Enforcement Leaders Express Growing Concern with Secure Communities Program by the Law Enforcement Engagement Initiative, the reality is that, more than 60% of all immigrants deported under the program were involved in low-level, minor offenses like traffic violations, or were never convicted of any crime at all; and
WHEREAS, “Secure Communities” hurts community policing initiatives by eroding trust between communities and local law enforcement. When immigrant communities believe that police are involved with ICE or federal immigration enforcement, they may not report crimes, and law enforcement may lose their “eyes and ears” in the community; and
WHEREAS, the role of the federal government is to enforce the national immigration laws and the role of the local law enforcement is to preserve public safety; and
WHEREAS, “Secure Communities” may silence victims of domestic violence by increasing victims’ fear of contacting the police; in cases of domestic disputes, police sometimes have arrested both parties and victims have ended up in deportation proceedings as a result; and
WHEREAS, “Secure Communities” destroys families and communities; a report by the Applied Research Center found that “There are at least 5,100 children currently living in foster care who are prevented from uniting with their detained or deported parents” and “If nothing changes, 15,000 more children may face a similar fate in the next 5 years.”; and
WHEREAS, “Secure communities” can lead to racial profiling as it can give law enforcement an incentive to arrest and book individuals they suspect of being undocumented so their fingerprints can be checked; and
WHEREAS, “Secure Communities” has led to wrongful detention of individuals, including U.S. Citizens, victims, and witnesses of crimes – in fact is, it flags US citizens five percent of the time; some of which have ended up in deportations proceedings.
WHEREAS, “Secure Communities” burdens county taxpayers by requiring the county to absorb the cost of detaining individuals who would otherwise be released by posting bail; and
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council is in strong opposition to any local government agency contracting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws under the Secure Communities program; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council oppose policies that honor detainer requests for persons who have not been convicted of a major crime.
ENDORSING OMNIBUS LEGISLATION AND COMMUNITY ACTION TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS AGAINST WAGE THEFT AND MISCLASSIFICATION
Resolution #12
WHEREAS, wage-and-hour violations are standard practice across the industries in Washington State and nationally from restaurants to construction, agriculture to janitorial; and
WHEREAS, misclassification of workers as independent contractors and the contracting of work through an endless chain of subcontractors are growing phenomena that affect virtually all workplaces in America; and
WHEREAS, millions of dollars of local and state revenue are lost each year through lax and ineffective enforcement of wage-and hour-laws and fraudulent misclassification of employees; and
WHEREAS, legitimate employers are harmed by the bad practices and wage-and-hour violations of underbidding employers and contractors; and
WHEREAS, thousands of Washington State workers suffer financially and emotionally when they are underpaid/not paid at all and are compelled to spend time and money reclaiming wages they have already earned; and
WHEREAS, the forced exclusion from labor law protections through employee misclassification means the difference between middle class life and poverty for Washington State workers; and
WHEREAS, inadequate protections for workers who have claims of wage theft result in high rates of employer retaliation and low likelihood that workers will seek redress for the violation of their rights; and
WHEREAS, close collaboration between organized labor, grassroots organizations and communities of faith is critical in confrontation of workers’ rights abuses; now, therefore, may it be
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, promotes omnibus legislation and regulation that enlarges and enforces a penalty structure that deters violations of workers’ rights and promotes policies ensuring aggressive and effective enforcement of wage-and-hour and misclassification protections; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, promotes action that develops a culture of accountability to workers – from subcontractors to the beneficiaries of those contracts; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, promotes safeguards to ensure that workers are kept safe from employer retaliation as they seek redress for violation of their rights.
RESOLUTION FOR A SITE SPECIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE GATEWAY PACIFIC PROJECT
Resolution #13
WHEREAS, the Environmental Impact Statements that have resolved mitigation and growth issues surrounding major industrial development are grounded in science, public participation and compliance with laws and regulations; and
WHEREAS, site specific environmental impact statements have proven effective in defining and mitigating effects of industrial development and processes in the past, and in fact are the standard by which such work is performed; and
WHEREAS, the rules relating to the scoping, inquiry, and mitigation of projects have been developed and refined over the years by a community of common interests to advance the health and safety of the environment and the public who are impacted by said projects ; and
WHEREAS, delays in the permitting process increase costs and put projects at risk of not being built due to regulatory uncertainty and financial vagaries; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Gateway Pacific Project at Cherry Point will provide employment, wages, vendor purchases, retirement security, and taxes to the state and community to support our local community services, including police, fire, parks and schools; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, go on record as supporting a site specific environmental impact study for the Gateway Pacific Project at Cherry Point; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to all legislative and Congressional delegations, and all statewide elected officials.
RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO ACCESS TO CERTIFIED PAYROLL RECORDS
Resolution #14
WHEREAS, the underground economy continues to worsen and the contractors and construction workers that break state laws and fraud the government cost Washington State citizens millions of dollars; and
WHEREAS, state awarding agencies do not have a compliance procedure and Labor and Industries is complaint driven; and
WHEREAS, certified payroll is the document that verifies workers, hours, wages and other pertinent data while the job is in progress; and
WHEREAS, the federal government requires weekly certified payroll, and states like Alaska, California and Oregon have requirements that interested parties can obtain certified payroll in less than three weeks; and
WHEREAS, Washington State certified payroll takes up to a year – and in some cases never – to receive; and
WHEREAS, construction jobs are of short duration and timely certified payroll reporting is essential to the proper payment of the prevailing wage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will make it a priority to pass legislation amending RCW 39.04.320 and RCW 39.12.040 relating to certified payroll records and public works projects using the original Senate Bill 6416 of the 2012 regular session as a template.
RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO SUPPORT FOR PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS
Resolution #15
WHEREAS, the Seattle/King County Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, represents thousands of skilled craft workers in our region; and
WHEREAS, employment in the region is at lowest point since the great depression, and the financial institutions of this nation are sitting on trillions of dollars in assets; and
WHEREAS, within this economy bidding rates are at historic lows, creating a boon to entities wishing to have projects completed at a competitive price point utilizing skilled tradespersons and apprentices; and
WHEREAS, President Obama has encouraged agencies to use Project Labor Agreements/Community Workforce Agreements for all projects over 25 Million Dollars; and
WHEREAS, it is within the interests of the community as a whole to advance opportunities for creation of family wage jobs with benefits, and would be a disservice to taxpayers and local communities not to leverage such large capital investments to create good local jobs; and
WHEREAS, Project Labor Agreements/Community Workforce Agreements are a proven mechanism for inclusion of communities of color and women that will help to improve the diversity of the Building Trades as a whole, without which the community would not be truly represented; and
WHEREAS, a Project Labor Agreement/Community Workforce Agreement is the best vehicle for accomplishing these overarching goals, and can ensure that jobs are created for members of the local communities within which this work is being performed; and
WHEREAS, Project Labor Agreements/Community Workforce Agreements provide a tracking mechanism to ensure enforcement of local, state and federal labor laws; and
WHEREAS, Project Labor Agreements/Community Workforce Agreements permit public and private owners to leverage capital facility investments in a way that generates substantial benefits for local communities; and
WHEREAS, Project Labor Agreements/Community Workforce Agreements are proven to work and have a longstanding history within our nation; and
WHEREAS, union construction apprenticeship programs regularly invest over $600 million in state-of-the-art training programs every single year, provide a quality of training that is far superior and maintain programs that cover the wide range of all essential crafts needed for large capital facility projects. Thus, the use of PLA-CWA construction, which provides work opportunities to union referral systems that have a greater capacity to recruit, train and deploy the next generation of skilled construction craft personnel, serve the long-term workforce development interests of project owners; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, fully supports the use of Project Labor Agreements/Community Workforce Agreements within the state of Washington.
RESOLUTION TO CREATE THE WASHINGTON INVESTMENT TRUST (A STATE BANK OWNED BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE OF WASHINGTON STATE)
Resolution #16
WHEREAS, Washington residents are experiencing serious and depressing economic conditions brought about by reckless financial speculation by Wall Street and exacerbated by banking deregulation and shamefully irresponsible lack of enforcement of existing national banking and investment laws and regulations; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the economic crisis, a number of America’s largest banks with branch locations in Washington State have been deemed “too big to fail”; and
WHEREAS, to cover their losses, a number of America’s largest banks have become dependent upon bailouts funded by taxes collected from the people; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Reserve is a private, joint-stock, for-profit corporation owned by private investors, and though federally chartered, is “federal” in name only; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Reserve’s economic model is causing the transfer of the wealth and property of the people of Washington State, and ongoing reduced tax payments to the State, thus damaging legislative efforts to effectively and efficiently manage the demands required to provide good governance; and
WHEREAS, since 1919 the People of North Dakota have owned and benefited from the successful operation of the Bank of North Dakota, the specific purpose of which has been to provide an in-state repository for the holding, management and distribution of the fees and taxes collected from the operation of the government of North Dakota; and
WHEREAS, the People of North Dakota have significantly benefited from the Bank of North Dakota which has paid the state treasurer more than $325 million from bank profits over the past ten years; and
WHEREAS, the Bank of North Dakota is attributed with being the cause for the North Dakota economy topping the list of state economies year after year, and with being the only state that has had a continuous budget surplus since before the financial crisis of 2008; and while the rest of America has been enduring a recession, the state of North Dakota has enjoyed the largest budget surplus in its history; and
WHEREAS, the Bank of North Dakota is attributed with being the cause why in 2011 the People of North Dakota saw almost $500 million returned to them in income and property tax cuts and will enjoy a 30% decrease in tax liability when combining 2009-2011 tax cuts; and
WHEREAS, the Bank of North Dakota works with, and supports, community banks by providing liquidity and joint participation loans, which leverages community bank lending capacity to their communities and has resulted in the State of North Dakota having the most decentralized banking system in the United States with the most community banks per capita of any state; and
WHEREAS, the Bank of North Dakota’s lending capacity, built over its 93 year history, supports infrastructure development in a way that the State of North Dakota has no debt service obligation appropriation in its budget; and
WHEREAS, most high achieving global economies like Germany, Japan, Brazil, Russia, India and China have successfully financed their development because of their publicly owned banks; and
WHEREAS, the debt service appropriation in the Washington State 2011-13 budget is near $2 billion, yet to continue to maintain and build infrastructure to support economic development the state needs to sell even more bonds to Wall Street investors costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in excessive interest and diverting funds from other much needed programs; and
WHEREAS, small businesses, who employ 80% of workers in the State of Washington, have experienced great difficulties in obtaining necessary capital as a result of the recession that began in 2008 and which result from the monetary policies of the national banking system under the control of the Federal Reserve System; and
WHEREAS, The Bank of North Dakota consolidates the handling of all state funds, while in Washington State various economic development and home ownership programs have limited authority, which may be more efficient if consolidated within one agency; and,
WHEREAS, Colorado Treasurer Walker Stapleton recently attended a National Conference for State Treasurers held in Bismarck, North Dakota and following a thorough presentation about the Bank of North Dakota has expressed his support for a Bank of Colorado following the North Dakota model; and,
WHEREAS, abandonment of 1930s-era federal banking regulations have resulted in the demise of many Washington state banks and of national and regional banks formerly headquartered in Washington state; and
WHEREAS, the Washington economy and residents would benefit from a State bank similar to the Bank of North Dakota, established in 1919; and
WHEREAS, a publicly owned bank of Washington State (known as the Washington Investment Trust) would act as a central banker and participate in commercial loans, thereby expanding commercial credit in the state; and
WHEREAS, a Washington Investment Trust would have the ability to self-fund capital projects, keep money local, and absorb debt capacity, thereby allowing the State to keep more people in their homes and on their farms; and
WHEREAS, a Washington Investment Trust would streamline and create efficiencies of the State’s numerous existing revolving loan programs and leverage their capacity to work for the people of Washington State while lowering overhead and exercising efficiencies of scale; and
WHEREAS, once established, the Washington Investment Trust would not only foster economic development but pay its own operating costs and any profits can be given as dividends to the State; and
WHEREAS, a Washington Investment Trust opens up revenue options without taxation; and
WHEREAS, a Washington Investment Trust can grow in capacity to be an unparalleled resource for future generations of Washingtonians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, endorse creation of the Washington Investment Trust, similar to HB 2434 [2012]. The State Bank shall be overseen by a Commission that shall include the State Treasurer who shall be required to fund the bank with state monies and funds; and shall have the same authority to operate as a private bank chartered under Washington state law; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington Investment Trust shall administer its funds in the best interest of and in a manner most suitable and beneficial to the people of Washington State; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that its primary goals are to make low-cost loan funds available to cities, counties and other communities within Washington State to stimulate infrastructure and economic development to create new family wage jobs, support community stability, equity of opportunities, and quality of life; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to relevant officials along with a request for response within thirty days, listing the actions they are willing to take to support this resolution or a list of the reasons explaining why it cannot be supported.
REGARDING STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Resolution #17
WHEREAS, the State of Washington and respective state college and university administrations are engaged in bargaining with unions representing some 60,000 Washington State workers for collective bargaining agreements for the period 2013-2015; and
WHEREAS, state workers since 2008 have foregone pay increases, taken furloughs and pay cuts, faced increased costs for health insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays; faced increases in pension contributions; and
WHEREAS, in the same time, the employer has laid off and cut some 10,000 state public workers, increasing workloads for those left behind, while the Legislature has attacked pensions and cut their share of health premium costs, and some higher education administrators have received pay increases; and
WHEREAS, the latest state salary survey shows that 82% of state workers earn below market rate, with nearly a third lagging more than 25% behind; and
WHEREAS, the latest state survey shows most other public sector employers cover more health insurance premium costs; and
WHEREAS, state workers have sacrificed more than 10% of their income, generating some $1 billion to save the state during the Great Recession that middle class state employees did not cause; and
WHEREAS, the state could still afford to create more than 150 tax loopholes since 2000 that have given away at least $3 billion in state revenue, representing more than 27% of the state’s total number of tax loopholes; and
WHEREAS, such cuts to vital services and attacks on state workers have harmed the entire state’s middle class families to the tune of at least 45,000 jobs, according to the Economic Policy Institute; and
WHEREAS, State Employees provide vital services necessary for overall economic growth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the State of Washington and administrations at the respective institutions of higher education bargain in good faith with the intent of reaching fair contracts with State Employees that hold the line on state workers’ health care costs and provide a fair compensation package; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council supports all appropriate actions to achieve fair contracts for state workers; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that this resolution be communicated to management as soon as possible in the most appropriate ways.
IN SUPPORT OF KITSAP TENANT SUPPORT SERVICES WORKERS
Resolution #18
WHEREAS, Kitsap Tenant Support Services (KTSS) employees located in Bremerton, Port Townsend and Port Angeles serve developmentally disabled residents in the community and work very hard for low pay, few benefits, no affordable health insurance, poor working conditions and unfair treatment from management; and
WHEREAS, KTSS is a for-profit company operating entirely on Medicaid and tax payer dollars; and
WHEREAS, KTSS workers have united to form a union despite a fierce, ongoing anti-union campaign by KTSS management; and
WHEREAS, in March 2012 KTSS workers voted overwhelmingly to become members of the Washington Federation of State Employees, Council 28, AFSCME, and during the union organizing campaign, management fired members of the organizing committee and engaged in union-busting tactics to divide, discourage and frighten workers; and
WHEREAS, since then management has continued to retaliate against union activists, has fired members of the bargaining team and is failing to bargain in good faith with the union; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will stand in solidarity with the workers of KTSS for as long as it takes to win a fair union contract and restore justice to those who were retaliated against for standing up for their right to organize; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall send a letter of support for KTSS workers to the Governor, DSHS Secretary, and KTSS CEO Michael Closser, and that the Washington State Labor Council requests all affiliates to submit letters of support as well; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will join WFSE and the workers of KTSS in holding this company accountable to the laws of this nation and the laws of the state of Washington; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, supports any and all actions to hold this company accountable to their stakeholders, their community, policy makers and legislators to expose this injustice and bring justice and a union contract to workers at KTSS.
REGARDING SAFE STAFFING LEVELS IN HEALTHCARE
Resolution #19
WHEREAS, a leading cause of death in this country is preventable medical errors, surgical deaths and hospital-acquired infections, and at least 180,000 lives are lost in hospitals every year that can be prevented but hospitals are not adequately addressing the root causes; and
WHEREAS, safe staffing standards and nurse-to-patient ratios ensure patient safety; and
WHEREAS, current health services research continues to demonstrate that higher numbers of Registered Nurses available to care for patients lead to better patient outcomes with less morbidity, mortality and fewer complications; and
WHEREAS, improvements in safety of staff, job satisfaction and reduction of workplace injuries have also been directly linked to higher nurse retention and staffing levels; and
WHEREAS, development of minimum nurse staffing standards and implementation of staffing plans for nursing services are essential to ensure that the classifications, skills, experiences and numbers of health care professionals providing direct patient care are sufficient to meet the needs of patients; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support safe staffing legislation and/or other safe staffing public policies to safeguard the public and support Registered Nurses and other health care personnel providing direct patient care.
REGARDING IMPLICATIONS OF FATIGUE ON PATIENT, NURSE AND HEALTH CARE WORKER SAFETY
Resolution #20
WHEREAS, use of extended work shifts, overtime, missed breaks, and inadequate staff scheduling has escalated as hospitals respond to increasing patient care needs and economic constraints; and
WHEREAS, the Institute of Medicine and other recent empirical research has demonstrated that risks of nurses making a patient error are significantly increased when work shifts are longer than twelve hours, when nurses work overtime, when they work without rest breaks or when they work more than forty hours per week; and
WHEREAS, the well-documented hazards associated with sleep-deprived physicians resulted in changes to staff rotation policies; and
WHEREAS, no state or federal regulations restrict the number of hours a nurse may voluntarily work in twenty-four hours or in a seven-day period, even though such laws and regulations exist for air traffic controllers, train engineers, truck drivers, airline pilots and flight attendants, and resident physicians; and
WHEREAS, the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements clearly articulates the obligation of registered nurses to act in a manner that is consistent with maintaining patient and personal safety; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Nurse Practice Act clearly states the obligation of registered nurses to act in a manner that is consistent with maintaining patient and personal safety; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support communication and other strategies to increase awareness of RNs, health care workers, managers, employers, policy makers and the public of the dangerous impact of fatigue on patient, nurse and public safety; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, supports efforts to advocate for legislative and regulatory policy to minimize work-related fatigue for nurses and health care workers to ensure patient safety.
REGARDING COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE BOARDS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS
Resolution #21
WHEREAS there is a critical shortage of apprentice and skilled manufacturing labor in the United States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, this shortage of skills has caused an even higher unemployment rate when there are jobs now of these types to be filled; and
WHEREAS, high schools have reduced shop classes over the last 30 years leading to a lack of educational direction for students that would normally not pursue a four-year college degree; and
WHEREAS, true success for our country, our businesses, and our Unions occurs when workers receive training; and
WHEREAS, when Unions are engaged in workforce and economic development planning, workers win; and
WHEREAS, there are 34 Community and Technical Colleges in the State of Washington and there are currently only a handful of Labor Representatives on the Boards of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, this means we have a severe lack of involvement in the very system that we could be using to encourage more skills training and career guidance into manufacturing jobs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will support and encourage all Unions to seek out opportunities for members to be appointed to Community and Technical College Boards and Workforce Development Councils; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council’s Legislative Department set the following goals for all of our affiliates:
- To promote and pass legislation that requires Union Representation on each Community College Board and Workforce Development Council, and continue support for Labor Representation on Technical College boards.
- To promote and pass legislation that creates more opportunities in high schools and community and technical colleges for apprenticeship, manufacturing, and other career and technical-based skills training.
SUPPORT WASHINGTON UNITED FOR MARRIAGE, THE CAMPAIGN TO APPROVE REFERENDUM 74 AND THE FREEDOM TO MARRY
Resolution #22
WHEREAS, bipartisan majorities of the state legislature passed, and the Governor signed SB 6239 during the 2012 regular legislative session concerning civil marriage; and
WHEREAS, the law was certified for referendum by the people on the November 2012 general election ballot; and
WHEREAS, the law as enacted provides civil marriage rights to all loving and committed adults; and
WHEREAS, the Williams Institute found that enacting marriage rights for same sex couples would have an $88 million impact on our state economy in the next three years, and add a $57 million in the first year alone; and
WHEREAS, the labor movement has been a leader in the fight to ensure social justice; and
WHEREAS, the affiliate unions in the Washington State Labor Council represent thousands of LGBT adults who deserve the right to marry; and
WHEREAS, the labor movement in our state will be essential in helping drive support for the approval of Referendum 74; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council fully support the approval of Referendum 74 and its efforts; this could include communicating about R-74 to its affiliates and encouraging its affiliates to support the R-74 campaign.
RESOLUTION ON BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
Resolution #23
WHEREAS, workplace bullying is a form of malicious conduct where one or more employees with organizational power [these limiting words may be needed in the legislation but are not necessary for the resolution] practice or perpetrate at least one of the following behaviors against a worker:
Verbal abuse such as derogatory remarks, insults, humiliating slurs;
Conduct that a reasonable person would find threatening or intimidating;
Gratuitous sabotage or the undermining of a worker’s work performance;
Deliberately falsified or unfounded negative information about a worker;
Deliberately withholding needed information from a worker;
Abuse of authority by painfully manipulating a worker; and/or
Any similar deliberate and repeated behavior; and
WHEREAS, social science demonstrates that workplace bullying follows predictable patterns ending in the debilitating illness or expulsion of a worker; and
WHEREAS, workplace bullying does not promote any employers’ legitimate business interests and negatively impacts the affected worker’s job performance and health, and also the morale, attendance, retention and productivity of the entire workforce; and
WHEREAS, current civil rights laws are inadequate to defend against workplace bullying and health problems caused by bullying are not normally compensable under the workers compensation system; and
WHEREAS, competent and conscientious workers have felt forced to resign due to workplace bullying and some have been severely harmed by it; and
WHEREAS, social science demonstrates that people who have been targeted by workplace bullying commit suicide at a higher rate; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) condemns workplace bullying and calls on all employers to take necessary steps to ensure employees are protected from bullying behavior; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the WSLC shall distribute this resolution to all affiliates to better educate and prepare unions to protect and defend workers when workplace bullying occurs; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the WSLC shall transmit this resolution to the Governor and encourage our leadership to ensure the state of Washington is a model employer when it comes to protecting its workers from workplace bullying, and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the WSLC work with affiliates and coalition partners to develop legislation and administrative remedies to protect Washington workers from bullying.
RESOLUTION ON VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR INJURED WORKERS
Resolution #24
WHEREAS, vocational rehabilitation is an important program enabling workers to be retrained in order to continue on to successful careers when they are injured and can no longer work at their former job when injured; and
WHEREAS, quality vocational rehabilitation programs help lower workers’ compensation costs for business by returning injured workers to the workforce; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, the Washington legislature passed a pilot vocational rehabilitation improvement project which included the following positive changes:
- Provides access to better training opportunities by increasing available tuition up to $12,000 (indexed to changes in community college tuition rates), and allowing programs up to 2 years in length;
- Permits eligible workers to select an alternative to retraining and receive a vocational award equivalent to six months’ time-loss pay, and immediately closing their claim with the ability to use their retraining funds after claim closure. [This is known as Option 2.] ;
- Increases accountability for both the worker and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor;
- Sets expectations for employers by limiting the valid job offers made by employers that must be accepted by the worker to those offered within 15 days of commencing plan development;
- Sets expectation that the Department will act on a submitted plan within 15 days or the plan is automatically deemed approved;
- Establishes partnerships with a number of WorkSource locations and provides vocational services from these locations;
- Creates new return-to-work opportunities by engaging with business and labor organizations to identify or establish training opportunities in high-demand occupations focused on keeping workers in their industry of choice; and
WHEREAS, this pilot project has been running during a historic recession and is set to expire in 2013; and
WHEREAS, initial results of the pilot project demonstrate positive results for efficiencies, accountability, worker satisfaction and a significant reduction in number of re-referrals. The substantial downturn in the economy and the related overall job loss in Washington make it difficult to fully and accurately measure the true impacts the program has had on workers returning to work; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) supports the continuation of the Vocational Rehabilitation pilot project; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the WSLC shall transmit this resolution to both the Governor and the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries, reiterating our support for this program; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the WSLC will work with affiliates and coalition partners to develop legislation to continue the Vocational Rehabilitation pilot project.
RESOLUTION ON PROTECTING WORKERS IMPACTED BY OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
Resolution #25
WHEREAS, occupational disease is a condition which develops over time as a result of work performed and can impact workers in any industry; and
WHEREAS, occupational disease is only compensable if it arises naturally and proximately out of employment and it can produce a range of diverse ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome due to repetitive typing on the job, mesothelioma caused by asbestos or other cancers or systemic failure due to long-term job exposure to harmful chemicals, fumes, or dusts; and
WHEREAS, we believe it is important to retain and strengthen our current definition of occupational disease to ensure affected workers are protected if they experience a job related disease; and
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council work with affiliates and coalition partners to protect injured workers by protecting the statutory definition of occupational disease.
RESOLUTION ON WORKPLACE TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARD
Resolution #28
WHEREAS, the telecommunications industry has been revolutionized through use of satellites and the proliferation of cell phones and other communication and data devices; and
WHEREAS, since the 1990’s cell and microwave towers have increased nationwide from 5,000 to more than 280,000 sites not including antennae arrays mounted on high buildings and other fixed sites; and
WHEREAS, in 2008 the head of the federal Department of Labor OSHA program declared tower-climbing to be the “most dangerous job in America”; and
WHEREAS, almost 100 workers died between 2003 and 2011 on communication towers; and
WHEREAS, communication tower workers and those who work on antennae arrays are exposed to potentially hazardous radio frequencies; and
WHEREAS, multiple safety exposures to workers from falls, microwaves, electrocution, horizontal drilling, trenching, and other hazardous workplace exposures may occur every day in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, since 2003, an analysis of OSHA records show, tower climbing has had a death rate roughly 10 times that of construction.” according to a May 22, 2012, report “In Race For Better Cell Service, Men Who Climb Towers Pay With Their Lives” by Ryan Knutson – FRONTLINE and Liz Day of Pro Publica; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries’ workplace safety rules for the telecommunication industry, Chapter 296-32 WAC, has not been updated to meet the current worker protection needs of this industry; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) support a comprehensive update to the telecommunications industry standards found in Chapter 296-32 WAC; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council shall transmit this resolution to both the Governor and the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries, stating our support for completing a comprehensive update of the WISHA workplace telecommunication standards with an effective date no later than the end of 2013.
CONCERNING DEEP WATER SHIPMENT TERMINALS
Resolution #29
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council created the Economic Development, Job Retention, and Transportation Standing Committee to gather the concerns of affiliates in those areas and coordinate possible action in support of addressing those concerns; and
WHEREAS, the creation of deep water shipment terminals would create construction, and permanent union, family wage jobs in building and running these facilities; and
WHEREAS, these shipment terminals would enhance Washington’s profile for shipment of grain, potash, and coal to and from Pacific Rim countries, thus increasing the economic development and creation of union family wage jobs for Washington State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and its affiliates petition both state and federal legislators to support the creation and retention of these union, family wage jobs; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and its affiliates encourage and coordinate efforts with neighboring states, and their union organizations, which would also benefit from the creation and retention of these union, family wage jobs.
RESOLUTION ON DIVERSITY
Resolution #30
WHEREAS, the 2011 U.S. Census data estimate for Washington shows that 50.1 percent of the population is female, 11.6 percent is Latino, 7.5 percent is Asian, 3.8 percent is Black, 1.8 percent is American Indian and Alaska Native, and 0.7 percent is Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander; and
WHEREAS, Resolution #2, which commits to diversity goals that require action by the AFL-CIO, international and national affiliated unions, and AFL-CIO State Federations and Central Labor Councils, was adopted at the 2005 AFL-CIO Convention; and
WHEREAS, Resolution #2 commits State Federations and Central Labor Councils to develop targeted levels of leadership diversity and plans to reach them by the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention; and
WHEREAS, Resolution #2 commits National and International Affiliated Unions to report annually on the representation of women and people of color in membership, staff and elected leadership positions at all levels; and
WHEREAS, Resolution #7 was adopted at the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention to build on Resolution #2 and commit to more aggressive steps to ensure that our union movement – in membership, action and leadership – truly reflects the face of America’s workforce; and
WHEREAS, Resolution #7 commits State Federations and Central Labor Councils to create and sustain efforts and opportunities for diversity by generating annual reports to the AFL-CIO regarding the ethnicity/race, age and gender demographics of officers, staff and executive boards and the affiliation of constituency groups; this data to be provided to the AFL-CIO Executive Council and the State Federation/Central Labor Council Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, Resolution #7 encourages affiliate unions to continue to build on their support for diversity by reporting demographic data on National and International Union membership and local and national leadership to the AFL-CIO through the annual Secretary-Treasurer’s Questionnaire; and
WHEREAS, Resolution #22 was adopted at the 2007 Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Convention to encourage affiliates to adopt the diversity goals in Resolution #2; and
WHEREAS, Resolution #22 encourages local affiliates to develop an affirmative action plan that would assess the local’s goals and achievement in diversity and full participation of their rank and file members; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will encourage affiliates to generate reports adhering to national AFL-CIO Resolutions #2 and #7, and WSLC Resolution #22; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will work with the Central Labor Councils and affiliate unions to create a user friendly process that allows affiliates to report to the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, on membership demographic data among rank and file in membership, staff and elected leadership positions at all levels based on the ethnicity/race, age, disability and gender; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will compile annual reports tracking trends in diversity representation using 2013 as a benchmark, and will report annually to the AFL-CIO and provide annual reports to the Constituency Groups and Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, affiliated unions.
RESOLUTION ON HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
Resolution #31
WHEREAS, it should be possible for working people to afford housing and still have enough money for the basics like groceries, gas, and childcare; and
WHEREAS, the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance states that 250,000 Washington households must make desperate choices between necessities like food and healthcare, and rent; and
WHEREAS, about 87,000 people face homelessness each year in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, families with children make up 47% of Washington’s homeless population; and
WHEREAS, systemic issues surrounding the manner by which tenants are screened for housing disproportionately causes devastating barriers to rental housing for low-income women, people of color and people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the systematic discrimination and barriers to affordable housing affects workers throughout Washington and barriers to access to affordable and safe housing has been exacerbated by the lingering recession and high rates of unemployment among Washington’s workers; and
WHEREAS, the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance Studies and academic reports strongly support a finding that low income women and women of color are disproportionately renters and named on leases; and
WHEREAS, around 90% of TANF recipients are in homes with a female head of household and thus low-income women being subject to tenant screenings and possible discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the Tenants Union of Washington State has as its principles of unity that all tenants have the right to affordable decent housing, free from excessive and frequent rent increases, and that all people should have access to housing free from discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, political ideology, lifestyle, age, family status, marital status, amount or source of income, or disability; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, legislative agenda will include support for legislation that promotes and advances the Fair Tenant Screening Act beyond the legislation passed in 2012 in collaboration with the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOLUTION
Resolution #32
WHEREAS, the International Labor Organization estimates that globally for every one trafficked victim forced into the sex trade industry, nine trafficked victims are forced into involuntary labor; and
WHEREAS, in Washington State, around 80% of trafficked victims are forced into the labor market; and
WHEREAS, the 2010 Trafficking In Persons Report released by the U.S. Department of State reports that trafficking in the U.S. occurs primary for labor in construction, manufacturing, health care and elder care, janitorial service, hotel services, domestic servitude, agriculture, and other industries that we in Washington encounter on almost a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, trafficked victims often have their wages withheld or employers refuse to pay the workers; and
WHEREAS, trafficked victims are often forced to work under abusive and unsafe working conditions, without rights and without representation; and
WHEREAS, the International Labor Organization estimates that the cost of forced labor to the workers in lost wages globally is nearly $31 billion each year; and
WHEREAS, trafficking violates the human rights of victims, and it also deteriorates the health of the affected economies by increasing the size of the underground economy; and
WHEREAS, labor brokers supply the industrialized labor markets with workers from the developing world who are forced to accept any terms and conditions of transportation and work, making the trafficking of workers is the third biggest business for organized crime; and
WHEREAS, Washington State was one of the first sates in the nation to obtain convictions for trafficking due to the passage of groundbreaking legislation criminalizing the practice of human trafficking in our states boarders and now and now 42 other states that have anti-trafficking statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Human Trafficking Task Force is a leader in this state and nation in addressing trafficking and is committed to prevention, prosecution and protection; and
WHEREAS, the 2006 Washington State Human Trafficking Task Force report concluded that Washington state is a critical gateway for trafficked persons because of the shared border with Canada, extensive international ties through ports, well-developed migrant networks, and thriving industries which are known to be vulnerable to trafficking; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will send written communication to its affiliates encouraging them to support the upcoming conference hosted by the Washington State Human Trafficking Task conference on human trafficking, forced labor, and corporate and civic responsibility entitled Human Trafficking in an Era of Globalization: Forced Labor, Involuntary Servitude and Corporate Civic Responsibility; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will encourage its affiliates to send delegations from each local to the conference, donate financially to assist with this conference, and/or promote the conference and its focus on forced labor among the membership.
RESOLUTION REGARDING PLA DISCRIMINATION
Resolution #33
WHEREAS, Project Labor Agreements are pre-hire agreements between labor and management that require all construction jobs be filled by local workers, include diversity requirements, establish wages and work rules covering jurisdiction, overtime, working hours and dispute resolution and ensure that safety guidelines on the job site are enforced; and
WHEREAS, a recent Cornell University’s Industrial and Labor Relations School study concluded that Project Labor Agreements offer a pathway to the middle class by providing job opportunities to low-income communities, minorities, veterans and others; and
WHEREAS, Project Labor Agreements are an effective project management tool that are effective at providing job and career training opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and its affiliates stand opposed to unfair labor practices and support full compliance with the Project Labor Agreement to help prevent discriminatory employment practices; and
WHEREAS, Project Labor Agreements help ensure that contractors and employers are not complicit or complacent in discriminatory employment practices; and
WHEREAS, Sound Transit has been a leader in utilizing Project Labor to protect against discriminatory practice; and
WHEREAS, any company who contracts with Sound Transit needs to comply with the Project Labor Agreement; and
WHEREAS, all areas of the Project Labor Agreement clearly define proper apprentice utilization, utilization of local workforce; and
WHEREAS, Project Labor Agreements can help prevent contractors who discriminate and violate workers’ civil rights; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will communicate with its affiliates and call on Sound Transit to enforce the existing Project Labor Agreement and request that Sound Transit take immediate and decisive action against any contractor who exhibits discriminatory employment practices.
RESOLUTION ON CONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION OF PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLE – ARTICLE II
Resolution #34
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council is concerned with the well-being not only of organized labor, but all of our state’s working families and the community at large; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council works diligently to safeguard, promulgate and secure for our members and their families full recognition and enjoyment of the rights to which they are entitled; and
WHEREAS, to better reflect and define the scope of the Washington State Labor Council’s evolving purpose and responsibilities to its affiliates, their members and the community-at-large; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that language shall be added after the second bullet under Article II of the current Washington State Labor Council Constitution to state:
To propose, support, and promote legislation favorable to and to oppose legislation detrimental to the interest of workers and organized labor; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that language shall be added after the 6th bullet under Article II of the current Washington State Labor Council Constitution to state:
To encourage workers to register and vote, to exercise their full rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and to perform their rightful part in the political life of the local, state and national communities;
To encourage and assist in the formation of local central bodies within the state.
RESOLUTION ON AFFILIATES – ARTICLE III
Resolution #35
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council strives continually to work with our affiliates, constituency groups and the community at large; and
WHEREAS, changes in organizational names and expansion of constituent groups is ongoing; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Article III (f) of the WSLC Constitution be amended to read, “…, affiliate retiree organizations of the State Retirees Council, and…”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that a new paragraph under Article III (g) of the WSLC Constitution be added to read, “Statewide young labor leader organizations and union-affiliated young leader groups.”’; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the following language be added to Article III (j): “However, a constituency group or its delegate may be present and have voice but no vote in discussions regarding ballot initiatives.”
RESOLUTION ON WSLC CONVENTION DATE – ARTICLE IV, SECTIONS 1 & 4
Resolution #36
WHEREAS, the Washington State Primary Election now takes place on the first Tuesday of August; and
WHEREAS, the period running up to that date is the ideal time for mobilization of resources and grassroots organizing; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Article IV, Section 1 of the Washington State Labor Council Constitution will be changed to reflect that the WSLC Constitutional Convention shall be held on or near the middle week of July in each even-numbered year; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that Article IV, Section 4 of the Washington State Labor Council Constitution will be changed to reflect that the Washington state Labor Council convention held in odd-numbered years shall be held on or near the middle week of July.
RESOLUTION ON CONVENTION COMMITTEES – ARTICLE IV, SECTION 21
Resolution #37
WHEREAS, certain language adjustments to the Washington State Labor Council Constitution must be made to accommodate changes in activity levels and in consideration of timeliness; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the words “committee on report of officers” and “committee on industrial safety” be struck from Article IV, Section 21(b); and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that a new subsection be added to Article IV, Section 21 to read as follows: “(c) A scheduled “report of officers” session will be held during constitutional conventions.”
RESOLUTION ON OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS – ARTICLE V
Resolution #38
WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council constantly endeavors to be inclusive and relevant to all members of the labor movement; and
WHEREAS, in order to be in compliance with the National AFL-CIO Constitution certain changes must be made to the current Washington State Labor Council Constitution; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that another sentence shall be added to the end of Article V, Section 1 of the Washington State Labor Council Constitution to read: “The WSLC will undertake all reasonable efforts to ensure diversity of representation at every level” and be it further
RESOLVED, that a new subsection (c) shall be added to Article V, Section 1 to read: “The WA Young Emerging Labor Leaders (WA YELL) shall have a seat on the Board with voice and vote. This representative shall be from a local union affiliated with the Washington State Labor Council”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, Article V, Section 8 shall be changed to read that tellers and alternates will serve “four-year terms consistent with the election cycle for WSLC officers”; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that a new Section 28 shall be added to Article V, stating that, “The officers shall review and comply with all the provisions of the AFL-CIO Ethical Practices.”
RESOLUTION ON EXECUTIVE BOARD – ARTICLE VIII
Resolution #39
WHEREAS, in order to comply with modifications to the annual WSLC calendar of events, certain language in the WSLC Constitution must be changed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Article VIII, Section 3 shall be adjusted to read: “The board shall meet quarterly in February, May, during the WSLC Convention, and in November.”
RESOLUTION REGARDING PER CAPITA TAXES AND FEES – ARTICLE XI
Resolution #40
WHEREAS, in order to maintain equitability and fairness in the distribution and usage of per capita revenues certain modifications to the WSLC Constitution must be made; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the year noted in Article XI, Section 5(a) shall be changed from “2006” to “2012”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the following words be inserted in Article XI, section 5(a) following the number “$100,000”: “… and will be distributed up to the ratio each section bears to the total membership of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO”; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the following language contained in Article XI, Section 5(a) shall be removed, “Revenue to the organization and defense fund shall be allocated among the sections established by Article IX in the ratio each section bears to the total membership of the State Labor Council”.
RESOLUTION ON COPE BY-LAWS
Resolution #41
WHEREAS, pursuant to certain internal changes in the organizational structure of the Washington State Labor Council some alterations must be made to the COPE By-Laws; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that throughout the COPE By-Laws the organization shall be referred to as “Statewide COPE”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that Article III – Composition (3) shall be rewritten to read: “The Political Director of the Washington State Labor Council. In the event there is no Political Director but a Field Director is employed, then that individual shall be entitled to a position on the committee”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that a new Article III – Composition (4) shall be written to include the following language: “A representative from each affiliate with 10,000 or more full per-capita members” and the remaining subsections will be renumbered in adjustment of the new subsection herein noted; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the language contained in Article IV – Powers (2) shall read: “The committee shall have the responsibility of encouraging affiliate participation in WSLC political campaigns” and Article IV – Powers (2b) shall read: “Identify (ID), persuade, and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) of members and their families on pro-worker candidates and ballot measure positions”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the language contained in Article IV – Powers (4) shall be changed to read: “Central Labor Council principal officers of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, shall serve as the chairpersons of the political education and COPE activities in their respective counties and shall work with WSLC Vice Presidents and WSLC affiliates in their respective counties to carry out COPE activities” and, be it further
RESOLVED, that Article IV – Powers (5) shall be changed to read: “Statewide COPE, in cooperation with the Central Labor Council principal officers and WSLC Vice Presidents in their counties, shall assist county, city and congressional COPEs to become established and, if necessary, shall form such COPEs and provide assistance, direction and coordination to the political education work of such councils and COPEs within the state”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that all language under Article V – City/County Congressional COPEs shall be deleted and the subsections renumbered to reflect this deletion; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that in Article VI – Officers and Committees (6) the phrase, “…volunteers in politics department…” shall be struck and the words “Political Committee…” shall be inserted throughout the document instead; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that under Article VII – Political Committee (4), language shall be changed to read: “The Political Committee shall be comprised of Central Labor Council Principal officers or their designees, and a designee from each affiliated local union”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that under Article VII – Political Committee (6), all language shall be deleted and replaced with the following: “Members of the Political Committee shall have voice and vote when they are regularly credentialed delegates to conventions”; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the word, “viability” shall be added to the final sentence in the first paragraph of Article VII – Endorsements; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that under Article VIII – Endorsements, second paragraph, the word “should” will be replaced with the word “shall” and the words “…before filing for nomination…” shall be struck.
IN SUPPORT OF THIRD YEAR APPLIED MATH REQUIREMENT
Resolution #42
WHEREAS, the Washington State Board of Education has adopted a requirement for third year math proficiency for high school graduation; and
WHEREAS, students who enter Tech/Prep programs are on a road to success and a beginning to a productive work life that does not necessarily require a four-year degree; and
WHEREAS, the original proposal was for a third year of academic math; and
WHEREAS, an academic math requirement would have negatively impacted all of the career and technical education K-12 students across the state; and
WHEREAS, the state of Washington is already struggling with a 25% effective drop-out rate; and
WHEREAS, consideration of an applied math equivalency was not originally part of the Board of Education resolution; and
WHEREAS, after a two-year struggle that required the joint efforts of business, labor and the Workforce Education and Training Coordinating Board to convince the Board of Education of the harm that an academic third year of math would cause to those students least likely to choose college and most likely to choose technical employment, additional technical training, or apprenticeship; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council adopt this resolution in support of third year applied math as a requirement for High School Graduation in Washington State; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council share its position on appropriate math requirements with all education legislators, policy makers, and affiliates.
OPPOSING CONTRACTING OUT OF STATE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CASE RESOURCE MANAGERS AND HOME AND COMMUNITY SERVICE SOCIAL WORKERS
Resolution #43
WHEREAS, the State of Washington has informed affected employees it intends to contract out the jobs of state Developmental Disabilities Case Resource Managers and Home and Community Services Social Workers performing vital services for vulnerable citizens; and
WHEREAS, the specific functions the state intends to privatize are: Individual Care Planning, Authorizations and Payment Adjustments, Case Coordination Activities, and Monitoring Individual Support Plans for Quality Outcomes for Developmental Disabilities and Long-Term Care Services; and
WHEREAS, these employees are represented members of the Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME Council 28, AFL- CIO; and
WHEREAS, the state is wrongly using federal health care reform as an excuse to attack these middle class workers and the vital services they provide; and
WHEREAS, this contracting out scheme will harm the quality services received by vulnerable and disabled clients and the communities that depend on this proven continuum of care; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, goes on record condemning this scheme to contract out DD Case Resource Managers and HCS Social Workers as an unwarranted attack on vital services and the middle class workers providing them to vulnerable and disabled citizens; and
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, supports any and all appropriate actions to fight this privatization of vital state services; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that this resolution be communicated to management as soon as possible in the most appropriate way(s).
HOUSING OUR WORKFORCE
Resolution #44
WHEREAS, finding affordable housing is becoming more and more of a crisis and many low-wage workers, families and retirees currently struggle to find affordable housing within King County and especially close to their jobs; and
WHEREAS, working families and individuals employed in low-paying service sector jobs are, in many cases, one pay check away from homelessness; and
WHEREAS, 45% of renters in King County are paying over 30% of their monthly income on housing; and
WHEREAS, working families and individuals earning near or just above the state median income are finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable rental housing, much less afford the purchase of a home; and
WHEREAS, in King County the gap between what the average family can afford and the median home price is over $80,000; and
WHEREAS, action is needed to improve the access to safe and affordable housing for low-wage workers in our region; and
WHEREAS, in response to the deepening crisis in housing, advocates and activists in the community have long been engaged in efforts to create more affordable workforce housing; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, support legislation to improve access to, and fund the development of workforce housing in King County that will especially benefit low-wage workers, and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, communicate that support to its affiliates, community partners and state, regional and local decision makers.
REGARDING RAILROAD WORKER AND PUBLIC SAFETY REGULATION AND LEGISLATION
Resolution #45
WHEREAS, railroad transportation is a vital infrastructure and industry in Washington State and critical to commerce and the economy; and
WHEREAS, the economic vitality of Washington State requires a strong rail system capable of providing its businesses, ports, and farms with competitive access to North American and international markets; and
WHEREAS, railroads employ over 5,000 workers within the state, providing stable, middle class wages; and
WHEREAS, significant and serious safety concerns exist within railroad operations and infrastructure within Washington which impact members of various crafts of rail labor, including insufficiently and under-maintained foot paths and walkways in both rail yards and along railroad main lines, which rail employees must traverse constantly; and
WHEREAS, three rail employees died and another was critically injured in a tragic, needless accident near Longview, Washington, in March of 2011 while occupying an unregulated crew hauling transport van operated by a non-union contract company which was struck by a moving train at a private crossing on railroad property; and
WHEREAS, such contract van services utilized by the railroads operate with minimal regulation or government oversight, and the drivers for these service companies have no requisite training or requirements greater than any other private, non-commercial licensed drivers; and
WHEREAS, significant rail workplace safety issues exist regarding such crew hauling operations which have contributed to many other injurious accidents affecting railroad workers; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission inadvertently requested that its own legislative authority over the safety of railroads be and was repealed (RCW 81.44.065) in 2007, which has resulted in raising the question of which agency of Washington State government now has such responsibility as well as which department may be best suited to enforce railroad safety regulations; and
WHEREAS, adoption and enforcement of stringent safety regulations for railroad workplace safety as well as public safety issues is critical; and
WHEREAS, a determination of which state agency shall be entrusted with such authority must be made; and
WHEREAS, state regulatory authority needs to be established over railroad crew van transport contract operators; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, at its 2012 convention hereby supports and endorses legislation to mandate the adoption of state regulatory authority of crew hauling contract operations and firms utilized by railroads and other transportation industry carriers; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, strongly endorses and urges the Washington State legislature to work in close cooperation with rail labor organizations to critically examine and determine the proper placement of an expanded rail safety enforcement program within an agency of state government which is capable of developing and carrying out an effective rail employee and public safety enforcement function, and hereby determines that the resolution of these critical railroad safety issues shall be a priority in our 2012 Washington State Labor Council legislative agenda.
SUPPORT OF STATE FUNDING AND NEW REVENUE FOR WASHINGTON STATE PARKS, OPPOSITION TO PRIVATIZATION OF PARKS
Resolution #46
WHEREAS, the 2012 Legislature appropriated money “solely to operate and maintain state parks as the commission implements a new fee structure,” and the Washington State Parks system is slated to begin operating without any state funding starting 2013; and
WHEREAS, the key component of the new fee structure is the Discover Pass revenue; and
WHEREAS, the Discover Pass has brought in less than half the $32 million expected during the last year; and
WHEREAS, the cuts already made to State Parks have resulted in a staffing model that is unrealistic and unsafe for the workers and the public; and
WHEREAS, State Parks submitted a report to the Office of Financial Management on August 1, 2012, as directed by the Legislature; and
WHEREAS, the report includes that partnerships with local government or nonprofits will play a role in the future of park management; and
WHEREAS, Fort Worden State Park has been exploring co-management options since 2007, and the Fort Worden Public Development Authority has made it clear they won’t enter into an agreement to protect the rights of the employees to retain their work unless negotiated otherwise; and
WHEREAS, the Washington Federation of State Employees has been, and continues to be extremely concerned about the PDA at Fort Worden, and increasingly concerned about attempts to expand such a model to other parks; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council supports and actively advocates for general-fund money and/or new revenue sources for State Parks; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council oppose the privatization of Fort Worden and other state parks; and be it finally
RESOLVED that the Washington State Labor Council will communicate these positions to the Parks Commission, the appropriate House and Senate Committees, and the outgoing and in-coming Governor.
IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC EXHIBITION ON THE HISTORY OF LABOR IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON
Resolution #47
WHEREAS, the Clark County Historical Museum partnering with the Washington State University Vancouver proposes to develop a public exhibition on the history of the labor movement, tentatively titled, “Tools of the Trade: A History of Labor in Southwest Washington;” and will run approximately 18 months; and
WHEREAS, the exhibit is planned to coincide with the 2013 Washington State Labor Council convention of August 2013; and
WHEREAS, as we endeavor to increase the numbers and strength of the labor movement, we must preserve our history and educate our members, affiliates, and the general public; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that all members and affiliates of the Washington State Labor Council and its associated central labor councils are encouraged to provide financial and volunteer support to this project as well as provide objects, oral history interviews, written or recorded media, memorabilia, and other relevant materials for display by loan or gift; and, be it finally
RESOLVED, that assistance and cooperation for this project be carried out with all possible haste and effort.
TRANSPORTATION FOR WASHINGTON CAMPAIGN
Resolution #49
WHEREAS, the Connecting Washington taskforce estimated the state’s ten-year transportation needs at $50.3 billion; and
WHEREAS, 156 state bridges are “structurally deficient” in Washington and pose a significant economic risk, as well as a safety risk to the public; and
WHEREAS, transit systems throughout the state have seen devastating cuts of up to 45% and transit demands and gas prices are reaching all-time highs, but funding is reaching historic lows per rider, limiting access to job centers and critical human services; and
WHEREAS, the transportation campaign is a joint, statewide, multi-year campaign supported by a coalition of nearly 100 public officials and 91 organizations from the social justice, housing, faith, health, environment, labor, and business communities; and
WHEREAS, the transportation campaign has set four principles to lay a foundation for building a 21st century transportation system that includes:
Fix the crumbling bridges and roads we have first, preserve our ferry system and then ensure that our new investments will create jobs, spur economic growth and improve the safety and health of our communities;
Expand transit choices; and people mobility
Build healthy, sustainable communities; and
Complete strategic projects that increase freight mobility; and
WHEREAS, data from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) spending shows that repair work on roads and bridges generates 16% more jobs per dollar than new bridge and road construction, and public transportation investments generate 31% more jobs per dollar than new construction of roads and bridges; and
WHEREAS, the King County Aerospace Alliance has chosen a currently-unfunded major bus rapid transit project as one of its priority action items to support increased aerospace manufacturing employment in limited-parking manufacturing facilities; and
WHEREAS, employee transportation is an acute concern for many other union places of employment across the state; and
WHEREAS, increasing transit choices will require new dedicated sources of state funding for transit while also giving more local transit funding options for local voters to choose from, thereby diversifying from the current dependence on the volatile local sales tax; and
WHEREAS, the transportation campaign is committed to the “Buy America” provisions in federal transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, the transportation campaign supports state and local contracting agencies and subcontractors to procure transportation construction and operating equipment manufactured within Washington State, which has already resulted in a local contract to build streetcars by a union shop in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, with an emphasis on expanding fixed route, paratransit, deviated bus service as well as, bus rapid transit, passenger rail, and freight rail in Washington State to build and invest in local workers, state approved apprenticeship programs and businesses with the technical know-how for manufacturing and constructing transit, thus creating a new transportation economy that will spur economic and job growth throughout the rest of the 21st century; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council hereby endorses the transportation four principles to:
Fix what’s broken and save lives
Expand transit choices; and people mobility
Build healthy, sustainable communities
Complete strategic projects that increase freight mobility; and be it further;
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will work with all transportation coalitions and unions to proactively develop and lobby for a balance, comprehensive statewide transportation package that addresses the campaign principles; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, commit to campaigning for permanent stable funding for all public transportation; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will work to lobby for a balanced transportation package budget that addresses the campaign principles in the 2013 Legislative Session.
IN SUPPORT OF EXPEDITED CONSTRUCTION OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER CROSSING REPLACEMENT BRIDGE
Resolution #50
WHEREAS, the economic health of our region depends on the efficient movement of people and freight along our freeways and through high capacity transit corridors; and
WHEREAS, the congestion on the I-5 bridge is a hindrance to our economy and the lives of residents and visitors forced to traverse the bridge; and
WHEREAS, the existing bridge was never designed for the kind of traffic it currently carries and is functionally obsolete; and,
WHEREAS, the existing bridge is recognized as the greatest point of congestion in the I-5 corridor from Canada to Mexico; and
WHEREAS, the cities of Portland and Vancouver are increasingly interdependent, and we would seek to foster the economic, social, and cultural interchange between these two growing metropolitan areas; and
WHEREAS, the 2012 Washington State legislature passed ESSB 6445, legislation that grants tolling authority for the Columbia River Crossing replacement bridge and thereby indicates continued political support for such a project; and
WHEREAS, building and construction trades crafts in southwest Washington are still experiencing exceptionally high unemployment and the Columbia River Crossing construction would put our brothers and sisters back to work;
WHEREAS, it is within the interests of the community as a whole to advance opportunities for creation of local family wage jobs with benefits, and would be a disservice to taxpayers and local communities not to employ a Project Labor Agreement/Community Workforce Agreement for construction of the Columbia River Crossing; and
WHEREAS, Projects Labor Agreements/Community Workforce Agreements are proven to work and have a longstanding history within our nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the 2012 Convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO go on record in support of expedited construction of the Columbia River Crossing replacement bridge under a Project Labor Agreement.
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