WHEREAS:

Under the present Administration the historical pattern of U.S. intervention in Central America and the Caribbean has not only been reaffirmed but stepped up through weapons shipments, clandestine support of forces attempting to destabilize or overthrow governments and technical support such as intelligence overflights and economic harassment of regimes perceived to be unfriendly; and

WHEREAS:

Despite the fact that a majority of the American people strongly oppose the introduction of American troops to the area fearing it would lead to actual U.S. involvement in armed conflict, anti-guerilla operations, and another no-win Vietnam, this Administration has introduced thousands of U. S. soldiers into Honduras, turning that country into a U.S. military base without specific authorization of Congress; and

WHEREAS:

This administration has apparently abandoned any pretense to respect or observe international law, first invading a tiny island that allegedly posed a threat to the security of the United States and then trying a last-minute ruse to avoid facing world opinion and condemnation in the World Court for the CIA-supported mining of seaports in Nicaragua; and

WHEREAS:

Despite overwhelming evidence that neither the will nor the effort exists in the government of El Salvador to control death squad activities and bring to justice those who are known to have terrorized and killed scores of thousands of Salvadoran civilians, and others, the Administration and the Congress continue to vote funds for military equipment and economic assistance without demanding evidence of progress toward ending the killings; and

WHEREAS:

Despite official optimism about the recent election in El Salvador and the inauguration of a new president, his immediate announcement that he will not discuss sharing power with the armed opposition and his call for more U.S. military supplies without human rights conditions makes it appear that in truth nothing has changed; and

WHEREAS:

International observers have found in Guatemala systematic use of terror to destroy human rights and undermine the trade union movement, yet the Administration continues to support the military regime with training and arms; and

WHEREAS:

The administration appears determined to continue its ineffective policies in Central America despite the law and specific acts of Congress, announcing its intent to move military supplies in violation of Congressional actions and shifting funds for clandestine activities in Nicaragua in violation of the spirit if not the act of Congress; and

WHEREAS:

At the same time that increasing millions of dollars are being sought for arms and assistance, essential social and public services in the United States are being drastically cut by the Administration and increasing burdens are being placed on workers, the poor, the ill and the elderly; and

WHEREAS:

The efforts of the Contadora group of nations to develop a non-military regional solution to the warfare and terror now afflicting Central America have not only been given mere lip service by the United States but have been apparently undermined on more than one occasion by client states of the Administration.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 26th International Convention of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AFL-CIO condemns the policies and actions of this Administration that seem clearly designed to use American military force to attempt to solve the economic, political and social problems of Central America; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That this conventions calls on the Congress to demonstrate its responsibility and to thwart the administration's efforts to impose a military solution on Central America; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME specifically opposes the provision of military and economic assistance to any nation that oppresses its people by denying them the basic human rights, including the right of trade unions to organize and represent their members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urges Congress to insist on strict observance of Congressional action blocking funding for such acts as mining harbors or supporting armed groups aimed at overthrowing existing regimes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urges Congress to prohibit this or any administration from moving U.S. troops, military material and funds into Central America for purposes not specifically authorized by Congress; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME calls on the Congress to require the Administration to give real and meaningful support to the Contadora process in order to avoid the traditional resort to U.S. military intervention in the area that could plunge us again into campaigns of killing and destruction; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That copies of this resolution be directed to AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland and to the members of the AFL-CIO Executive Council.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board

Edward J. Keller, Delegate
Local 632, Council 13
International Vice President
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Jason Kanter, Vice President & Delegate
Flo Stern, Treasurer & Delegate
Local 215, Council 1707
New, York, New York

Janet Kodish, President
Lisa Kemish, Secretary
AFSCME Local 3211
Berkeley, California

Christina Peterson, President, Local 843
Martin Ethington, Secretary, Local 843
James M. Kearney, President, Local 435
Janet Hews, Secretary, Local 435
Council 28
Seattle, Washington

Goldberg, Delegate
Terry J. Graves, Delegate
Anita Hicks, Delegate
Cheryl LaBash, Delegate
Local 457, Council 25
Detroit, Michigan

John P. Foster, President
Mary Hasting, Secretary
Council 14
St. Paul, Minnesota

Joe Brenner, President, Local 3218
Pat Singer, Vice President, Local 3218
Ellen Shaffer, President, Local 3215
Berkeley, California

Peter Knowlton, Delegate
Local 169
Huron, South Dakota

Thomas Paine Cronin, President
Joseph Herkness, Secretary
Council 47
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Marion Porro, President and Delegate
Local 1930, Council 37
New York, New York