WHEREAS:

The killing of Olof Palme by an unknown assassin cost not only the people of Sweden but the people of the world an enormous loss; and

WHEREAS:

Olof Palme provided the labor movement and the progressive elements of Swedish society political and moral leadership for more than 20 years; and

WHEREAS:

Throughout the world Olof Palme was recognized as an articulate and principled spokesperson for social responsibility and the role of a free labor movement in democratic society; and

WHEREAS:

Olof Palme delivered the first Jerry Wurf Memorial lecture at Harvard University, an eloquent exposition of the responsibilities of a caring society, and the role of the trade union movement in assuring the achievement of such a society; and

WHEREAS:

Olof Palme was a warm friend of the United States, where he spent his student years, and had a special respect for AFSCME because of his long friendship with Jerry Wurf and Mildred Kiefer Wurf, and

WHEREAS:

Olof Palme served as the conscience of social responsibility, leading the opposition to the United States' involvement in Viet Nam in spite of his respect and affection for our country, explaining that he expected better of such a great democracy.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 27th International Convention record AFSCME's deep sorrow at the death of a great leader of Western democracy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME share with the Swedish labor movement-and with the free labor movement of the world — the sense of loss of an articulate spokesperson for the role of government and the public sector in a caring, democratic society; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME communicate to its counterpart unions in Sweden — SKTF and SKAF — its deepest sympathy over the loss of Olof Palme; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That copies of this resolution be prepared for delivery to SKTF and SKAF by an AFSCME exchange delegation that will meet with SKAF this fall; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, to members of Olof Palme's family, to the Social Democratic Party of Sweden, and to the Swedish trade union organizations.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board