WHEREAS:

American labor history is omitted entirely or dealt with superficially in most educational curricula from elementary school through the secondary school levels; and

WHEREAS:

As a result, a significant portion of American society is unaware that the labor movement was instrumental in the passage of legislation and or the introduction of such standard benefits as child labor laws, the minimum wage, standard workweeks, health and fringe benefits, and health and safety regulations, and civil rights which have profoundly improved the lives of most Americans; and

WHEREAS:

The International Union's Education Department has worked with several school districts to develop lesson plans which focus on the role of labor in this country's history; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME members are actively involved in coalitions and other advocacy efforts in their communities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME promote the inclusion of labor history in curricula at all levels of education.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will do this by encouraging the AFL-CIO Education Department to work with textbook companies to enhance the role of labor history; by reaching out to other unions that are involved with educating the nation's children, and working with councils and locals that, want to develop educational materials; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME Councils and Locals set an example to other AFL-CIO affiliates by establishing a list of available speakers and developing materials pertinent to telling labor's story and making this available to schools in their communities; and that AFSCME delegates to State Labor Councils and AFL-CIO Central bodies encourage a similar initiative by other unions.

SUBMITTED BY:

Victor Garcia, Secretary and Delegate
NUHHCE Local 1199/AFSCME
Newark, NJ