WHEREAS:

The Labor Movement has been instrumental in assuring workers and their families a better quality of life through adequate pay and health benefits; and

WHEREAS:

The Labor Movement has worked hard to provide safe work sites for all workers, abolishing child labor and sweat shops, etc.; and

WHEREAS:

The Labor Movement has worked hard to fight discrimination in the workplace, be it racial or gender based, as well as fighting other injustices, thereby giving the working community a better life; and

WHEREAS:

Labor has played a significant role in the education of our children through scholarships and training, and while we do acknowledge labor through a Labor Day holiday, we do not believe that it is sufficient; and

WHEREAS:

A large percentage of our young people are not aware of the meaning of Labor Day, or the sacrifices that public and private trade union members have made to ensure that our youth would have a better quality of life; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME D.C. Council 20 is on record as supporting the efforts of Ward 4 School Board Member Sandra Butler-Truesdale, in establishing a week to commemorate Labor History in the D.C. Public School System, to be observed every September, of which support shall be further demonstrated by the issuance of a letter of citation.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International goes on record as actively encouraging councils and locals to establish a local Labor History Week in their school system; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International goes on record as recognizing that education is the key to instill in our young people an appreciation for the institutions that influence their lives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International in conjunction with the National AFL-CIO will work to establish a Labor History Week and will notify all of its members of this event; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International Education Department working with the Education Department of the National AFL-CIO will offer its services of support to School Board and Public School Systems to further educate students about Labor History Week; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International, working in conjunction with the National AFL-CIO and state and local labor bodies, will make every effort to encourage locals and councils and the AFL-CIO to get a Resolution of support for Labor History Week through City Councils, County Commissions, School Boards and Local Labor Councils and State Federations of Labor; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That every effort will be made to inform the public of this event through the public libraries, churches, community organizations and the media.

SUBMITTED BY:

Charles Hicks, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 1808, Council 20
District of Columbia