WHEREAS:

The governments of Bolivia and Peru are receiving pressure from the U.S.A. Government and the I.M.F. to utilize Agent Orange type pesticides to spray coca plantations as part of the war on the world traffic in coca-based drugs; and

WHEREAS:

Coca plantations represent the main source of income for the farmers and land workers of these regions; and

WHEREAS:

The use of the Agent Orange material would constitute a permanent destruction of the ecological system of these nations; and

WHEREAS:

The workers are consistently being exposed to major illnesses and deformities for new and future generations.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 30th AFSCME Convention urges the use of coca control agents that are not dangerous to human beings and poisonous to the environment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the policy of coca eradication must be accompanied by economic and technical assistance and support so that the farm workers in Bolivia and Peru have alternative means of supporting themselves in their land.

SUBMITTED BY:

Cesar Castillo, Delegate
AFSCME Local 215, Council 1707
New York, New York