WHEREAS:
The labor movements in both the United States and the United Kingdom have suffered significant declines in membership, particularly since the anti-union administrations of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher; and
WHEREAS:
Since 1979, the American labor movement has shrunk from 22.5% of the labor force to 14.5%, and the British labor movement has shrunk from 12 million to 6.9 million members; and
WHEREAS:
The decline in union membership density translates into a decline in the standard of living of working families; and
WHEREAS:
The public policy of our two nations, as expressed in law and practice, has changed from a posture supportive of trade unionism to one of hostility; and
WHEREAS:
American workers are at great risk when they attempt to form a union, because their employers seem to have no compunctions about intimidating and firing pro-union workers; and
WHEREAS:
American labor law has proven woefully weak in assuring a level playing field in representation elections, thereby forcing unions to commit massive expenditures of resources for even small organizing drives; and
WHEREAS:
The labor movements in our two countries have made labor law reform a matter of the highest priority; and
WHEREAS:
In response to this priority, the British government has introduced legislation to reform their labor laws, including a guarantee of employer recognition upon proof of majority membership, and prohibitions against retaliatory firing and striker replacement; and
WHEREAS:
In the face of a lack of similar responsiveness by the U.S. government, the AFL-CIO has launched the "Right to Organize" campaign, kicked off by demonstrations and other public events held in 100 cities on June 24, 1998 to focus on the urgent need to reform our nation's labor laws.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME gives our full support and encouragement to the "Right to Organize" campaign; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME councils and local unions are strongly encouraged to educate their members about the unfairness of labor laws governing workers' right to organize and the need for reform; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME councils and local unions are strongly encouraged to mobilize their members to participate in all activities of the "Right to Organize" campaign; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls on all candidates for the U. S. Congress to endorse the "Right to Organize," both by pledging to support Labor Law Reform legislation, and by intervening personally in struggles in which the Right to Organize is being denied by employers; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME reaffirms our mission to lead the battle to enact public employee collective bargaining laws in those states that do not have them and where the opportunity to enact them exists, as our special role in the battle for the "Right to Organize."
SUBMITTED BY:
Roberta Lynch, Delegate
AFSCME Council 31
Illinois