WHEREAS:
The very survival of the labor movement depends upon our ability to increase union density; and

WHEREAS:
The labor laws in the United States allow employers to intimidate, harass, and coerce employees; and

WHEREAS:
Workers attempting to organize routinely face fierce resistance from their employers when they organize in both the public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS:
The support of elected officials can be helpful in gaining recognition rights; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME affiliates have had success in getting the support of public officials in their organizing efforts as witnessed by the CSEA's innovative campaign to organize private sector facilities for developmentally disabled individuals and Council 31's campaign to organize Resurrection Hospital workers.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the International Union and its affiliates ask all candidates for the U.S. Congress to support the Employee Free Choice Act as a criterion for its endorsement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME seek the support of all state legislative candidates and all statewide candidates for state legislation which provides for card check recognition and employer neutrality in public sector organizing efforts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the International Union  and all AFSCME affiliates will seek to ensure that elected officials use the powers of their office to bring pressure to bear upon employers who resist the efforts of their employees who want to organize; and
 
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: 
That the International Union and all AFSCME affiliates will call upon all elected officials who have sought our support to publicly support our union when employees are seeking to organize with AFSCME.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Henry Bayer, Executive Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 31
Illinois