WHEREAS:

For the first time in decades workers have a chance to win victories and make advances instead of always fighting to defend what we won in prior years; and

WHEREAS:
As hard as it is to win on defense, it is even harder on offense; and

WHEREAS:
Labor unity in America was undermined in 2005 by the disaffiliation of the “Change to Win” unions; and

WHEREAS:
Labor unity has begun to be restored by the welcome reaffiliation of UNITE-HERE; and

WHEREAS:
Our union has lived by and promoted the principle of labor unity, maintaining full affiliation to the AFL-CIO, every state federation, and central labor councils and area labor federations from coast to coast; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME plays a leading role in the joint political and legislative program of the AFL-CIO; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME supports the struggles of private-sector unions for justice and for treatment, and counts on their solidarity in our struggles; and

WHEREAS:
Wherever workers are on strike, AFSCME is there, in solidarity; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME promotes the affiliation of independent public employee associations to AFSCME and of unaffiliated unions to the AFL-CIO; and

WHEREAS:
AFSCME adheres to the no-raiding principle of the AFL-CIO, and to our no-raid agreements, deplores raiding when it occurs and offers our assistance to unions under attack.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That labor unity is needed today more than ever before; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls on all unaffiliated unions to join or rejoin the AFL-CIO in order to work as one to:
1. Restore full employment
2. Enhance public services
3. Secure the right of all workers to unionize and,
4. Win the 2010 elections; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME is available to facilitate efforts that are likely to result in labor unity.

 
SUBMITTED BY: 
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD