WHEREAS:
The Pittston Coal Company is waging an all-out attack on the United Mine Workers of America at its mines in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky; and
WHEREAS:
Pittston is the only major unionized company in the coal industry which has refused to sign a contract with the UMWA. It is attempting to eliminate hard-won job security, health and safety protections, and pension benefits from its UMWA employees; and
WHEREAS:
The company cut off medical coverage for 1,500 retirees, widows, and disabled miners on February 1, 1988. It has been charged with violating more than 25 separate counts of federal labor law by the National Labor Relations Board, and continues to refuse to bargain in good faith for a new contract with the UMWA; and
WHEREAS:
With no other options available, the UMWA went on strike on April 5, 1989 at Pittston's mines, after working fourteen months without a contract; and
WHEREAS:
Since the strike began, the state courts have fined the UMWA over $8 million and jailed over 3,200 of its members and leaders. The Governor of Virginia has placed over 350 state troopers in southwestern Virginia to help Pittston break the strike and the company has employed its own contingent of armed security guards; and
WHEREAS:
In response to these attempts to destroy the union, strikers have engaged in non-violent civil resistance to protect their jobs and communities. They have also received support from labor, religious, civil rights and community organizations; and
WHEREAS:
UMWA President Richard Trumka has issued a "national call to conscience" to the American people to support the strikers in their struggle for justice.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME pledges full support to the UMWA and the striking miners at the Pittston Coal Company; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the AFSCME International Executive Board calls upon all councils and local unions to support the "national call to conscience" and help the UMWA in every possible way until social and economic justice has been won at Pittston.