WHEREAS

For nearly 40 years AFSCME has represented Panamanian workers employed by U.S. military installations in Panama; and,

WHEREAS

AFSCME was one of the strongest supporters of the treaty negotiated between Panama and the United States that provided for the turning over of the Panama Canal to the people of Panama by the year 2000; and,

WHEREAS

A significant provision of the treaty mandates the United States to turn over installations and activities to the Government of Panama, unless they are maintained under U.S. control; and,

WHEREAS

In recent months U.S. authorites have proposed schedules of closing facilities that threaten the AFSCME-represented workforce with unemployment and loss of benefits without reasonable time to work out adjustment, retraining and other efforts to reduce the impact of the closings on workers and their families.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The International Executive Board reaffirms its support for the treaty providing for the assumption by Panama of responsibilities for the Canal and related operations within its territory; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

At the same time, both the government of Panama and of the United States have the responsibility to achieve the transition with the least possible damage to the lives and futures of workers who have served the interests of both countries so loyally for so many years; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

Reasonable transition procedures can be worked out between 1990 and 2000 to the end that workers and their families can be prepared for the shift from U.S. employment and union representation to the system that will prevail after that time under Panama law; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT:

AFSCME call upon the governments of the United States and Panama to undertake immediate discussions and negotiations aimed at achieving a fair and reasonable transition so as to limit the personal suffering and loss workers will face as the final terms of the treaty come into effect in 2000.