Resolution Opposing the Bush Administration’s War on Iraq

WHEREAS, union members and leaders have a responsibility to inform all working people about the issues that effect our lives, jobs, and families and to be heard in the national debate on these issues; and

WHEREAS, the billions of dollars spent to stage and execute this war are being taken away from our schools, hospitals, housing and Social Security and services for the poor in the midst of the greatest economic crisis in recent memory, even as the Bush Administration simultaneously plans even more giveaways and welfare for the rich supporters; and

WHEREAS, the Bush Administration has spearheaded a renewed assault on organized labor which includes use of Taft-Hartley against dock-workers, excluding over 50,000 federal airport screeners’ right to organize privatizing nearly 200,000 federal jobs covered by American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and removing collective bargaining rights from these employees; and

WHEARAS, the war in the pretext for attacks on labor, civil, immigrant and human rights: and

WHERAS, the Bush Administration’s drive for war serves as a cover and distraction for the sinking economy, ongoing corporate corruption and layoffs; and

WHERAS, the Bush Administration and Congress’ US Patriot Act serves to undermine labor’s right to organize and fight anti-immigrant attacks by expanding the government’s ability to detain non-citizens, to conduct telephone and internet surveillance and to carry out secret searches.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO stands firmly against the Bush Administration’s drive to war and calls for a reorder of our national priorities which must include allocation of resources to provide jobs, education, health care, a clean environment and social justice; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO will work so that organized labor, the national AFL-CIO and the many allies of working men and women take a stand against the U S Patriot Act and Homeland Security Act; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO will work so that organized labor, the national AFL-CIO joins other organization, and community allies to actively promote and participate in activities opposing the Bush Administration’s drive to war.