WHEREAS:

There are many states whose major source of economic activity derives from the agricultural sector; and

WHEREAS:

There is a direct correlation between the economic condition of the agricultural sectors of these states and the ability for AFSCME locals to bargain within these states successfully; and

WHEREAS:

Many of these agriculturally dominated states have some of the worst records and legislation when it comes to the wages, hours and working conditions of public and private sector workers and their unions; and

WHEREAS:

There is an historic link between the ability of a farmer to secure a fair price for the product they produce and the rate of U.S. unemployment; and

WHEREAS:

The future of U.S. agriculture is in grave danger as corporations buy out foreclosed family farms who have not been able to secure a fair price for their product and whose total material livelihood is beholden to the banks; and

WHEREAS:

Much of the future for AFSCME's ability to organize successfully in these agriculturally dominated states hinges on the economic strength of the agricultural sector; and

WHEREAS:

This strength, likewise, rests with our ability to develop stronger working relationships with those progressive farm organizations many of whose members sit on the county, school, city and state legislative bodies.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the 26th AFSCME International Convention calls on our union to develop an agricultural development policy, as it has an industrial policy, and that all levels of AFSCME develop stronger working relationships with local and national progressive farm organizations.

SUBMITTED BY:

Peter Knowlton, Delegate
Local 169
Huron, South Dakota