WHEREAS:

Consumer boycotts are a traditional weapon used by unions against employers that have consistently violated civil, human, and union rights of workers, and a consumer boycott is one of labor's basic rights; and

WHEREAS:

When appropriately publicized and adequately supported by union members and the general public, boycotts have proven to be a successful weapon against anti-union employers; boycotts have persuaded such employers to stop a union busting campaign, recognize a union, or return to the bargaining table; and

WHEREAS:

Right-wing and anti-union organizations are using the courts and media to undermine and limit the right of unions to rely on the boycott.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourage members and families to actively support boycotts sanctioned by the AFL-CIO by refusing to buy the products and services of the following companies: Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing company (measuring, cutting and machine tools and pumps); Bruce Church, Inc. (iceberg lettuce); Continental Airlines, Inc. (scheduled airline); Adolph Coors Company (beer and ale); Equitable Life Assurance Society (insurance); Faberge, Inc. (personal care products); Indiana Desk Company (medium and high priced desks); Kosmos Cement Company (cement); Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (wood products); Nixdorff-Lloyd Chain Company (heavy duty chains); Proctor & Gamble Manufacturing company (detergents and soaps); R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (tobacco products); Seattle-First National Bank (financial institution); Sterling Radiator (baseboard heaters); and Tyson Foods (chicken products).

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board