WHEREAS:

Recent history has demonstrated that human and trade union rights are inseparable — that the first action any dictator takes upon seizing power is to control or destroy the free trade union movement; and

WHEREAS:

Regimes that find it necessary to oppress their own people in order to maintain power are equally oppressive to any trade union movement that attempts to speak and act freely on behalf of the workers it represents; and

WHEREAS:

The role of the U. S. labor movement in its relationships with free trade unions in other countries is aimed at building strong, democratic organizations of workers in order to strengthen the foundations and practices of democracy and respect for human rights; and

WHEREAS:

As a leader in the world free trade union movement, AFSCME has supported democratic unions against oppressive regimes in Haiti, South Africa, the Philippines, Poland, Central and South America and in other countries where such unions represent a threat to dictators or military governments.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 27th International Convention reaffirm AFSCME's dedication to the principal that free and democratic trade unions are one of the strongest bulwarks for democracy and freedom, both in the United States and elsewhere in the world; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME commend the Aquino government of the Philippines for its commitment to restore trade union rights to public workers and to end government interference in the rights of all trade unions; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge the leaders of Haiti to recognize the fact that the popular uprising that forced out the hated Duvalier dictatorship will not be satisfied by the mere substitution of another repressive military regime; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME renew its condemnation of attempts to suppress the workers movement in Poland, and pledges continuing support to Solidarnosc; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge the Congress to impose strict human and trade union rights conditions on all appropriations of funds for economic and military assistance to other countries, with specific prohibition of military aid for nations that use such weapons to curtail or suppress the rights of their own people; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME call for strict enforcement of legislation that conditions favorable import and trade provisions on the existence of free trade unions, and which restricts or bars the products of exploited labor forces.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board