WHEREAS:

Despite the condemnation of most of the world community the government of South Africa continues its savage and racist attacks on its own citizens in that country; and,

WHEREAS:

In the most recent two-month period the South African army and police forces have mounted armed invasions of Black townships, searching and raiding homes and meeting places, arresting thousands of people and killing or maiming hundreds more; and,

WHEREAS:

South African Black trade unions have sought peacefully to protest their grievances and to call to the attention of the South African government the horrors of apartheid by conducting a two-day stay-away; and,

WHEREAS:

In typical fashion the South African government has arrested at least 13 labor leaders who were involved in legitimate efforts to protest their working and living conditions in that racist state; and,

WHEREAS:

These labor leaders are being held under a law that could lead to a charge of treason and that offers no explanation for their detention and indeed does not even offer a trial; and,

WHEREAS:

Of the hundreds of political prisoners detained under this law in South Africa at least 64 have died while in prison, with little or no explanation of the circumstances of their deaths.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Executive Board reaffirms the declaration of the 26th International Convention expressing "AFSCME's absolute opposition to the racist apartheid policies of the government of South Africa"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME calls upon the government of South Africa to release the labor leaders being held on secret or unannounced charges for activities that in any free society would be their duty and responsibility to perform on behalf of their members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME calls upon the government of the United States to exhibit unequivocal condemnation of South Africa for the oppression of its people and its attempt to destroy the Black trade union movement, which may be the only hope for a peaceful transition in that country; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Executive Board calls on AFSCME locals and councils to participate wherever possible in public expressions of the outrage and horror our society feels towards the racist policies and actions of the South African government, such as demonstrations at South African consulates and embassy locations; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME endorses the AFL-CIO call for a united labor demonstration against apartheid policies and AFSCME strongly supports AFL-CIO efforts to win freedom for South African trade unionists.