WHEREAS:

The freedom of workers to strike is an essential economic right that underpins a free trade union movement and a democratic society; and

WHEREAS:

The unjust MacKay doctrine created by the Supreme Court allows employers to permanently replace strikers with scabs; and

WHEREAS:

The ability of employers to permanently replace strikers provokes bitter and unstable labor relations, threatening the nation's collective bargaining system; and

WHEREAS:

In the last decade, over 50,000 striking workers lost their jobs when permanent replacements were used to defeat their unions; and

WHEREAS:

Congress can stop the permanent replacement of strikers with scabs by overturning the MacKay ruling.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge Congress to enact legislation to prohibit employers from hiring permanent replacement workers during a labor dispute; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME members commend their representatives who supported H.R. 5 of the 102nd Congress, The Workplace Fairness Act; and, urge their Senators to co-sponsor and support the companion bill S. 55; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support legislation which would outlaw the use of permanent replacement workers; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support candidates who support legislation which would outlaw the use of permanent replacement workers.

SUBMITTED BY:

Henry Nicholas, IVP and President
Kathy J. Sackman, IVP and Secretary-Treasurer
NUHHCE AFSCME Local 1199
Pennsylvania and California

Mary Burbage, President
Liz Larsen, Delegate
AFSCME Local 443, Council 28
Washington