WHEREAS:

Recent experience shows that our greatest ability to protect our members and to organize the unorganized rests upon our solidarity with workers of other countries; and

WHEREAS:

The current U.S. trade and travel ban on Cuba continues to restrict the freedom of information and the rights of U.S. workers to deliver humanitarian aid to our counterparts in Cuba, and to meet with Cuban trade unionists on common concerns and problems; and

WHEREAS:

The affects of the trade embargo have threatened the important gains of the Cuban people in the areas of health care, education, housing and full employment; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME recognizes that the Cuban workers and their government pose no threat to the working people of the U.S. and offer opportunities for the exchange of ideas and the trade of goods.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME work to normalize relations with Cuba, thus creating a stronger bond between US workers and Cuban workers, including AFSCME's endorsement of United States-Cuba Sister City Project.

SUBMITTED BY:

Allen Whitehead, President and Delegate 
Cathy Weldon, Secretary and Delegate 
AFSCME Local 443, Council 28
Washington