WHEREAS:

Most developing countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia are in tremendous debt to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund; and

WHEREAS:

These same countries and regions of the world have been forced to either "sell" control of their natural resources, food products and/or nationally controlled enterprises to the wealthiest international corporations of the United States, Western Europe and Japan, for example; and

WHEREAS:

The end result is that these developing countries continue to be faced with a total lack of control of their own resources and economy. Meanwhile, epidemics are wiping out whole villages, towns and regions and an there is inability to pay government workers for months or years or to provide basic services to their people; and

WHEREAS:

The United States labor movement, the AFL-CIO and its affiliates have joined in demonstrations lobbying efforts and on-going solidarity actions.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support the call for deep debt relief for those developing countries committed to democratic reforms and core workers' rights and work with the AFL-CIO and other organizations to secure adequate funding for such initiatives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourage its affiliates to engage in educational forums to inform its members of the need to support this call; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourage its members to participate in coalitions to lobby our legislators on all levels to support this Call.

SUBMITTED BY:

Brenda Stokely, President and Delegate 
AFSCME Local 215, District Council 1707
New York