WHEREAS:
AFSCME has a long and proud history as a tireless fighter for economic justice, and civil, labor and human rights for workers across the globe; and
WHEREAS:
In the current environment, it is more important than ever for labor to stand strong with all members of our community in the continuing fight for economic, social and racial justice; and
WHEREAS:
April 4, 2018 marked 50 years since the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis where he was standing shoulder to shoulder with striking AFSCME represented sanitation workers who were seeking respect, dignity, economic justice, and safe and humane working conditions. The sanitation workers’ slogan – “I Am a Man” – became the rallying cry for this workers’ movement; and
WHEREAS:
Much progress has been made during the past 50 years, but much more remains to be done. The struggle for justice inseparably binds the labor and civil rights movements. As Dr. King said to civil rights leaders, “Our needs are identical with labor's needs: Decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children, and respect in the community;" and
WHEREAS:
The 50th anniversary of the strike and Dr. King’s murder is more than a commemoration of an historical moment and the honoring of true American heroes. It is a sober reminder of the important work ahead of us. Indeed, the concentration of wealth and power that Dr. King identified as the driver of injustice in its many forms is more severe today than at the time of his death. The revival of a “Poor People’s Campaign” is not an indulgence in nostalgia but an essential activity in the fight for justice for all workers and poor people from diverse backgrounds; and
WHEREAS:
In April of 2018, labor and our allies across the spectrum of social and economic justice movements came together in Memphis to renew our commitment to Dr. King’s dream; and
WHEREAS:
Rev. Dr. William Barber, II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis have issued a “National Call for Moral Revival” to launch a new Poor People’s Campaign this year.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME embraces its responsibility to honor the Memphis strikers and redouble our efforts on behalf of all working people. AFSCME stands in support of the “I Am 2018” activities beyond the April 2018 events in Memphis; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME and its affiliates will support the Poor People’s Campaign and declare our support of campaign goals to end systemic racism; effectively address poverty and inequality; support our fundamental right to clean water, air and a healthy environment; and demand that all public policies and budgets are based on whether they serve the general welfare, lift up lives and protect the environment.
SUBMITTED BY: International Executive Board