2006

WHEREAS: Over the last two decades we have witnessed the increasing efforts of  anti-choice forces to undermine the reproductive rights of American women, from “abstinence only” sex education in schools, to firebombing of Planned  Parenthood clinics, while state legislatures are intimidated into adopting more and more  restrictive measures, resulting in limitations to reproductive health care and abortion rights and the Roe v. Wade decision is at risk of being overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States;

AND WHEREAS: We must not allow the return to the dark days of “back alley” abortions, we must not allow teens to be denied access to realistic sex education curricula, denying them information about avoiding unwanted pregnancies, we must not  deny women access to birth control pills methods over-the counter emergency  contraception and we must not deny women the profoundly personal choice of  whether and when to bear children;

AND WHEREAS: Most people understand that simply placing restrictions on abortion does little to reduce the demand for it and the most effective way to address the issue of unintended pregnancy and reduce the need for abortion is to improve access to family planning services, make birth control more affordable, and make sure that sex education in our schools is honest and accurate;

AND WHEREAS: The real answer to teen pregnancy is prevention and strong caring families, not new laws that endanger young women’s lives, and good family communication cannot be imposed by government;

THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:  Pride at Work pledges to work with other organizations to preserve reproductive rights and oppose any state or federal legislation that interferes with American women’s access to safe and legal abortion services Pride At Work calls upon the Food and Drug Administration to immediately approve over-the-counter emergency contraceptives;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: Pride at Work go on record as being in support of the availability of information on sexuality, reproduction and contraception, and of access to a full range  of reproductive health care and services, including emergency over-the-counter contraception;

AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT: this resolution be forwarded to the other Constituency Groups of the AFL-CIO, to the leadership of the AFL-CIO and of the Change to Win Federation, urging that these bodies adopt and follow through on similar resolutions.

Submitted by Eileen Berkun, President East Bay Chapter, on July 31st, 2006.

Whereas, in 2002, Pride At Work became the first national labor organization to come out against the proposed war with Iraq and,

Whereas, the war in Iraq has ravaged the Iraqi people, killing thousands of innocent civilians,

Whereas, the war in Iraq has cost the United States over $300 billion, and will cost over $500 billion by the end of 2009 and,

Whereas, the war in Iraq, has put hundreds of thousands of working American young people, in the crosshairs of an immoral and illegal conflict, where they must become an occupying force over other working people, and

Whereas, the war in Iraq, is depleting United States funds that should be going to fight poverty, unemployment, and the crumbling internal infrastructure of the United States, and

Whereas, the war in Iraq, even though a complete failure, is stoking some United States sector into further war mongering with the scope on countries like Iran and Syria, and

Whereas, American intervention in the region has only destabilized an already unstable situation, be it therefore

Resolved that Pride At Work, AFL-CIO calls for the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, and a complete cessation of all violence in the region, and we call on President George W. Bush to publicly state that the United States military has no plans to attack Iran and Syria.

Submitted by Nancy Wohlforth, Pride At Work Co-President on August, 11th, 2006.

Whereas, anti-immigrant measures negatively affect the immigrant community, regardless of legal status or citizenship status,

Whereas, xenophobia, racism, scapegoating and paranoia have dominated the national immigration debate, blatantly using immigrants to change the subject from a failed Congress and Administration; and,

Whereas, the current immigration system is flawed and has resulted in numerous deaths on the borders and contributed to the approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants; and,

Whereas, a culturally diverse workforce is a stronger and more efficient workforce; and,

Whereas, as LGBT people, our foreign born domestic partners (or same sex spouses) are not offered equal rights to immigrate under the law, which tears apart countless families; and,

Whereas, immigrant workers have endured deplorable working conditions such as long hours with no overtime pay, no access to worker compensation, little regard for their safety and health, discrimination, harassment, blacklisting, and have little or no protection by government agencies in charge of enforcing labor laws; and,

Whereas, immigrant workers lack job security, a living wage and are trapped in these low wage industries without hope of improving their lives and that of their families; and,

Whereas, immigrant workers face higher levels of exploitation because some lack legal documentation and are subject to threats and harassment of being thrown out of the country, and/or incarcerated, thereby creating a fearful working and living environment; and,

Whereas, immigrant workers and their families, because of their immigration status, are also systematically denied access to a driver’s license, decent health care, social services and quality education

Let it be resolved, that we, as an organization in a country built by immigrants, believe that true legalization in this country should be given in a form of permanent legal status and citizenship.  This should not be limited to any country of origin or work industry.

Be it further resolved, that Pride at Work believes that everyone, regardless of immigration status, deserves access to health care, a living wage, and safe and affordable housing.

Be it further resolved, that Pride at Work, believes that immigration laws should be inclusive of same-sex couples and couples where one or both partners are transgender, and support reunification of all families.

Be it finally resolved, that Pride at Work remains dedicated to education about immigration issues, encourages our members to contribute to efforts to organize immigrant workers into unions in the United States, work to end the inequities caused by free trade agreement and work in coalition with unions in other countries to organize workers internationally and encourages our members to act as advocates for the education of undocumented immigrants a bout their human rights.

Submitted by Kawazi Imbarra, PAW People of Color Caucus, September 9, 2006

Whereas, George Bush and Dick Cheney’s government attacked Iraq, against the decisions of the United Nations, violating the UN charter, planning and committee a war of aggression in violation of the Nuremberg Charter; and

Whereas, this government then invaded a sovereign country that has not threatened the United States and had no ability to do so; and

Whereas, this government has undertaken and publicized plans to invade or conduct illegal political  and military interventions in a variety of countries around the world, including Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, Iran and Korea; and,

Whereas, this government authorized the National Security Agency (NSA) to conduct illegal wiretaps on American citizens; and,

Whereas, this government set up a system of prisons around the world where prisoners can be tortured and abducted and transported persons from the United States, Europe and elsewhere to other countries for the purpose of having them detained indefinitely and tortured.; and

Whereas, this government authorized secret rules of torture and interrogation by the CIA and permits these rules to stay in effect; and whereas this government has arrested and detained citizens of the United States illegally for indeterminate periods of incarceration.

Therefore, be it resolved,that Pride at Work send a letter of support to Congressperson Conyers in favor of his bill to inquire into grounds for impeachment;

Be it further resolved, that Pride at Work lend our endorsement to efforts to initiate proceeding to impeach George Bush and Dick Cheney and remove them from office for high crimes and misdemeanors, including war crimes against the peoples of Afghanistan, Iraq and the United States.

Submitted by Mike Roskey, East Bay Chapter of Pride at Work September 9, 2006

Whereas, Transgender people are systematically discriminated against in housing, education, employment, access to health care and many other aspects of daily life and there are no Federal employment protections to safeguard transgender, bi-sexual, lesbian, and gay people on the job; and

Whereas, “Gender identity or expression” means a gender-related identity, appearance, expression or behavior of an individual, whether actual or perceived, and regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth and existing policies that offer protections with respect to “sex,” “gender” and/or “sexual orientation” do not protect individuals based on their gender identity or expression; and

Whereas, Transgender workers are systematically discriminated against in health care, and in employee benefits packages when they are denied insurance coverage for medically necessary transgender transition services and surgeries; and

Whereas, in 2004 AFT Local 3550, the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO), representing graduate student employees at the University of Michigan was the first union local in the United States ever to bargain for transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage and to eliminate transgender exclusions in health insurance which resulted in no increase in the cost of insurance to union members; and

Whereas, the AFT Michigan, AFL-CIO, passed a resolution “Opposing Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression” by an overwhelming majority in 2005 and amended its constitution to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression in 2006.

Therefore be it resolved,that Pride at Work (PAW) urges its members to include non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of “gender identity or expression,” in local, state, and national union policies and contract negotiations and that unions urge employers to adopt relevant policies to prevent discrimination based on “gender identity or expression; and

Be it further resolved,that Pride at Work call on its members and affiliates to fight existing barriers and discriminatory practices, and ensure access to health care services, including fighting for transgender-inclusive health care and insurance policies covering all medically necessary transgender transition services and procedures; and

Be it finally resolved,that the Pride at Work stand in solidarity with transgender workers and call on the AFL- CIO and other unions to raise their bargaining voices to demand transgender inclusive health care and insurance policies and declare resolute defiance of all forms of discrimination based upon “gender identity or expression.”

Submitted by: AFT Caucus of Pride at Work September 7, 2006

César E. Chavez, the founder and former President of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO, stood as one of the heroic figures of the 20th century who inspired millions in our nation into action for economic justice, civil rights and political empowerment; and

César E. Chavez led the historic “Si Se Puede” non-violent movement for farm workers’ rights which included strikes, a five year boycott of grapes which won the first labor contracts in the grape fields, personal fast in protest of the use of dangerous pesticides by agribusiness, and historic legislation including the outlawing of the back-breaking short handle hoe in 1975, and the establishment of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act, the first law governing farm labor organizing in the continental United States; and

César E. Chavez was dedicated to building a movement of poor working people that extended beyond the fields and into cities and towns across the nation; he trained and assisted young leaders to build grass-roots organizations based on the principles of social and economic justice for all workers; and

The legacy of César E. Chavez, like that of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., serves to educate and inspire, and is a model for all Americans and the generations to come; and

The successful campaign to make César E. Chavez’s birthday, March 31st, an official state holiday in California and a day of service and learning in our public schools, has launched a national movement calling on Congress to do the same with an official federal holiday for César E. Chavez, which would be the first time in history that a labor leader, a Latino would be honored in this way; and

This movement has now won César E. Chavez holidays in Arizona, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Michigan and Utah in addition to California; and

RESOLVED:  That Pride At Work will officially join the National Coalition for a César Chavez National Holiday and in so doing become an active partner alongside of Latino, labor, civil rights, interfaith, and other organizations who are working together to ensure that the legacy of César E. Chavez is recognized and celebrated throughout our nation with a federal paid holiday and a day of service and learning in our public schools.

Whereas, all persons in all countries have a right to be free from violent attacks, hate, crimes, and other forms of violence committed against them; and,

Whereas, a basics principle of our trade union movement is international solidarity with our brothers and sisters at home and abroad; and,

Whereas, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)states“No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” and “All are equal before the law and are entitled with out any discrimination to equal protection before the law.  All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination” ; and

Whereas, the right to be free from tortureand from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatmentare violated in many countries where attacks on lesbian,gay, bisexual, and transgenderindividuals and on LGBTorganizations are routinely committed by individuals, and where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, and LGBT organization are targeted by police, military and para-military, often leaving these victims with no recourse; and

Whereas, the right to non-discrimination, to privacyand to be free from violence and harassment are violated by omitting sexual orientation and gender identity expression in anti-discrimination laws, constitutional provisions or their enforcement, and where the death penalty or extended prison sentences are applicable for “sodomy” , and by the existence of laws prohibiting consensual acts of transgenders, lesbian, gays and bisexuals; and

Whereas, these same rights and the right to physical and mental healthare violated where transgender individuals are prevented from legal recognition of their gender identity, including the ability to change name and sex on identity documents, and by discriminatory policies and practices by health providers and programs for the provision of health care and insurance as well as by lack of adequate training for health care providers regarding sexual orientation and gender identity and expression: and

Whereas, the rights to work and to safety in the workplaceare violated as many transgenders, lesbians, gays and bisexuals are fired or discriminated against in employment policies and practices, or as targets for harassment because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; and

Whereas, the right to equal protection under the lawand freedom from arbitrary arrestis infringed upon by discriminatory police practices targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, in investigations or in detention and theright to a fair trialis often affected by the prejudices of judges and law enforcement officials

Be it resolved, that Pride at Work condemn all these and other forms of violence and repression toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgenderpeople in any form, in any country, for any reason.

Be it further resolved, that Pride at Work urges its members and affiliates and allallies in the trade union movement and inlesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations to take actions and to condemn each such attack and the ongoing violence; and

Be it finally resolved, that Pride at Work call on the AFL-CIO, Change to Win and all other unions and worker federations to use their collective bargaining power to end all such violence.

Respectfully submitted by Joel Wendland, Michigan Chapter

Whereas, the tobacco and alcohol industries have aggressively targeted the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through advertisements, donations, and sponsorships of LGBT events and organizations and

Whereas, cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol, have a long proven link to serious health problems, such as emphysema, lung cancer, liver failure, cirrhosis of the liver, substance abuse, and other health maladies and

Whereas, the LGBT community has a higher usage rate of alcohol and tobacco than our heterosexual counterparts, with LGBT people smoking at rates nearly 20% higher than their heterosexual counterparts, and with nearly 1 out of every 3 LGBT people having a serious alcohol abuse problem, be it therefore

Resolved that Pride At Work, AFL-CIO will not accept any funds, for events or general operating expenses, from tobacco and alcohol companies and be it further

Resolved that Pride At Work, AFL-CIO encourages all other LGBT and union organizations, on the national, state, and local levels to terminate all sponsorships and funding provided by the tobacco and alcohol industries and be it further

Resolved that Pride At Work, AFL-CIO will make sure that all Pride At Work communications dealing with model contract language will include information on how to include clauses to help members with addiction, substance abuse assistance, and tobacco cessation.

Whereas, Pride at Work (PAW) represents the constituency of the many affiliates of the AFL-CIO,Change to Win and other unions,

Whereas, all constituents and affiliates come from communities where free public education and the ability for all students to receive a high quality public education in a safe environment are critical to the vitality of the community, and

Whereas, education workers, especially GLBT personnel, in these communities often are not aware of their rights on the job nor the rights of the GLBT students with whom they work, and

Whereas, these workers also suffer discrimination and misfortune in their communities,

Therefore, be it resolved that Pride at Work form an organizing committee to promote an educators summit for its members, affiliates of the AFL-CIO, Change to Win and other unions.  The summit’s purpose will be to focus on rights and protections for all educators/education personnel and to supports GLBT students and families in K-12 schools, colleges and  universities, and

Be it further resolved, that this organizing committee and attendees at the subsequent summit represent but are not limited to AFT, NEA, GLSEN, SEIU, AFSCME, UAW, IBT, American Pledge, Human Rights Campaign, National Gay and Lesbian Caucus, and other like-minded organizations, and

Be it finally resolved, that this conference be held before the next Pride at Work Triennial convention, currently scheduled for 2009.

Submitted by:  AFT Caucus of Pride at Work September 7, 2006

Whereas, the primary impediments to social and economic equality are imbedded in the hundreds of regulations and interpretations of the IRS code, Civil Service Law and other Federal programs and entitlements,

Whereas, the growing awareness and visibility of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) families and partnerships have highlighted the inequalities for social, health and survivor benefits,

Whereas, AFT national, state and local organizations have fought, and in many cases, won significant improvements for GLBT benefits and recognition, though more must be done, and,

Whereas, increasing awareness of gender orientation and identity in the societal fabric of America has become politicized,

Therefore, be it resolved that Pride at Work (PAW) urge the AFL-CIO and its affiliates and Change to Win,to make equity and justice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender families and individuals the highest priority for political action, education and organizing initiatives, and

Be it finally resolved,that Pride at Work (PAW) urge the AFL-CIO and its affiliatesand Change to Win to propose legislative review and revision of the United States Tax Codes, administered by the Internal Revenue Service, particularly Section 127, and Social Security regulations.

Submitted by: AFT Caucus of Pride at Work September 7, 2006

Whereas, as trade unionists we believe all workers are entitled to a discrimination-free workplace and full parity when it comes to benefits, pay, and treatment; and

Whereas, as trade unionists we believe that our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters unequivocally deserve the same benefits as heterosexuals ; and

Whereas, trade unions have been securing groundbreaking contract language that provides lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers with a patchwork of protections and benefits; including, explicit anti-discrimination language and pay parity through domestic partnership benefits; and

Whereas, the United States General Accounting Office has documented over 1,000 federal benefits and protections acquired through civil marriage that are not available through domestic partnerships or civil unions; including social security benefits, worker’s compensation, pension or death benefits; nor do non-spouses receive benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act to care for a sick partner or their children; and

Whereas, members of Pride At Work have a variety of views about marriage, according to their personal or religious beliefs, it remains a fundamental, uniting principle of our organization that all people are entitled to equal rights.

Now, therefore be it resolved, that Pride At Work, AFL-CIO endorses the right to civil marriage for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and rejects any efforts to further limit access to marriage equality through legislative, initiative or judicial means.

Submitted by Valentin Colon, Pride At Work Member, on August 1st, 2006.

As trade unionists we believe that every person has the right to affordable, quality health care. Sadly, 45 million people in the U.S. are still without health care coverage and tens of millions more lack adequate coverage.

According to the Citizens Health Care Working Group, established by Congress, having held public hearings across the country, the basic health care needs of most Americans are either inadequately met or the costs are growing out of control.

Pride At Work has been a part of a growing national movement to pass a national health care program to provide an efficient and effective means of delivering universal single-payer health care to all. This movement, which is being led by labor leaders, health care workers and community organizations, recognize that America’s health care crisis cannot be resolved at the bargaining table and requires a universal solution.

Further, any health care reform must include the full range of services to meet the unique needs of the LGBT community, including transgender, intersex, and people of color regardless of economic or immigrant status.

Be it resolved, that Pride At Work calls on Congress and State legislatures to pass comprehensive health care reform that will provide health care for all Americans.

Whereas, Pride at Work has demonstrated commitment to diversity;

Whereas, youth, defined as those individuals under the age of 35, are under-represented in union leadership at large;

Whereas, youth are under-represented within Pride at Work membership and leadership

Therefore, be it resolved that:

Pride at Work expands its efforts to more fully incorporate youth into membership and leadership roles;

Pride at Work allocate resources including but not limited to, creating an electronic list serve for youth leaders and supporting development of targeted outreach programs;

Pride at Work appoint a position on the National Executive Board for a youth leader who can be financially supported for the purposes of participation on the Board, as needed, and provide such notification of financial assistance.

Pride at Work’s National Executive Board and Executive Council members will actively foster and develop a divers group of leaders, with a particular focus on youth leaders, for future executive positions within Pride at Work.

Submitted by Gillian Claycomb, Pride at Work, Los Angeles