Federation of Union Representatives (FOUR) Affiliation Resolution

http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org/article.php?id=3786

Federation of Union Representatives (FOUR)

Resolution to Affiliate to US Labor Against War Coalition and Endorse the February 15, 2003 Anti-War Rally

Whereas, over 100 trade unionists from 76 local, regional and national unions, central labor councils and other labor organizations, including UNITE Mid West region, representing over two million members gathered in Chicago in January to establish U.S. Labor Against War; and

Whereas dozens of trade unionists have formed a similar coalition in New York City; and

Whereas the New York City Labor Against War will participate in a mass demonstration on February 15, 2003 in New York City; and

Whereas, union members and leaders have the responsibility to inform all working people about issues that affect their lives, jobs and families, and to be heard in the national debate on these issues; and

Whereas, the principal victims of any military action in Iraq will be working class people serving in the military who will be put in harm’s way, and innocent Iraqi civilians and workers; and

Whereas, we have no quarrel with the ordinary working class men, women and children of Iraq, or any other country; and

Whereas, the billions of dollars spent to stage and execute this war are being taken away from our schools, hospitals, housing and Social Security; and

Whereas, the war is a pretext for attacks on labor, civil, immigrant and human rights at home; and

Whereas, the drive for war serves as a cover and distraction for the government’s failing economic policies, its anti-worker bias, corporate corruption and layoffs; and

Whereas, such military action increases the likelihood of retaliatory terrorist acts; and

Whereas, there is no convincing link between Iraq and Al Qaeda or the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and neither the Bush administration nor the UN inspections have demonstrated that Iraq poses a real threat to Americans; and

Whereas, U.S. military action against Iraq threatens the peaceful resolution of disputes among states, jeopardizing the safety and security of the entire world, including Americans; and

Whereas, labor has had an historic role in fighting for justice; therefore

Be it resolved that the Federation of Union Representatives (FOUR) Executive Board:

1. Endorse the February 15, 2003 March against potential war on Iraq; and

2. Affiliate with the New York City Labor Against War coalition; and

3. Affiliate with the national US Labor Against War coalition; and

Approved this Saturday, February 8, 2003.