Pittsburgh, PA
Workers have a fundamental right to job security, a decent standard of living and the right to organize. Yet employers have stepped up their attacks on these basic rights and government vigilance to enforce workers' rights has waned. Now, more than ever, it is essential for workers to join together in solidarity, and through their unions to build a stronger labor movement, to restore dignity on the job and respect for workers' rights.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of "Jobs With Justice." Starting with a simple "I'll Be There" pledge by unionists and activists to support fights for economic justice and workers' rights, the coalition of labor, community, civil rights, religious, consumer and women's organizations has worked tirelessly over the decade. Today there are 31 vital coalitions across the country. Many affiliates of the AFL-CIO have long been active with "Jobs With Justice" and continue to build and benefit from its solidarity and activism. Through its efforts, including its innovative Workers' Rights Boards, "Jobs With Justice" has mobilized activists and helped to build community-wide support for workers' rights to join unions and to bargain collectively. "Jobs With Justice's" annual meeting in Chicago in October will celebrate a decade of important work on behalf of workers everywhere.
On December 10, 1997, "Jobs With Justice" local coalitions will work with key constituencies to reframe the welfare/workfare debate around good jobs and a focus on justice. Around the country, "Jobs With Justice" will organize actions demanding real job creation, rights for workfare workers and a safety net based on justice.
RESOLVED: That the AFL-CIO urges its affiliates to recommit their support of "Jobs With Justice" by being there — by joining local "Jobs With Justice" coalitions and by participating in "Jobs With Justice" actions in support of workers' rights, dignity on the job and economic and social justice.
RESOLVED: The AFL-CIO particularly urges its affiliates to participate in the December 10 "Jobs With Justice" National Day of Action for Welfare/Workfare Justice to demand an adequate safety net and organizing rights for workfare participants.