Portland, OR
WHEREAS: in carrying out the authorized activities of the Federation, either directly or in conjunction with affiliated labor organizations, Federation officers or employees may from time to time become subject to various types of legal proceedings of a criminal, administrative or civil nature. These proceedings may arise from acts undertaken by officers or staff to dramatize or to protest the difficulties that workers face in organizing unions or engaging in collective action; or they may arise from civil lawsuits brought by employers who seek to chill activities by unions or their officers and employees, on behalf of employees who are seeking to improve their lot or to form or join a union; and
WHEREAS: the expenses of defending these actions or satisfying any resulting fines or judgments may be substantial, and in any event are expenses incurred by officers or staff in the course of carrying out their duties; and
WHEREAS: it has been the custom of the Federation in recent years to arrange for or to secure appropriate legal representation for, and to pay the legal fees, costs and fines, of its officers or employees incurred under such circumstances; and
WHEREAS: it is acknowledged that such practice and policy serves the purposes and interests of the Federation, and is consistent with its Constitution:
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED THAT:
The Federation shall continue to bear the costs of legal representation for its officers and employees, or court fines or fees, or damage awards, incurred in connection with authorized Federation activities except where any such payments or arrangements by the Federation would be contrary to law. In particular, this resolution is not intended to authorize payment of any monies to defray expenses or costs incurred by any officers or employees charged with defrauding the Federation or any labor organization, or where the expenses or costs arise in connection with any alleged breaches of any fiduciary duty.