WHEREAS, Article IV, Section 2 of the AFL-CIO Constitution provides:
The regular conventions of the Federation shall be held every four years at a time during the last six months of the year. The time and the place for holding the regular conventions shall be designated by the Executive Council, which shall give at least 90 days’ notice of the time and place designated.
WHEREAS, the four years referenced in Article IV, Section 2 ends on December 31, 2021.
WHEREAS, the United States remains in a state of public health emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO Convention is expected to bring together in a single convention hall over 1,000 people, based on data from the past several conventions.
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO Convention has been held in person since the founding of the AFL-CIO in 1955.
WHEREAS, it is not possible to conduct such a large convention in person at this time, and it is highly uncertain whether it will be possible to do so anytime in 2021.
WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO Convention requires significant advance planning, including entering into numerous contracts, by both the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions.
WHEREAS, an in-person convention supports good-paying union jobs in hotels, restaurants, transportation and other related sectors.
WHEREAS, an in-person convention, including floor activities, education programs, caucus meetings, informal interactions and discussions, and other gatherings, is essential to fulfilling the purposes of the AFL-CIO Convention, which include generating enthusiasm among local and national leaders for the policies and programs of the AFL-CIO and strengthening the unity of the labor movement.
WHEREAS, an in-person convention provides an opportunity for rank-and-file members and local officers elected as delegates and alternates to participate in the governance of the AFL-CIO.
WHEREAS, an in-person convention provides an opportunity to educate the media and the public about the important work of the labor movement, the AFL-CIO and affiliated unions in building worker power, fighting against economic inequality, and advocating for social justice that cannot be fully replicated in a virtual convention.
WHEREAS, a short delay in the AFL-CIO Convention will not prejudice the AFL-CIO or its affiliated unions in any manner.
WHEREAS, the Executive Council is the governing body of the AFL-CIO between conventions.
WHEREAS, the Executive Council is authorized and empowered to take such actions and render such decisions as may be necessary to enforce the provisions contained in the AFL-CIO Constitution.
WHEREAS, between conventions, the Executive Council shall have the power to direct the affairs of the AFL-CIO and to take such actions and render such decisions as are necessary and appropriate to safeguard and promote the best interests of the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions. The Executive Council hereby finds that a delay of the convention from the last six months of 2021 to June 2022 is necessary and appropriate to safeguard and promote the best interests of the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions.
Wherefore
The next regular AFL-CIO Convention will take place before June 30, 2022, in Philadelphia, on days and during times designated by the AFL-CIO President, in consultation with the Executive Council.
Pursuant to Article VI, Sections 1(a) and 2 of the AFL-CIO Constitution, the terms of all existing officers of the AFL-CIO are extended until their successors are elected or they are re-elected at the convention in 2022.
The President shall poll the members of the AFL-CIO General Board as soon as practicable and ask the Board to ratify this resolution.