WHEREAS:

The government of South Africa has again embarked on a program of state terrorism against the majority of its citizens who happen to be of a different race from the ruling minority; and

WHEREAS:

By the re-imposition of a state of emergency, this time even more repressive than the earlier versions, the racist rulers of South Africa have demonstrated again their inability to govern in a manner consistent with the morality and standards of the overwhelming majority of the world; and

WHEREAS:

Even the distinguished Commonwealth group has given up its mediation attempt, stating that apparently the minority government is prepared to endure a bloodbath rather than yield any of its racist and dictatorial powers; and

WHEREAS:

Despite the evidence that accumulates day by day, for all the world to see and hear, the Reagan Administration continues on its hopeless and meaningless policy of constructive engagement, in effect encouraging the South African racists to resist world pressure for an end to apartheid because of the refusal of the United States to join any effective action against that regime; and

WHEREAS:

Once again the leaders of the black trade union movement — perhaps the only hope for a moderate evolution to democracy in that troubled country — have been jailed without cause and without any confidence that they will survive the regime's cruel and racist detention practices; and

WHEREAS:

US. corporations, banks and pension funds-including funds of AFSCME members — continue to invest in the discredited racist regime of South Africa in spite of evidence that by so doing they support the existence of apartheid.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 27th International Convention declare again its utter contempt and outrage at the racism and inequality expressly promulgated by the apartheid regime of South Africa; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME reiterate its opposition to the Reagan Administration's empty policy of constructive engagement as leading only to encouragement of the racist South African regime, and urge the Administration to move forward to an active policy of supporting the legitimate aspirations of the people of South Africa. These policies could include reducing or eliminating diplomatic and economic relations with the regime, such as restricting the regime's participation in international financial activities with special reference to lending and financing operations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will support legislation and other action at every level to stop the flow of US. investments to South Africa, including measures in Congress, state legislative action banning pension fund investments in firms doing business in South Africa, and efforts in the broader community that seeks to achieve widespread disinvestment in the racist apartheid regime; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME commends the House of Representatives for passing H.R. 4898, the Gray-Fauntroy Bill, and H.R. 998, the Dellums Amendment, providing for additional sanctions and other actions against South Africa; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME call on the United States Senate to schedule prompt consideration of these measures and to approve them without changes that would dilute their impact; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue its support of the Shell Boycott, the Free South Africa Movement, and other broad-based efforts to mobilize American public opinion in a demonstration of our society's hatred and revulsion toward the naked racism of apartheid; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge the AFL-CIO both in its domestic activities in opposition to apartheid — such as the Shell Boycott, and in its international activities through the ICFTU — to assume even greater leadership in the world effort to bring down apartheid; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue and expand its programs through Public Services International and other appropriate means to demonstrate support for the black public sector unions in South Africa that are attempting to protect their members from the harsh terror of a racist regime bent on self-destruction.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board

Martha R. Harbin, President
Sharon MacBride, Secretary
Local 2696, Council 8
Akron, Ohio

Jennifer Lawrence, President
Lisa Kermish, Recording Secretary
Local 3211, Council 10
Berkeley, California