WHEREAS:
New Orleans and the Gulf Coast have been hit by both natural and unnatural disasters; and

WHEREAS:
Unionized public sector workers have lost their jobs in the wake of these disasters; and

WHEREAS:
The public school system of New Orleans has reopened with many privately-run charter schools; and

WHEREAS:
There is a lack of government spending for rebuilding the homes and infrastructure of the largely African-American and working-class neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS:
Public housing has been torn down and not replaced; and

WHEREAS:
It appears the plans to rebuild New Orleans discourage the return of African-American and other working-class, displaced families; and

WHEREAS:
Millions of dollars are spent every day for war, that could be used to rebuild New Orleans.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME supports efforts being made to enable all displaced families to return; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls for public service workers to be rehired, union rights restored and efforts to privatize needed services ended.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY:
Claude Fort, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 375, Council 37
New York