WHEREAS:

            In light of the challenges facing AFSCME and the labor movement today, labor unity is more necessary than ever; and

WHEREAS:

            Labor unity was responsible for the defeat of Proposition 30 in California, Issue 2 in Ohio, Right to Work in New Hampshire, and legislative majorities in Maine and Minnesota; and

WHEREAS:

            It is shortsighted for any part of Labor to think it can be successful on its own while others suffer; sooner or later, those who attack some of us will come for the rest of us; and

WHEREAS:

            Labor unity by itself is not enough.  Labor unity must be combined with determined member mobilization, strong engagement of allies and broad public support; and

WHEREAS:

            Our enemies are strong, but we are stronger together.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            AFSCME considers labor unity a top priority at all levels of our union; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            AFSCME should continue to build new mechanisms for labor union collaboration to meet new challenges.  These include the new partnership of the four principal public employee unions: AFSCME, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the Service Employees International Union, as well as the Unity Table, the National Public Pension Coalition, and other coalitions and alliances on the state and local levels; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            As the largest union in the AFL-CIO, AFSCME shall remain committed to it as the unified voice of Labor, participating in its state and local bodies, and providing leadership to its work, particularly in the political and legislative arenas; and

            Solidarity is the guiding principle of our relationships to other unions.  Consistent with our principles, AFSCME and affiliates at all levels will offer our support to the fights other unions are in, be they defensive or proactive; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

            AFSCME calls on all unions to join together and work together, through the AFL-CIO and the other mechanisms for collaboration, to take on the challenges we face.