WHEREAS:

March 4, 1990, is the first anniversary of the strike by 8,500 members of the International Association of Machinists at Eastern Air Lines; and

WHEREAS:

These workers have courageously fought against corporate greed and intransigence in an effort to save Eastern from the destructive policies of Texas Air Corporation Chairman Frank Lorenzo; and

WHEREAS:

Although the strike is a year old, the IAM strikers remain united and steadfast in their resolve not to fall prey to Lorenzo's ruthless corporate maneuvering; and

WHEREAS:

Eastern has failed to emerge from bankruptcy as a profitable carrier. Eastern losses in 1989 totalled $852 million. The airline continues to lose a million dollars a day and the stock price of its parent company, Texas Air Corporation, has plummeted; and

WHEREAS:

The bankruptcy judge has, in effect, sanctioned Lorenzo's corporate maneuvering by granting him every extension he has requested and presiding over the liquidation of the company's most productive assets; and

WHEREAS:

President Bush continues to favor Lorenzo by vetoing legislation designed to provide a fair and impartial process to resolve the dispute; and

WHEREAS:

Labor, along with other concerned organizations, must continue to rally around the struggle of the Machinists against Frank Lorenzo. Solidarity is the key to winning this fight.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME remains vigilant in our support of the striking Machinists at Eastern Airlines and will continue our mobilization of members and resources until a fair and equitable settlement is achieved; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the AFSCME International Executive Board calls upon all councils and local unions to continue their support of the strikers by donating money, food, and clothing and adopting individual striking IAM lodges.