For presentation at AFSCME District Council 36 Convention, Oct. 2019: AFSCME DC 36 Condemns Violent Immigration Raids and Commits to Supporting Immigrant Workers

WHEREAS:

On August 7th, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested 680 mainly Latinx workers at poultry plants, the same plants where immigrant workers organized unions represented by UFCW Local 1529; workers fought back against discrimination or challenged unsafe and unsanitary conditions and last year won a $3.75 million settlement in a class action suit over sexual harassment, national origin and race discrimination, and retaliation. (fn 1)

 WHEREAS:

The mass arrests came on the first day of the school year, and some children walked home from school only to find their doors locked and their family members missing.

 WHEREAS:

AFSCME internationally affirmed the right of immigrants of all status’ to join and be protected by a union. (fn 2)

 WHEREAS:

AFSCME internationally has rejected immigration policies based on fear such as separation, detention, and called for humane treatment of immigrants. (fn 3)

 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME Local 800 and AFSCME District Council 36 join AFL-CIO4 in strongly condemning violent immigration policies of raids, detention, and separation and stand in solidarity with workers everywhere targeted by ICE by not voluntarily cooperating with federal agents in the prosecution or attempted deportation of members.

 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME Local 800 and AFSCME District Council 36 not collect personal information from members that may be used to challenge their immigration status and follow guidance from AFSCME “to educate immigrants about their rights” (fn 4) by providing “Know Your Rights” trainings and sharing legal resources with workers.

 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME District Council 36 will build alliances with others working to protect communities, the undocumented, and participate in protests in response to ICE raids or employer collaboration for the sake of union-busting.

 SUBMITTED BY:

Lilia Arbona

Corresponding Secretary 

AFSCME Local 800

 1: https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/8-1-18b.cfm 

2: Support of Immigrants and Refugees to Join a Union, Resolution No. 66, 34th International Convention, June 26 - 30, 2000, Philadelphia, PA 

3: AFSCME Rejects Immigration Policy Based on Fear, Resolution No. 55, 43rd International Convention, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, July 16 - 20, 2018, Boston, MA

4: https://aflcio.org/pressreleases/working-hard-better-life-not-crime