Uncategorized
Protecting Public Employees
WHEREAS, the Teamsters’ representation within the Public Services Division exceeds a quarter of a million dedicated women and men at all levels of government, as well as certain private employers engaged in providing essential services; and
WHEREAS, the ability to effectively serve the public at all levels of government is dependent on the right of public employees to organize and to collectively bargain over wages, benefits, and working conditions; and
WHEREAS, public employees are the most visible targets of the anti-union, anti-worker agenda of a growing coalition of political forces ideologically opposed to democratically-elected unions, who are engaged in a coordinated effort to deny fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for those serving the public, while eliminating the right of unions to effectively represent their members; and
WHEREAS, public employees across the country are increasingly looking to the Teamsters as a strong partner to come to their defense when they are under attack.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) will continue to be a leading advocate on behalf of all public employees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IBT will, through the Public Services Division and various Departments at the International, work with Teamster Joint Councils and locals to maintain the right to organize and collectively bargain in the public sector, while taking appropriate steps to protect the wages and benefits of public employees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, while we continue the legislative and political battles to preserve and protect the rights of public employees, hold political leaders accountable who attack workers rights and withhold Teamster endorsements and funds, including DRIVE and other such resources, from these political leaders, we must also take the offensive in this battle and continue to organize public employees into the Teamsters Union wherever we can.