RWU Resolution of Support for Essential Workers
Whereas
, millions of workers – among them front line health care staff, warehouse workers, grocery store workers, meat-packing and food processing workers, farm workers, transit and railroad workers – are all putting their lives on the line every day in service to the nation; and
Whereas
, tens of thousands of “essential workers” have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and many have lost their lives; and
Whereas
, these workers are considered “Essential” and have been labelled as “National Heroes”; and
Whereas
, the vast majority of these workers labor under arduous, demanding, dangerous and exhausting conditions under the best of circumstances during routine times; and
Whereas
, many of them are low paid “at will employees”, lacking union rights and basic benefits - including health insurance, paid sick leave, vacation time, and seniority rights; and
Whereas
, these workers are deserving of these basic union rights and benefits under the best of times, let alone during times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic; and
Whereas
, railroad workers – as similarly branded “essential workers” - can relate and identify with the demanding conditions, trials and tribulations, hardships and dangers of our Fellow Essential Workers;
Therefore, Be it Resolved
, that Railroad Workers United (RWU) supports the struggle of “essential” (and all workers) for safe work and all protections needed to prevent coronavirus infection; and
Be It Further Resolved
, that RWU supports the struggle for a living and saving wage, health insurance, paid sick leave, hazardous duty pay, union recognition and more for those who currently don’t have such benefits and protections; and
Be it Further Resolved
, that RWU pledges our solidarity in word and deed to our Fellow Essential Workers throughout the time of the current pandemic and into the future; and
Be it Further Resolved
, that RWU pledges our assistance and defense of these workers as they engage in strikes, occupations, sick-outs, work slow downs and other actions designed to win safety and justice on the job; and
Be it Further Resolved
, that RWU calls on the rail unions to likewise promulgate messages of support and solidarity for these brother and sister workers, while educating and mobilizing their respective members in regards to such organizing efforts; and
Be it Finally Resolved
, that RWU calls on the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions to engage in a national campaign to assist all essential workers to gain formal union recognition and thereby create a new labor movement for the benefit of all.
Adopted by the RWU Steering Comm
ittee 6/3/2020
