SFLC Resolution on May Day 2009 - Support for ILWU Bay Area stop work action on May Day

Resolution of San Francisco Labor Council
(Adopted April 27, 2009 by unanimous vote)

* Support May Day 2009 March and Rally in San Francisco for worker and immigrant rights.
* Support ILWU #10 decision to stop work in Bay Area ports on May 1, 2009 to protest repression of port workers and immigrants by the Department of Homeland Security.

Whereas, International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 10 has voted to stop work in Bay Area ports on Friday, May 1, 2009, International Workers Day; and

Whereas, the ILWU action is being called to protest two policies of ongoing repression by the Department of Homeland Security:

* First, the unfair implementation of Transport Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) cards in seaports, in violation of elementary civil rights and civil liberties, causing hundreds of longshore workers to be unfairly denied work in the ports. This also undermines the union hiring hall, a fundamental labor right won by Harry Bridges and the longshore union after the 1934 Maritime Strike and San Francisco General Strike.

* Second, the ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) raids in homes and workplaces, which have victimized many thousands of immigrant workers, often resulting in prolonged detention under harsh conditions, and the separation of families including the separation of children from their parents -- all in violation of elementary civil rights and civil liberties; and

Whereas, a united May Day march and rally for immigrant and worker rights will take place on Friday, May 1, 2009, gathering at Dolores Park at 12:00 noon, and marching after 2:00 p.m. to a late-afternoon rally at the San Francisco Civic Center, including a contingent from the ILWU; therefore be it

Resolved, that the San Francisco Labor Council support the May 1st march and rally for immigrant and worker rights and encourage participation by our members; and be it further

Resolved, that the Council support the decision of ILWU Local 10 to Stop Work in Bay Area ports on Friday May 1st to protest repression of port workers and immigrants by the Department of Homeland Security -- just as the Council supported the ILWU in stopping work in all West Coast ports on May Day 2008; and be it further

Resolved, that the Council support ILWU Local 10 in opposing the unfair implementation of TWIC cards in seaports, resulting in hundreds of longshore workers being denied work in the ports in violation of their civil rights and civil liberties -- and undermining the rights of unions and all workers; and be it finally

Resolved, that the Council oppose the ICE raids in homes and workplaces, which have victimized many thousands of immigrant workers, often resulting in prolonged detention under harsh conditions, and the separation of families including the separation of children from their parents -- all in violation of elementary civil rights and civil liberties.