Convention delegates set WSLC priorities with 2021 Resolutions

(July 27, 2021) — Every year, hundreds of delegates representing the unions that comprise the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO meet to discuss, debate and approve resolutions that guide the WSLC’s policies and priorities in the coming year. At the WSLC’s 2021 Convention held July 21-23, resolutions were approved on topics ranging from prioritizing rural economic development to extending collective bargaining rights to all legislative workers.

See all of the approved 2021 WSLC Resolutions here.

Among the 2021 Resolutions were:

Resolution 21.01 — The WSLC will continue to advocate for universal health care and Medicare for All policies at the federal level. The WSLC will urge Washington’s congressional delegation “to co-sponsor and enact both the House Medicare for All Act of 2021, HR 1976, and the State Based Universal Health Care Act, HR 3775.” Currently, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash., 7th) is lead sponsor of HR 1976 and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash., 9th) is the only co-sponsor from Washington state. Jayapal and Smith are also co-sponsors of HR 3775.

Resolution 21.08 –The WSLC will advocate for the State Legislature to end the prohibition on collective bargaining rights for workers in the legislative branch of state government. After legislative staffers were granted this right in Oregon, these public employees who are hired by and work directly for individual lawmakers to manage their offices and help constituents, became the first legislative aides in the nation to join together in a union.

Resolution 21.12 — The WSLC will establish a new Rural Economic Development Caucus “establish a framework and strategic plan by which the Washington labor movement can support and lead the creation of quality jobs and closing opportunity gaps in rural communities in our state.”

Other resolutions included building the infrastructure for child care in Washington state, bolstering the state’s registered apprenticeship programs, supporting a bill to grow the state’s gaming industry including sports betting, expanding the electric vehicle infrastructure, supporting legislation to improve safety for railroad workers, and more.

See all of the approved 2021 WSLC Resolutions here.