Resolution 2021-02: Reaffirming Support for Workers and Labor Unions in Oregon and Across the Nation

WHEREAS, the Democratic Party or Oregon Platform states “We support strong labor laws and the elimination of at-will employment laws.” (Article 1, Plank 17); and

WHEREAS, the Democratic Party or Oregon Platform states “We affirm the right to organize for collective bargaining free of intimidation or coercion, support the Employee Free Choice Act (Card Check), and oppose any legislation such as “Right to Work” and fair-share limitation measures that would restrict these rights.” (Article 1, Plank 1); and

WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon Platform states “We believe the growing income disparity between members of the wealthiest population sector and the average American worker is detrimental to labor, business, a dynamic economy, and a stable democracy” (Article 1, Plank 9); and

WHEREAS, Democrats are committed to creating living wage jobs that are able to support a middle class life; and

WHEREAS, A wage of $7.25 an hour is a poverty wage everywhere; and

WHEREAS, Union jobs dramatically narrow the gender and racial pay gaps; and

WHEREAS, Unions built the American middle class; and

WHEREAS, Our nation and state depend on a strong middle class to drive our economy; and

WHEREAS, the top one-tenth of one percent of Americans now hold nearly as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent combined; and

WHEREAS, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO-Act) will help level the playing field between employers and workers, and enable workers and unions to more effectively support clean energy jobs; and

WHEREAS, the PRO-Act would make Anti-Union captive audience meetings illegal,

NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Oregon Democrats reaffirm our support for labor unions, prevailing wage, Buy American policy and the right to unionize

Section 2. Oregon Democrats support the passage of the PRO-Act and encourage our entire congressional delegation to advocate for it.

Section 3. Oregon Democrats believe that all American workers should make at least $15/hour and that no one working full time should earn a wage that puts them below the poverty line. We ask our congressional delegation to advocate for a $15/hr minimum wage.

Section 4. Oregon Democrats believe that as many clean energy jobs as possible should be union jobs that pay wages that reflect the area standards with strong labor standards.

Resolution submitted by Travis Nelson RN, Democratic National Committee Member

ADOPTED by the Democratic Party of Oregon on March 20th, 2021.