The Acts of Convention

House of Bishops

The House of Bishops Committee on Social and Urban Affairs presented its Report #16 on Resolution D028 (The Labor Movement) and moved adoption with amendment.

Original Text of Resolution

(D028)

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 77th General Convention confirms the previous resolutions adopted by the General Conventions of The Episcopal Church concerning labor, and recognizes the role of the labor movement in securing a place for workers at the table, and providing them with an opportunity for their voices to be heard, in improving wages, benefits and working conditions, and in affirming the dignity of work and providing avenues of seeking justice at the workplace; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention further recognizes the role of labor unions in struggling for civil rights, for social security, medical care and bringing about democratic reforms; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention recognizes the need for the Church and the labor movement to work together, along with others of good will, for the common good, and for a more just society; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention opposes legislative attempts to eliminate or reduce the collective bargaining rights of public and private sector employees as running contrary to our gospel understanding of community; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention commend the work of Interfaith Worker Justice in helping faith communities to establish ethical standards of worker justice in their employment, purchasing and contracting practices, and recommends the resources provided by Interfaith Worker Justice as useful guides for faith communities; and be it further

Resolved, That in making their purchasing and contracting decisions, the General Convention and the Executive Council shall consider the existence of union rights as a favorable factor; and that the General Convention urges all dioceses, parishes, and church agencies to do likewise; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Government Relations communicate the principle provisions of this Resolution to the Congress and to the President, as well as to the AFL-CIO and Change to Win, and that church members are urged to advocate in support of the principles contained herein.

Committee Amendment

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 77th General Convention confirms the previous resolutions adopted by the General Conventions of The Episcopal Church concerning labor, and recognizes the role of the labor movement in securing a place for workers at the table, and providing them with an opportunity for their voices to be heard, in improving wages, benefits and working conditions, and in affirming the dignity of work and providing avenues of seeking justice at the workplace; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention further recognizes the role of labor unions in struggling for civil rights, for social security, medical care and bringing about democratic reforms; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention recognizes the need for the Church and the labor movement to work together, along with others of good will, for the common good, and for a more just society; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention opposes legislative attempts to eliminate or reduce the collective bargaining rights of public and private sector employees as running contrary to our gospel understanding of community; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention commend the work of Interfaith Worker Justice in helping faith communities to establish ethical standards of worker justice in their employment, purchasing and contracting practices, and recommends the resources such as those provided by the Interfaith Worker Justice organization as useful guides for faith communities; and be it further

Resolved, That in making their purchasing and contracting decisions, the General Convention and the Executive Council shall consider the existence of union rights as a favorable factor; and that the General Convention urges all dioceses, parishes, and church agencies to do likewise; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of Government Relations communicate the principle provisions of this Resolution to the Congress and to the President, as well as to the AFL-CIO and Change to Win, and that church members are urged to advocate in support of the principles contained herein use this resolution as part of its advocacy work and to build networks within the labor movement.

Motion carried

Resolution adopted with amendment

(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message # 80)