Resolution in Support of May Day International Workers Day Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition Rally
Whereas, May 1 is International Workers Day, a holiday originated in response to the Haymarket massacre of 1886 in Chicago, where workers were fighting for the 8 hour day. International Workers Day is officially recognized as a holiday in over 80 countries, not including the United States; and
Whereas, over 380 union members joined in a labor coalition of 14 unions have been bargaining for over one year without reaching an agreement; and
Whereas, The Golden Gate Bridge General Manager and Board have insisted on concessions to help the District out of a short term budget challenge but have given non-union employees at the District a raise in July of 2011; and
Whereas, the Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition has offered major concessions worth an estimated $2 million per year, and has been told by management that the District’s financial needs have been met; and
Whereas, the District is now insisting on principle, not on real economic need, that those union members should be forced into a healthcare premium sharing plan that unfairly burdens families with the highest costs and union retirees’ vested healthcare benefits should be reduced.
Therefore be it Resolved, that the San Francisco Labor Council endorse and urge participation in the May 1, 2012 Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition Rally at the Golden Gate Bridge in support of a fair contract for unionized Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District workers.