More labor anti-war resolutions

The Oregon AFL-CIO passed an anti-war resolution at its annual convention on Oct. 16. It called “for an end to the U.S. military and economic occupation of Iraq,” support for Iraqi workers, freedom for their unions and “increased solidarity between our two labor movements.” It also called for the immediate return of the Oregon National Guard and a continuation of Guard members’ health benefits until they are able to find comparable care.

At its national convention in July, 9,000 delegates of the National Education Association voted for ending the U.S. occupation of Iraq. This represents a sea change since last year’s convention, when a similar anti-war resolution never made it to the floor. The NEA, the biggest union in the United States, called on President George W. Bush and Congress to create “an exit strategy to end the military occupation of Iraq and bring our troops home” and to provide benefits for veterans that met their needs for adequate jobs, education and health care.

At its annual meeting in June, the American Library Association passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of all U.S. military forces from Iraq and a return of full sovereignty to the Iraqi people. The resolution called for material assistance for the reconstruction of Iraq, including its museums, libraries, schools and other cultural institutions. It also urged the U.S. government to switch its budget priorities from the occupation of Iraq to the improvement of vital domestic programs in the United States. The resolution was sent to all members of Congress, the secretary of defense, the secretary of state, the president and the media.