Anti-War Resolution

CSEA Local 1000 SEIU

At its November 3-4 meeting, the Civil Service Division Council of CSEA Local 1000 SEIU, adopted the following resolution on the Terrorist Attack of September 11, 2001:

The Leadership of the CSD, CSEA Local 1000 SEIU adds its voice to that of working men and women worldwide expressing outrage at the senseless murders at the hands of terrorists. Our hearts go out to the victims. We demand justice but not revenge.

However, we oppose any attempt to use the murderous acts committed by a small group of individuals as a rationale for restricting the democratic rights of the US population. As working people and unionist, we know that historically such restrictions will not prevent future attacks but will be used against us. Only social and economic justice for the people of the world championed by the people of our country can end the hatred that so many fee toward our government.

Background

It is unfortunate but true that the U.S. Government's foreign policies have not prioritized human rights, democracy or social justice for support of organizations or governments. Furthermore, it is important for the labor movement to counter attempts by the Government and the mecia to use this crisis as a way of increasing racism and intolerance and as a rationale for attacking the civil rights of US citizens, which historically means the rights of workers to organize and fight for better wages, benefits and working conditions. Many unions, union officials and civil rights leaders are issuing statements that, while condemning this crime against humanity, warns against any attempt to use this tragedy to undermine civil liberties or create greater divisions among the people of America.