Resolution to support Protecting America's Workers Act (12-07)

Jan 22, 2008 1:34 PM

Whereas, the Protecting America’s Workers Act [S. 1244/H.R. 2049] would greatly improve safety in American workplaces and strengthen workers’ rights in health and safety; and

Whereas, the Protecting America’s Workers Act would extend OSHA protections to an additional 8.6% million American workers including federal, state and local public employees, and some private sector employees not presently covered; and

Whereas, the Protecting America’s Workers Act increases penalties for those who break the law, including setting a minimum penalty of $50,000 for a worker’s death caused by a willful violation; and

Whereas, the Protecting America’s Workers Act protects workers who blow the whistle on unsafe conditions in the workplace; and

Whereas, the Protecting America’s Workers Act clarifies an employer’s duty to provide safety equipment to workers; be it therefore

Resolved, that the UFT join with the NYC Central Labor Council to urge Congress to pass this act without weakening amendments to ensure that workers’ health and safety rights are strengthened and call on members of the NYC Congressional Delegation to become co-sponsors of the Protecting America’s Workers Act; be it further

Resolved, that this resolution be transmitted to the members of the NYC Congressional Delegation and that a report on the positions of the members of the Congressional Delegation be made to the affiliates of the NYC Central Labor Council by December 31, 2007.

Passed at the Dec. 12, 2007 UFT Delegate Assembly.