Resolutions

Resolution Number ANAL07.12

Striking Workers At Valley Power Systems North, Inc.

WHEREAS, some businesses purchase other companies and then fail to honor prior agreements, such as at Valley Power Systems North, Inc. in San Leandro, California, where employees have had a union contract with Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3 for 45 years and have now been on strike since July 10, 2007 protesting the company’s refusal to honor the union wage and benefit package that was in place when Valley Power bought the heavy equipment repair facility in August 2005 from Stewart and Stevenson; and

WHEREAS, some companies, such as Valley Power Systems, Inc., have blocked employees’ access to medical and pension benefits they earned under the union contract, and Valley Power has continued to violate federal labor laws; and

WHEREAS, some companies have refused to negotiate with their employees’ union; as Valley Power has refused to negotiate with the union and their employees to restore the wages and benefits that were in place when Valley Power bought the company two years ago;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the California Democratic Party condemns anti-union activities of certain businesses, such as Valley Power Systems North, Inc., and pledges its support for striking workers, in their efforts to secure justice in their workplace; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party calls on employers who have walked away from the bargaining table, such as Valley Power Systems North, Inc., to return to the bargaining table and reach a fair and equitable contract.

Submitted by Tom Aja, Labor Caucus Treasurer; Jim Gordon, Labor Caucus Chair

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Adopted by the Executive Board
Of the California Democratic Party
At Its Executive Board Meeting
Sheraton Hotel, Anaheim
November 18, 2007