Unionists can use our editable resolution language to support a peaceful end to the conflict, and not profits for weapons manufacturers. Now is the time to put forward resolutions in your union and labor council! Please share the following resolution widely with your labor networks.
U.S. LABOR RESOLUTION FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE
Whereas, the world has been shaken by the crisis in Ukraine and the possibility of World War III.
Whereas, the Russian military invasion in Ukraine highlights that the world has reached a dangerous fork in the road. Our concerns must be with the workers who are always the victims — with those in Ukraine facing direct bombing, in the Donbass region enduring years of civil war, and in Russia now facing crushing sanctions.
Whereas, NATO, led by the United States, has been steadily expanding eastward for decades, contrary to assurances made to Russia and contrary to the demands of workers across Europe.
Whereas, the UN Security Council backed Minsk Agreements of Neutrality, which Ukraine and Russia signed, is the diplomatic approach to settle all disputes related to the Donbass region. The Russian invasion in violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and the U.S. rearmament and kindling of the conflict are threats to peace and human rights throughout the region.
Whereas, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon stocks hit their 52-week high, and these companies are openly telling investors that U.S. involvement in Ukraine and Russia is good for business. Many of those calling for greater US and NATO involvement, including NATO’s own leaders, have a history of corporate lobbying and directing weapons contractors.
Whereas, war drums divert our attention and resources from the urgent needs of the working-class. The U.S. government spends $770 billion in public funds on a Pentagon budget, more than half of which is handed over to weapons manufacturers, oil companies and arms contractors. American workers desperately need healthcare and higher wages to survive this pandemic and bold investments in critical infrastructure and social services.
Whereas, the working class of the nations involved are the ones to bear the brunt of the hardship and suffering of wars. The greatest action of solidarity working people around the world can take is standing together and telling our leaders, loud and clear, we're united against war. Our solidarity can pave the path for a better future between working people around the globe.
Resolved, that we, members of [Name of union/org] call for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of diplomatic talks to end all military actions in Ukraine.
Resolved, that we, members of [Name of union/org], call upon the U.S. government to end its military build up and brinkmanship in Eastern Europe that will only escalate conflict, and engage in foreign policy that prioritizes peace and the self-determination of peoples, not the profits of multinational corporations and weapons manufacturers.
Resolved, that we, members of [Name of union/org], call for an end to U.S. involvement in NATO as an offensive military alliance that has taken the country to war too many times, as a massive waste of this country’s resources, and as a recognition that the Cold War is over.
Be it further resolved, that [Name of Labor Union / Org] will be diligent in pressing its labor bodies and elected officials in its networks to lobby the U.S. government to exercise all existing mechanisms of diplomatic engagement, including the full implementation of the unanimously approved UN Security Council Minsk agreements.
Be it finally resolved, that [Name of Labor Union/Org] supports U.S. Labor Against Racism and War (USLARW) as a vehicle to organize for international worker solidarity and will affiliate or re-affiliate, with USLARW. (optional →) The union will commit an additional [insert dollar amount] to USLARW to organize and disseminate the anti-racist and anti-war message of international solidarity between all workers of the world to as many labor unions and federations in the U.S. as possible.