Whereas the Spokane Regional Labor Council joins with the AFL-CIO in its condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls for an immediate end to the Russian military attacks on civilians and withdrawal of Russian troops.
Whereas the Spokane Regional Labor Council stands in solidarity with Ukrainian communities facing increasing violence and with the Ukrainian workers and families who are impacted by this war.
Whereas the Spokane Regional Labor Council stands in solidarity with Ukrainian unions who have struggled for decades to guarantee the right to organize and bargain collectively; protect working people from precarious or “informal” work; and fight climate change, gender-based violence and harassment employment discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers, and corruption.
Whereas the Spokane Regional Labor Council encourages union members and all people of good will to participate in protests, prayer vigils and other public events calling for an immediate end to the Russian military attacks and immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
Whereas the Spokane Regional Labor Council stands with the international labor movement in supporting economic actions imposed by the United States and our allies—particularly those focused on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the oligarchs who control Russia’s economy.
Whereas the Spokane Regional Labor Council recognizes that the war has caused a major humanitarian crisis that requires a generous and concerted international response.
Whereas the Spokane Regional Labor Council recognizes and applauds Ukrainian unions who have marshaled their resources to assist civilians in these efforts.
Whereas the Spokane Regional Labor Council condemns the increasing attacks by Russian forces against cities and civilians and their unwillingness to allow non-combatants to freely leave areas of violence.
Whereas refugees have a right to safe passage from war-torn areas, the Spokane Regional Labor Council supports efforts by the United Nations and other international organizations to ensure humanitarian treatment of refugees and respect for their human and worker rights.
The Spokane Regional Labor Council calls for the U.S. government to make resources available to countries in the region to support the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking safety.
The Spokane Regional Labor Council calls for governments and international finance institutions to restructure Ukraine’s debts to avoid devastating consequences of a default on their loans and create improved, comprehensive debt restructuring processes to aid Ukraine and other countries facing economic crises.
The Spokane Regional Labor Council supports current international efforts to ensure equal treatment for all refugees regardless of their national origin, ethnicity, skin color or background. This includes numerous refugees from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, as well as Roma and other ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ people, all who may face persecution as they flee the violence.
The Spokane Regional Labor Council calls on union members to support efforts by the International Trade Union Confederation to #StandWithUkraine and give aid to organizations that assist refugees and support Ukrainian civilians in their time of need.
The Spokane Regional Labor Council calls on state governments to both condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to seek avenues to support refugees, to encourage economic pressure including divestment and boycotts of Russian companies and any corporate CEO or investor who financially supports Russia or does business there, and to put pressure on the Russian government to end the war and restore peace.
Spokane Regional Labor Council, March 22, 2022