Delegates to the annual Minnesota AFL-CIO convention ratified a groundbreaking resolution in support of immigrant worker rights.
The measure builds on the position taken earlier this year by the national AFL-CIO, in which the federation said the government must stop punishing people who are in the United States illegally and instead focus on improving standards for all workers.
The resolution adopted Tuesday at the Minnesota convention notes the huge contribution made annually by undocumented workers an estimated impact of $1.5 billion to $3.8 billion on the state economy. In particular, the economy of the Twin Cities is heavily dependent on the immigrant, especially undocumented workers, the resolution said.
"Because the AFL-CIO helps shape the dignity, respect and justice afforded to working people, the AFL-CIO must reach out to this community of immigrants to further define, clarify and protect their rights as workers," the resolution states. "Furthermore, the AFL-CIO must use its influence in national politics and in the upcoming presidential campaign to work towards just changes in immigration law and enforcement, as well as advocate an amnesty to naturalize the laborers already present who are driving the robust U.S. economy."
Prior to its approval on the convention floor, the resolution led to a lively discussion in the Organizing Committee chaired by Steelworker John Rebrovich. The labor movement is outspoken in its support of labor rights abroad, Rebrovich said, adding, "In our own country, we have a lot of work to do as well."
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Delegates to the annual Minnesota AFL-CIO convention ratified a groundbreaking resolution in support of immigrant worker rights.
The measure builds on the position taken earlier this year by the national AFL-CIO, in which the federation said the government must stop punishing people who are in the United States illegally and instead focus on improving standards for all workers.
The resolution adopted Tuesday at the Minnesota convention notes the huge contribution made annually by undocumented workers an estimated impact of $1.5 billion to $3.8 billion on the state economy. In particular, the economy of the Twin Cities is heavily dependent on the immigrant, especially undocumented workers, the resolution said.
“Because the AFL-CIO helps shape the dignity, respect and justice afforded to working people, the AFL-CIO must reach out to this community of immigrants to further define, clarify and protect their rights as workers,” the resolution states. “Furthermore, the AFL-CIO must use its influence in national politics and in the upcoming presidential campaign to work towards just changes in immigration law and enforcement, as well as advocate an amnesty to naturalize the laborers already present who are driving the robust U.S. economy.”
Prior to its approval on the convention floor, the resolution led to a lively discussion in the Organizing Committee chaired by Steelworker John Rebrovich. The labor movement is outspoken in its support of labor rights abroad, Rebrovich said, adding, “In our own country, we have a lot of work to do as well.”