Resolution 5 - We Will Protect our Constitutional Rights

Resolution 5

We Will Protect our Constitutional Rights

WHEREAS: This past year we have witnessed a coordinated attack by our Federal government on our constitutional rights, including our First Amendment right to speech and expression, our Fourth Amendment freedom from unreasonable searches & seizures, and our Fifth Amendment right to due process; and 

WHEREAS: These constitutional rights are foundational to our union rights at work and our democracy, and any erosion of these rights in civil society will ultimately result in the erosion of our power in the workplace; and

WHEREAS: These attacks have come in the form of federal immigration agents violating the rights of entire immigrant communities, including U.S. citizens exercising their right to gather, observe, record, and and protest; and 

WHEREAS: Federal immigration agents are continuing to violate rights in many immigrant communities, including some cases here in North Dakota; and 

WHEREAS: There is a serious concern that the administration may dispatch federal agents to polling places across the United States, causing a chilling effect to our democracy; and 

WHEREAS: Constitutional Observers are people trained to observe, record, and report potential violations of constitutional rights, specifically around immigration enforcement; and 

WHEREAS: Election Observers are people trained to observe, record, and report potential violations or interference in our elections; and 

WHEREAS: Poll Workers are volunteers trained by the county to ensure a fair and accurate election process; and 

WHEREAS: Union members are trusted by their communities as people who value fairness, respect, and process; and therefore be it

RESOLVED: The North Dakota AFL-CIO will encourage our affiliate union members to volunteer as poll workers, election observers or constitutional observers; and be it further 

RESOLVED: The North Dakota AFL-CIO will continue to share and develop education and training opportunities that empower union members to exercise and protect their constitutional rights, protect their neighbors’ constitutional rights, and ensure free and fair elections in November.