Here is a proposed Resolution on the contracting out of union jobs.  This resolution will be acted on at the Founding Convention.

Whereas, the rail carriers have used both the threat, and the actual implementation of contracting out union members’ work, to put downward pressure on wages and benefits; and

Whereas, the rail carriers have eliminated thousands of union railroad jobs in North America through short-line sell-offs and contracting out, often granting rail labor very little in return; and

Whereas, the rail carriers would like to continue to spin off short-lines to non-union operators and contract out union jobs of numerous crafts;

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that Railroad Workers United (RWU) at its Founding Convention in Dearborn, Michigan, April 11, 2008 declares its unequivocal opposition to contracting out of any and all work normally performed by union labor; and

Be it Further Resolved that RWU will vigorously organize mass opposition to any and all attempts by the carriers to contract out the work of our union membership; and

Be it Finally Resolved that RWU mail a copy of this resolution to the international officers of all rail unions in North America.  

Background:  Contracting out of union members’ work represents a dire threat to all union workers everywhere. It is a common tactic used across many industries to weaken unions and undercut wages, benefits and working conditions. Railroad workers are in a key position to prevent the carriers from sub-contracting our work, as the carriers cannot easily contract most of our jobs to foreign lands. Because of the dire threat of contracting out to all railroaders, especially those in the more vulnerable crafts (i.e. clerks, car inspectors, shop workers, maintenance-of-way workers, carpenters), RWU should take a “no compromise” position on this issue.