OPPOSE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT BANKRUPTCY FILINGS

WHEREAS, existing federal bankruptcy law does not include the same protections for public workers as for private sector employees; and

WHEREAS, filing for bankruptcy could be used as a tool by municipalities or state governments to break existing collective bargaining agreements and commitments to workers; and

WHEREAS, the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut, did file for bankruptcy in 1991, thereby creating a precedent that could be followed by others:

RESOLVED, that AFT assist its local unions and state federations, whenever necessary, to thwart any adverse actions against members that may arise from bankruptcy filings by state or local governments; and

RESOLVED, that AFT support enactment of federal legislation that will preserve public sector employees' collective bargaining agreements and protect their wages and benefits, including pension funds and employers' obligation to contribute to these funds.