AMERICA NEEDS A RAISE

WHEREAS, American workers have suffered declining wages for 22 consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, productivity, corporate profits, executive salaries and stock prices have all risen sharply during that same period of time; and

WHEREAS, the widening gap between the rich and the rest of us is creating a dangerous atmosphere of social and economic conflict; and

WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO Executive Council has taken on the task of addressing these problems through an ambitious project called "America Needs A Raise":

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers enthusiastically endorse and participate in the "America Needs a Raise" program; and

RESOLVED, that AFT shall, through its publications and workshops, make its members aware of the program's importance; and

RESOLVED, that AFT shall encourage its affiliates to participate in local activities in support of "America Needs a Raise". (Executive Council 1996)