The Railroad Workers United steering committee passed the following resolution on March 4, 2013:

RWU Resolution In Support of ILWU Local #4 Vancouver, Washington

RWU resolution

Download the RWU resolution by clicking on this image

Whereas, on February 27th 2013, members of International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) were locked out of their jobs in Vancouver, WA. by Japanese conglomerate Mitsui; and

Whereas, union members in such a struggle both need and deserve the solidarity and support of their brothers and sisters in other sectors of the transportation industry; and

Whereas, the Port of Vancouver, WA where this battle took place, is serviced by BNSF Railways; and

Whereas, prompt and efficient delivery of rail freight to and from the docks is viewed as vital by the shipping companies in their efforts to combat the Longshore workers and their union; and

Whereas, railroad worker solidarity with Longshore workers engaged in such struggles like at Vancouver would go a long way to assisting these brothers and sisters win a victory; and

Whereas, railroad worker solidarity actions with Longshore workers will not soon be forgotten, and would compel these fellow workers to stand with us when we need them; and

Whereas, railroad workers are bound by union constitution and moral imperative not to cross another union’s picket line;

Therefore, be it Resolved, that RWU call upon the rail labor leadership to appear at rallies, demonstrations, pickets and other future activities sponsored by the ILWU; and

Be it further resolved that our leadership make it clear to the membership just how important the struggles of other transport workers are, to insist that the membership honor any and all picket lines, and to proclaim their unwavering support for any railroad union member who is disciplined or harassed by any rail carrier for such activity.

Adopted by the RWU Steering Committee 3/4/13