HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4737, by Representatives Conway, Clements and Campbell

      WHEREAS, In 1902, in Tacoma, Washington, the members of the Labor Congress of the State of Washington voted to become affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and received their charter signed by Samuel Gompers; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington State Federation of Labor, later the Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO, has worked for the last 100 years not only to further interests of their members but also to make progress in matters of general public interest; and

      WHEREAS, The efforts of the Washington State Labor Council resulted in laws providing for initiatives, referenda, and recalls; the election of United States senators by popular vote; and the Direct Primary Law; and

      WHEREAS, Its efforts also resulted in the Small Claims Court Act, the Pure Food Law, the Sanitary Laws for hotels and restaurants, and other laws to protect consumers; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington State Labor Council supported many measures for the expansion, protection, and improvement of the common schools, as well as the vocational education and higher education systems; and

      WHEREAS, Its support helped create authority for public housing authorities, public hospitals, and public libraries, and establish a nonpartisan judiciary; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington State Labor Council has long defended and advocated for the civil rights of the people of Washington, including laws against discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or disability; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington State Labor Council helped establish Memorial Day to honor men and women who died in our nation's service, and to show respect for all American veterans of wars and other military conflicts, and Labor Day to pay tribute to all American workers; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington State Labor Council has been a leader in the arena of worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, worker safety, family leave, affordable health care, and collective bargaining;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize and commend the Washington State Labor Council for 100 years of leadership, service, and advocacy on behalf of the people of Washington; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Washington State Labor Council.

          I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

         4737 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                             March 13, 2002.

                      _____________________________

                       Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk