2021-09 - Support PRO Act - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bullock, Kepple, Litten, Neff, O'Malley, Rader, Shachner RESOLUTION NO. 2021-09 BYo A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, in support of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which provides a generational opportunity for the labor movement and serves as the cornerstone of the AFL-CIO's Workers First Agenda. WHEREAS, inequality has skyrocketed due to the failure of policymakers to pass fair labor laws and properly administer the National Labor Relations Act, which has been amended and dismantled over the years to make it more difficult for workers to form unions; and, WHEREAS, the PRO Act is the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression, as it stands to ensure workers can reach a first contract quickly after a union is recognized, end employers' practice of punishing striking workers by hiring permanent replacements, and holding corporations accountable by strengthening the National Labor Relations Board, which will penalize employers who illegally retaliate against collective bargaining; and, WHEREAS, the PRO Act will help make America's economy work for working people, and help raise stagnant wages that have only increased a mere 9% from 1973 to 2013, while productivity has increased 74% over that same time period; and, WHEREAS, through the expansion of collective bargaining under the PRO Act, there will be increases in protections for women, people of color, immigrants, and the LGBTQ community in areas where our non-discrimination laws are still falling short; and, WHEREAS, America must build back better with unions by reintroducing the PRO Act, passing it in both chambers of Congress, and getting President Biden's signature, increasing worker power and rebuilding our economy fairly for all of us; and, WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 2.12 of the Third Amended Charter of the City of Lakewood, this Council by a vote of at least two thirds of its members determines that this resolution is an emergency measure and that it shall take effect immediately, and that it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public property, health, and safety and to provide for the usual daily operation of municipal departments, in that this matter is currently pending before Congress; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, OHIO: Section 1. Lakewood City Council hereby expresses its support for the PRO Act which stands to greatly increase economic opportunity in America and empower workers through the promotion and expansion of collective bargaining. Section 2. The Clerk of Council is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a copy of this legislation to the City's congressional delegation.