Policy Order O-13

WHEREAS: Governor Deval Patrick stood up in support of workers and workers rights at the rally on Tuesday, February 22

WHEREAS: The Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker is attempting to bust the unions.  He is attacking firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees; and

WHEREAS: The unions have been the backbone of this country; and

WHEREAS: All over the country, Americans are standing up in support of the workers in Wisconsin and all other hardworking people who keep our communities safe, clean and running smoothly; and

WHEREAS: Public employees - most of whom earn, on average, $45,000 per year - pay a significant portion of the costs of their pensions in return for modest benefits. In fact, the average newly retired public employee receives a pension of just $19,000 per year - a little more than $400 over the current federal poverty guidelines for a family of three; and

WHEREAS: Unions didn't bankrupt the states.  The recession brought on by Wall Street recklessness and CEO greed caused our financial problems; and

WHEREAS: It is now very clear that Governor Walker's sole intention, as he stated on his phone conversation on Wednesday, February 23rd, is to bust the union; and

WHEREAS: Governor Walker is clearly collaborating closely with the billionaire anti-union Koch brothers who contributed heavily to his campaign, and to adds against his opponent in the general election; and

WHEREAS: We in Cambridge and people across the country support the right of workers to organize and collectively bargain in good faith with their employer; and

WHEREAS: All human beings, especially workers need to be treated with dignity and respect; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge go on record thanking Governor Deval Patrick for standing in solidarity with the workers from Wisconsin and all across the country who are being attacked by right wing fanatics; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to prepare a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to be presented to Governor Patrick on behalf of the entire City Council.