Resolution #10: Attacks on worker and safety through rollback of lifesaving regulations

WHEREAS, the federal government has a historical and important role in carrying out landmark laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act;

WHEREAS, our members rely on laws and regulations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Fair Labor Standards Act and others that ensure our members and families have safe workplaces, safe drinking water, quality air to breath and food to eat.

WHEREAS, the Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 5, S.951) would accelerate the Race to the Bottom, by making cost, not the welfare of people, the primary consideration in setting standards,

WHEREAS,the Regulatory Accountability Act would fundamentally change the entire regulatory process and make it impossible for federal agencies to put into place safeguards that protect the workers, public health, the environment, and our economic system;

WHEREAS, this bill would allow politics to dictate nearly every regulatory action, rather than scientific judgment or expertise of agencies, putting the health and safety of American communities, workers, and the environment at risk;

WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO is a member of the Coalition for Sensible Safeguards, which strongly opposes the Regulatory Accountability Act and similar bills which seek to weaken safeguards for workers and communities;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Indiana AFL-CIO stands in opposition to the aforementioned legislation and any attacks on worker and community health and safety, and calls upon Indiana’s congressional delegation to vote in opposition to such legislation.

Submitted by: Tony Flora, Vice President, Indiana AFL-CIO, NALC