HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16

INTRODUCED BY D. EWER, C. AHNER, G. BECK, A. BISHOP, S. BOOKOUT-REINICKE, R. BUZZAS, P. CLARK, T. DELL, D. ECK, J. ELLINGSON, R. ERICKSON, T. FACEY, S. GALLUS, K. GILLAN, G. GOLIE, M. GUGGENHEIM, G. GUTSCHE, H. HARPER, D. HARRINGTON, C. JUNEAU, S. KITZENBERG, B. LAWSON, R. LENHART, M. LINDEEN, J. MANGAN, L. MCCULLOCH,

B. MOLNAR, B. RANEY, G. ROUSH, B. RYAN, B. SIMON, F. SMITH, C. SQUIRES, S. STANG,

J. STOVALL, C. WILLIAMS

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA TO RECOGNIZE, RESPECT, AND PROTECT THE RIGHT OF WORKERS TO ORGANIZE UNIONS.

WHEREAS, it is in every Montana citizen's interest to achieve sound public policies that create economically healthy and sustainable communities; and

WHEREAS, all Montanans are concerned about declining wages, declining working conditions, and a lack of benefits; and

WHEREAS, all Montanans, regardless of occupation, deserve a better standard of living and a clean and healthy work environment that will enable them to sustain themselves and their families; and

WHEREAS, unionized workers are more likely to receive vacation and sick pay and to be protected from wrongful discipline and wrongful discharge; and

WHEREAS, 85% of union members receive health benefits on the job, and 79% of union members are covered by pensions that guarantee a monthly benefit; and

WHEREAS, union wages that are 34% higher than nonunion wages for similar work translate into more consumer purchases, a stronger tax base, better schools, better infrastructure, and, in general, a healthier economy; and

WHEREAS, Montana's tax policy has led to a slowdown in job growth; and

WHEREAS, the regulations imposed on employers in Montana have been excessive; and

WHEREAS, despite Montana's successful efforts in recent years in decreasing workers' compensation rates, Montana's workers' compensation rates remain some of the highest in the region, which negatively impacts the ability of employers to increase payroll and job growth; and

WHEREAS, in order for Montana to move from last place in wages and first place in multiple jobholder status, the state's citizens must adopt a new outlook and approach to economic development that promote responsible growth, while respecting the right of workers to form or join a union.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the State of Montana encourage the United States Congress to make those changes in federal law that are necessary to adequately protect the rights of workers as they decide whether to form and join unions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the Montana Congressional Delegation.

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