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 living wage 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 in Montana 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, unions boost worker productivity, inspire innovation, and provide workers with a voice on the job; 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; and.
WHEREAS, laws protecting worker rights to organize exist, but some 80% of employers in the state hire consultants to
stop employees from forming a union, 91% of employers compel their employees to attend antiunion meetings, and 32% of
employers fire workers who support unionization efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
STATE OF MONTANA:
That the 56th Legislature support the efforts of working people in Montana communities who seek to unionize.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all employers within Montana provide their employees the opportunity to choose
freely whether to unionize without having to endure intimidation or coercion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Legislature encourage local communities to establish workers' rights boards to
help ensure that these rights are protected throughout the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that 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.
- END -
Latest Version of HJ 16 (HJ0016.03)
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