UNION RESOLUTIONS ON CRANDON MINE
FOX VALLEY AREA LABOR COUNCIL AFL-CIO (Menasha)
"Whereas, the Fox Valley Area Labor Council has always
been a strong proponent for safeguards for all workers
and their families, including protections for their
environments, and because the mining projects of
Exxon and Rio Algom will have adverse effects on
these environments and;
Whereas, these companies have exhibited open hostility
toward unions and workers, and have demonstrated a
disregard for workers' safety and health by their poor
records in these areas and;
Whereas, the effects of the Crandon mine on water tables,
groundwater qualities, tourism needs, and wildlife habitats
are apt to be of a harmful nature;
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Fox Valley Area Labor
Council strongly opposes the proposed copper and zinc sulfide
mining projects in the Crandon area and urges other concerned
citizens of Wisconsin to support the Mining Moratorium Bill
currently in the Wisconsin Legislature.
Be It Further Resolved, that the Fox Valley Area Labor Council
stands in solidarity with the many other unions and environmental
groups in Wisconsin that have also enacted resolutions endorsing a
Mining Moratorium Bill, and asks members of the Fox Valley
Community to contact their legislators and add their voices to
those calling for such a bill.
Enacted by the Fox Valley Area Labor Council September 23, 1997
GREATER GREEN BAY LABOR COUNCIL has passed a resolution
- - text forthcoming - -
UNITED STEELWORKERS OF AMERICA (USWA)
LOCAL #1527, MILWAUKEE
Whereas, the USWA has historically taken strong
positions on worker health and safety, and on
protection of our natural environment;
Whereas, the Crandon Mining Company
(CMC, co-owned by Exxon and Rio Algom)
has embarked on a massive public relations
campaign to influence opinion in favor of its
proposed zinc/copper sulfide mining operations
near Crandon, Wisconsin;
Whereas, Exxon and Rio Algom have poor records
regarding worker health and safety, and in the area
of environmental protection, and at times have
exhibited outright hostility toward unions;
Whereas, No sulfide mine has ever been successfully
reclaimed;
Whereas, the effects of the proposed Crandon mine
on water table levels, groundwater quality, wild rice
beds, lake and river quality, air quality, the tourism
industry, human and other forms of life is likely to
be negative;
Whereas, by law, CMC's responsibility for any potential
negative impact of the proposed operations near
Crandon is limited;
Whereas, Cost, both financial and social, beyond CMC's
limited responsibility for any potential negative impact
of the proposed operations near Crandon will be borne
by the public;
Whereas, metallic sulfide mine tailings leach out
toxic acid containing dangerous heavy metals requiring
containment and monitoring for hundreds of years;
Whereas, any benefit of the proposed Crandon mine will
be largely enjoyed by only a small wealthy corporate elite;
Whereas, groups as diverse as the Citizens for a Better
Environment, the Wisconsin and Milwaukee Area Greens,
Wisconsin Citizen Action, Gray Panthers, Kids for Clean
Water, the Menominee Nation, the Oneida Nation, the
Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa, Greenpeace, Wolf River
Watershed Alliance, Peace Action-Milwaukee, Mining
Impact Coalition of Wisconsin, among many others, are
united in their opposition to the proposed Crandon mine;
Therefore Be It Resolved, that Local 1527 (USWA) strongly
opposes CMC's proposed copper/zinc sulfide mining venture
in the Crandon area, and strongly supports the Mining
Moratorium Bill currently in the Wisconsin state legislature.
Be it Further Resolved, that if the Exxon/Rio Algom venture in
the Crandon area should become a reality, it is critical that
it becomes a USWA unionized workforce for all operations.
Approved at the regular monthly meeting, April 6, 1997.
UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW) LOCAL 72,
representing the workers at the Chrysler Engine Plant (Kenosha).
Whereass, the UAW has historically supported workers health & safety and
protection of our environment;
Whereas, the Crandon Mining Company, co-wned by Exxon and Rio Algom,
have poor records regarding worker health & safety and environmental
concerns;
Whereas, the Exxon mine threatens the Wolf River which has been named
the fifth most endangered river by the national conservation group,
American Rivers;
Whereas, degradation of the Wolf River and the overall environment of
the Crandon area threatens our quality of life as citizens of Wisconsin;
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the membership of UAW Local 72 strongly
opposes the proposed mining project in the Crandon area.
(Passed unanimously at September 13 membership meeting)
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY,
AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) /
WISCONSIN STATE EMPLOYEES UNION (WSEU)--AFL-CIO
LOCAL 82, MILWAUKEE
Whereas, AFSCME has historically taken strong
positions on worker health and safety and on
protection of our natural environment; and
Whereas, the Crandon Mining Company
(CMC, co-owned by Exxon and Rio Algom)
has embarked on a massive public relations
campaign to influence opinion in favor of its
proposed zinc/copper sulfide mining operations
near Crandon, Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Exxon and Rio Algom have poor records
regarding worker health and safety, and in the area
of environmental protection, and at times have
exhibited outright hostility toward unions; and
Whereas, No sulfide mine has ever been successfully
reclaimed; and
Whereas, the effects of the proposed Crandon mine
on water table levels, groundwater quality, wild rice
beds, lake and river quality, air quality, the tourism
industry, human and other forms of life is likely to
be negative; and
Whereas, by law, CMC's responsibility for any potential
negative impact of the proposed operations near
Crandon is limited; and
Whereas, Cost, both financial and social, beyond CMC's
limited responsibility for any potential negative impact
of the proposed operations near Crandon will be borne
by the public; and
Whereas, sulfide mine wastes, because of theri ability
to generate toxic acid laden with heavy metals, must be
sealed and capped for hundreds of years; and
Whereas, any benefit of the proposed Crandon mine will
be largely enjoyed by only a small, wealthy, corporate elite; and
Whereas, Dennis Bosanac, president of Local 1114 United
Steelworkers of America, has appeared on TV in an
advertisement in support of CMC; and
Whereas, the perception of a large percentage of the public
(including union members) of a union official appearing
in a TV ad in support of CMC is likely to be that there is
unanimity of opinion of union members in support of CMC,
which there is NOT; and
Whereas, groups as diverse as the Citizens for a Better
Environment, the Wisconsin and Milwaukee Area Greens,
Wisconsin Citizen Action, Gray Panthers, Kids for Clean
Water, the Menominee Nation, the Oneida Nation, the
Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa, Greenpeace, Wolf River
Watershed Alliance, Peace Action-Milwaukee, Mining
Impact Coalition of Wisconsin, among many others, are
united in their opposition to the proposed Crandon mine;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Members of AFSCME
Local 82, University of Wisconsin Employees, Milwaukee,
strongly opposes CMC's proposed copper/zinc sulfide mining
venture in the Crandon area;
Be It Further Resolved that the members of Local 82 call upon
the labor community to stress that no position in favor of CMC
has been approved on behalf of labor in Wisconsin.
Be It Further Resolved that this resolution be submitted to the
1997 Wisconsin State Employees Union annual convention
for widespread consideration.
Be It Finally Resolved that this resolution be circulated to the
media, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, and any other forum to raise our
opposition to the Crandon Mine project.
Approved March 11, 1997.
LA CROSSE AFL-CIO COUNCIL
Whereas, the La Crosse AFL-CIO Council has always been
a strong proponent for safeguards for all workers and their
families, including protections for their environments,
and because the mining projects of Exxon and Rio Algom
will have adverse effects on these environments, and;
Whereas, these companies have exhibited open hostility
toward unions and workers, and have demonstrated a
disregard for workers' safety and health by their poor
track records in these areas, and;
Whereas, the effects of the Crandon mine on water table
levels, groundwater qualities, tourism needs, and wildlife
habitats are apt to be of a harmful nature;
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the La Crosse AFL-CIO Council
strongly opposes the proposed copper and zinc sulfide mining
project in the Crandon area and urges other concerned
citizens of Wisconsin to support the Mining Moratorium Bill
currently in the Wisconsin Legislature;
Be It Further Resolved, that the La Crosse AFL-CIO Council
stands in solidarity with the many other unions and
environmental groups in Wisconsin that have also enacted
resolutions endorsing a Mining Moratorium Bill, and asks
members of the La Crosse Community to contact their
legislators and add their voices to those calling for such a bill.
Enacted by the Council, August 7, 1997
SOUTH-CENTRAL FEDERATION OF LABOR, AFL-CIO, Madison
Whereas, the Crandon Mining Company (CMC, co-owned by Exxon
and Rio Algom) has embarked on a massive public relations campaign
to influence opinion in favor of its proposed zinc/copper sulfide
mining operations near Crandon, Wisconsin;
Whereas, Exxon and Rio Algom have poor records regarding worker
health and safety, and in the area of environmental protection, and at
times have exhibited outright hostility toward unions;
Whereas, no sulfide mine has ever been successfully reclaimed;
Whereas, the effects of the proposed Crandon mine on water table
levels, groundwater quality, wild rice beds, lake and river quality, air
quality, the tourism industry, and human and other forms of life is
likely to be negative;
Whereas, by law, CMC's responsibility for any potential negative
impact of the proposed operations near Crandon is limited;
Whereas, cost, both financial and social for any potential negative
impact of the proposed operations near Crandon will be borne by the
public, except for CMC's limited responsibility;
Whereas, metallic sulfide mine tailings leach out toxic acid containing
dangerous heavy metals requiring containment and monitoring for
hundreds of years;
Whereas, any benefit of the proposed Crandon mine will be largely
enjoyed by only a small wealthy corporate elite;
Whereas, groups as diverse as the Citizens for a Better Environment,
the Wisconsin and Milwaukee Area Greens, Wisconsin Citizen Action,
Gray Panthers, Kids for Clean Water, the Menominee Nation, the
Oneida Nation, the Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa, Greenpeace,
Wolf River Watershed Alliance, Peace Action-Milwaukee, Mining
Impact Coalition of Wisconsin and several labor unions, among many
others, are united in their opposition to the proposed Crandon mine; Therefore Be it Resolved that the South Central Federation of Labor,
AFL-CIO, strongly opposes CMC's proposed copper/zinc sulfide
mining venture in the Crandon area and recommends that the
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO support the Mining Moratorium
Bill currently in the Wisconsin state legislature.
Passed July 21, 1997
COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA (CWA)
Local 4620 (Green Bay), Local 4621 (Appleton), Local 4622 (Oshkosh) and Local 4623
(Fond du Lac), Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 4603 (Milwaukee) - all passed the same resolution.
Whereas, the CWA 4620 has always been a strong proponent
for safeguards for all workers and their families, including protections
for their environments, and because the mining projects of Exxon and
Rio Algom will have adverse effects on these environments;
Whereas, these companies have exhibited open hostility toward unions and
workers, and have demonstrated a disregard for workers' safety and
health by their poor records in these areas and;
Whereas, the effects of the Crandon mine on water table levels,
groundwater qualities, tourism needs, and wildlife habitats are apt to be of a
harmful nature;
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the CWA 4620 strongly opposes the
proposed copper and zinc sulfide mining projects in the Crandon area and
urges other concerned citizens to support the Mining Moratorium Bill
currently in the Wisconsin Legislature.
Be It Further Resolved, that the CWA 4620 stands in solidarity with
the many other unons and environmental groups in Wisconsin that have
also enacted resolutions endorsing a Mining Moratorium Bill, and asks
members of the Community to contact their legislators and add their
voices to those calling for such a bill.
Enacted by the Local, September 16, 1997
TEACHING ASSISTANTS' ASSOCIATION (TAA) /
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS (AFT)
LOCAL 3220 AFL-CIO, MADISON
The Executive Board of the Teaching Assistants'
Association (a graduate employee trade union for
teaching assistants and project assistants on the
U.W.-Madison campus) opposes the development of
the Crandon mine as an unnecessary risk to the
natural environment of the Wolf River region.
Furthermore, we oppose the development of this and
any other mineral ores in the state of Wisconsin
by the Exxon and Rio Algom corporations, or any
of their subsidiaries, due to these corporations'
history of blatant disregard for the health and
welfare of working people world-wide.
WISCONSIN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
(American Federation of Teachers, statewide)
"Whereas, WFT and the American Federation of teachers have
always been a strong proponent for safeguards for all workers
and their families, including protections for their
environments, and because the mining project of
Exxon and Rio Algom will have adverse effects on
these environments and;
Whereas, these companies have exhibited open hostility
toward unions and workers, and have demonstrated a
disregard for workers' safety and health by their poor
records in these areas and;
Whereas, the effects of the Crandon mine on water tables,
groundwater qualities, tourism needs, and wildlife habitats
are apt to be of a harmful nature;
Whereas, the Wolf River is one of the natural jewels of the
entire Great lakes region, and pollution of the Wolf from the
Exxon mine would have a tragic impact on the quality of life
in the region both on and off the Menominee Native Lands, as well
as the economic health of the region which is very dependent
on recreational uses of the Wolf River,
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the WFT strongly opposes the
proposed copper and zinc sulfide mining projects in the Crandon
area and urges other concerned citizens of Wisconsin to
support the Mining Moratorium Bill currently in the Wisconsin
Legislature.
And Be It Finally Resolved, that WFT stands in solidarity with
the many other unions and environmental groups in Wisconsin
that have also enacted resolutions endorsing a Mining Moratorium
Bill, and asks members of WFT to contact their legislators and
add their voices to those calling for such a bill.
GREEN BAY BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
TRADES COUNCIL
(Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Oconto and Marinette counties)
Whereas, the Building Trades has always
been a strong proponent for safeguards for all workers
and their families, including protections for their
environments, and because the mining projects of
Exxon and Rio Algom will have adverse effects on
these environments and;
Whereas, these companies have exhibited open hostility
toward unions and workers, and have demonstrated a
disregard for workers' safety and health by their poor
records in these areas and;
Whereas, the effects of the Crandon mine on water table levels,
groundwater qualities, tourism needs, and wildlife habitats
are apt to be of a harmful nature;
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Building Trades
strongly opposes the proposed copper and zinc sulfide
mining projects in the Crandon area and urges other concerned
citizens of Wisconsin to support the Mining Moratorium Bill
currently in the Wisconsin Legislature.
Be It Further Resolved, that the Building Trades
stands in solidarity with the many other unions and environmental
groups in Wisconsin that have also enacted resolutions endorsing a
Mining Moratorium Bill, and asks members of the Community to
contact their legislators and add their voices to
those calling for such a bill.
Racine County AFL-CIO Central Labor Council
Whereas, the Racine County AFL-CIO Central
Labor Council has always been concerned about wages,
benefits, working conditions and health and safety issues;
Whereas, Exxon and Rio Algom have not and do not
abide by these concerns;
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Racine County AFL-CIO
Central Labor Council and its 4,000-plus members in Racine
County opposes the proposed Crandon mining project and
urges strong support for the Mining Moratorium Bill.
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