OPPOSE TIPS – SUPPORT FREEDOM!


WHEREAS the Bush Administration has announced the Terrorism Information and Prevention System, "A National system for concerned workers to report suspicious activity", and

WHEREAS, as proposed, Operation TIPS – the Terrorism Information and Prevention System is intended to blanket the Nation giving millions of American truckers, letter carriers, train conductors, ship captains, utility employees and others a formal way to report suspicious terrorist activity, and

WHEREAS Operation TIPS, involving one million workers in the ten city pilot stage will be a national reporting system that allows these workers whose routines make them well-positioned to recognize unusual events, to report suspicious activity beginning August 2002, and

WHEREAS workers who interact with the public routinely, hold the public’s interest at heart. Emergency situations of all types have been responded to by workers without legislation.

WHEREAS, the perception by the public that certain workers may be spying on them regardless of guilt is reason for grave concern, for this tactic is an attack on our freedom,

WHEREAS, as seen in Nazi Germany, with workers encouraged to spy on each other, neighbors on neighbors and even family members to spy on their own kin, the government utilized these tactics more for their self preservation, they must be opposed.

RESOLVED the 24th Biennial Convention of the California Labor Federation, oppose this program and encourage our elected leaders in Congress, State Government and City and County levels, to oppose this draconian TIPS program.

RESOLVED that we call upon the AFL-CIO to join us in demanding that President Bush and Congress, cease and desist any development of this program which is an attack on our freedom. In addition, employers affected should be advised of organized labor’s opposition.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be submitted to all locals, unions, councils and other organizations affiliated with the California Labor Federation for it’s adoption and subsequent action notifying Congress and the President.

Submitted by Communications Workers of America Local 9423