Resolution

April 16, 2020

Resolution in Support of an Undocumented Worker Relief Package

PASSED APRIL 15, 2020

WHEREAS, all Washington residents are struggling with the economic and practical realities of living under a statewide “Stay at Home” Shelter In Place Order and the coronavirus pandemic, one group of Washington residents will be hit the hardest: undocumented immigrants. 

WHEREAS, more than 250,000 undocumented immigrants make Washington their home; and 

WHEREAS, MLK Labor is committed to protecting all workers, regardless of immigration status, and ensuring we are all safe and can access needed testing, treatment and benefits amid the coronavirus crisis and recovery; and

WHEREAS, leaving some workers unprotected during this time elevates the risks for our entire workforce; and 

WHEREAS, a report from the Institute of Taxation and Economic Policy found that undocumented immigrants contribute over $316 million dollars in taxes to Washington; and 

WHEREAS, undocumented workers are not eligible to receive statewide unemployment insurance through the Employment Security Department.  

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that MLK Labor calls on Governor Inslee to set up a parallel state-funded Unemployment Insurance / Wage Replacement System for undocumented workers and create a single large fund for immediate disaster relief for undocumented workers in the interim until the parallel system is set up;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MLK Labor will sign on to the attached letter** to Governor Inslee in support of workers who are undocumented, forward this resolution to the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) and communicate with affiliate unions and the broader public about the contents of this resolution.