Resolution to cut ties to war crimes and endorse the Mask Off Maersk campaign

October 17, 2024

WHEREAS, the MLK Labor Council recognizes that Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and the West Bank, along with the recent assault on Lebanon, constitute war crimes and we have repeatedly called for a ceasefire in response.

WHEREAS, MLK Labor has passed a resolution condemning the violence on Palestine and calling on the AFL-CIO to put forward a ceasefire statement. Shortly after this and other calls to action, the AFL-CIO changed its national statement. 

WHEREAS, the Washington State Labor Council passed a resolution to resolve that the WSLC urge the National AFL-CIO Executive Board to call for an arms embargo on Israel in an effort to end the horrific violence that has been ongoing for over a year.

WHEREAS, MLK Labor recognizes the important role that boycott, divestment and sanction campaigns have played in challenging systems of oppression and apartheid, notably in South Africa and particularly when organized labor joins in the campaigns.

WHEREAS, Maersk is the largest integrated logistics and shipping company in the world and it plays an integral role in shipping the weapons to Israel that enable Israel to continue its unlawful campaign in Palestine, while also expanding the scope of the war by targeting Lebanon and potentially other nations in the region.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that MLK Labor will send a letter to the National AFL-CIO Executive Board to endorse the Mask Off Maersk campaign.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that MLK will encourage the Washington State Labor Council to communicate this resolution to the AFL-CIO leadership and Executive Board.