The following resolution was passed by OWLS in January 2025. It has since been used as a model or adopted in part or whole by other unions, including Teamsters 763. Please let OWLS know if it is adopted in your union or labor or community group. Email OrganizedWorkersL@gmail.com.

Resolution for Mutual Defense

Whereas: The Trump administration has announced plans to gut the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), dismantle civil service protections for federal workers, and undermine public worker unions and the services they provide; and

Whereas: This administration is launching a shock and awe fear campaign against immigrant workers and against local governments, churches, schools and unions that have declared themselves as sanctuary entities;

Therefore Be It Resolved That: Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity commits to organizing for mutual defense by uniting with other unions and communities that are under attack, including immigrant workers, refugees, communities of color, public worker unions, women, and transgender people; and

Be It Further Resolved That: OWLS will do all in its power to defend our undocumented members, provide know your rights trainings to members, join MLK Labor and the Washington State Labor Councils’ campaign against ICE raids, and propose contract language that protects undocumented and other vulnerable members; and

Be It Finally Resolved That: OWLS will defend the free speech rights of our unions, our members and our allies to speak out, picket, protest and strike in opposition to anti-worker and unconstitutional edicts imposed by this administration and their cabinet of un-elected billionaires.

Passed at OWLS general membership meeting 1/28/2025

Monthly OWLS Meeting, Tuesday, June 24 at 6:30 pm:

Organize Now for a General Strike! Solidarity from Los Angeles to Seattle!

Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard and Marines to
raid workplaces and attack peaceful protesters in Los
Angeles is a turning point in our battle against a growing
fascist threat.
This administration hopes to paralyze us with a shock and
awe campaign of attacks on federal workers, unions and
the services they provide. Now they are doubling down by
arresting and deporting critics – be they judges, elected
officials, union leaders or ordinary working people.

Build United Fronts for Mutual Defense
Regardless of differences, the time has come to build alliances
of unions and communities that are under attack to defend
immigrant workers, refugees, communities of color, public
worker unions, women, and transgender people.

The General Strike is our Superpower
Trump and the capitalist class have the police and military
as their weapons. But workers have the power of
withholding our labor and we can bring the entire system to a standstill
if we strike together.
Bayonets and tear gas may disperse a crowd, but they
cannot force workers to produce products and services.
Labor is beginning to rise to meet the challenge: a massive
union outcry and protests forced the release of California
SEIU union President David Huerta after he was arrested
protesting a workplace ICE raid. But more is needed and
rank-and-file union members can be a catalyst.
Workers might start off with a one-day strike. There could
be rolling strikes, one industry this day and another
industry the next, still another the day after that. Let’s
prepare to work on strategies to create the greatest impact.
Come to the next meeting of Organized Workers for Labor
Solidarity (OWLS) to get news updates, discuss next steps
and share your ideas. OWLS meets the fourth Tuesday of
each month.

Meeting location: Washington State Labor Council Offices
321 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
(Corner of 16th & Jackson)