Whereas, Even though our laws guarantee America’s workers the right to choose for themselves whether to have a union, workers across the nation are routinely harassed, intimidated, coerced and even fired just for exercising, or attempting to exercise this fundamental freedom; and,

Whereas, 42 million U. S. workers say they would join a union now if they had the opportunity; and,

Whereas, Union membership provides workers better wages and benefits, protection from discrimination and unsafe workplaces while benefiting whole communities by strengthening tax bases, promotion equal treatment and enhancing civic participation; and,

Whereas, When employers violate the right of workers to form a union, everyone suffers, with wages falling, race and gender pay gaps widen, workplace discrimination increases and job safety standards disappear; and,

Whereas, Most employer violations occur behind closed doors; and,

Whereas, A workers’ fundamental right to choose a union is a public issue that requires public policy solution, including legislative change; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2003, as Human Rights Day in Michigan and I urge all citizens to acknowledge that everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and that includes the right to workers to join a union.