This city resolution was passed on December 18, 2001, by a unanimous vote of the Los Angeles City Council. The language was drafted by the Multi-ethnic Immigrant Worker Organizing Network (MIWON), a network of four immigrant workers' rights and advocacy groups: the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), Garment Worker Center (GWC), Korean Immigrant Worker Advocates (KIWA) and the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), and received broad-based support from over eighty community organizations and city officials.

Immigrant Workers Platform
Whereas, the City of Los Angeles has historically been a place of refuge for migrants escaping from political turmoil, natural disasters and economic hardships in their country of origin. Immigrants from across the world have built this city and its economy continues to thrive through the major contributions of their labor. Nowhere is this clearer than in the low-wage industries, where wealth is created by garment, restaurant, day labor, domestic, home care workers and other immigrant workers who receive poverty wages and endure exploitation; and

Whereas, immigrant workers have endured deplorable working conditions such as long work hours without overtime pay, no access to workers compensation, little regard for their health and safety, harrassment, discrimination, blacklisting, and have little or now protection by government agencies in charge of enforcing labor laws; and

Whereas, immigrant workers lack job security, a living wage and are trapped in these low-wage industries without the hope of improving their lives and that of their families;

Whereas, Immigrant workers face higher levels of exploitation because most lack legal documentation, and they are subject to threats and harassment to be thrown out of the country, incarcerated and deported thereby creating a fearful working and living environment.

Whereas, Immigrant workers and their families, because of their immigration status, are also systematically denied access to a driver's license, decent healthcare, social services, and quality education.

Let it be resolved

That we, as leaders of a country built by immigrants, hereby endorse the following principles as guidelines for building a broader legalization program. We urge all others in the community to uphold these principles as we work together to improve the conditions for low-wage immigrant workers and their families.

JUSTICE- All immigrant workers deserve and must receive the following support to lead healthy, decent and productive lives:
· True legalization in this country should be given in the form of permanent legal status and citizenship. This should not be limited to any country of origin or work industry.
· Greater protection and enforcement of U.S. labor laws, which will guarantee at least minimum wage and security from blacklisting, harassment and intimidation of any kind.

DIGNITY- All immigrant workers and their families deserve:
· Clean, safe and proper working conditions to prevent illness, stress and workplace accidents.
· Access to decent and quality healthcare, and nutrition.
· Permanent, stable and secure work.
· Access to quality education and financial aid.
· Access to safe affordable housing.
· Access to a driver's license

DEMOCRACY- All immigrant workers and their families must hold basic democratic freedoms and rights as contributing members of this country. Immigrant families must be able to voice their concerns.

Thank you to all individuals and organizations that joined MIWON workers at the Council Meeting (IDEPSCA, Clinica Msr. Romero, So. California Fair Trade Network, Mobilization for Human Family, Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights, SEIU, AGENDA, National Campaign for Jobs and Income Support). Thank you to all the endorsers of MIWON and this platform.

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