At its 25th Constitutional Convention, the AFL-CIO voted to adopt a resolution supporting 'the brave men and women deployed in Iraq.' The resolution states that US service men and women, which include AFL-CIO members and who mainly come from working families, risk their lives and deserve real leadership.

The resolution thundered against the failures of the Bush administration stating that service men and women 'deserve leadership that fully values their courage and sacrifice.'

'Most importantly,' the resolution continues, 'they deserve a commitment from our country's leaders to bring them home as quickly as possible.'

The document adds that 'an unending military presence will waste lives and resources, undermine our nation's security and weaken our military.'

Criticizing the administration for its failure to present a truthful case for war and its unilateralism, the resolution plainly states that the people were not informed about the validity of the case for war and are being misinformed now about the real situation on the ground in Iraq. 'It is long past time,' states the resolution, 'for the Bush administration to level with the American people and for Congress to fulfill its constitutionally mandated oversight responsibilities.'

Applauding the sacrifice of those who've died in the war, the resolution denounced the use of terror in Iraq by the insurgency that is bent on 'a deliberate campaign to frustrate [the Iraqi people's] aspirations to take control of their own destiny.' It recognized the struggles of Iraqis to rebuild their country and their government.

It especially recognized the role of the Iraqi working class in the reconstruction of the country and their right to form independent labor unions, condemning terrorist attacks against union leaders and members. 'The bedrock of any democracy is a strong, free, democratic labor movement.' Specifically, the resolution states: 'In the absence of an adequate labor law, the AFL-CIO calls on the Iraqi government, as well as domestic and international companies operating in Iraq, to respect internationally recognized International Labor Organization standards that call for protecting the right of workers to organize free from all government and employer interference and the right to organize and bargain collectively in both the public and private sectors. These rights must be extended to include full equality for working women.'

The resolution also addressed US workers returning from war. Highlighting the failure of the Bush administration to provide adequately for veterans, the resolution called for allocation of resources for service members returning to civilian life. 'Our returning troops should be afforded all resources and services available to meet their needs. Our members should return to their jobs, with seniority and benefits. The AFL-CIO calls on Congress and President Bush to expand benefits for veterans and assist those affected by military base closings, including a G.I. Bill for returning Iraq veterans and a Veterans Administration housing program that meets current needs.'

The resolution was presented by the AFL-CIO Executive Council and adopted by the convention of almost 2,000 delegates representing labor unions all over the country.

Read the full text here.

The convention also adopted resolutions condemning CAFTA, free trade policies that undermine job growth, and the anti-union 'Wall Street agenda.' Other resolutions adopted called for using more resources for organizing and building the trade union movement, real immigration reform based on the right of all workers to organize, a national campaign against 'Wal-Martization,' and a proactive economic agenda that would create jobs, job security, better wages, and long term economic growth.

The current leadership of the AFL-CIO, led by John Sweeney, Richard Trumka, and Linda Chavez-Thompson, was also re-elected to serve a third term.