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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 ResolutionRESOLUTION NO. 2003 A RESOLUTION in Opposition to Certain Privatization Actions Affecting Hanford's Work Force; and Supporting the Nuclear Workers' Bill in the United States Congress. WHEREAS, Hanford was created m a time of national cnsis to meet one of the greatest technical challenges of the century and over the years its highly skilled work force has proven to be a valuable national asset that served the country well WHEREAS, Hanford has since evolved into a diverse, multi-program organization that has and continues to make important contributions in areas ranging from the basic sciences to the development of energy, environmental and space technology WHEREAS, the Department of Energy (DOE) has placed the responsibility for Hanford under the Director - Environmental Restoration and Waste Management and made it clear through their statements and actions that will be their exclusive focus for the foreseeable future WHEREAS, more than 50% of Hanford's 15,500 workers are currently funded by programs other than Environmental Restoration and Waste Management These programs depend on the Hanford infrastructure to maintain the work on the Hanford site WHEREAS, DOE's actions to privatize facilities without specifying that they be located on or near the Hanford site will severely damage the Hanford infrastructure which, to a large degree, gives us the ability to draw new programs to the site This loss of infrastructure will constrain the ability of Hanford's contractors and local DOE officials m developing and advocating new missions for Hanford which has been critical in refocusing Hanford's talents to meet new challenges m the past WHEREAS, cleaning up Hanford's defense wastes will require the best scientific talent available and long-term political support which can only be maintained if Hanford retains a diverse mix of programs that are important to the nation WHEREAS, the DOE's best assets at Hanford are the dedicated employees that have invested a good portion of their lives working for the defense of their nation and are in fact the "veterans" of the cold war WHEREAS, Hanford workers have sustained the longest nuclear work history of any labor force in the world and any program such as "pnvatization" or the establishment of an "ERMC" (environmental restoration management contractor), that jeopardizes the continuity of this work force would be unfair and pose ow% A RUBSTELLO orney CATHERINE D SEAMAN Deputy City Clerk OR -1 eFELICE APPROVED AS TO FORM senous health and safety hazards to the worker, the environment and the commimity THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Pasco go on record as being in opposition to • Any pnvatization that would damage the Hanford infrastructure • Any privatization that does not specifically call for the facility to be built at or near the Hanford site by specifications m the RFP (request for proposal) • The formation of a transit work force under the guise of an ERMC, against the advice of their own Safety Commission (Ahearne Commission) AND BE IT ALSO RESOLVED THAT the City of Pasco join other "Nuclear Communities" as being in support of • The Nuclear Workers' Bill which guarantees continuity and successorship and health protection to all of our Hanford work force This will give some semblance of economic order and protection to the commuruty as well as guaranteemg us the most qualified nuclear work force m the world PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, at a regular meeting this G day of Apnl, 1992 -