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
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