Resolution to support responsible investment of Washington State funds

January 21, 2026

WHEREAS, workers in King County overwhelmingly support universal human rights, environmental sustainability, and good corporate governance; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) manages pension funds, the state’s Guaranteed Education Tuition Fund, Long Term Care Tax, workers’ compensation, and educational trusts, such that this body’s investment choices impact all Washingtonian workers, including members of unions represented by MLK Labor Council; and  

WHEREAS, MLK Labor Council members believe WSIB’s fiduciary duty to “maximize profits at a prudent level of risk” can, and should, go hand in hand with applying a framework for responsible investing. Companies that are engaging in major environmental harm, human rights abuses, or actions that contradict our state’s policy priorities have an inherent risk. Our money is invested toward a thirty-year horizon: we know that it is not sustainable to continue these practices and turn consistent profit; and

WHEREAS, under the direction of the WSIB, these funds are invested in hundreds of companies that are contributing to and profiting from severe human rights violations, ecosystem destruction, and reckless business models that harm workers; and

WHEREAS, WSIB’s fiduciary duty is to Washington state workers and residents. The WSIB hasn’t fully considered or communicated the risks of investing in companies profiting from gross human rights abuses, accelerating climate disaster, conducting surveillance, detention, and deportation of immigrants, or committing serious financial crimes.  

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the MLK Labor Council asks the Washington State Labor Council to support the passage of the WA Responsible Investment Act in the State Legislature. This legislation would require the WSIB to publish a clear Responsible Investment Framework, outlining exclusion criteria (e.g., severe human rights violations, ecosystem destruction, reckless business models) and engagement strategies. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MLK Labor supports the Fund Our Futures campaign in its effort to encourage the Washington State Investment Board to follow responsible investment practices, and encourage the WSLC to support this campaign for investment that aligns with the values of Washingtonians, the laws of the United States, and international laws.