WHEREAS:

AFSCME staff are essential to the effectiveness of councils and locals in representing the membership at the bargaining table, in arbitration, during organizing campaigns, and in the political realm; and

WHEREAS:

The current anti-labor political climate and the unfair pressures placed on workers in the marketplace have resulted in increasingly complex issues and problems facing AFSCME members. Contracting out, arbitrary layoffs, anti-union tactics reflected in right-to-work laws, subtle forms of harassment in the workplace, are among the many issues which demand solid union representation by a well prepared staff; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME staff are challenged to deal with the increased use of sophisticated management psychology, the unrestrained use of anti-union consultants, the incorporation of a "take-away" mentality in negotiations, the lessening of workers' influence in policy decisions affecting his or her future; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME members are entitled to the most competent, best prepared, and most effective staff in the labor movement.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Union continue its commitment to respond effectively to the increased needs of the members who now labor in the current hostile environment, and to provide staff with up-to-date tools to deal with members needs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Education Department shall continue to provide professional training, to develop new programs and materials, and to insure that International, Council and Local Union staff will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills for the challenges imposed by the current economic, political, and labor-management climate; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union continue to encourage local, council and International Union staff to take advantage of both basic and specialized skills training offered to them by the Education Department.

SUBMITTED BY:

Herbert Ollivierre, President
Joseph Lydon, Vice-President
Frank Moroney, Treasurer
Council 93
Boston, Massachusetts