WHEREAS:

AIDS is a major public health problem. Although progress has been made in discovering the cause of AIDS, no cure or means of prevention has yet been found. The Federal Government's response was extremely slow and limited. The number of victims continues to grow, treatment is extremely expensive and the death rate is 100% after five years; and

WHEREAS:

Many AFSCME members work in hospital and health care institutions, correctional institutions, public safety and other occupations where direct contact with potentially infectious persons is common; and

WHEREAS:

The fear generated by the AIDS epidemic has affected blood donations and stimulated discrimination against gays, lesbians and Haitians.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals propose and support laws, regulations and contract language requiring infectious disease (Hepatitis B) procedures be followed wherever there is a suspected or confirmed cases of AIDS and that all staff be trained in such procedures, in identifying the symptoms of AIDS and notified when they may be in contact with an AIDS patient or infectious materials; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That inmates in correctional institutions and patients in mental health institutions which are not capable of providing adequate infectious disease precautions be transferred to institutions that are equipped to handle people with infectious diseases; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge the federal government to declare a national health emergency, to provide medical and social support for AIDS victims and families which is appropriate to the severity of this disease and that AFSCME support an increase in government-funded research and education on AIDS until the cause, cure and means of prevention have been found; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME fight for full disability payments for all victims.

SUBMITTED BY:

Donald J. McCurdy, President and Delegate
Local 2098, Council 74
Augusta, Maine

Carolyn Samson, President
Norman, Snyder, Secretary
AFSCME Local 707, Council 14
St. Paul, Minnesota