WHEREAS:

AIDS has stricken almost 20,000 persons in this country and over half of these individuals have died. Experts estimate that as many as 2 million persons may be infected with the virus; and

WHEREAS:

Although AIDS cannot be transmitted through casual contact, many employers are seeking to institute routine screening of employees for the AIDS virus; and

WHEREAS:

AIDS is a potential occupational hazard because many AFSCME members work in environments where they may have blood contact with persons with AIDS, or may be involved with violence involving a person with AIDS. The rate of AIDS in prisons is seven times that of the general population; and

WHEREAS:

One of the biggest problems involving AIDS is general lack of knowledge about how the disease is spread, yet management often refuses to adequately educate themselves or workers about AIDS or provide the proper personal protective equipment or institute safe work procedures; and

WHEREAS:

Most persons with AIDS also have cytomegalovirus, which can cause birth defects if contracted by a pregnant worker; and

WHEREAS:

AIDS is a major public health problem for which no cure has been found, yet the federal government is attempting to cut funding for AIDS research.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 27th International Convention urge all employers to educate employees about AIDS, how it is contracted and what can be done to prevent infection in the workplace; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That this 27th International Convention urge AFSCME councils and locals to propose and support laws, regulations and contract language requiring that infectious disease procedures be followed wherever there is a suspected or confirmed case of AIDS and that staff be trained in such procedures, in identifying symptoms of AIDS and notified when they may be in contact with persons with AIDS and that pregnant employees be given the option to transfer away from care of AIDS patients; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME strongly oppose any routine screening of employees in the workplace and that AFSCME fight discrimination against persons with AIDS; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That steps be taken in prisons, mental health institutions and other workplaces where violence or unsanitary conditions involving AIDS patients may occur to determine who may be infectious and to take appropriate steps-which may include segregation of patients — to assure that the potential for violence or unsanitary conditions is minimized; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge the federal government to make AIDS research a high public health priority, and to provide medical and social support for AIDS patients and families, 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.

SUBMITTED BY:

International Executive Board

Stephen M. Culen, Executive Director
John L. Rhodes, Treasurer
Council 31
Springfield, Illinois

Barry Friedman, President & Delegate
Joyce Dyson, Secretary
Local 2081, Council 31
Chicago, Illinois

John Riehl, Delegate
Local 207, Council 25
Detroit, Michigan