WHEREAS:

As part of the Social Security rescue package which was approved by the Congress in 1983, a provision was included requiring the states to deny unemployment benefits between academic years or terms to nonprofessional school employees. Under this provision, states are required to deny unemployment insurance benefits between academic years or terms to nonprofessional employees of educational institutions if the employees have "reasonable assurance" of returning to work in the next academic year; and

WHEREAS:

Prior to adoption of this amendment, states were granted the option of providing unemployment benefits to such workers, and many states chose to provide these benefits; and

WHEREAS:

As a result of this new federal mandate, many thousands of support service employees of elementary, secondary and higher educational institutions have lost protection against unemployment between academic years or terms; and

WHEREAS:

Educational support employees-the custodians, cafeteria workers, educational aides, bus drivers, crossing guards and secretaries-are among the lowest-paid group of workers in the nation; and

WHEREAS:

Typically, such workers are paid on an hourly basis during the nine-month school period; and

WHEREAS:

Given the low hourly rate of compensation, it cannot be reasonably maintained that their wages are intended to cover non-work periods; and

WHEREAS:

The automatic denial of unemployment benefits has created a major new financial hardship for these workers who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own.*

*From: AFSCME Spring Legislative Agenda 1988

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That our union conduct a campaign in support of House Bill 4178, introduced by Congressman Robert Matsui (D-CA) and similar legislation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals seek the sponsorship and endorsement of their Congressional representatives for House Bill 4178 and similar legislation; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That this campaign continue to be aided and coordinated by our national legislative office.

SUBMITTED BY:

Oliver Preston, President
Annette Zeni, Secretary
Council 10
Oakland, California