WHEREAS:

The effectiveness and scope of public services can be improved by the use of technology. Gains from the use of new technology, both in terms of public services and improved working conditions for affected employees, are maximized when there is early union involvement in the planning process; and

WHEREAS:

New technology can be used to complement and expand workers' skills, relieve workers of drudgery, and generally improve the quality of the working environment; and

WHEREAS:

New developments in information technology offer enhanced work monitoring capabilities. They can be used to improve the working environment and the health and safety of workers by offering greater precision in controlling worker exposure to toxics and other substances. At the same time, they can be used by management to secretly or unfairly monitor an individual's work. These practices challenge basic rights to privacy, encourage unfair performance standards, and can contribute to job-related stress; and

WHEREAS:

The health and safety implications of new technologies remain largely unknown. A recent National Academy of Sciences' panel of experts recommended that a major study be undertaken to identify the consequences of technological change for workplace health and safety to ensure that worker health and safety are protected; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME has successfully used collective bargaining and advocacy to gain protections for thousands of office workers, sanitation workers, librarians, health care workers and other public employees confronted with the possibility of technology-induced changes in their jobs.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to push for full consultation when employers plan for and install new technology. As part of a cooperative planning process, the use of trial periods may be an effective method of identifying and resolving technical and personnel issues before irreversible investments are made; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME strive for increased job and wage security, training, and career development assistance for all workers whose jobs are affected by new technology; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME seek through collective bargaining, legislative, and regulatory strategies to protect workers from electronic monitoring practices which invade privacy and destroy dignity, and encourage the use of appropriate monitoring technology and practices to improve worker health and safety; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge further research into the effects of technological change on workplace health and safety; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to monitor technological developments in order to support those which can improve and expand public services and the quality of work, and vigorously oppose the introduction of technologies which reduce the quality or quantity of public services or harm the well-being of AFSCME members or the public we serve.

SUBMITTED BY:

Dominic J. Badolato, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 1303, Council 4
New Britain, Connecticut