WHEREAS:

There are millions of union retirees, many of whom are looking forward to staying involved in union and community affairs long after they retire; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME values the experience, skill and energy retired union members have to offer; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME members — whether employed or retired — are all fighting for a measure of dignity and decency for every American; and

WHEREAS:

The 1979 AFL-CIO Convention adopted a resolution urging all state federations of labor and all local central bodies to sponsor retiree activities as part of their ongoing operation; and

WHEREAS:

In 1983 the AFL-CIO Executive Council re-affirmed this policy, urged state federations and local central bodies to admit union retiree groups as affiliates, and recommended that where necessary, the state and local central bodies amend their constitutions to permit this action; and

WHEREAS:

As a result of these policies, some state and local central bodies have established effective retiree activities; and

WHEREAS:

There is a growing recognition within the labor movement that more still needs to be done in this area so that at all levels of the AFL-CIO there are ongoing programs for retired union members.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the 28th International Convention of AFSCME strongly affirm their support for the establishment of ongoing retiree activities at all levels of the AFL-CIO; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That such programs and activities be structured in harmony with the efforts of the National Council of Senior Citizens, the only senior citizen organization endorsed by the labor movement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals should urge their own state federations and central bodies to establish programs for retired union members; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That a copy of this resolution should be forwarded to all levels of the AFL-CIO so that they are informed that the over 1.2 million employed and retired members of AFSCME fully support this effort; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the national AFL-CIO should devote the necessary resources to assist the state federations and central bodies in the further implementation of the existing AFL-CIO policy.

SUBMITTED BY:

Robert W. Lyons, Executive Director
Joseph Kreuser, President
Council 40