WHEREAS:
Far too many AFSCME members who work in human services and other programs are adversely affected by stress, burnout, and an inability to provide services effectively because of unmanageable and unreasonable caseloads; and
WHEREAS:
The high cost of the failure to address this issue exacts a heavy toll upon workers and their families and recipients of services; and
WHEREAS:
Runaway caseloads carried by employees in public agencies are indefensible. They make a mockery out of the delivery of services to which clients are entitled by law. They cause chaos in the work-place by creating serious worker turnover and absenteeism rates, demoralized staff and disgruntled clients; and
WHEREAS:
Public service agencies that tolerate the existence of unmanageable caseloads break faith with taxpayers' expectations that services to eligible persons be provided promptly, effectively, and efficiently; and
WHEREAS:
When workloads are out of control, recipients are denied the services they need. All too frequently this subjects them to unfair hardship and deprivation; and
WHEREAS:
Unmanageable caseloads, or workloads, have a profound impact upon conditions of employment. Because of this fact, they present an issue that should be addressed and resolved through the collective bargaining and consultation process or through legislative or legal action.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME councils and locals are urged to address the caseload problem through collective bargaining, consultation, state legislation or other alternative means, and to call upon the International Union for assistance and support; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the International develop ways to address the caseload issue at the federal level through the establishment of national guidelines on caseloads or by altering federal and state reimbursement formulas in such a way as to provide incentives to states to set lower caseload sizes and increase staffing.
SUBMITTED BY:
Steve M. Culen, President and Delegate
AFSCME Council 31
Chicago, IL