WHEREAS:

Asbestos is a well-known killer, causing cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other diseases; and

WHEREAS:

Thousands of buildings where AFSCME members work contain asbestos; and

WHEREAS:

To protect custodians, maintenance workers, and occupants from asbestos exposure, it is necessary to inspect buildings for asbestos, take actions necessary to eliminate existing hazards, and institute a program to manage remaining material in-place; and

WHEREAS:

Congress already required that all primary and secondary schools be inspected for asbestos and take appropriate act ions where asbestos is found; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME is currently involved in a lawsuit to force the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a regulation to require inspections of all public and commercial buildings, and take appropriate actions were asbestos is found.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That accredited personnel inspect all buildings for asbestos where AFSCME members and non-members work, and develop plans to remove or manage asbestos, and provide all information to the union; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That damaged asbestos be removed or the hazard otherwise abated by appropriately qualified personnel, undamaged asbestos be carefully monitored until it is removed, workers be informed of the locations and hazards of asbestos and actions taken to control those hazards prior to conducting abatement actions, and that building service workers receive training and equipment to avoid uncontrolled disturbance of asbestos; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME pursue regulatory or legislative action to force asbestos inspections and response actions to asbestos in buildings where AFSCME members are employed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to support funds for the asbestos in schools program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME assist locals in establishing employer-paid asbestos medical screenings to identify members and retirees with asbestos-related disease, and that AFSCME assist members and retirees with asbestos-related claims; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals negotiate language, contact elected officials, seek local legislation, and use whatever means available to get buildings inspected, employees trained, and hazards abated.

SUBMITTED BY:

Joseph Rugola, International Vice President
JoAnn Johntony, President and Delegate
0APSE/AFSCME Local 4
Ohio