WHEREAS:

Employees often experience problems outside of the workplace that affect their job performance through increased absenteeism, tardiness, and/or declining job productivity. Those problems might include drug or alcohol abuse, marital, emotional and/or financial problems; and

WHEREAS:

Employee assistance programs are effective in helping employees to overcome these types of problems; and

WHEREAS:

Many of the problems experienced by employees are treatable illnesses. Employers are beginning to recognize that treatment is less expensive than the cost associated with the employee's problems. Both workers and managers will benefit from an EAP program, particularly during these tough economic times. To be effective, both labor and management must be involved in the establishment, administration, and ongoing evaluation of the EAP programs.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the 30th International Convention encourage AFSCME councils and locals to continue to seek the establishment and improvement of EAP programs through negotiations and joint labor-management committees; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International staff continue to be available to assist in the development and operation of EAP programs, including training, education, workshops, literature, and evaluation.

SUBMITTED BY:

Steve Culen, IVP and President
AFSCME Council 31
Illinois