WHEREAS:

            AFSCME has more than 200,000 professional members including physicians, librarians, attorneys, nurses, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, probation/parole workers, psychologists and engineers. The number of professionals in the workforce continues to grow; and

WHEREAS:

            Economic and social realities have erased the myth that unions are not for professionals. Professionals concerned about their careers and professions know the only way to have a strong voice in the workplace is to join with others having similar interests to collectively address their problems; and

WHEREAS:

            Along with economic demands, professionals have problems which are best addressed through collective bargaining. These include career and professional development, technology in the workplace, workload standards, and quality of service. Professional standards must be maintained and ethics upheld; and

WHEREAS:

There are still many unorganized professional employees in state and municipal governments and private nonprofit agencies who have special interests and needs; and

WHEREAS:

            The Professional Employees Advisory Committee provides valuable insights on ways to improve organizing and servicing, and to improve communications with professional workers.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue efforts to organize professional employees; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME use the knowledge and expertise of professional employee union members to actively assist in organizing campaigns; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME continue to periodically sponsor national or regional conferences on issues relevant to professionals and encourage councils and locals to have such meetings where appropriate; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

            That the unique needs and concerns of professional employee union members continue to be addressed through the Professional Employee Advisory Committee and through the negotiation of strong protections and benefits in contracts covering professional employees.

SUBMITTED BY:  

George Yamamoto, President and Delegate
Cynthia U. K. Letts, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME/HGEA Local 152
Hawaii