WHEREAS:

Retiree-members have a deep commitment to AFSCME and its goals, having spent their worklives in public service and in helping to build their union; and

WHEREAS:

Now that they are retired from their jobs, retiree-members continue to have an interest in AFSCME activities, and have the energy and experience -- as well as the time -- to make continuing contributions to the life of the union; and

WHEREAS:

Over the past year, retirees have witnessed Congressional actions that threatened Medicare and Medicaid long-term care, and recognize the importance of electing pro-senior, pro-labor candidates to federal office in November; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME retirees have often been invaluable to the political activities of AFSCME affiliates -- staffing phone banks (especially during the day, when they can call fellow retirees while working members are on the job), leafleting, delivering lawn signs, and participating in similar election-year activities.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That delegates to this AFSCME International Convention recognize the energy and talents of retiree-members and strongly encourage all affiliated councils and locals to reach out to them for valuable assistance during the political campaign season; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals that have yet to organize affiliated retiree chapters and subchapters be urged to consider the value of these organizations, especially in light of retirees' political activism and their desire to help AFSCME win elections for supportive candidates.

SUBMITTED BY:

Alma C. Osborne, President and Delegate
Retirees Association of District Council 37
New York