WHEREAS:

In America, some states have a high density of law enforcement unions at the local level, with Hawaii (83.7 percent unionized) leading the nation. Rhode Island (80.8 percent), New York (78.2 percent), Connecticut (70.6 percent), and New Jersey (70.6 percent) are also highly organized at the local level; and

WHEREAS:

In contrast some states have weak levels of law enforcement unions, such as South Carolina (13.7 percent), Mississippi (14.2 percent), Georgia (17.7 percent) and Arkansas (20.9 percent); and

WHEREAS:

At the state level, Connecticut (75.3 percent), New York (73.8 percent), Florida (73.2 percent, Hawaii (71.4 percent), and Rhode Island (68.1 percent) have dense law enforcement union representation; and

WHEREAS:

Virginia (7.6 percent), Texas (11. 5 percent), Mississippi (11. 8 percent), South Carolina (13.3 percent), and Arkansas (13.8 percent) stand out for low density of law enforcement unions; and

WHEREAS:

Recognizing that the number of unorganized law enforcement workers in the United States is extremely high and that AFSCME's strength is greatly based on membership and participation of that membership; and

WHEREAS:

Law enforcement workers in federal, state, county and municipal service have a right to organize and should be offered the benefit our organized brothers and sisters enjoy; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME Council 15, the Connecticut Council of Police Unions, pledges to fully support all organizing campaigns initiated by AFSCME International.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International, its locals and councils make every effort to organize law enforcement workers and affiliate currently unaffiliated law enforcement bargaining units; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International will assist with the training and education of local and council organizers about the needs and laws pertaining to law enforcement workers.

SUBMITTED BY:

Gary Waterhouse, President/Executive Director and Delegate
James E. Howell, Vice President and Delegate
Karl Murphy, Recording Secretary
AFSCME Council 15
Connecticut