WHEREAS:

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. One out of every four women will be victims of domestic violence in their lives; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME recognizes that domestic violence is an important union issue. AFSCME members are at risk for serious physical and psychological injuries that occur when domestic violence spills into the workplace. Batterers commit 13,000 violent acts against their partners in the workplace each year. Batterers also pose serious threats to the safety of their victims' co-workers; and

WHEREAS:

Research shows that 74 percent of employed battered women were harassed by their husbands or boyfriends at work. Every month, domestic violence caused 56 percent of them to be late for work at least five times, 28 percent to leave early at least five days, and 54 percent to miss at least three full days of work. As a result, many AFSCME members face disciplinary action; and

WHEREAS:

Employment is the key to a domestic violence victim's economic self-sufficiency, but the U.S. General Accounting Office found that one-quarter to one-half of domestic violence victims surveyed lost a job due, at least in part, to domestic violence; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME, in conjunction with the Coalition of Labor Union Women and national domestic violence prevention organizations, has developed a training curriculum for union members and staff to assist them in representing victims of domestic violence in the workplace and to prevent future violence; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME and the AFL-CIO strongly support the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), which has been introduced in Congress. If enacted into law, VESSA would provide unpaid leave and unemployment insurance eligibility, protect victims from employment and insurance discrimination, and establish a national clearinghouse and resource center on domestic violence in the workplace.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME reaffirms its commitment to remain the leading union in the fight against domestic violence and makes it a priority to ensure the passage of the Victims' Economic Safety and Security Act of 2001; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourages all affiliates to provide training on domestic violence and its impact on the workplace to members and staff; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME shall provide assistance to all affiliates seeking collective bargaining provisions and/or joint labor-management programs aimed at assisting workers who are victims of domestic violence. Such programs may include workplace security measures, leave provisions, legal assistance, and counseling for both victims and batterers.

SUBMITTED BY:

Darwin J. Hamamoto, President and Delegate
Ann N. Ebesuno, Secretary and Delegate
HGEA/AFSCME Local 152
Hawaii