WHEREAS:

Nine AFSCME members and hundreds of other union members were among the approximately 3,000 people who were killed on September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS:

Weeks after September 11, anthrax-contaminated mail resulted in several deaths and serious illnesses and caused widespread fear and disruption of basic services; and

WHEREAS:

The events of September 11 and anthrax in the mail represented new dangers; but emergencies in the workplace, such as crises caused by fire, earthquakes, hurricanes, bomb threats, and violence are not a new problem; and

WHEREAS:

Emergency planning can prevent or lessen the chances that a crisis will occur, and advance preparations can also reduce deaths, injuries and other damage if an unexpected event happens.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and locals exercise their contractual and legal rights to ensure that their employers take all necessary and reasonable measures to plan and prepare for emergencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME locals and councils demand meaningful participation in workplace health and safety committees in order to address both emergency planning issues as well as measures necessary to identify and correct existing hazards on the job; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME be involved at the national, state and local level in the development of policies and legislation designed to increase the ability of agencies responsible for public health, safety and emergency response, and health care providers, to prevent and respond to violent, biological, chemical, and other types of emergencies.

SUBMITTED BY:

Lillian Roberts, Executive Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 37
New York