WHEREAS:

AFSCME's 83,000 correctional officers and employees are an integral and vital part of our union; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME works on a variety of federal issues in Congress on behalf of correctional officers and employees; and

WHEREAS:

These bills would improve working conditions for correctional officers and employees; and

WHEREAS:

Congress is considering bipartisan legislation which would give collective bargaining rights to state and local corrections and law enforcement officers in states where no collective bargaining rights exist; and

WHEREAS:

Congress is considering legislation which would halt the proliferation of private, for-profit prisons. AFSCME vigorously opposes prison privatization at all levels of government; and

WHEREAS:

Congress is considering legislation that would create an Office of Correctional Health in the Department of Health and Human Services that would focus on correctional officers' and employees' health issues and would provide help and guidance to the states on health matters such as HIV and hepatitis.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME press Congress to provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers, including correctional officers, in those states where no such rights exist; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to oppose prison privatization at all levels of government and urge Congress to halt its proliferation; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support the creation of a new federal Office of Correctional Health to focus on the unique health issues pertaining to correctional workers.

SUBMITTED BY:

Salvatore Luciano, Executive Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 4
Connecticut