WHEREAS:
One of the first actions of the Bush administration was to sign legislation repealing OSHA's new ergonomics standard that would have required employers to correct working conditions that cause back and other repetitive strain injuries; and
WHEREAS:
At the end of 2003 OSHA withdrew its proposed rule on tuberculosis, which would have required employers to take measures that would also protect workers against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and other diseases that are spread through the air; and
WHEREAS:
The Bush administration has stopped dozens of worker protection measures under development, including rules on cancer causing substances and reactive chemicals, and requiring employers to pay for personal protective equipment, and has no plans to issue any new rules during its four-year term; and
WHEREAS:
The Bush administration has tried to slash grants for worker training and favors voluntary compliance over strong enforcement; and
WHEREAS:
The Bush administration has made homeland security a national priority while at the same time it has failed to provide adequate resources to state and local governments and health care facilities to train and equip workers to safely respond to an attack involving biological, chemical and other weapons of mass destruction; and
WHEREAS:
Many AFSCME affiliates have achieved health and safety protections through collective bargaining and labor-management committees.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME pressure OSHA for an infectious disease standard, regulations to address other serious workplace hazards, and insist on effective enforcement of job safety laws; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continue to demand that the federal government provide sufficient funds to state and local governments to improve homeland security and related public health efforts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME and its affiliates educate their members about the Bush administration's terrible record on workplace safety; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME councils and locals seek health and safety protections through collective bargaining and labor-management committees.
SUBMITTED BY:
Patrick Shaughnessy, President
Evelyn Wedde, Secretary
AFSCME Local 945, Council 6
Minnesota