WHEREAS:
Current commuting patterns from home to work create excessive hardships such as stress, congestion and delays. At the same time, these patterns cause excessive hardship on the environment, including pollution and erosion; and

WHEREAS:
The majority of the workforce drives to work, including 87 percent who drive a private car to work and another 5 percent who use public transportation; and

WHEREAS:
The cost of commuting has increased dramatically in the last year. The average price of gas stands at $4.39 in July, 2008, and is expected to rise to $5.00 per gallon in the upcoming months; and

WHEREAS:
There is an urgent need to reduce fuel and energy consumption; and

WHEREAS:
Existing technology and successful practices in some industries have demonstrated the practicality of alternative work schedules, such as telecommuting and compressed work schedules.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will introduce and support initiatives intended to establish alternative work schedules; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will develop or participate in campaigns designed to educate workers and the general public on the benefits of alternative work schedules; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will introduce and support collective bargaining proposals and legislation aimed at establishing alternative work schedules including, but not limited to, compressed work week (such as four-day work week), staggered hours, and/or telecommuting.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Juan Fernandez, President and Delegate
Sheera Glass, Delegate
Mark Heron, Delegate
Thomas Orawiec, Delegate
AFSCME Local 154, Council 37
New York