WHEREAS:
Thirty eight years after the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the number of work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths remain high; and

WHEREAS:
Despite having some of the most dangerous and unpleasant jobs in our society, almost eight million public employees in 26 states still lack coverage under the Occupational Safety and Health Act; and

WHEREAS:
 It is estimated that hundreds of public employees die in workplace accidents each year and one-half million suffer disabling injuries. The full extent of injuries and illnesses in the public sector is unknown because accurate injury and illness statistics for public employees do not exist; and

WHEREAS:
 AFSCME members face unregulated occupational safety and health hazards such as infectious diseases, indoor air pollution, workplace violence, and ergonomic problems every day; and

WHEREAS:
The Bush administration and ultra-conservative members of Congress have bowed to business interests and have systematically weakened the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration and their research arm, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, by slashing budgets, curtailing staff, and bringing standard-setting to a virtual halt; and

WHEREAS:
Whatever legal and contractual coverage AFSCME members have, the most important factor affecting workplace safety is how effectively we organize in our workplaces and how strongly we mobilize members to stand up for their right to a safe workplace.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME make the fight for safer workplaces, and protecting the lives and health of its members, a top priority; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continue to provide technical assistance, training and educational materials on health and safety to members and affiliates; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME councils and locals should educate their members on health and safety hazards and solutions and commit resources to resolving health and safety problems; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME urge Congress to fully fund the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and its sister agencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME work with other labor organizations to petition OSHA to issue regulations concerning infectious diseases, workplace violence, indoor air quality, and other safety and health issues facing our members; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME urge Congress to pass legislation to finally extend OSHA coverage to all public employees and, in the interim, work in state legislatures to gain coverage for those employees who lack it.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Todd Singer, President
Phyllis Wingate, Secretary
AFSCME Council 13
Pennsylvania