WHEREAS:

Forty years after the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the number of deaths on the job still  average 16 a day; 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:
The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the public employee injury rate is nearly double that of the private sector; 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: 
For eight years, the Bush Administration treated worker safety issues with neglect, if not outright hostility, but now there’s a “new sheriff in town” and the federal Department of Labor and its Occupational Safety and Health Administration  have stepped up enforcement, assessing large penalties against employers with serious, repeated and willful violations; and

WHEREAS:
The Protect America’s Workers’ Act (H.R. 2067, S. 1580), which would toughen penalties, strengthen anti-discrimination protections, expand workers’ rights and finally extend OSHA coverage to all public employees, has been introduced in Congress; 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 the Protect America’s Workers Act 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: 
Jeanette D. Wynn, President and Delegate
AFSCME Council 79
Florida

Denzil Sykes, President
AFSCME Local 2066, Council 79
Florida